bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early atherosclerosis in familial hypercholesterolemia patients: significance of vascular markers for risk stratification
Authors: Aliosaitiene Urte , Petrulioniene Zaneta , Rinkuniene Egidija , Mainelis Antanas , Barysiene Jurate , Smailyte Urte , Sileikiene Vaida , Laucevicius Aleksandras 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder that manifests as impaired low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) metabolism, resulting in lifelong exposure of high cholesterol levels and increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is heterogeneity in cardiovascular risk for FH patients, and therefore, risk stratification is of utmost importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of increases in LDL-C and impact of other CVD risk factors on vascular markers in the FH patients population.
METHODS
A total of 428 patients were included in this study and divided into two groups according to age: ≤40 years in the first group and ≥41 years in the second group. Vascular markers of atherosclerosis included the common carotid artery (CCA) intima media thickness (IMT), pulse wave velocity (PWV), flow-mediated dilation (FMD), ankle-brachial index (ABI), and cardio-vascular index (CAVI). The influence of traditional CVD risk factors on atherosclerotic changes in vascular markers was analyzed.
RESULTS
A statistically significant difference in IMT was detected between the same sex and different age groups (p < 0,001), whereas no significant difference was detected between the sexes within each age group. In the ≤40-year-old group, the mean IMT among males was 612.5 µm (± 88.2) and that among females was 580.6 µm (± 77.7) (p > 0.05); in the ≥41-year-old group, the mean IMT was 697.4 µm (± 138.4) for males and 700.3 µm (± 114.4) for females (p > 0.05). Higher LDL-C was associated with greater IMT (r = 0,405; p = 0,009) in the younger age group (≤40 years); however, in the older age group (≥41 years), this correlation was not evident (r=-0,07; p = 0,596). Carotid plaque formation was more common among males (OR = 2,2; 95% CI: 1,2–4,0) and hypertensive patients (OR = 2,7; 95% CI: 1,6 − 4,7). Age was a mildly significant risk factor for increased ABI (β = 0,13, p < 0,05). FMD was found to be impaired for all patients, and no risk factors were shown to have further influence. Age was a significant risk factor for increased arterial stiffness, as measured by both the CAVI and PWV.
Conclusions
Although vascular markers of atherosclerosis may provide a unique and valuable way to evaluate cardiovascular risk, the results of this study show that only increased IM thickness could be beneficial for risk stratification in young FH patients, whereas other vascular markers of atherosclerosis would be excessive, as they do not provide merit in risk evaluation in this population.
Comparative study between Ventriculo Subgaleal Shunt and External Ventricular Drain for management of post infective Hydrocephalus among pediatrics.
Authors: Ismail Abdelaziz Abdelhamid , Taha Ahmed Nageeb , Badr Hatem Ibraheem , Zaher Ahmed , Elbaz Samy Abbas , Khalil Amr Farid 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Post infective hydrocephalus (PIH) is a type of hydrocephalus which occurs after infection of the brain or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Treatment of PIH requires temporary measures such as External ventricular drain (EVD) and Ventriculosubgaleal shunt (VSGS) until CSF becomes clear and ready to implement VP shunt. Limited research has been done to explore the tradeoff between these approaches particularly in pediatric PIH patients. Our study compares the complications, mortality rates and the cost of used resources of both procedures.Methods:A prospective study was conducted for 18 months in which we compared between VSGS and EVD for management of PIH involving 42 randomized cases with 21 patients in group A operated by VSGS and 21 patients in group B operated by EVD.Results: Our results show a statistically significant difference between both groups in the duration of implementation of VSGS / EVD until resolution of infection occurs. Additionally, a higher rate of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) admission and a longer length of hospital stay (LOS) were recorded among EVD group. No statistically significant difference between the number of complications that happened in both despite variations in their forms.. Moreover, both groups showed near similar mortality rates.Conclusion: No significant difference in the rate of complications between VSGS and EVD for PIH. Based on that, VSGS emerges as a favorable and cost-effective option for the management of PIH which leads to less economic burden on patients and country’s health resources, especially in developing countries.
