bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Survival among 148 patients with an incidentally detected appendiceal tumour at surgery for acute appendicitis: A population-based cohort follow-up study
Authors: Boström Lennart , Jovic Viktor , Dahlberg Martin , Holtenius Fredrik , Sandblom Gabriel , Pettersson Hans 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the long-term prognosis of appendiceal tumours incidentally detected at appendicectomy for suspicion of benign appendicitis.
Methods: A retrospective register-based single centre cohort study was carried out, using data from the local acute appendicectomy quality register of cases operated on at the Department of Surgery, South General Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. The local colorectal cancer register was also used to identify appendix tumours. The study period was between January 2004 and January 2023. Survival was calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method.
Results: A total of 11,888 patients were registered in the acute acute appendicectomy register, 54% males and 46% females, and 33.7 % were 41 years or older. From the appendicectomy and colorectal registers 148 (1.2% of the total cohort) appendiceal tumours were found; 60% in females and 40% in males with 78.4% being 41 years or older. Tumours found were: Low grade Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasms (LAMN, N= 64); Neuroendocrine Tumours (NET N=24); adenocarcinomas or other form of carcinomas (N=57); and adenomas (N=3). For the younger patients (<51 years) with LAMN and NET, almost all survived to the end of follow-up. Survival of patients in the carcinoma group was statistically significantly lower than for the LAMN and NET groups, especially in females 51 years or older.
Conclusion: Survival was high for patients with incidentally detected appendiceal LAMN or NET, but not so for carcinoma. Survival was lower in the carcinoma group older than 50 years, especially those sick and females.
Prevalence and Genotype Distribution of Potential High-Risk and High-Risk Human Papillomavirus among Women attending Selected Reproductive Health Clinics in Lake Victoria Basin-Kenya: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Akinyi Ivy , Awandu Shehu Shagari , Broeck Davy Van den , Pereira Ana Rita , Redzic Nina , Bogers Johannes 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is considered the primary etiological factor for invasive cervical cancer. Understanding the epidemiology of circulating potential high-risk (HR) and HR HPV strains is essential in updating epidemiological knowledge and recommendations on genotype-specific vaccination development. In Lake Victoria Basin-LVB (Kisumu and Siaya Counties, Kenya), both the HIV burden, the post-COVID-19 pandemic environment and the population growth point to the need to study the current circulating strains. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with Potential HR/HR HPV among women attending selected reproductive health clinics in LVB. The prevalence of Potential HR/HR HPV, genotype-specific distributions, and implications to the current HPV vaccination ongoing within Kenya are discussed.
Methods
A cross-sectional facility-based survey made up of 434 women aged 16-68 years was carried out in two selected facilities in the Urban-Kisumu County (Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital-[JOOTRH] and rural-Siaya County (Gobei Health Center). Structured questionnaires were conducted to collect participant clinical and social characteristics. Cervical specimens were collected by registered reproductive health nurses and HPV genotyping was carried out using RIATOL HPV genotyping qPCR assay. Descriptive statistics followed by logistic binary regression was done using R version 4.3.2
Results
The overall prevalence of potential HR/HR HPV among women attending the selected reproductive health clinics was reported at 36.5% (158/434). Specifically, in the rural setting, Gobei Health Center, the prevalence was 41.4% (41/99) while in the urban setting-JOOTRH, it was 34.6% (117/335). The most prevalent potential HR/HR HPV are 52, 67, 16, 31, 39, 45, and 31 for both HIV-positive and negative women and either in rural-Gobei Health Centre and Urban-JOOTRH. In this study, HIV status was not associated with potential HR/HR HPV among women attending. Age was the main factor associated with HPV infection among HIV-positive and negative women attending the selected reproductive health clinics in rural-urban Lake Victoria Basin, with women between the age of 30-39 having the highest risk (AOR=0.3, CI:0.2-0.7, p<0.001).
Conclusion
In both rural and urban regions, potential HR/HR HPV infection among individuals attending reproductive health clinics at the selected facilities remains common. The study identifies the need for effective implementation and clinical follow-up process of cervical cancer control program in the Lake Victoria Basin.
Sleep status and oral function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Lee Juwon , Makihara Eri , Ogusu Hiromichi , Watanabe Takafumi , Lee Seung-woo , Masumi Shin-ichi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have been reported to have narrowed always during sleep and a reduced capacity to expand the upper airways. Therefore, we examined the oral function of patients with OSA by comparing the results of a questionnaire survey on sleep status and the measurement of maximum tongue pressure between them and healthy controls.
Methods
Twenty-nine patients were enrolled in the OSA group and 29 in the control group. Each participant completed a sleep status questionnaire. Tongue pressure was measured three times, and the highest value was defined as the maximum tongue pressure.
