bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of polymerizable monomers on the thickness and the growth rate of self-assembled smectic fibers
Authors: Sato Daichi , Sumino Yutaka , Yamamoto Takahiro , Muševič Igor , Takenaka Yoshiko 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Liquid crystal (LC) fibers formed by the self-assembly of LC molecules are promising for optical devices. However, the LC fibers reported previously were metastable and not reliable. In this study, we fabricated LC fibers using polymerizable monomers (PM). The growth rate decreased and the thickness increased compared to those of pure LC fibers. Our results will be useful for photopolymerization and will provide information for the application of the LC fibers.
Hydrophobic functionalization of graphene oxide film by pulsed hexamethyldisiloxane plasma
Authors: Zhang Mengxing , Guan Denggao , Yang Haowei , Xu Cigang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Graphene oxide (GO) membranes show good separation performance in membrane distillation processes, which require at least a single-sided hydrophobic surface to resist liquid penetration, but such hydrophobic GO membrane cannot be facilely prepared by conventional wet chemical processes. Here, a pulsed plasma hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) process was investigated, with the highest surface contact angle of 124° obtained. The results demonstrate that a plasma deposition process can provide a proper route to prepare surface-selective hydrophobic GO films, which facilitates their applications for membrane distillation processes and related fields.
Preparation of polyimide hollow particles using chemical imidization
Authors: Minoshima Nao , Michiura Takeru , Ouchi Takuto , Matsuno Shinya , Suzuki Nozomu , Suzuki Toyoko , Minami Hideto 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Hollow polyimide (PI) particles were successfully prepared using chemical imidization with acetic anhydride and pyridine as the chemical imidization reagents. The imidization reagents were added to the dispersion in which N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) droplets with dissolved poly(amic acid) (PAmA, the precursor of PI) were dispersed in a cyclohexane medium. In the absence of poly(n-butyl methacrylate) (P[n-BMA]) in PAmA/DMF droplets, approximately 10% of the PI particles had hollow structures. Conversely, in the presence of a small amount of P(n-BMA) in PAmA/DMF droplets (0.2∼1 wt%), all PI particles had hollow structures. The P(n-BMA) would affect the phase separation of the PI in the droplets, thereby promoting the formation of a hollow structure.
Synthesis of O- and N-substituted pentaiodobenzenes bearing σ-symmetric delocalized orbitals using site-selective nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions
Authors: Takada Yuki , Minoura Mao , Furukawa Shunsuke , Saito Masaichi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
We report the synthesis of oxygen- and nitrogen-substituted (O- and N-substituted) pentaiodobenzenes using site-selective nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) reactions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and theoretical calculations of thus synthesized pentaiodobenzenes reveal that their highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMOs) are composed of circularly delocalized σ-symmetric orbitals, as found in hexa-substituted benzenes bearing heavy atoms such as selenium and iodine.
Synthesis of high-entropy alloy nanoparticles using microwave-assisted reduction and investigation of their enhanced electrochemical hydrogen evolution activity
Authors: Hashimoto Naoki , Kitaura Ryota , Mori Kohsuke , Yamashita Hiromi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are fascinating materials for novel catalysts because of their broad compositional space, which is enabled by entropy-driven mixing. Herein, HEA nanoparticles (NPs) containing Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Pd were successfully synthesized on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) by microwave-assisted reduction. Compared with the corresponding monometallic catalysts, the quinary FeCoNiCuPd/rGO demonstrated greater electrocatalytic activity toward the acidic hydrogen evolution reaction. Density functional theory calculations revealed that modification of the d-band center and the hydrogen affinity induced by multielemental mixing enhanced the electrocatalytic performance of the HEA.
Direct observation of light reflection by titania particles
Authors: Miki Hiroyuki , Akai Shiho , Toyotama Akiko , Okuzono Tohru , Mata Jitendra , Yamanaka Junpei 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
We report on light refraction by titania particles with a high refractive index (approximately 2.4). Clusters of titania particles modified using a fluorescent dye, rhodamine B isothiocyanate, and nonfluorescent titania particles were prepared. When the clusters were irradiated using light at the excitation wavelength of the fluorescent dye, the edges of the bound nonfluorescent particles glowed brightly. Geometric optics and finite difference time domain calculations revealed that this phenomenon was due to a lens effect caused by titania particles.
Latent Tuberculosis Infection Testing Practices in a Large US Integrated Healthcare System
Authors: Ku Jennifer H , Fischer Heidi , Qian Lei X , Li Kris , Skarbinski Jacek , Shaw Sally , Bruxvoort Katia J , Lewin Bruno J , Spence Brigitte C , Tartof Sara Y 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Tuberculosis (TB) is a public health threat, with &gt;80% of active TB in the United States occurring due to reactivation of latent TB infection (LTBI). We may be underscreening those with high risk for LTBI and overtesting those at lower risk. A better understanding of gaps in current LTBI testing practices in relation to LTBI test positivity is needed.

