bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence in Varicella Zoster Virus DNA in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients
Authors: Venkatachalam Prasanth , J Joselin Jeya Sheela 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Individuals with an Inflammatory-bowel-disease are at a higher risk of contracting the virus. The prevalence of VZV in IBD patient’s is a particularly concerning, as it has been-reported to be highly contagious, severe, and in some cases fatal in patients with colitis. This study was aim to be evaluate the prevalence of VZV in individuals with IBD. Methods: Serum and biopsy-sample of large-intestine specimens from patients with IBD (Ulcerative-Colitis-(n = 31), patients with Crohn’s-disease-(n = 23)) and control group of non-IBD-(n = 21) were analysed the anti-VZV-IgG presence from done by ELISA and Viral-DNA of VZV by Nested-PCR. All biopsy-samples were viral VZV-DNA was analysed done by using Nested-PCR assay. In this study, a statistical-model was used to compare prevalence of the virus in IBD-patient and non-IBD patients. Results: all IBD-case patients, 47 and 09 were positive for serum of anti-VZV Antibodies by ELISA and tissue-Biopsy of VZV-DNA by nested PCR, and to non-IBD control group,19 and 00 were positive for serum of anti-VZV Antibodies by ELISA and Tissue-Biopsy of VZV-DNA by Nested-PCR-Method. Analyses of nested-PCR of results showed in a robust correlation in between VZV prevalence and Inflammatory-bowel-disease. Conclusion: The detection of VZV in routine samples might be an indicator for the inclusion of the vaccine for VZV in the childhood immunization-program has been proposed, Whereas the VZV-vaccine is widely available, and as the vaccine has been quite effective in preventing the complications associated with VZV infection.
The Impact of HIV on Tuberculous Meningitis Mortality; Experience from a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan
Authors: Waqar Zaid , Khalid Bushra , Saddiqa Amina , Khalil Maryam , Awan Malik Muhammad Adil , Solizay Asmat Ullah Khan , Khan Soban , Majid Haris 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
The global death rate from tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is still rather high, making it a dangerous and sometimes fatal infectious condition. The risk of TBM is greatly increased by HIV infection, as is widely known, however new studies indicates that HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals may not have significantly different death rates. The objective of this research is to examine and clarify this occurrence while also determining the main factors that predict death in individuals with TBM.
Materials &Methods:
This prospective study was conducted at Department of Neurology of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences from June- 2022 to June 2023. Patients exhibiting characteristics suggestive of meningeal tuberculosis and meeting the criteria of the Thwaites index were included and Patients with bacterial meningitis, dengue infection, malaria, fungal infection and neoplasia were excluded.
Analysis:
SPSS version 25 used, chi square, Phi and Pearson’s coefficient were used to analyze correlation and statistical significance.
Results
Statistical analysis showed a non-significant association HIV positivity and mortality, Pearson’s chi square test significance was (P- value) 0.424 (it should be less than 0.05). Phi coefficient correlation showed no correlation between HIV and Mortality. In contrast to the above analysis Increasing MRC grade of tuberculosis and Increasing age of Patients were associated with higher mortality and the results are statistically significant.
Conclusion
HIV although associated with higher incidence of tuberculosis, didn’t increase mortality from TB meningitis, and increasing age and higher severity of disease are predictors of mortality.
Single‑incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy is better in reducing postoperative pain than three-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with large gallstone
Authors: Zhang Zhiheng , Yu Decai , Lin Nacheng , Peng Jin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Aim
Depending on gallstone size, this study aimed to evaluate the efficiency and safety of SILC and TILC.
Material and methods
Patients with gallstones underwent cholecystectomy by a single surgeon in this single-centre retrospective study between June 2022 and October 2023.
Results
Of the 114 patients included in this study, 61 underwent SILC, and 53 underwent TILC. The pain score 6h, 24h post-operation was higher in the TILC group compared with the SILC group. Gallstone was divided into large (diameter > 2cm) and small group (diameter < 2cm), larger gallstones significantly increase operation duration in patients who receive SILC. For the TILC group, large gallstones significantly increased blood loss during operation, while operative duration, pain score, and hospitalization stay did not differ between the two groups. The blood volume and pain score were higher in the TILC group compared with the SILC group for patients with large gallstones.
