bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlations between pre-operative statin-treatment with short- and long-term survival following colorectal cancer surgery: A propensity score-matched national cohort study
Authors: Löffler Lea Maria , Gögenur Ismail , Gögenur Mikail 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction
The many effects of statins have attracted considerable attention in oncological treatment. Several preclinical and epidemiological studies have highlighted their potential anti-tumor properties in patients with colorectal cancer, although results have been conflicting. This study aimed to examine the association between statin exposure before colorectal cancer surgery with long and short-term survival outcomes.
Methods
This retrospective propensity-score adjusted study was conducted on a Danish cohort of patients who underwent elective curative-intended surgery for stage I-III colorectal cancer in 2008–2020, using four national patient databases. The primary and secondary outcomes were overall-, 90-day- and disease-free survival. Propensity scores were calculated using all available data to match patients with and without statin exposure in a 1:1 ratio.
Results
Following propensity score matching, 7,120 patients were included in the primary analysis. The median follow-up time was 5 years. A Cox proportional hazards model showed no statistically significant difference in overall survival between patients with or without statin exposure 365 days before surgery (HR: 0.93, 95% CI, 0.85–1.02) and no association with 90-day survival (OR: 0.91, 95% CI, 0.76–1.10). However, a subgroup analysis examining a 90-day exposure before surgery found a statistically significant association with increased overall survival (HR: 0.85, 95% CI, 0.77–0.93).
Conclusion
Although a subgroup of patients with a pre-operative exposure time of 90 days showed statistically significant better overall survival, we found no statistically significant association between statin exposure one year before colorectal cancer surgery and overall survival.
Assessing the Prevalence and Determinants of Post Abortion Contraceptive Use among Post Abortion Clients of Reproductive Age in Neno District, Malawi.
Authors: Kutsamba Martha Bakhita Jaleti , Kamanga Martha , Selemani Chimwemwe Msowoya 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Malawi has the highest un-met need for contraception currently estimated at 39.8% among unmarried women. This has contributed to high unintended pregnancy rate of 53%; 30% of which end up in abortions. The Southwest zone where Neno is located contributed 28.5% to all abortions in Malawi in 2015. Provision of PAFP was introduced in 1994 in Malawi to prevent repeated unintended pregnancies, but there is low utilization (22.4%). The aim of this study was to assess prevalence and determinants of post abortion contraceptive use in Neno district where abortion rate is high at 5.4%.
Methods
This was a facility based cross-sectional study conducted at Neno district hospital and Lisungwi community hospital from October to December 2022, using proportional sampling procedure. Data was analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22 and excel. Chi Square test and binary logistic regression models at bivariate and multivariate levels were used.
Results
Prevalence of PAFP was found to be at 61.8%. Factors positively associated with use were unemployement (aOR = 4.131, 95%CI: 1.069–14.968), previous contraceptive use (aOR = 6.068, 95%CI: 2.282–16.132), provider availablity in PAC room (aOR = 4.581, 95%CI: 1.056–19.866), PAFP counselling (aOR = 16.314, 95%CI: 5.554–47.921), short waiting time (aOR = .104, 95%CI:.37-.295) and MVA use (aOR = 13.454, 95%CI: 1.004-180.361). Whilst Spouse’s high education, (aOR = 0.185, 95%CI: 0.039–0.879) and having intended pregnancy (aOR.197, 95%CI: .56-.698) were negatively associated with PAFP use.
Conclusion and recommendations
The study found a higher contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) among PAC clients than the district CPR. Long waiting time, counselling and low use of MVA need to be addressed to improve uptake of PAFP among PAC clients which can help in improving overall district CPR.
Prognostic Value of Monocyte Percentage in Newly Diagnosed Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Patients Treated with Rituximab and CHOP
Authors: Yu Hongjuan , Qi Xuefen , Zhang Jifei , He Lingrong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Absolute monocyte count is a poor prognostic factor for a variety of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. However, the importance of monocyte percentage, particularly, in the newly discovered haematological malignancies, is not fully comprehended. So, we analysed the the prognosis role of monocyte percentage at diagnosis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 169 DLBCL patients who treated with rituximab between 2018 to 2022 and followed at a same hospital. Both univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were performed to investigate the impact of monocyte percentage and clinical characteristics on DLBCL prognosis. Log-rank test analysis appertained to the Kaplan- Meier curve was also conducted to calculated progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).
Results
Among them, there were 53 and 16 cases of disease progression/ relapse and death at the time of follow-up to date, respectively. Using the normal upper limits as the cut-off, we divided monocyte percentage into two group(≤ 10%, > 10%)and low group viewed as reference group. Monocyte percentage were independently related to PFS and OS when monocyte percentage presented as continuous variables in three models. When compared with the reference group, high group has worse PFS (HR 2.54, 95% CI 1.08–5.99, p = 0.033), but no statistical difference was observed in OS in full adjustment model (p = 0.143). The results of Log-rank test suggested that both the PFS and OS of DLBCL patients in the high monocyte percentage group was significantly worse (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
This cohort study firstly raised a significant association between elevated monocyte percentage and a poor survival outcome.