Methods
This study, conducted between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2019 at Kaiser Permanente Southern California, included individuals aged ≥18 years without a history of active TB. We examined factors associated with LTBI testing and LTBI positivity.

Results
Among 3 816 884 adults (52% female, 37% White, 37% Hispanic, mean age 43.5 years [standard deviation, 16.1]), 706 367 (19%) were tested for LTBI, among whom 60 393 (9%) had ≥1 positive result. Among 1 211 971 individuals who met ≥1 screening criteria for LTBI, 210 025 (17%) were tested for LTBI. Factors associated with higher adjusted odds of testing positive included male sex (1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.30–1.35), Asian/Pacific Islander (2.78, 2.68–2.88), current smoking (1.24, 1.20–1.28), diabetes (1.13, 1.09–1.16), hepatitis B (1.45, 1.34–1.57), hepatitis C (1.54, 1.44–1.66), and birth in a country with an elevated TB rate (3.40, 3.31–3.49). Despite being risk factors for testing positive for LTBI, none of these factors were associated with higher odds of LTBI testing.

Conclusions
Current LTBI testing practices may be missing individuals at high risk of LTBI. Additional work is needed to refine and implement screening guidelines that appropriately target testing for those at highest risk for LTBI.
Pruritus and protein-bound uremic toxins in patients undergoing hemodialysis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yamamoto Suguru , Tanaka Takahiro , Omori Kentaro , Ei Isei , Kikuchi Kaori , Konagai Ayano , Goto Shin , Kitamura Nobutaka , Narita Ichiei 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Patients undergoing hemodialysis frequently experience pruritus; its severity is associated with poor quality of life and mortality. Recent progress in hemodialysis treatment has improved the removal of small- and middle-molecular-weight molecules; however, the removal of protein-bound uremic toxins (PBUTs) remains difficult. It is possible that pruritus is associated with serum PBUTs in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Methods
We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional study in patients undergoing hemodialysis (n = 135). The severity of pruritus was assessed using the 5D-itch scale and medication use. Serum PBUTs, including indoxyl sulfate, p-cresyl sulfate, indole acetic acid, phenyl sulfate, and hippuric acid, were measured using mass spectrometry; the PBUT score was calculated from these toxins using principal component analysis. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were performed to examine independent predictors of pruritus.

Results
Pruritus was reported by 62.2%, 21.5%, and 13.3%, 1.5% and 0.7% as 5 (not at all), 6–10, 11–15, 16–20, and 21–25 points, respectively. The PBUT score was higher in patients undergoing dialysis having pruritus than those without pruritus (0.201 [–0.021 to 0.424] vs –0.120 [–0.326 to 0.087]; P = 0.046). The PBUT score was shown to have an association with the presence of pruritus (coefficient 0.498$\ \pm \ $0.225, odds ratio: 1.65 [1.06–2.56]; P = 0.027).

Conclusion
Uremic pruritus was frequently found and associated with the PBUT score in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Further studies are required to clarify the impact of PBUTs on uremic pruritus and to explore therapeutic strategies in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Automatic detection of posterior superior alveolar artery in dental cone-beam CT images using a deeply supervised multi-scale 3D network
Authors: Park Jae-An , Kim DaEl , Yang Su , Kang Ju-Hee , Kim Jo-Eun , Huh Kyung-Hoe , Lee Sam-Sun , Yi Won-Jin , Heo Min-Suk 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to develop a robust and accurate deep learning network for detecting the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) in dental cone-beam CT (CBCT) images, focusing on the precise localization of the centre pixel as a critical centreline pixel.