Conclusion
In this study, SILC and TILC both had similar postoperative outcomes and reduced postoperative pain. Moreover, SILC might be a better option for patients with larger gallstones (diameter > 2 cm) and helps reduce blood loss and postoperative pain.
Enhancing DC Resistivity Data Two-Dimensional Inversion Result by Using U-Net Based Deep Learning- Algorithm: Examples from Archaegeophysical Surveys
Authors: ÖVER Demet , CANDANSAYAR M. Emin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

In this study, we suggested using a convolutional neural network (CNN) based algorithm to enhance two-dimensional (2D) Direct Current Resistivity data inversion results. We developed U-net based CNN algorithm, named DCR_Net_Archeo. We generated 1080 sets of 2D resistivity models that simulate buried archeological remains. We calculated synthetic data for those models for different electrode arrays. We added 2% random noise to apparent resistivity data sets and inverted those data sets. We used the 2D inversion results as input and the corresponding real resistivity model as output. By using those 1080 input and output data sets we developed the DCR_Net_Archeo algorithm. First, we tested this algorithm by using synthetic data. We showed that the developed algorithm improved the 2D classical smoothing regularization inversion and the buried body’s location and depth can be found very close to the real model. Afterward, we also tested the developed algorithm with real data collected from two different archaeological sites. We showed that the buried wall cross-section location and depth are better found by the DCR_Net_Archeo algorithm than the classical inversion result if we compare it with the excavated wall structure.
Esophageal pericardial fistula caused by esophageal carcinoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Xiao , Fan Huanfang , Ma Pan , Wu Haina , Guo Xujin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Esophago-pericardial fistula is a rare disease, and reports about it are rare. But esophagopericardial fistula is a serious condition with rapid progression, easy to miss diagnosis and misdiagnosis, and high fatality rate. However, there are no guidelines for its diagnosis and treatment in academia. This paper describes and analyzes a typical case of esophageal cancer-induced esophageal pericardial fistula, and summarizes the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this disease in combination with previous literature on esophageal pericardial fistula, so as to further improve the understanding of esophageal pericardial fistula and esophageal tumors.
The discrepant effect of blood glucose on the risk of early and late lung injury: Evidence from NHANES Running title： Blood Glucose Impact on Overall Lung Health
Authors: Wang Lu , Jiao Xiaojuan , Zhang qin , Shen Yunfeng 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The association between glycemic control and short-, and long-term lung health remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between glucose control and overall lung health in a national cohort.
Methods
The analysis included 5610 subjects from NHANES 2007–2012. We assessed the correlation of glycemic status with respiratory symptoms (cough, sputum, wheeze, and exertional dyspnea), lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1-second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC)), and obstructive or restrictive lung disease (RLD). Furthermore, we determined all-cause mortality in patients with restrictive lung disease by linking data to the National Mortality Index records up to December 31, 2019.
Results
The study involved the examination of respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function tests, and mortality analyses encompassing 3714, 3916, and 173 subjects, respectively. Multifactorial regression analyses revealed that a 1% increase in blood glucose was associated with a reduction in effect sizes (β) for FVC and FEV1 by -1.66% (-2.47%, -0.86%) and − 1.94% (-2.65%, -1.23%), respectively. This increase also exhibited correlations with an elevated risk of exertional dyspnoea, obstructive ventilation dysfunction, and all-cause mortality, presenting odds ratios (ORs) of 1.19 (1.06, 1.33), 1.22 (1.10, 1.36), and 1.61 (1.29, 2.01), respectively. Regarding glycemic control, patients with improved control demonstrated stronger associations with early lung damage, significantly correlating with reduced FVC (β -10.90%, [-14.45%, -7.36%]) and FEV1 (β -9.38%, [-12.90%, -5.87%]). Moreover, they experienced a notably higher risk of exertional dyspnoea (adjusted OR 2.09, [1.35–3.24]), while the diabetic group with poorer glycemic control showed more significant connections with advanced lung damage. This group exhibited significant associations with an increased risk of obstructive ventilatory dysfunction (adjusted OR, 2.56, [1.70–3.86]) and all-cause mortality (hazard ratios [HRs] 2.65, [1.05–6.67]), all compared to the reference group with normal glycemic metabolism.
