bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NQO1 polymorphism and susceptibility to ischemic stroke in a Chinese population
Authors: Wang Min , Shen Ying , Gao Yuan , Chen Huaqiu , Duan Fuhui , Li Siying , Wang Guangming 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Ischemic stroke (IS) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Genetic factors are important risk factors for the development of IS. The quinone oxidoreductase 1 gene (NQO1) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties. Thus, in this study, we investigated the relationship between NQO1 gene polymorphism and the risk of IS.
Methods
Peripheral blood was collected from 143 patients with IS and 124 healthy controls in Yunnan, China, and NQO1 rs2917673, rs689455, and rs1800566 were genotyped. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between the three NQO1 loci and IS susceptibility. The difference in the expression levels of NQO1 between the control and IS groups was verified using public databases and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results
The rs2917673 locus increased the risk of IS by 2.375 times in TT genotype carriers under the co-dominance model compared with CC carriers and was statistically associated with the risk of IS (P = 0.046). In the recessive model, TT genotype carriers increased IS risk by 2.407 times compared with CC/CT carriers and were statistically associated with the risk of IS (P = 0.033).
Conclusions
NQO1 rs2917673 polymorphism is significantly associated with IS. Mutant TT carriers are risk factors for IS.
The Effect of Hormone Therapy on Physiological Uptake of the Endometrium on [18F]F-FDG PET in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Nakamoto Ryusuke , Yakami Masahiro , Nobashi Tomomi Watanabe , Isoda Hiroyoshi , Nakamoto Yuji 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objective
The effects of hormonal therapy, estrogen-based hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and anti-tumor hormone therapy, such as tamoxifen, on the physiological uptake of the endometrium on 2-deoxy-2[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) in postmenopausal women have not been determined. We explored the effect of hormone therapy, particularly HRT, on physiological uptake in the endometrium of postmenopausal women.
Materials and Methods
Postmenopausal women receiving hormone therapy who underwent cancer screening using PET/computed tomography (CT) between June 2016 and April 2023 were included in the hormone therapy group (n = 21). Postmenopausal women with no history of hormone therapy were included in the control group (n = 49). First, the physiological endometrial uptake at menopausal age and at least 1 year thereafter was compared quantitatively (SUVmax) and qualitatively (4-point scale) in the control group, to assess when the endometrium ceased to show significant physiological [18F]F-FDG uptake after menopause. Endometrial uptake was compared between the hormone therapy and control groups. The association between HRT duration (months) and endometrial uptake (SUVmax) was evaluated. Endometrial thickness, measured using transvaginal ultrasonography, was also compared between the two groups.
Results
Endometrial uptake was significantly reduced both qualitatively and quantitatively (P < 0.05) at least 1 year after menopause in control patients, by which time most women (93.9%) no longer had significant endometrial uptake. The hormone therapy group (n = 21) showed higher FDG uptake in the endometrium compared to the control group (median SUVmax: 2.3 vs 1.9, P = 0.0011), as well as a higher visual score (P < 0.0001). HRT duration did not correlate with endometrial uptake (P = 0.097). Endometrial thickness in the hormone therapy group was significantly thicker than in the control group (median: 3.9 mm vs 1.8 mm, P = 0.002).
Conclusion
Hormone therapy may affect physiological uptake in the endometrium in postmenopausal women.
The mediating role of achievement motivation in the relationship between proactive personality and entrepreneurial intention among college students
Authors: Zhang Jinyong , Deng Huaiqing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

With the increasing number of college graduates and the popularization of college students, the employment of college students has become the focus of academic circles. This study explores the mediating role of achievement motivation between proactive personality and entrepreneurial intention of Chinese college students. In this study, 1021 college students from 5 universities in a certain city in China were measured by the proactive personality inventory, achievement motivation Inventory and entrepreneurial intention inventory. The results show that:(1) Entrepreneurial intention is positively correlated with proactive personality and success motivation respectively; (2) Proactive personality can positively and significantly predict entrepreneurial intention; (3) Success-seeking motivation plays an intermediary role in proactive personality and entrepreneurial intention; It shows that proactive personality can directly affect the entrepreneurial intention of college students, and can also indirectly affect the entrepreneurial intention of college students through the pursuit of success motivation.
3D-Printed Brachytherapy in Patients with Cervical Cancer: Improving Efficacy and Safety Outcomes
Authors: Lu Zenghong , zhu gangfeng , Qiu Zhengang , Guo Hailiang , Li Junyan , Zheng Liangjian , Chen Cixiang , Che Jie , Xiang Yi , Wang Yili 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 3D printing technology in brachytherapy for cervical cancer, comparing its outcomes with conventional manual implantation brachytherapy.