Methods
PSAA locations were manually labelled on dental CBCT data from 150 subjects. The left maxillary sinus images were horizontally flipped. In total, 300 datasets were created. Six different deep learning networks were trained, including 3D U-Net, deeply supervised 3D U-Net (3D U-Net DS), multi-scale deeply supervised 3D U-Net (3D U-Net MSDS), 3D Attention U-Net, 3D V-Net, and 3D Dense U-Net. The performance evaluation involved predicting the centre pixel of the PSAA. This was assessed using mean absolute error (MAE), mean radial error (MRE), and successful detection rate (SDR).

Results
The 3D U-Net MSDS achieved the best prediction performance among the tested networks, with an MAE measurement of 0.696 ± 1.552 mm and MRE of 1.101 ± 2.270 mm. In comparison, the 3D U-Net showed the lowest performance. The 3D U-Net MSDS demonstrated a SDR of 95% within a 2 mm MAE. This was a significantly higher result than other networks that achieved a detection rate of over 80%.

Conclusions
This study presents a robust deep learning network for accurate PSAA detection in dental CBCT images, emphasizing precise centre pixel localization. The method achieves high accuracy in locating small vessels, such as the PSAA, and has the potential to enhance detection accuracy and efficiency, thus impacting oral and maxillofacial surgery planning and decision-making.
Comparison of deep learning methods for the radiographic detection of patients with different periodontitis stages
Authors: Guler Ayyildiz Berceste , Karakis Rukiye , Terzioglu Busra , Ozdemir Durmus 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The objective of this study is to assess the accuracy of computer-assisted periodontal classification bone loss staging using deep learning (DL) methods on panoramic radiographs and to compare the performance of various models and layers.

Methods
Panoramic radiographs were diagnosed and classified into 3 groups, namely “healthy,” “Stage1/2,” and “Stage3/4,” and stored in separate folders. The feature extraction stage involved transferring and retraining the feature extraction layers and weights from 3 models, namely ResNet50, DenseNet121, and InceptionV3, which were proposed for classifying the ImageNet dataset, to 3 DL models designed for classifying periodontal bone loss. The features obtained from global average pooling (GAP), global max pooling (GMP), or flatten layers (FL) of convolutional neural network (CNN) models were used as input to the 8 different machine learning (ML) models. In addition, the features obtained from the GAP, GMP, or FL of the DL models were reduced using the minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) method and then classified again with 8 ML models.

Results
A total of 2533 panoramic radiographs, including 721 in the healthy group, 842 in the Stage1/2 group, and 970 in the Stage3/4 group, were included in the dataset. The average performance values of DenseNet121 + GAP-based and DenseNet121 + GAP + mRMR-based ML techniques on 10 subdatasets and ML models developed using 2 feature selection techniques outperformed CNN models.

Conclusions
The new DenseNet121 + GAP + mRMR-based support vector machine model developed in this study achieved higher performance in periodontal bone loss classification compared to other models in the literature by detecting effective features from raw images without the need for manual selection.
A nomogram based on ultrasound scoring system for differentiating between immunoglobulin G4-related sialadenitis and primary Sjögren syndrome
Authors: Su Huan-Zhong , Hong Long-Cheng , Huang Mei , Zhang Feng , Wu Yu-Hui , Zhang Zuo-Bing , Zhang Xiao-Dong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Accurate distinguishing between immunoglobulin G4-related sialadenitis (IgG4-RS) and primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) is crucial due to their different treatment approaches. This study aimed to construct and validate a nomogram based on the ultrasound (US) scoring system for the differentiation of IgG4-RS and pSS.

Methods
A total of 193 patients with a clinical diagnosis of IgG4-RS or pSS treated at our institution were enrolled in the training cohort (n = 135; IgG4-RS = 28, pSS = 107) and the validation cohort (n = 58; IgG4-RS = 15, pSS = 43). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression algorithm was utilized to screen the most optimal clinical features and US scoring parameters. A model for the differential diagnosis of IgG4-RS or pSS was built using logistic regression and visualized as a nomogram. The performance levels of the nomogram model were evaluated and validated in both the training and validation cohorts.