Conclusions
Elevated blood glucose exhibited an inverse correlation with both long-term and short-term lung health. A negative L-shaped relationship was observed between glycemic control and early lung injury, along with a linearly negative association concerning late-stage lung damage.
MRI variables and peripheral inflammatory response biomarkers predict severity and prognosis in patients with acute cervical traumatic spinal cord injury
Authors: Ding Zihan , Zhou Wu , Wang Deliang , Li Lin , Wang Chengyun , Wang Chunliang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objective: Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) stands as one of the most profoundly damaging and debilitating conditions. This study aims to explore the potential of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) variables and peripheral inflammatory indicators as promising biomarkers. It aims to understand their significance in evaluating the severity and predicting the prognosis of TSCI. Furthermore, the study aims to ascertain whether combining these indicators could enhance the accuracy of injury assessment and predictive prognostic ability.
Methods: A multicentre retrospective cohort study was conducted to assess the severity and prognostic value of MRI variables and peripheral inflammatory response biomarkers in patients with acute cervicalTSCI. The study involved 374 patients with acute cervicalTSCI drawn from the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. The severity and prognosis of patients with acute cervical TSCI were assessed using the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS). The correlation between MRI variables, peripheral inflammatory response biomarkers, admission severity, and the 1-year follow-up prognosis was analysed.
Results: After the initial assessment using the AIS grading system, 169 (49.2%) patients fell into the non-severe category for cervical TSCI (AIS A–B), while 205 (50.8%) patients were classified as severe cases (AIS C–E). The MRI variables (intramedullary lesion length [IMLL], Brain and Spinal Injury Centre [BASIC], maximum spinal cord compression [MSCC], and maximum canal compromise [MCC]) and inflammatory response biomarkers (white blood cells [WBCs], neutrophils, and C-reactive protein [CRP]) exhibited a consistent decrease correlating with the severity grades noted upon admission. Among the 374 patients assessed, 147 (39.3%) experienced a poor prognosis, as indicated by the AIS grade during the 1-year follow-up. MRI variables and peripheral inflammatory response biomarkers declined in correspondence with the follow-up AIS grades. Sex (p <0.001), IMLL (p <0.001), MSCC (p<0.001), MCC (p <0.001), BASIC (p <0.001), WBC (p<0.001), neutrophils (p <0.001), and CRP (p <0.001) were statistically significant in predicting poor outcomes. Through multiple logistic regression analysis, BASIC score and CRP emerged as independent predictors of poor prognosis. Notably, the model combining the BASIC score and CRP yielded a larger area under the curve compared to models using only the BASIC score or CRP individually.
Conclusions: The BASIC score and CRP are crucial biomarkers for evaluating the severity of cervical TSCI and predicting prognosis. Their combination proved to be a more robust determinant of injury severity and a better predictor of neurological recovery.
Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial of Phytoterpenes in DMSO for the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis
Authors: Burke Briant E. , Baillie Jon-Eric 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Sixty-two patients with plantar fasciitis were randomized to a placebo controlled trial testing the efficacy of a topical solution of plant terpenes containing camphor, menthol, eugenol, eucalyptol, and vanillin. Skin permeation of the mixture was enhanced with 15% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), 1% limonene, and rosemary oil. Using the validated foot function index 78.1% of patients reported an 85% or greater decrease in their total pain score by day 10 with twice daily application, while placebo treatment was without effect.