Results
The OSA group had significantly higher percentages of mouth opening during sleep and xerostomia upon awakening than dhe the control group (p = 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). The maximum tongue pressure was significantly lower in the OSA than in the control group (p = 0.016).
Conclusion
It is speculated that the activity of the genioglossus muscle, as well as that of other muscles in the patients with OSA, is lower than that healthy participants during tongue pressure generation, which is a momentary action. It is suggested that myofanctional therapy can help improve respiratory function during sleep by increasing the strength of the tongue muscles and upper airway dilator muscles, which also enlarge the upper airway in patients with OSA.
Finite element analysis of the intra-articular impacted fragments of posterior malleolar fractures in different regions
Authors: Zhang Boyu , Xie Wenyong , Wang Yi , Lu Hao 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Intra-articular impacted fragments has influence on the treatment and prognosis of posterior malleolar fracture. IAIFs are more often occurred in the posterolateral area of the distal tibial articular and there has been no study on the stress distribution of IAIF defects at different regions in this area. The objective of this study was to establish IAIF defect finite element models in different regions in posterior malleolar fractures and explore the changes in stress distribution.
Methods
Using the finite element model of intra-articular impacted fragment in posterior malleolar fractures established, establish IAIF defect finite element models in different regions. The stress distribution on the distal tibial articular surface were observed.
Results
When the defect is located at different regions, the influence on the change of the maximum stress of the articular surface is different. When the defect is located at the edge of the articular, the maximum contact stress of the articular changes significantly. When the defect is located at the center of the articular, the maximum contact stress of the articular changes relatively little.
Conclusion
IAIF defect of distal articular surface of tibia will change the maximum contact stress on the joint. The defects in different regions have different effects on the maximum contact stress of the articular surface. The defect at the edge of the articular surface has a great influence on maximum contact stress.
Time to progression predicts outcome of myeloma patients that can be influenced by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Yue Yanhua , Miao Yingjie , Zhou Yifang , Shen Yangling , Lu Luo , Wang Fei , Cao Yang , He Bai , Gu Weiying 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Currently, there is limited understanding regarding the prognostic significance of time to progression (TTP) after first remission in multiple myeloma (MM). We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from 209 MM patients who experienced disease progression after very good partial remission (VGPR) or complete remission (CR) with first-line therapy. These patients were categorized into subgroups based on TTP. Our findings revealed that patients in G2 group (TTP ≤ 12 months) exhibited shorter median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to those in G3 group (TTP ≤ 24 months) (13.17 vs 16.10 months, P < 0.001; 61.73 vs 96.10 months, P = 0.02). Similarly, patients in G3 group had shorter median PFS and OS compared to those in G4 group (TTP > 24 months) (16.10 vs 47.7 months, P < 0.001; 96.10 vs 121.73 months, P < 0.001). Besides, G1 group exhibited a shorter median OS compared to G5 group (6 months < TTP ≤ 12 months) (33.63 vs 79.60 months, P = 0.022). However, no significant difference in OS was observed between patients in G6 (12 months < TTP ≤ 24 months) and G4 group. Furthermore, for patients who experienced progression within 12 or 24 months after VGPR/CR, undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) after progression conferred a median OS advantage over receiving novel agent-based chemotherapy or conventional chemotherapy. Multivariable analysis confirmed that TTP after VGPR/CR was an independent predictor for OS in MM patients. In conclusion, MM patients who experience earlier disease progression within 12 months after VGPR/CR have a worse prognosis, and post-progression ASCT can improve their survival outcomes. Trial registration: 2022(科) CL112, November, 2022, retrospectively registered.
BeEAM vs. BEAM: Evaluating Conditioning Regimens for Relapsed or Refractory DLBCL Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Wang Ruiqi , Shangguan Xinghe , Zhu Zhenxing , Cong Dan , Bai Yuansong , Zhang Wenlong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate whether BeEAM can be used as an alternative to BEAM for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) of relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
Methods
To retrospectively analyze the data of 60 patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL who underwent ASCT from January 2018 to June 2023 in our center, including 30 patients in the BeEAM group and 30 patients in the BEAM group. The time to hematopoietic reconstitution, treatment-related adverse events, hospitalization days, hospitalization costs, and survival benefit were compared between the two groups.