Results
The nomogram incorporating clinical features and US scoring parameters showed better predictive value in differentiating IgG4-RS from pSS, with the area under the curves of 0.947 and 0.958 for the training cohort and the validation cohort, respectively. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the nomogram was clinically useful.

Conclusions
A nomogram based on the US scoring system showed favourable predictive efficacy in differentiating IgG4-RS from pSS. It has the potential to aid in clinical decision-making.
Clinical value of random esophageal biopsies in patients with dysphagia and normal endoscopy who are treated with a proton pump inhibitor
Authors: Kamionkowski Sara , Shibli Fahmi , Saleh Sherif , Trujillo Sophie , Mengalle Erika , El Mokahal Ali , Thomas Charles , Song Gengqing , Fass Ronnie 
Published: January 2024

Summary
Rome IV recommended esophageal biopsies in patients with dysphagia and normal endoscopy to exclude mucosal disease. Thus far, studies evaluating the utility of this recommendation remain scarce. The aims of this study were to determine the value of random esophageal biopsies in heartburn patients with dysphagia and normal endoscopy and compare the yield of random esophageal biopsies between younger versus older patients. Data were collected from consecutive patients presenting with dysphagia, 18 years and older, who were on proton pump inhibitors and had normal upper endoscopy. Biopsy results of patients with and without heartburn were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was used to compare normal versus abnormal biopsy results in younger and older patients accounting for confounding variables. The number of abnormal biopsies was significantly higher than normal biopsies (68% and 32%, respectively, P = 0.0001). Among abnormal biopsy results, microscopic gastroesophageal reflux disease was significantly more common than all other findings (39%, P = 0.0495). There was no significant difference in biopsy results in patients with and without heartburn as well as younger versus older patients (P = 0.3384, P = 0.1010, and P = 0.8468, respectively). Our study demonstrated that most patients with dysphagia and normal upper endoscopy who are on proton pump inhibitor have some type of histologic mucosal abnormality, which can direct future management. Among abnormal biopsies, microscopic reflux was by far the most common finding in patients with or without a history of heartburn. While this supports the management strategy proposed by Rome IV, age did not drive esophageal biopsy results.
Cost-effectiveness of catheter-based radiofrequency renal denervation for the treatment of uncontrolled hypertension: an analysis for the UK based on recent clinical evidence
Authors: Sharp Andrew S P , Cao Khoa N , Esler Murray D , Kandzari David E , Lobo Melvin D , Schmieder Roland E , Pietzsch Jan B 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Aims
Catheter-based radiofrequency renal denervation (RF RDN) has recently been approved for clinical use in the European Society of Hypertension guidelines and by the US Food and Drug Administration. This study evaluated the lifetime cost-effectiveness of RF RDN using contemporary evidence.

Methods and results
A decision–analytic model based on multivariate risk equations projected clinical events, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and costs. The model consisted of seven health states: hypertension alone, myocardial infarction (MI), other symptomatic coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure (HF), end-stage renal disease, and death. Risk reduction associated with changes in office systolic blood pressure (oSBP) was estimated based on a published meta-regression of hypertension trials. The base case effect size of −4.9 mmHg oSBP (observed vs. sham control) was taken from the SPYRAL HTN-ON MED trial of 337 patients. Costs were based on National Health Service England data. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was evaluated against the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) cost-effectiveness threshold of £20 000–30 000 per QALY gained. Extensive scenario and sensitivity analyses were conducted, including the ON-MED subgroup on three medications and pooled effect sizes. RF RDN resulted in a relative risk reduction in clinical events over 10 years (0.80 for stroke, 0.88 for MI, 0.72 for HF), with an increase in health benefit over a patient's lifetime, adding 0.35 QALYs at a cost of £4763, giving an ICER of £13 482 per QALY gained. Findings were robust across tested scenarios.