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05467631
Analysis of progression after elective distal ureterectomy and effects of salvage radical nephroureterectomy in patients with distal ureteral urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Lee Chung Un , Lee Jong Hoon , Lee Hye Won , Chung Jae Hoon , Song Wan , Kang Minyong , Jeon Hwang Gyun , Jeong Byong Chang , Seo Seong Il , Jeon Seong Soo , Sung Hyun Hwan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
We compared the progression patterns after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) and elective distal ureterectomy (DU) in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the distal ureter. Between Jan 2011 and Dec 2020, 127 patients who underwent RNU and 46 who underwent elective DU for distal ureteral cancer were enrolled in this study. The patterns of progression and upper tract recurrence were compared between the two groups. Progression was defined as a local recurrence and/or distant metastasis after surgery. Upper tract recurrence and subsequent treatment in patients with DU were analyzed. Progression occurred in 35 (27.6%) and 10 (21.7%) patients in the RNU and DU groups, respectively. The progression pattern was not significantly different (p= 0.441), and the most common progression site was the lymph nodes in both groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that pT2 stage, concomitant lymphovascular invasion, and nodal stage were significant predictors of disease progression. Upper tract recurrence was observed in nine (19.6%) patients with DU, and six (66.7%) patients had a prior history of bladder tumor. All patients with upper tract recurrence after DU were managed with salvage RNU. Elective DU with or without salvage treatment was not a risk factor for disease progression (p = 0.736), overall survival (p = 0.457), cancer-specific survival (p = 0.169), or intravesical recurrence-free survival (p= 0.921). In terms of progression patterns and oncological outcomes, there was no difference between patients who underwent RNU and elective DU with/without salvage treatment. Elective DU should be considered as a therapeutic option for distal ureter tumor.
Screening for central targets and the commonalities between rheumatoid arthritis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis based on bioinformatics
Authors: wu yunxia , Lei Kuok Tong , Wang Zishan , Lu Yun , Zhu Wen , Wang Yue 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: Despite the mounting proof that those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are more likely to experience idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), The precise molecular processes that underlie this correlation are yet to be fully comprehended. Hence, the objective of this research was to investigate the molecular workings of RA in conjunction with IPF.
Methods: The researchers obtained four datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, adhering to a rigorous set of inclusion and exclusion standards. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to identify common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and hub genes, including functional annotation, co-expression analysis and construction of regulatory TF-mRNA-miRNA networks. The CIBERSORT algorithm was employed to evaluate the association between hub genes and infiltrating immune cells in RA and IPF, in order to examine and contrast immune infiltration.
Results: Out of the 153 DEGs that were screened between GSE53845 and GSE55235, the GO and KEGG functional analyses showed that the pathogenesis of these genes may be related to immune factors. After constructing a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, four hub genes (THY1, CD19, CCL5 and CD8A) were identified, and further bioinformatic analysis revealed that hub genes are involved in cell migration, cytokine activity, chemokine response and chemokine binding. Ultimately, the CIBERSORT-based algorithm detected three immune cells that were infiltrating both RA and IPF, namely CD4+ memory T cells that were upregulated, M1 macrophages, and CD8+ T cells that overlapped. The presence of THY1, CD8A, CCL5, and CD19 was linked to memory activated CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells when immune cells were associated with hub genes.
Conclusions: This study uncovered that THY1, CD19, CCL5 and CD8A may serve as commonly diagnostic biomarkers for RA and IPF. CD4+ memory T cells, M1 macrophages and CD8+ T cells are involved in the development of RA and IPF. Targeting these cells and targets may be the therapeutic direction of future research into RA-IPF comorbidity.
