bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between periodontitis and NAFLD-related diseases: Results from the NHANES and Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Huang Yanqiu , Wang Wenhui , Wang Xiaoyu , Yuan Jie , Xu Jinfan , Yang Yang , Shi Wentao , Li Xiaoguang , Wang Hui 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background & Aim
There are contradictory causal links between disorders associated to non-alcoholic fatty liver and periodontitis. The purpose of this research is to use Mendelian randomization (MR) to establish a causal association between periodontitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), including the latter's development to liver fibrosis.
Materials and Methods
The study included 4,425 people from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted in the United States between 2009 and 2014. The study employed two multivariable logistic regression models to evaluate the correlation between advanced fibrosis (AF) and periodontitis, as well as NAFLD. Model 1 did not involve any covariate adjustments; model 2 controlled for age, gender, and race; model 3 was additionally adjusted for Body Mass Index (BMI), education level, household income poverty ratio, smoking status, physical activity, and history of diabetes. Periodontitis (n:17,353 cases/28,210 controls) was used as the exposure, and NAFLD (n:2,275 cases/375,002 controls), fibrosis (n:146 cases/373,307 controls), cirrhosis (n:1,142 cases/373,307 controls) and fibrosis/cirrhosis (n:1,841 cases/366, 450 cases control) as outcomes and causality validation was performed. Sensitivity studies, such as heterogeneity tests, multiple validity tests, and exclusion analyses, were also carried out to guarantee the trustworthiness of the findings.
Results
In the observational study, there was no significant correlation between periodontitis and NAFLD (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.64–1.95) or AF (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.72–1.56). The MR analysis found no significant association between genetically predicted periodontitis and liver conditions in the IVW method (NAFLD: OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.98 − 1.27; fibrosis: OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.50 − 1.42; cirrhosis: OR:0.99, 95% CI: 0.82 − 1.19; fibrosis/cirrhosis: OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.83 − 1.26). There is consistency in sensitivity results.
Conclusions
According to cross-sectional research, there is no discernible link between NAFLD or liver fibrosis and periodontal disease, and the MR analysis does not support a causal relationship between them.
Unanticipated elimination of bulimia symptoms following a cervical sympathetic block for treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) : A Case Report
Authors: Lipov Eugene G. , Rolain Hunter , Lammers Luke 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective
Report the efficacy of cervical sympathetic block (CSB) in treating PTSD as well as bulimia symptoms and discuss possible mechanisms of action to explain these findings.
Background
Successful treatment of PTSD with CSB has been reported previously in several publications. Bulimia has been associated with comorbid PTSD and is often comorbid with PTSD. Treatment of PTSD could be an effective approach to treat bulimia.
Methods
The patient received bilateral CSB at C6 and C4 levels on the right side followed 1 day later by the left side, as per clinic protocol. The patient’s PTSD symptoms were evaluated using the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5). This checklist was administered one day before treatment and again 45 days later following treatment.
Results
CSB showed marked benefit for PTSD symptoms as demonstrated by significant reduction of PCL-5 scores following the bilateral CSB procedures. The patient spontaneously reported complete and persistent elimination of bulimia symptoms. Reduction of PTSD and bulimia symptoms were sustained at the 45-day follow-up.
Conclusion
CSB is a minimally invasive procedure with an excellent safety profile that may provide sustained relief of PTSD and bulimia symptoms. Considering the marked difficulties in treating bulimia, CSB may be a new ray of hope for the bulimia cohort. We believe CSB should be studied as a therapeutic approach for eating disorder patients with associated trauma in adequately powered studies.
Performance and bilateral asymmetries of upper and lower extremity dynamic strength and balance in young soccer players
Authors: Sha Zhanxin , Dai Boyi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Quantification of asymmetry among upper and lower extremities is informative to assess whether an individual may be at risk of injury or performance deficits. In terms of sexes and age differences in functional movement, there is no consistent outcome. The present cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the effects of sex and age on performance and asymmetries in countermovement jump, landing, and upper and lower extremity balance tasks.