Conclusion
Catheter-based radiofrequency RDN can be a cost-effective strategy for uncontrolled hypertension in the UK, with an ICER substantially below the NICE cost-effectiveness threshold.
Characterization and natural history of different phenotypes in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis: 40-year experience at a single Italian referral centre
Authors: Caponetti Angelo Giuseppe , Sguazzotti Maurizio , Accietto Antonella , Saturi Giulia , Ponziani Alberto , Giovannetti Alessandro , Massa Paolo , Ruotolo Irene , Sena Giuseppe , Zaccaro Andrea , Parisi Vanda , Bonfiglioli Rachele , Guaraldi Pietro , Gagliardi Christian , Cortelli Pietro , Galie Nazzareno , Biagini Elena , Longhi Simone 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Aims
Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) is one of the leading aetiologies of systemic amyloidosis with more than 135 mutations described and a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. We aimed to provide a systematic description of a population of individuals carrying pathogenic mutations of transthyretin (TTR) gene and to investigate the major clinical events during follow-up.

Methods and results
This was an observational, retrospective, cohort study including consecutive patients with mutations of TTR gene, admitted to a tertiary referral centre in Bologna, Italy, between 1984 and 2022. Three hundred twenty-five patients were included: 106 asymptomatic carriers, 49 cardiac phenotype, 49 neurological phenotype, and 121 mixed phenotype. Twenty-two different mutations were found, with Ile68Leu (41.8%), Val30Met (19%), and Glu89Gln (10%) being the most common. After a median follow-up of 51 months, 111 patients (38.3%) died and 9 (11.5%) of the 78 asymptomatic carriers developed ATTRv. Carriers had a prognosis comparable with healthy population, while no significant differences were seen among the three phenotypes adjusted by age. Age at diagnosis, New York Heart Association class III, left ventricular ejection fraction, modified polyneuropathy disability score IV, and disease-modifying therapy were independently associated with survival.

Conclusion
This study offers a wide and comprehensive overview of ATTRv from the point of view of a tertiary referral centre in Italy. Three main phenotypes can be identified (cardiac, neurological, and mixed) with specific clinical and instrumental features. Family screening programmes are essential to identify paucisymptomatic affected patients or unaffected carriers of the mutation, to be followed through the years. Lastly, disease-modifying therapy represents an evolving cornerstone of the management of ATTRv, with a great impact on mortality.
Exercise systolic blood pressure response during cycle ergometry is associated with future hypertension in normotensive individuals
Authors: Carlén Anna , Lindow Thomas , Cauwenberghs Nicholas , Elmberg Viktor , Brudin Lars , Ekström Magnus , Hedman Kristofer 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Aims
We aimed to investigate the association between the exercise systolic blood pressure (SBP) response and future hypertension (HTN) in normotensive individuals referred for cycle ergometry, with special regard to reference exercise SBP values and exercise capacity.

Methods and results
In this longitudinal cohort study, data from 14 428 exercise tests were cross-linked with Swedish national registries on diagnoses and medications. We excluded individuals with a baseline diagnosis of cardiovascular disease or HTN. The peak exercise SBP (SBPpeak) was recorded and compared with the upper limit of normal (ULN) derived from SBPpeak reference equations incorporating age, sex, resting SBP, and exercise capacity. To evaluate the impact of exercise capacity, three SBP to work rate slopes (SBP/W-slopes) were calculated, relative to either supine or seated SBP at rest or to the first exercise SBP. Adjusted hazard ratios [HRadjusted (95% confidence interval, CI)] for incident HTN during follow-up, in relation to SBP response metrics, were calculated. We included 3895 normotensive individuals (49 ± 14 years, 45% females) with maximal cycle ergometer tests. During follow-up (median 7.5 years), 22% developed HTN. Higher SBPpeak and SBPpeak &gt; ULN were associated with incident HTN [HRadjusted 1.19 (1.14–1.23) per 10 mmHg, and 1.95 (1.54–2.47), respectively]. All three SBP/W-slopes were positively associated with incident HTN, particularly the SBP/W-slope calculated as supine-to-peak SBP [HRadjusted 1.25 (1.19–1.31) per 1 mmHg/10 W].

Conclusion
Both SBPpeak &gt; ULN based on reference values and high SBP/W-slopes were associated with incident HTN in normotensive individuals and should be considered in the evaluation of the cycle ergometry SBP response.