High pressure die casting process optimization for improving shrinkage porosity and air entrainment in carburetor housing with aluminum alloy using Taguchi-based ProCAST simulation and MADM-based overall quality index
Authors: Kim Ryong-Chol , Hong Kyong-Ryul , Yang Ji-Yon , Yang Won-Chol 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Many practical high pressure die casting process (HPDCP) optimization problems are multi-objective optimization ones that optimize multiple quality attributes of castings. This paper proposes a new HPDCP optimization method for improving shrinkage porosity and air entrainment using Taguchi-based ProCAST simulation and multi-attribute decision making (MADM)-based overall quality index. Taguchi orthogonal array is used to design ProCAST simulation experiment. MADM is used to convert multiple quality attributes into a single overall quality index (OQI). Taguchi optimization method is used to determine optimal HPDCP parameters to maximize the OQI. By using the proposed method, this paper determines the optimal HPDCP parameters such as pouring temperature (PT), filling rate (FR), piston velocity (PV) and preheating mold temperature (PMT) for improving volume of shrinkage porosity (VSP) and air entrainment (AE) in carburetor housing with aluminum alloy AlSi9Cu1Mg. The optimal HPDCP parameters are PT of 640 oC, FR of 40%, PV of 6.5 m/s, and PMT of 150 oC. The PT is the most effective HPDCP parameter for improving the VSP and AE, and the next are FR, PV and PMT. The proposed method could be actively applied to not only HPDCP but also other casting processes and other manufacturing processes.
An Autonomous Wheelchair with Health Monitoring System based on Internet of Thing
Authors: Hou Lei , Latif Jawwad , Mehryar Pouyan , Ali Zulfiqur , Withers Stephen , Plastropoulos Angelos , Shen Linlin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Assistive powered wheelchairs will bring patients and elderly the ability of remain mobile without the direct intervention from caregivers. Vital signs from users can be collected and analyzed remotely to allow better disease prevention and proactive management of health and chronic conditions. This research proposes an autonomous wheelchair prototype system integrated with biophysical sensors based on internet of thing (IoT). A powered wheelchair system was developed with three biophysical sensors to collect, transmit and analysis users’ four vital signs to provide real-time feedback to users and clinicians. A user interface software embedded with the cloud artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms was developed for the data visualization and analysis. An improved data compression algorithm Minimalist, Adaptive and Streaming R-bit (O-MAS-R) was proposed to achieve a higher compression ratio with minimum 7.1%, maximum 45.25% compared with MAS algorithm during the data transmission. At the same time, the prototype wheelchair, accompanied with a smart-chair app, assimilates data from the onboard sensors and characteristics features within the surroundings in real-time to achieve the functions including obstruct laser scanning, autonomous localization, and point-to-point route planning and moving within a predefined area. In conclusion, the wheelchair prototype uses AI algorithms and navigation technology to help patients and elderly maintain their independent mobility and monitor their healthcare information in real-time.
Effect of Land Use in Soil Silicophytolith Pool in Pampean Region, Argentina
Authors: Paolicchi Micaela , Osterrieth Margarita , Honaine Mariana Fernández 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Aims
Silicophytoliths contributes to the pool of amorphous silica that is incorporated into soils acting as an intermediate in the biogeochemical silica cycle. Soils of the Argentine Pampas are used for agro-livestock practices resulting in nutrient loss and soil degradation. In order to estimate how land use modifies different soil properties and how these alter the silicophytolith content of the soil, soil properties of different sites, silicophytolith content of plant species, dung and soils from different sites (pasture, cultivated field and reserve) were studied.
Methods
We examined soil, dung and plant phytolith contents and soil properties of sites with different soil use (pasture, cultivated field and reserve). Silicophytoliths from plants and dung were extracted by a calcination technique. Soil properties and phytolith content were measured or obtained by routine techniques. Differences between sites were analyzed by non-parametric and multivariate analyses.
Results
The production of silicophytoliths by crops was higher than another species. No close relationship between silicophytoliths produced by plants and those found in soils. The highest silicophytolith content was observed in the reserve and the lowest concentration in the cultivated field due to the extraction of the plants. Phytoliths had a significant correlation positive with organic matter and negative with pH.
Conclusions
Agro-livestock management modifies soil properties and the amounts of silicophytoliths in soils. Important changes in the silicophytolith pool are observed in the cultivated field. The results suggest that taphonomic processes in soils should be taken into account in palaeoecological studies.