Method
174 young soccer players (Age 7–9 yrs: 19 females and 15 males; Age 10 − 12 yrs.: 38 females and 30 males; Age 13–17 yrs.: 16 females and 25 males; Age > 18 yrs.: 15 females and 16 males) participated in the study. Countermovement Jump and Landing, Maximum Push-up, and upper and lower extremity balance tests were evaluated for each participant. A repeated measures (age groups × sex) analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used to compare variables between sexes and age groups (p < .05). Whenever the ANOVA revealed a significant factor, pairwise comparisons were performed using Bonferroni corrections.
Result
Age played a significant role in peak force from landing, asymmetry of landing peak force, jump height, and peak force from push-up for the right and left sides. In terms of sex effects on dependent variables, statistical significances were observed for jump height, peak force from landing, and peak force from push-up. Except for the asymmetry of landing peak force, no statistical significance is observed in the effects of age and/or sex on the other asymmetry variables.
Conclusion
Soccer players may need more upper and lower-extremity dynamic balance training to improve dynamic balance over time. Landing technique training should be implemented for young age soccer players to decrease their high landing forces. Asymmetries should be evaluated on an individual basis as their relationships with age and sex were weak.
Effects of Normal Stress on Shear Properties and Acoustic Emission Characteristics of Bonded Rock-Concrete Interfaces
Authors: Chen Yan , Yang Jiangfan , Hou Zhiqiang , Liu Dejun , Zuo Jianping 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Laboratory direct shear and acoustic emission tests are conducted on standard cylinder specimens with varying levels of normal stress. The aim is to gain a better understanding of shear behavior and failure mechanisms of the bonded interface. The results show that increasing of normal stress enhances the brittleness of the specimens. In addition, the test shows that the failure degree of specimens increases with the different normal stresses. The test results show that high amplitude AE peak energy and count generation occur when the specimens reach the peak shear stress. Meanwhile, with the increase of normal stress, the cumulative acoustic emission energy before peak stress increases slightly, but the cumulative acoustic emission count before peak stress decreases. AE b-value proves to be an effective parameter for reflecting the crack size and main crack surface of rock-concrete specimens. The fluctuation value of the AE-b value is influenced by the normal stress.
Three model ensemble perspectives on volatility prediction and Model ensemble algorithm based on count weighting
Authors: Li Yicun , Teng Yuanyang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This research is a study of predicting realized volatility of five representative indexes in A-share market. This paper collects 12 classical Volatility Prediction Models and compares their prediction performance systematically. The second step of the research is to collect 9 financial and economic features, which are divided into three feature sets, and make a comparative study on a total of 6 machine learning models of support vector machine (SVM), random forests and four neural networks with different structures. Finally, we propose 3 ensemble perspectives: feature ensemble, structure ensemble, model ensemble. Moreover, in the research of model ensemble, we find the selection of component models in ensemble models is usually performance stably. This can be seen from the counts of component models in ensemble models. As a result, we propose a new algorithm called “Model ensemble algorithm based on count weighting” which performance better than Simple average ensemble model.