Exploring Iterated Function Systems in Partial Metric Spaces: Theoretical Insights and Applications in Fractal Landscape Generation
Authors: M Praveen 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This paper delves into the algebraic, analytic, and topological intricacies of partial iterated function systems (IFSp). It establishes the Collage theorem for IFSp and explores the characterization of points within their attractors, alongside proving the completeness of the partial metric space of contractions with a fixed contractivity factor. Additionally, the manuscript elucidates the continuity of contraction mappings to their unique fixed points and introduces the IFSp semigroup concept. Significantly, it extends this theoretical framework to practical applications, exemplified by a novel method in computer graphics for fractal landscape generation. This application not only demonstrates the real-world utility of these theoretical concepts but also bridges the gap between abstract mathematical theory and tangible applications.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). Primary 28A80; Secondary 11B05,68U05.
Prognostic significance and immunologic features of the paired-box (PAXs) family: a pan-cancer multi- omics analysis
Authors: Zhou Xiaoliang , Qi Yixin , Xia Qiangqiang , Yang Han , Shen Chong , Han Chenyang , Zhang Zongliang , Wang Linhui , Tan Ming , Wang Ke , Hu Hailong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective
The PAX genes, comprising a family of nine clearly defined paired-box transcription factors, are associated with the onset and progression of certain tumors. Even so, no extensive systematic investigation toward the contribution of PAX genes in pan-cancer has been implemented.
Methods
The development and modulation of the PAX gene family in pan tumor and its correlations with prognosis, tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), immunological subtypes, immune checkpoint genes, tumour stemness, tumor microenvironment, chemotherapeutics sensitivity, and effectiveness of immunotherapy were explored by bioinformatics analysis, based on multi-omics data from TCGA, GEO, cBioPortal, and TIMER database.
Results
We observed the significant correlations between the regulation of particular PAX family members in pan tumor and the survival prognosis and tumor stage of patients, TMB, MSI, stemness scores, immune cells infiltration, etc. The PAX gene family exhibited some degree of heterogeneity in different cancers in terms of the above mentioned findings. It has also been revealed in the present multiple omics study that the expression for most of the PAX family members, including PAX1/3/5/8/9, is significantly correlated with copy number variation. Moreover, we also found that several PAX family members were clearly associated with expression of immune checkpoint genes, the sensitivity to chemotherapy agents, and anti-PD-L1/PD-1 immunotherapy. Furthermore, the invading immune evaluation in bladder tumors displayed substantial correlations between PAX gene variations in copy number or substitution levels and the extent of multiple immune cell infiltration. In addition, the mRNA and amino acid manifestations of PAX8 in BLCA were validated using real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA).
Conclusion
In summary, our findings highlight the importance of PAX family genes in predictions of various tumor types, as evidenced by multiple datasets and identified PAX-associated genes that could be used as targets for therapies. These results suggest that PAX family related genes can be used as potential prognostic markers for cancer. It represents a systematic analysis of the further function of PAX family genes, which can provide new ideas for the prognosis and treatment of various cancers.
Modified Jensen-Bregman LogDet Divergence for Target Detection with Region Covariance Descriptor
Authors: fan xiqian , shaozhu Ye 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we exploit the modified Jensen-Bregman LogDet (MJBLD) divergence to measure the dissimilarity between two region covariance descriptors extracted from an image, and design a target detection method based on this descriptor. In particular, the MJBLD divergence that takes into account the non-Euclidean geometric structure is used as the measurement on the symmetric positive-definite (SPD) matrix manifold. The MJBLD divergence is a modified version of the Jensen-Bregman LogDet (JBLD) divergence which has many properties similar to the affine invariant Riemannian metric. Then, the MJBLD divergence is applied for the task of the image target detection where the image region of interest is represented as a covariance descriptor. The covariance descriptor is a SPD matrix which is constructed by the first and second gradients of intensity and the three-dimensional color information. Since the SPD matrix naturally resides on the non-Euclidean Riemannian manifold and the MJBLD divergence can be treated as a manifold metric, applying the non-Euclidean distance to SPD matrices can yield a better performance in comparison with the Euclidean distance. Experimental results show that our proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art method.