Results
There was no statistically significant difference in the clinical characteristics of the enrolled patients. The median number of CD34 + cells infused back in the BeEAM and BEAM groups was 5.17×106/kg and 5.06×106/kg, respectively, which was not statistically different (p = 0.8829). The median time to neutrophil implantation in the BeEAM group and the BEAM group was 10.2 days and 10.27 days, respectively (p = 0.8253); median time to platelet implantation was 13.23 and 12.87 days, respectively (p = 0.7671). There was no statistical difference in the time to hematopoietic reconstitution between the two groups. The median hospitalization time in the BeEAM and BEAM groups was 30.37 and 30.57 days, respectively (p = 0.9060); and the median hospitalization cost in the two groups was RMB 83,425 and RMB 96,235, respectively (p = 0.0560). There existed a numerical advantage in hospitalization cost in the BeEAM group, which was economical. The most common hematologic adverse events were grade ≥ 3 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, which showed a high degree of consistency in incidence between the two groups. Most non-hematologic adverse events were ≤ grade 2 and included mucositis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated aminotransferases, elevated bilirubin, elevated creatinine, and granulomatous deficiencies with fever, with no statistically significant difference in the incidence of these events between the two groups. Median overall survival was not reached in either group, with a predicted 5-year OS of 72.5% in the BeEAM group and 60% in the BEAM group (p = 0.5872). The 5-year PFS was 25% and 20% in the two groups, respectively (p = 0.6804). There was no statistical difference in survival benefit between the two conditioning regimens.
Conclusion
BeEAM as a conditioning regimen for relapsed or refractory DLBCL has a desirable safety profile and is well tolerated, with hematopoietic reconstitution time, hospitalization days, hospitalization costs, and survival benefit not inferior to that of BEAM. The BeEAM regimen is economically with numerically superior hospitalization costs and can be used as an alternative to BEAM.
Use of transrectal high frequency ultrasound in assessment of middle compartment prolapse
Authors: Xuan Yinghua , Wang Yidan , Yue Song , Zhang Juan , Qu Yanfei , Xie Jingyan , Zhang Guohui 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective To investigate the superiority of transrectal high frequency ultrasound(TRUS) in precise assessment of middle compartment prolapse in comparison with routine transperineal ultrasound (TPUS).
Methods Prospectively analyzed and compared detection rates of entire cervical length and uterine descent on TPUS and TRUS in 101 patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
Results Detection rates of entire cervix on TRUS were significantly higher than those on TPUS both at rest and during Valsalva maneuver (90.10% VS 49.50%, 92.08% VS 9.90% respectively, both P ＜0.05). Uterine descent was able to be evaluated in 92.08% of patients by TRUS and in 5.94% of patients by TPUS, which was statistically significant(P ＜0.05). The interobserver repeatability for the measurements of anterior lip, cervical canal and posterior lip on TRUS were excellent. The mean lengths of anterior lip, cervical canal and posterior lip were significantly increased during Valsalva maneuver than those measured at rest (P ＜0.05). And mean length of anterior lip was longer than posterior lip both at rest and during Valsalva(P ＜0.05).
Conclusion TRUS can significantly raise detection rates of entire cervix, and make the direct evaluation of uterine descent feasible. TRUS can be used as a complementary method to TPUS to attain more comprehensive and accurate presurgical imaging information in middle compartment prolapse patients.
Morphological and Physiological Monitoring of Gouty Arthritis Response to Low-Level Light Therapy
Authors: Gu Ying , Tan Yizhou , Zhang Min , Wu Zhifeng , Chen Jingqing , Wang Ying , Liu Chengbo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Gouty arthritis (GA), induced by deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in joints, presents as intermittent episodes of acute inflammation along with chronic inflammation which can lead to irreversible erosive joint damage. Though widespread with a major negative impact on patients, there is no nonradiative and noninvasive method to monitor the inflammation quantitatively. By taking advantages of dual-wavelength optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy (PAM), we monitored morphological and physiological features of vasculature in GA joint of rats in vivo. We showed that a hyperoxia period was followed by a hypoxia state in GA joints for the first time. Aiming at symptom control and recurrence prevention, we designed a ring-shape low-level light therapy (LLLT) device to treat the GA rats daily. We find that LLLT was able to reduce swelling, alleviate pain and accelerate dissolution of MSU crystals, which shortened the recovering time to half. Specifically, we observed that LLLT modulated the oxygen saturation level in joints with a less hyperoxia state at the beginning of GA and healed it to a normal level without experiencing hypoxia. Our result provided a non-invasive monitoring method and a drug-free treatment choice for GA, which revealed important aspects of the disease development and treatment mechanism.
E-government, Good Governance, and Economic growth: Evidence from Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Hajihassani Farzaneh , Malekbaghali Hosein 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Digital economy as an important factor effective on the economic growth includes many aspects in society. e-government is a key element that is an intermediate among all economic agents. Quality of government on economic growth as an institutional sector is essential. There is a revolutionary trend in viewpoints about role of government in history of economic thoughts. In this study we analyzed effect of e-government and good governance on economic growth in Middle East and South Africa including Iran in the period of 2003-2021. We used theoretical framework applying Solow’s model. The generalized method of moments (GMM (method used due to eliminating inconsistency and biased results. Also dynamic panel data decreases residuals temporary autocorrelation. Results showed that “e- government” and “good governance” have positive and meaningful effect on economic growth. So receiving growth goals needs to attention to infrastructures and policies that straighten these factors. We have some political recommendation in final sector of article.