Methods: A total of 57 cervical cancer patients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical College from January 2019 to July 2023 were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups: 25 patients received intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) combined with 3D-printed brachytherapy, and 25 patients underwent IMRT combined with manual brachytherapy implantation. Key indicators analyzed included short-term therapeutic effects, survival outcomes, operation times, the number of CT scans, the number of needles inserted, dosimetric parameters, and complications.
Results: The use of 3D-printed brachytherapy significantly improved the safety of radiation therapy operations, especially for large tumors (≥30mm), by providing more precise dose distribution and reducing the radiation doses received by critical organs such as the bladder and rectum. The incidence of radiation enteritis was significantly lower in the 3D-printed brachytherapy group compared to the manual implantation group (P< 0.001). There were no significant differences in other complications between the two groups. Short-term therapeutic response rates were comparable, with no significant difference in overall survival observed between the two groups.
Conclusion: 3D-printed brachytherapy offers a more effective and safer therapeutic option for patients with cervical cancer, particularly for those with large tumors or complex anatomical structures.
Kirschner wires as blocking screws in extra-articular fractures of the distal tibia treated with intramedullary nail
Authors: Liu Jun , Dai Simin , Liu Lijin , Kuang Hailin , Yan Liang , Cai Qiangqiang , Shao Zongzuan , Wei Wenbo , Min Zhihai , Tang Wubing , Fu Xiaoxing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of Kirschner wires (KWs) as a blocking screw technique for extra-articular fractures of the distal tibia treated with intramedullary nails (IMNs).
Methods
Fifty-three patients were treated with KW-assisted IMN for extra-articular fractures of the distal tibia via the blocking screw technique or poller screw (PS) technique. The operation time, number of fluoroscopies, number of blocking screws used, blood loss and time to union were compared between the two groups. Additionally, the functional outcomes of the two groups were compared using range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), and Lysholm scores.
Results
Compared with those in the PS group, the operation time in the KW group was significantly shorter, and the number of fluoroscopy procedures and amount of blood loss during KW surgery were also significantly lower (P = 0.014, 0.001, and 0.036, respectively). Regarding the functional outcomes, there were no significant differences in the ROM, VAS score, AOFAS score or Lysholm score between the two groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
In the treatment of extra-articular fractures of the distal tibia with nails, the use of KW as a blocking screw technique is safe and reliable.
Systematic Review of Natural Language Processing Applied to Gastroenterology &amp; Hepatology: The Current State of the Art
Authors: Stammers Matthew , Ramgopal Balasubramanian , Obeng Abigail , Vyas Anand , Nouraei Reza , Metcalf Cheryl , Batchelor James , Shepherd Jonathan , Gwiggner Markus 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective: This review assesses the progress of NLP in gastroenterology to date, grades the robustness of the methodology, exposes the field to a new generation of authors, and highlights opportunities for future research.Design: Seven scholarly databases (ACM Digital Library, Arxiv, Embase, IEEE Explore, Pubmed, Scopus and Google Scholar) were searched for studies published 2015–2023 meeting inclusion criteria. Studies lacking a description of appropriate validation or NLP methods were excluded, as were studies unavailable in English, focused on non-gastrointestinal diseases and duplicates. Two independent reviewers extracted study information, clinical/algorithm details, and relevant outcome data. Methodological quality and bias risks were appraised using a checklist of quality indicators for NLP studies.Results: Fifty-three studies were identified utilising NLP in Endoscopy, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Liver and Pancreatic Disease. Colonoscopy was the focus of 21(38.9%) studies, 13(24.1%) focused on liver disease, 7(13.0%) inflammatory bowel disease, 4(7.4%) on gastroscopy, 4(7.4%) on pancreatic disease and 2(3.7%) studies focused on endoscopic sedation/ERCP and gastrointestinal bleeding respectively. Only 30(56.6%) of studies reported any patient demographics, and only 13(24.5%) scored as low risk of validation bias. 35(66%) studies mentioned generalisability but only 5(9.4%) mentioned explainability or shared code/models.Conclusion: NLP can unlock substantial clinical information from free-text notes stored in EPRs and is already being used, particularly to interpret colonoscopy and radiology reports. However, the models we have so far lack transparency, leading to duplication, bias, and doubts about generalisability. Therefore, greater clinical engagement, collaboration, and open sharing of appropriate datasets and code are needed.
A Novel Nomogram Based on inflammatory-nutritional Biomarkers For Gallbladder Cancer after Surgical Resection
Authors: Yin Xueqing , Ma Xinren , sun Pu , Shen Danyang , Tang Zuxiong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Systemic inflammation and nutrition are vital for tumor progression. This study aimed to identify prognostic inflammation nutrition markers and develop a predictive nomogram for gallbladder cancer (GBC).
Methods
A total of 123 patients with GBC who underwent surgical resection at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and Suzhou Kowloon Hospital were included in our study. The final prognostic variables were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses. A nomogram model was then established, and the consistency index (C-index), calibration curves, and Kaplan-Meier analysis were performed to evaluate the accuracy and discrimination of the nomogram. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and decision curve analysis (DCA) suggested that our nomogram had better predictive ability and clinical feasibility than a published model.