Spatial Profiling of CXCL10 in Breast Cancer: TAMs' Mediation of Immune Response
Authors: de Souza Natália Cordeiro de Albuquerque d’Alva , Simizo Adriana , Duarte Ana Kelly da Silva Fernandes , Gomes Emisael Stênio Batista , Silva Victor Menezes , Moura Edilson Leite , Baggio Jussara Almeida Oliveira , Rodrigues Amanda Karine Barros Ferreira , Farias Karol Fireman , Figueiredo Elaine Virginia Martins Souza , Marques Carolinne Sales , Fraga Carlos Alberto Carvalho 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Tumor-Associated Macrophages play a significant role in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer, influencing its growth and progression. Their presence is associated with key processes such as angiogenesis and immunomodulation, impacting the immune system response and tumor aggressiveness.
Methods
This study employed various methods to analyze scRNA-seq and spatial transcriptome data. The scRNA-seq data underwent thorough processing and analysis, with a specific focus on breast cancer subtypes. The CellChat R package was employed to analyze and visualize cell-cell communication networks within the scRNA-seq data. hdWGCNA, conducted in R, involved multiple steps such as data preprocessing, gene network construction, module identification, module preservation analysis, and functional enrichment analysis. To analyze the pseudotime dynamics of endothelial cells, Monocle3 was utilized. The spatial data for normal skin and leprosy were obtained and analyzed using the SPATA2 and semla R packages, facilitating the integration of spatial and single-cell data.
Results
The study utilized scRNA-seq and spatial transcriptome data to comprehensively analyze 40 samples of breast cancer, including ER+, HER2+, and TNBC subtypes, alongside normal mammary tissue. Distinct cellular clusters were identified, and myeloid cells were characterized into four subtypes. Comparative analyses across breast cancer subtypes highlighted variations in the expression of the CXCL10 gene, and hdWGCNA provided insights into molecular landscapes. Trajectory inference analysis revealed pseudotime dynamics in myeloid cells, with specific gene expression changes. Spatial transcriptome profiling in TNBC and HER2 + breast cancer showed unique cellular clusters and gene expression patterns within the tumor microenvironment. The integration of spatial and single-cell data emphasized the distribution of cell types and spatial enrichment of gene expression signatures.
Conclusions
TAMs emerge as key players engaging in multifaceted interactions with neighboring cell types within the intricate context of breast cancer. These identified genes, particularly CXCL10, assume central roles in regulating various facets of myeloid cell physiology and modulating immune responses. The observed increase in CXCL10 expression in TNBC macrophages suggests a potential association with T lymphocyte activity and myeloid cell chemotaxis, implicating its significance in the intricate immune response dynamics within the TNBC microenvironment.
The role of LOC339529 in the prognosis of brain glioma patients
Authors: Ma Lincen , Yang Cao , Ge Chang , Xu Jingxuan , Yang Yan , Zhang Xu , Sheng Qiang , Shao Yunxiang , Deng Guoqi , Liu Siyuan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background Glioma is the most frequent primary intracranial malignant tumor. Using the TCGA database, we found that the high expression of LOC339529 was associated with a good prognosis of patients. We wanted to explore the role of LOC339529 in the prognosis of brain glioma patients in the real world. Methods The clinical data, imaging data and pathological wax pieces of brain glioma patients diagnosed and treated by the Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2019 to December 2021 were collected. The diameter lines of the largest glioma layer were measured, LOC339529 expression level, and grouping statistical analysis was performed according to LOC339529 expression level, whether there is relapse or death. Results 14 patients, survival time 4–44 months, median survival time 22 months (IQR, 14.5–36.5). The low expression group of LOC339529 is dominated by patients under or equal to 45 years old, while the high expression group is dominated by patients over 45 years old, and there is no significant statistical difference in prognosis between the two groups (P = 0.343). Conclusions Limited clinical data cannot currently verity that high expression of LOC339529 is associated with good prognosis in patients.