JEL Code O43. O53. H11
Explanation and optimization of ML for coagulant dosing in Water treatment plant using XAI(eXplainable AI)
Authors: Park Hongeun , Nam Yunhwan , Lee Hohyun , Kim Sungyun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In the water treatment process, determining the appropriate dosing of coagulants is crucial for both ensuring water quality and optimizing operational costs. Traditional methods predominantly rely on heuristic approaches or manual calibrations. However, the actual reactions between various water qualities and chemicals are intricate and nonlinear, often making it challenging to stably secure the targeted water quality. In particular, due to industrialization-induced water pollution and rapid climate change, conventional automated water treatment systems alone are insufficient to adequately respond. This research introduces an innovative approach for clarifying and optimizing the dosing of coagulants in water treatment plants using Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI), specifically the SHAP and ICE techniques. These methods allow for a nuanced understanding of feature contributions and individual predictions. Our findings suggest that the XAI-driven approach not only improves the accuracy of coagulant dosing but also offers valuable insights to operators, promoting more informed decision-making. The integration of machine learning and XAI in the water treatment field promises a future of more efficient, transparent, and responsible operations.
Integrative brain omics approach reveals key role for sn-1 lysophosphatidylethanolamine in Alzheimer's dementia
Authors: Ortlund Eric , Chen Chih-Yu , Maner-Smith Kristal , Khadka Manoj , Ahn Jun , Gulbin Xueyun , Ivanova Anna , Dammer Eric , Seyfried Nicholas , Bennett David , Hajjar Ihab 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The biology of individual lipid species and their relevance in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains incompletely understood. We utilized non-targeted mass spectrometry to examine brain lipids variations across 316 post-mortem brains from participants in the Religious Orders Study (ROS) or Rush Memory and Aging Project (MAP) cohorts classified as either control, asymptomatic AD (AAD), or symptomatic AD (SAD) and integrated the lipidomics data with untargeted proteomic characterization on the same individuals. Lipid enrichment analysis and analysis of variance identified significantly lower abundance of lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) species in SAD than controls or AAD. Lipid-protein co-expression network analyses revealed that lipid modules consisting of LPE and LPC exhibited a significant association to protein modules associated with MAPK/metabolism, post-synaptic density, and Cell-ECM interaction pathways and were associated with better antemortem cognition and with neuropathological changes seen in AD. Particularly, LPE 22:6 [sn-1] levels are significantly decreased across AD cases (SAD) and show the most influence on protein changes compared to other lysophospholipid species. LPE 22:6 may be a lipid signature for AD and could be leveraged as potential therapeutic or dietary targets for AD.
Development and validation of a prognostic model predicting the prognosis of surgically treated non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients with tumor thrombus
Authors: Miao He , Zhou Ye , Chen Hui , Zhou Yulin , Lei Chang , Ge Silun , Gu Yufeng , Pan Xin , Zeng Xing , Zhao Cheng , Wang Shaogang , Ge Jingping , Wang Linhui , Zhou Wenquan , Qu Le 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Accurate prediction of clinical outcomes in non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombus (nccRCC-TT) patients is crucial for counseling, follow-up planning, and selecting appropriate systemic therapy. We aimed to investigate independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in nccRCC-TT patients after surgical resection and construct a nomogram predicting the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival for these patients.
Methods
This was a retrospective analysis of data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2010–2020) and the China REMEMBER database with nccRCC-TT patients. NccRCC-TT patients from the SEER database were randomly divided into training and internal validation sets. Multivariable nomogram models were built and validated to predict OS and CSS. Scores based on the nomograms were used to conduct risk stratification. The performance of these nomograms was then compared with the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM staging system.
Results
A total of 809 patients participated, with a training set (n = 514), an internal validation set (n = 216), and an external validation set (n = 79). Median follow-up times for OS were 51, 47, and 28 months in the three sets, respectively. The nomogram integrated seven risk factors affecting survival (advanced age, left side, histology, positive lymph nodes, distant metastasis, renal sinus/perirenal fat invasion, and sarcomatoid/rhabdoid differentiation) to predict OS and CSS at 1-, 3-, and 5-years. Outperforming the AJCC staging system, the nomogram achieved a C-index of 0.774 (95% CI, 0.727–0.821) for OS and 0.787 (95% CI, 0.736–0.838) for CSS in the internal validation set. Both OS and CSS significantly differed between subgroups with low, moderate, and high risk (all P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Pathological combined histological features are crucial predictors of prognosis in nccRCC-TT patients. We developed a tool to improve patient counseling and guide decision-making on other therapies in addition to surgery for patients with nccRCC-TT. Risk stratification based on our nomograms provides postoperative consultation and patient selection for treatment strategies.