Results
The cox regression analysis showed that carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) > 4.580, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) > − 2.091, geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) < 90.83, T3–T4, and N2 are independent prognostic factors. A predictive nomogram was constructed with a C-index of 0.793. In the calibration curves, the nomogram-predicted 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival matched well with the actual survival. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the high-risk group had worse survival than the low-risk group (P < 0.001). Finally, our nomogram achieved better 1-, 3- and 5-year AUCs than an established model (0.871, 0.844, and 0.781 vs. 0.753, 0.750, and 0.693). DCA also confirmed that our model outperformed the established model.
Conclusions
In conclusion, our study revealed that CEA > 4.580, GNRI < 90.83, ALBI > − 2.091, T3–T4 stage, and N2 were related to clinical outcomes of patients with GBC after surgical resection. The constructed nomogram has superior predictive ability and clinical practicality.
Gastrointestinal health and serum proteins are associated with BMD in postmenopausal women: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Han , Jiang Qiuxia , Yan Jiai , Ju Yang , Sun Jing , Wang Yingyu , Huang Gege , Zhang Feng , Cao Hong , Wang Xuesong , Li Dan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
With increasing age, the social and economic burdens of postmenopausal osteoporosis are steadily increasing. This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence the development of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Methods
Postmenopausal women at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University from January 2023 to December 2023 were recruited for BMD examination. The patients were divided into a normal group, an osteopenia group and an osteoporosis group according to their T value. Questionnaires, including the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and Short Form 12, were administered through face-to-face interviews. Bone turnover markers and serum protein levels of Fasting venous blood were detected.
Results
A total of 222 postmenopausal women met the inclusion criteria were recruited. Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences in age, education, BMI, supplementation with soy products, supplementation with dairy products, supplementation with other nutritional supplements, exercise frequency, gastrointestinal symptom score, quality of life, 25(OH)D, total protein, albumin and prealbumin among the three groups (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that gastrointestinal symptoms (r = -0.518, P<0.01) was negatively correlated with BMD in postmenopausal women, while PCS (r= 0.194, P= 0.004), MCS (r= 0.305, P < 0.01), 25(OH)D (r= 0.531, P < 0.01), total protein (r= 0.324, P < 0.01), albumin (r= 0.341, P < 0.01) and prealbumin (r= 0.259, P < 0.01) were positively correlated with BMD.
Conclusion
Increasing age, low BMI, gastrointestinal disorders, decreased serum protein and 25(OH)D levels may contribute to an increased risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Supplementation with soy and dairy products and consistent exercise may prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Multi-trajectories of body mass index, waist circumference, gut microbiota, and incident dyslipidemia: a 27-year prospective study
Authors: Zhang Xiaofan , Guan Fangxu , Gou Wanglong , Wang Qi , Du Shufa , Su Chang , Zhang Jiguo , Zheng Ju-Sheng , Wang Huijun , Zhang Bing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background: Evidence is insufficient to establish a longitudinal association between combined trajectories of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) and dyslipidemia. Our study aimed to explore the association between multi-trajectories of BMI and WC and incident dyslipidemia and identify microbiota and metabolite signatures of these trajectories.
Methods: Stratified by sex, we used a group-based trajectory modeling approach to identify distinct multi-trajectories of BMI and WC among 10,678 participants from the China Health and Nutrition Survey over a 24-year period. For each sex, we examined the associations between these multi-trajectories (1991-2015) and the onset dyslipidemia (2018) using multivariable logistic regression adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyles factors. We characterized the gut microbial composition and performed LASSO and logistic regression to identify gut microbial signatures associated with these multi-trajectories in males and females, respectively.
Results: We identified four multi-trajectories of BMI and WC among both males and females: Normal (Group 1), BMI&WC normal increasing (Group 2), BMI&WC overweight increasing (Group 3), and BMI&WC obesity increasing (Group 4). Among males, Group 2 (OR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.28–3.46), Group 3 (OR: 2.69, 95% CI: 1.56–4.63) and Group 4 (OR: 3.56, 95% CI: 1.85–6.83) had higher odds of developing dyslipidemia. However, among females, only those in Group 2 (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.03–2.30) were more likely to develop dyslipidemia. In males, compared with Group 1, we observed lower alpha-diversity within Groups 2,3, and 4, and significant beta-diversity differences within Groups 3 and 4 (p ＝ 0.001). We also identified 3, 8, and 4 characteristic bacterial genera in male Groups 2, 3 and 4, and 2 genera in female Group 2. A total of 23, 25 and 10 differential metabolites were significantly associated with the above genera, except for Group 2 in males.