Effect of Chloramine T and Chlorhexidine in reducing gingivitis in patients admitted to a reference hospital for cardiopulmonary care: a randomized, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Matos Ylana Rosa , Leal Isabelly de Carvalho , Silva Ana Beatriz Alves da , de Oliveira Naiara Ferreira , Pinheiro Islla Ribeiro , Veras Pedryna Maria Oliveira , Silva Paulo Goberlânio de Barros , Sampaio Eliane Ferreira , Filho Edson Luiz Cetira 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Chloramine T in reducing gingivitis in hospitalized patients, in addition to providing an alternative to the use of Chlorhexidine.
Material and methods
A randomized, triple-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial was performed with 45 volunteers presenting with gingivitis. Patients were randomly allocated into one of three groups: (G1): Chloramine T 0.2%; (G2): Chlorhexidine 0.12% and (G3): distilled water.
Results
After five days, the control group (G3) remained without relevant differences in relation to the first pre-treatment assessment, while the groups tested with chlorhexidine and chloramine T showed improvement in the Löe Gingival Index (LGI) (p< 0.05). After ten days, G3 maintained the results of the previous assessments, G1 repeated the five-day assessment and G2 obtained a statistically significant difference, with a better result in relation to the previous assessment (p<0.05). After fifteen days, G3 showed no differences in relation to the other assessments, G1 had a statistically significant difference, showing better performance in relation to the previous assessment and G2 continued the gradual improvement it had been showing in the LGI (p<0.05).
Conclusions
Chloramine T and Chlorhexidine present similar results in the treatment of gingivitis, when evaluated by probing by the LGI, and Chloramine T can be used effectively, without causing the adverse effects inherent to prolonged use of chlorhexidine.
Clinical relevance
Importance of oral hygiene for patients admitted to hospitals with the use of adjuvant substances that do not present adverse effects such as chlorhexidine, which is considered the gold standard, seeking to provide better clinical protocols.
Study on the Morphological Characteristics and Formation Mechanism of Thermally Modified Bamboo Milling Dust
Authors: Cui Yunqi , Qiu Hongru , Wang Baojin , Ding Tao , Gong Meng , Zhu Nanfeng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The hazards of dust are receiving increasing attention with the application of bamboo industrialization. This study focuses on the morphological characteristics and formation mechanisms of milling dust from raw bamboo (RB), dried bamboo (DB), and thermally modified bamboo (TMB) treated at temperatures of 160°C, 190°C, and 220°C. The bamboo milling particle size distribution, area-equivalent diameter, minimum Feret diameter, aspect ratio, roundness, and convexity were investigated by using sieving and flatbed scanning image methods to analyze their morphological characteristics. Furthermore, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) were employed to investigate the chemical composition changes with the dust. The formation mechanism of bamboo milling dust was explained by the finite element simulation. The research shows that bamboo thermal modification has a significant impact on the particle size distribution, and generates the excessive inhalation of dust. Thermal treatment temperature influences dust morphology and distribution and adds similar features to dust. The thermal treatment has a notable influence on the convexity of milling dust and reduces the surface dispersion of dust, and the stability of dust morphology has been improved. Moreover, thermal modification caused the degradation of hemicellulose and increased crystallinity which affected bamboo's transverse mechanical properties. The bamboo milling deformation and chip formation are investigated through finite element simulation, and three kinds of chip morphologies larger than 200 μm and four kinds smaller than 200 μm were analyzed. The study contributes to understanding the characteristics of thermally modified bamboo milling dust and provides basic data for cleaner production and health protection.