Postmortem lipid abnormalities in the cerebellum of patients with essential tremor
Authors: Simard Mélissa , Mélançon Koralie , Berthiaume Line , Tremblay Cyntia , Pshevorskiy Laura , Julien Pierre , Rajput Ali H , Rajput Alex , Calon Frédéric 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Fatty acids play many critical roles in brain function but have not been investigated in essential tremor (ET), a frequent movement disorder suspected to involve cerebellar dysfunction. Here, we report a postmortem analysis of fatty acid profiles by gas chromatography in the cerebellar cortex from ET patients (n=15), Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients (n=15) and Controls (n=17). Phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylinositol (PI)/ phosphatidylserine (PS) were separated by thin-layer chromatography and analyzed separately. First, the total amounts of fatty acids retrieved from the cerebellar cortex were lower in ET patients, including monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), such as docosahexaenoic (DHA) and arachidonic (ARA) acids. The diagnosis of ET was associated with lower cerebellar levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and PUFA (DHA and ARA) in the PE fraction specifically, but with a higher relative content of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA; 20:3 ω-6) in the PC fraction. In contrast, a diagnosis of PD was associated with higher absolute concentrations of SFA, MUFA and ω-6 PUFA in the PI+PS fractions. However, relative PI+PS contents of ω-6 PUFA were lower in both PD and ET patients. Finally, linear regression analyses showed that the ω-3:ω-6 PUFA ratio was positively associated with age of death, but inversely associated with insoluble α-synuclein. Although it remains unclear how these FA changes in the cerebellum are implicated in ET or PD pathophysiology, they may be related to an ongoing neurodegenerative process or to dietary intake differences. The present findings provide a window of opportunity for lipid-based therapeutic nutritional intervention.
Surgical Outcomes and Quality of Life After Anti-reflux Surgery
Authors: Haro Camila , Muniz Nicolás , Rabellino Juan , Castelli Fernando , Viola Marcelo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) has an increasing incidence, ranging from 10% to 20% in western countries. Anti-reflux surgery is indicated in patients that cannot sustain a long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment, those in whom it is not effective, and those who associate a hiatal hernia (HH).
The aim of this study is to evaluate anti-reflux surgery results in our institution, and asses the patient’s postoperative quality of life.
Methods: We analyzed all patients submitted to laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery at Médica Uruguaya Corporación de Asistencia Médica (MUCAM) over the last 13 years. A quality-of-life (QOL) questionnaire was performed to evaluate surgical outcomes.
Results: 103 patients were included, 80% were female and the average age was 59 years. 70% presented with GERD symptoms and 65% had a type III or IV HH. A Nissen fundoplication was performed in 98% of patients and a Toupet fundoplication in the remaining 2%.
There was no mortality or need for conversion. Five patients had an early stenosis; four required reoperation and one an endoscopic dilation. Six patients required a late reoperation.
92% of patients answered the QOL questionnaire. 21% of respondents presented postoperative dysphagia and 37% are currently under PPI treatment, but these only affects the QOL of 1% and 3% of patients, respectively. 91% of those surveyed are satisfied with their current situation.
Discussion: Our results coincide with those presented in the literature, showing that anti-reflux surgery is a safe procedure, that has a high satisfaction rate among patients.
New Coupled Thermoelasticity Boundary-Value Problems in Strains
Authors: Khaldjigitov A. A. , Djumayozov Umidjon 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This work is devoted to the formulation and numerical solution of coupled boundary value problems of thermoelasticity with respect to deformations. Two equivalent coupled boundary value problems of thermoelasticity with respect to strain and temperature are proposed. The first consists of six differential equations of thermoelasticity found within the framework of the compatibility conditions of Saint-Venant deformations and the heat influx equation with the corresponding initial and boundary conditions. In the second case, the first three of the six differential equations of thermoelasticity are replaced with three differentiated equations of motion. The validity of the formulated two boundary value problems of thermoelasticity is justified by comparing their numerical, obtained by the variable direction method and recurrence relations, as well as solving a similar related problem regarding displacements.