Conclusions: The ascending combined trajectories of BMI and WC are associated with a higher risk of dyslipidemia, even with normal baseline levels, especially in males. Shared and unique gut microbial and metabolic signatures among these high-risk trajectories could enhance our understanding of the mechanisms connecting obesity to dyslipidemia.
Improved CNN System for Face Mask Recognition
Authors: Jassim Ammar Hussein , Altaie Ahmed , Ajrash Amal Sufiuh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Deep learning, especially convolutional neural networks, has significantly improved performance in computer vision. Therefore, we designed and developed a modified deep convolutional neural network framework for detecting mask in facial images in a sizable synthesized and un-synthesized face mask dataset. The suggested method can be utilized to detect face masks in any image with a low-resolution, different alignments, complex, and noisy background by tuning the hyperparameters to accurately identify the existence of masks without generating overfitting. The experimentally obtained results demonstrate that the suggested model exhibits a significant efficiency level, achieving 97.39% accuracy, 97.34% precision, 97.41% recall, 97.37% F1-score, and 97.4% AUC. The empirical results have been documented after 35 iterations using optimized hyperparameter settings, and those predictive models were trained on 64,398 images with a 98% accuracy rate and 0.05 loss, proving the proposed work's reliability and robustness.
A heterozygous variant of SON gene in child with ZTTKS
Authors: Ma Dannv , Wang Jinjing , Song Xiao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background Zhu-Tokita-Takenouchi-Kim syndrome (ZTTKS) is a rare, autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by the variant of SON gene. Till now, only about 60 cases of ZTTKS were reported to date worldwide. Most pediatricians have limited knowledge about the disease, which leads to delays usually in diagnosis. Case presentation: A girl with feeding difficulties, hypotonia, and poor overall growth were noted. Physical examination showed a height of 77cm (< -10 SD) and a weight of 8kg ( < − 5 SD) at the age of 9.5 years old. She cannot communication and stand till now. She had characteristic dysmorphic facial features, including frontal bossing, small ophthalmic fissure, downslanting palpebral fissures, broad nasal bridge, nostril upturned thin upper lip, small mouth, low-set protruding ear, sparse hair, high-arched palate, edentulous, enamel dysplasia, and long and adduction left thumb. Extremely low insulin-like growth factor-1 (22.4 ng/mL) and low insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (0.72 g/ml) level was noted. Whole exome sequencing found a novel heterozygous variant, c.2207_2210del (p. Leu736Argfs*10), in the exon 3 of SON gene. Conclusions In patient with characteristic dysmorphic facial features, hypotonia, poor overall growth, and mental retardation, ZTTKS should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Next generation sequencing should perform early for these patients.
Promoting Low-Cost Water Purification Methods in the Urban Slum Area of Sindh, Pakistan: Using the Community as Partner Model
Authors: Khowaja Shaneela , Saleh Sony Muhammad , Dan Bhagti Davi Lachhman , Anwar Aqsa Muhammad , Bacho Abdul Hameed , Samar Victoria 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This small-scale project used the community as partner (CAP) model to tailor evidence-based, cost-effective, and practical strategies for mitigating the issue of unsafe drinking water in the urban slum area of Jamshoro, where the other approaches for water purification were either scarce or difficult to access. The fieldwork was carried out from January to March 2023. Before starting the project, key stakeholders and the local people obtained verbal and written consent. Using the CAP model, the Year IV nursing students conducted a community assessment to determine the local community’s awareness regarding home-based water purification methods, water contamination, and waterborne diseases. Next, the action planning process was carried out, followed by teaching through awareness sessions. The study adopted a CAP approach, which was opposed to how research activities are carried out traditionally. In this study, the undergraduates and community partners were jointly involved in assessing, setting priorities, and implementing and evaluating the project. This equitable partnership was found to be beneficial in numerous ways, including context-based relevancy, acceptability of strategies, and sustainability of the project.
Deformed neutron stars
Authors: Quartuccio Jonathan , Moraes Pedro , Arbañil José 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We present solutions for non-spherically symmetric neutron stars. We begin by deriving the Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff equations from a parameterized metric that takes into account the deformation of the star due to differences in equatorial and polar pressures, expressed in terms of a parameter $\mathcal{D}$, which is the ratio between polar and equatorial radius. The stellar structure is solved using the GM1 equation of state and the Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff equations for deformed objects are numerically integrated using the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method for different values of the parameter $\mathcal{D}$. We show that larger values of $\mathcal{D}>1$, that describe prolate neutron stars, yield smaller values of mass and radius, while for smaller values of $\mathcal{D}<1$, describing oblate neutron stars, larger values for mass and radius are attained. From the confrontation of our model theoretical predictions with recent observational data on pulsars, it is possible to constrain the values of the parameter $\mathcal{D}$.\\
\emph{Keywords}: general relativity; tov equation; neutron stars; deformation