Sprint Biomechanics Assessment with Low-cost Systems: a Reliability Study
Authors: Mildenberger Clarisa , Aragona Alfio , Guissani Carlos , Panci Nahuel , Delgado Gabriel 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The individual determination of force-velocity and power-velocity profiles during sprint is of great interest to coaches and sports physiotherapists. As a very short action, sprint evaluation requires a sufficiently accurate and reliable system. The aim of this study was to analyze the reliability of the free software Kinovea®, compared to the MySprint App (Apple Inc, USA). Thirty-one soccer players were evaluated and a comparative study was carried out, where 62 sprints of 30-meters were analyzed by two rates: experienced and non-experienced. Vertical poles were placed at 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 meters. All the sprints were recorded in slow motion and HD image quality. Comparisons of partial and total times were made, in addition to force, velocity and power outputs. No differences were shown between the two measurement methods for the different sprint times (ICC = 0.676–0.941, p < 0.001). The intra-rater reliability of total time in the experienced rater was almost perfect: ICC = 0.993 for Kinovea and 0.984 for the MySprint app; the intra-rater reliability for non-experienced one was 0.833 for Kinovea and 0.862 for the MySprint app. Comparing both methods, the ICC was 0.896. There were no significant differences between the variables force, velocity and power (p > 0.05). This study shows that Kinovea + Excel spreadsheet is a reliable method, also an accessible and low-cost option for sport professionals. However, experience using the software is required, but not for the use of the MySprint app, which is an advantage for non-experienced testers.
Preparation and Characterization of Fumed Silica Added PMMA Denture Composites
Authors: Kucukesmen Hakki Cenker , Sarac Mehmet Fahri 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
A study was carried out to investigate the chemical, mechanical, and structural properties of increasing amounts of fumed silica loaded onto PMMA composite. 1% wt. fumed silica material yielded the highest values of flexural strength (105.64 MPa) and hardness (20.07 microvickers). According to DMA results, fumed silica samples contained 1% wt. had the highest energy storage (3.24 GPa at 30°C) and glass transition temperature. As a result, fumed silica in PMMA composite reached its maximum saturation limit at 1%wt. A more brittle behavior was observed in samples containing 2% fumed silica, which accumulated on the surface. The molecular bonds at the resin-fumed silica interface weaken due to the agglomeration of fumed silica. Consequently, flexural strength and hardness are reduced, as well as glass transition temperature and storage modulus. PMMA composites can be reinforced with fumed silica by acting as a reinforcing agent.
Application of a three-dimensional printed inferior mesenteric artery model in laparoscopic radical resection with preservation of left colic artery for rectal cancer
Authors: Zhao Zongxian , Hu Zongju , Liu Qinlingfei , Su Xinyu , Zhu Shu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Preservation of the left colic artery (LCA) reduces the incidence of anastomotic leakage (AL) in radical resection of rectal cancer (RC). However, anatomical variations in the branches of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and LCA present significant surgical challenges. Here, we construct a 3D-printed IMA model to precisely determine the location and course of the LCA before surgery, and investigate the beneficial impact of this model on surgery performance.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed patients with RC who received laparoscopic radical resection between January 2022 and November 2023 at Fuyang People's Hospital. Patients were divided into 3D printing group (cohort A) and control group (cohort B) and their perioperative characteristics were statistically analyzed.
Results
Cohort A comprised 44 patients, while cohort B consisted of 57 patients. Operating time (200.340 ± 44.254 vs. 237.018 ± 71.006 min, p = 0.004), intraoperative blood loss (37.500 ± 14.480 vs. 63.333 ± 25.843 ml, p = 0.001), duration of hospitalization (14.022 ± 2.398 vs. 18.263 ± 9.328 days, p = 0.004), and postoperative recovery time (8.841 ± 2.088 vs. 11.461 ± 6.602 days, p = 0.014) were significantly lower in cohort A than in cohort B. There were no significant differences in the number of lymph node dissections, presence of lymph vessel invasion, and AL between the two groups.
Conclusions
Utilization of a 3D-printed IMA model in laparoscopic radical resection of RC can assist the surgeon in understanding the LCA anatomy preoperatively, reducing intraoperative bleeding, shortening operating time, and promoting rapid postoperative recovery.