Effect of Compositions and Heat Treatments of Polypropylene/PP-g- MAH/CuO-TiO2 composites on Thermal, Crystallization and Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Govindasamy G Ambarasan , Sreekan Srimala , Saharudin Khairul Arifah , Ong Ming Thong , Thavamany Priscilla Jayanthi , Sahgal Geethaa , Tan Aik Aun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The leading cause of increased mortality rates is infections from implanted medical devices, with catheters accounting for more than 80% of these infections. Polypropylene (PP) composites with antimicrobial properties were developed by adding binary mixed oxide (CuO-TiO2). The outcomes demonstrated that the spreading and encapsulation of CuO-TiO2 particles in the PP matrix was much better with incorporation of PP-g-MAH compatibilizer. Matrix crystallinity is affected by addition of compatibilizers, the amount of CuO-TiO2, and heat treatments. The synergy effect of CuO-TiO2 as antimicrobial agents was analyzed. The antibacterial efficacy's reliance on matrix crystallinity is elucidated in relation with various heat treatments, PP-g-MAH compatibilizer, and amount of CuO-TiO2. PP made of binary mixed oxides (e.g., CuO and TiO2) and 3 wt% PP-g-MAH that was processed with a low degree of crystallinity increased the material’s capability of effectively rendering plausible antimicrobial species (e.g., •O2−, •OH−, and Cu2+) with excellent antimicrobial efficacy towards Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). This innovative composite, CuO-TiO2-PP, offers new perspectives on managing bloodstream infections associated with catheter use.
Semi-automatic scan-to-BIM procedure applied to architectural ornaments of Nossa Senhora do Rosário Church, Aracati-CE
Authors: Vieira Mylene M. , Gonçalves José Ermerson , Silva Dárcio Matheus O. , Mesquita Esequiel F. T. , Lima Jerfson M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Heritage constructions in general presents a complex geometry and shapes. The work of generating an accurate digital model of a historical building still a challenge. Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) from point cloud data is a usual methodology to cultural heritage documentation. Scan-to-BIM summarize a workflow from point cloud survey to parametric BIM elements. This paper aims to develop a semi-automatic scan-to-BIM procedure for architectural ornaments of Nossa Senhora do Rosario Church, enhancing the geometrical accuracy of the model and reducing the time-consuming process. The workflow handles with point cloud capture of existing historical building, point cloud segmentation, initial mesh generation from point cloud, mesh improvement and HBIM parametric object creation in BIM environment. The results from initial application and then from the validation of the methodology indicates that the scan-to-BIM procedure is useful for HBIM modelling.
Proteomic Profiling of Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Human Serum for the Discovery of Biomarkers in Avascular Necrosis
Authors: Sung Soo-Eun , Lim Ju-Hyeon , Kang Kyung-Ku , Choi Joo-Hee , Lee Sijoon , Sung Minkyoung , Park Wook-Tae , Kim Young-In , Seo Min-Soo , Lee Gun Woo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a medical condition characterized by the destruction of bone tissue due to a diminished blood supply. When the rate of tissue destruction surpasses the rate of regeneration, effective treatment becomes challenging, leading to escalating pain, arthritis, and bone fragility as the disease advances. A timely diagnosis is imperative to prevent and initiate proactive treatment for osteonecrosis. We explored the potential of differentially expressed proteins in serum-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) as biomarkers for AVN of the femoral head in humans. We analyzed the genetic material contained in serum-derived exosomes from patients for early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of avascular necrosis. Methods EVs were isolated from the serum of both patients with AVN and a control group of healthy individuals. Proteomic analyses were conducted to compare the expression patterns of these proteins by proteomic analysis using LC-MS/MS. Results Our results show that the levels of IGHV3-23, FN1, VWF, FGB, PRG4, FCGBP, and ZSWIM9 were upregulated in the EVs of patients with AVN compared with those of healthy controls. ELISA results showed that VWF and PRG4 were significantly upregulated in the patients with AVN. Conclusions These findings suggest that these EV proteins could serve as promising biomarkers for the early detection and diagnosis of AVN. Early diagnosis is paramount for effective treatment, and the identification of new osteonecrosis biomarkers is essential to facilitate swift diagnosis and proactive intervention. Our study provides novel insights into the identification of AVN-related biomarkers that can enhance clinical management and treatment outcomes
Continuous Planning for Inertial-Aided Systems
Authors: Usayiwevu Mitchell , Sukkar Fouad , Yoo Chanyeol , Fitch Robert , Vidal-Calleja Teresa 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Inertial-aided systems require continuous motion excitation among other reasons to characterize the measurement biases that will enable accurate integration required for localization frameworks. This paper proposes the use of informative path planning to find the best trajectory for minimizing the uncertainty of IMU biases and an adaptive traces method to guide the planner towards trajectories that aid convergence. The key contribution is a novel regression method based on Gaussian Process (GP) to enforce continuity and differentiability between waypoints from a variant of the RRT planning algorithm. We employ linear operators applied to the GP kernel function to infer not only continuous position trajectories, but also velocities and accelerations. The use of linear functionals enable velocity and acceleration constraints given by the IMU measurements to be imposed on the position GP model. The results from both simulation and real-world experiments show that planning for IMU bias convergence helps minimize localization errors in state estimation frameworks.
A bibliometric analysis of research hotspots and cutting-edge trends in cardiovascular disease biomarkers
Authors: Sun Xiangyu , Wu Xiaoli , Wu Ting-Ting , Xie Xiang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Biomarkers have increasingly played a significant role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and risk assessment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in recent years. Nonetheless, a comprehensive and systematic organization evaluating cardiovascular biomarkers within the existing literature has been notably absent.
Methods
Gathering relevant literature on cardiovascular biomarkers from the Web of Science Core Collection, followed by scientific bibliometric analyses using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and bibliometrix to explore the spatiotemporal distribution, top authors, countries, references, keywords, research hotspots, and trends in the literature.
Results
Furnishing fundamental insights into research in this domain, indicating a progressive surge in related studies. CVD biomarkers linked to blood have been identified in urine, saliva, and sweat. Research hotspots that garner significant attention in this field include inflammation levels, immune modulation, cardiac stress, coagulation function, endothelial dysfunction, lipid status, oxidative stress, matrix remodeling, DNA methylation, and micrornas. Epigenetics and genomics are currently experiencing a burgeoning phase of research activity.
Conclusion
Many CVD biomarkers found in the blood can also be detected in other body fluids. Furthermore, there are specific CVD biomarkers present in different body fluids. Therefore, utilizing non-invasive testing methods for collecting patient's non-blood body fluids has been proven to be a reliable approach for predicting, diagnosing, and assessing prognosis.
A Logic-Tree Based Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment for the Central Ionian Islands of Cephalonia and Ithaca (Western Greece)
Authors: Kaviris George , Zymvragakis Angelos , Kapetanidis Vasilis , Kouskouna Vasiliki , Spingos Ioannis , Sakellariou Nikolaos , Voulgaris Nicholas 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The Central Ionian Islands of Cephalonia and Ithaca belong to the most seismically active Greek region, mainly due to the presence of the dextral Cephalonia-Lefkada Transform Fault Zone. The study area has experienced strong earthquakes in the 20th century, including the destructive 1953 sequence with maximum intensity 9.0. The Paliki peninsula, western Cephalonia, hosted two strong earthquakes (Mw= 6.1 and 5.8) in 2014, with ground acceleration reaching ~560 cm/s2 and 735 cm/s2, respectively. This study updates the seismic hazard evaluation in Cephalonia and Ithaca using new data and computational techniques to reduce epistemic uncertainties. The probabilistic approach of Cornell and McGuire was used, and the uncertainties are reduced through data variability of the source models, seismicity data, and Ground Motion Prediction Equations using a logic tree approach, sampled by implementing the Latin Hypercube Sampling method. The spatial distribution of Peak Ground Acceleration and Peak Ground Velocity for return periods of 475 and 950 years indicates low variation in the entire study area and that the Paliki peninsula possesses the highest level of seismic hazard. Additionally, site-specific analysis across the three main towns, Lixouri and Argostoli in Cephalonia and Vathi in Ithaca, reveals that Lixouri has the greatest level of seismic hazard, while Vathi the lowest.