Synthesis and active sorting of magnetic liquid beads
Authors: Yadav Ajeet Singh , Galogahi Fariba Malekpour , Vashi Aditya , Tran Du Tuan , Kijanka Gregor S , Cha Haotian , Sreej Kamalalayam Rajan , Nguyen Nam-Trung 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This paper reports the fabrication and characterization of magnetic liquid beads using microfluidic techniques. The liquid beads consist of a fluorinated oil core and a polymer shell embedded with magnetite particles. The beads are generated in a flow-focusing PDMS device and cured by photopolymerisation. The mobility response of the beads to an external magnetic field was investigated by characterising their motion towards a permanent magnet. Magnetic sorting of liquid beads with 90% efficiency was achieved due to the unique magnetic property of the shell. The results show that the liquid beads can be controlled magnetically and have potential applications in drug delivery, bioimaging, sensing, and tissue engineering. The present paper also discusses the effects of parameters such as magnetite concentration, bead size, and mass on the magnetic force and sorting efficiency.
The onset time of pulmonary hemorrhage is an important factor affecting the prognosis in very low birth weight infants
Authors: Pan Jing-jing , Cui Shu-dong , Miao Xiao-lin , Feng Yun , Zou Yun-su , Cheng Rui , Yang Yang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: This retrospective cohort study was conducted to clarify the effect of different onset ages of pulmonary hemorrhage on the survival time in very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs).
Methods: The study participants were screened from all VLBWIs admitted to two Chinese neonatal intensive care units from July 31, 2019 to July 31, 2023. The subjects finally included were VLBWIs who survived until the diagnosis of pulmonary hemorrhage was established. This study was retrospectively divided into the death group (n=73) and the survival group (n=54).
Results: (1) The death group showed smaller gestational age, lower birth weight, higher proportions of postnatal intubation, grade III-IV respiratory distress syndrome, early onset sepsis, and coagulopathy (p<0.05). (2) The Cox regression analysis showed that the adjusted hazard ratio of onset time is 0.965(95% CI: 0.931-0.998) based on the variables screened by Lasso regression. Restricted cubic spline analysis found the cut-point of onset age is 3 days after birth (P for likelihood ratio test <0.001). (3) The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that infants whose onset age is less than 3 days have a shorter survival time (Log-rank test, p<0.0001).
Conclusion: VLBWIs with onset age of pulmonary hemorrhage less than 3 days have a significantly increased risk of death and shorter survival time.
Perineal sling for the treatment of severe male incontinence, a cohort study
Authors: Wadie Bassem S , Eldiasty Islam F. , Selim Ahmed A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Post radical cystectomy/post-traumatic incontinence is challenging. Albeit not life-threatening; it has significantly negative impact on patients’ quality of life. We studied the application of customized perineal sling in treatment of these two conditions.
Methods
Men after RCOD with significant daytime incontinence had MRI, basic laboratory testing and 1-hour pad test. Patients with post traumatic incontinence had anastomotic urethroplasty at least once. All had a median 5 pad/day. Tailored to the size of the patient’s bulb, Polypropylene mesh is fixed by 4 No 1. Ethilon sutures, to the inferior pubic ramus.
Results
Group 1 included 12 patients; mean age: 67 years. (56–80 years). No evidence of local recurrence prior to sling. Mean BMI: 25.62 (range: 22-32.4) Mean pad weight was 112.5 gm. (80–200). 12 months after surgery, pad test was negative in 6 patients (50%) and positive in 6, with mean increase of 17.8 gm. (range 1–80 gm.). Average pad use was 2 pads /day (1–3). Mean PVR was 15.3 ml (range: 1–82). Group 2: 4 patients. Mean age: 29.3 years. All had anastmotic urethroplasty for post- traumatic stricture. Median incontinence duration was 24 months (24–120). Median follow up was 50 months (32–70). At the time of last follow up, 3 out of 4 (75%) were either completely dry or showed significant improvement with only one pad /day.
Conclusion
At 1 year this customized perineal sling is a safe, easy to learn and effective mode of treatment of severe male incontinence.
Suppressive effect of isofraxidin on the overexpression of IL-6 and its molecular mechanism
Authors: Yamazaki Taisuke , Tokiwa Takayoshi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine that has many biological activities, including inflammation, hematopoiesis, bone metabolism, embryonic development, and other fundamental processes. Recently, IL-6 has been widely recognized as an important pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in cytokine storm pathogenesis during severe inflammatory diseases, such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, IL-6 is considered to be a therapeutic target for inhibiting cytokine storm. In the present study, we investigated the suppressive effect of isofraxidin, a major coumarin compound of Acanthopanax senticosus, on the overexpression of IL-6 and its molecular mechanism. When human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, HuH-7 and HepG2, were treated with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), a marked induction of IL-6 mRNA expression was observed in HuH-7 cells compared with HepG2 cells. Isofraxidin significantly suppressed TPA-induced IL-6 mRNA expression in HuH-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, isofraxidin inhibited TPA-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in a dose dependent manner. Similarly, the MAPK/ERK inhibitor U0126 suppressed TPA-induced IL-6 mRNA expression. However, isofraxidin had no effects on TPA-induced phosphorylation of SAPK/JNK, Akt (Ser473), and STAT3 (Tyr705), nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65, and degradation of IκB. Taken together, isofraxidin suppresses TPA-induced overexpression of IL-6 mRNA by selectively inhibiting the activation of the MAPK/ERK pathway in HuH-7 cells, indicating that isofraxidin may be an effective anti-inflammatory agent for treating cytokine storm.
Enhancing Knee Detection with U-Net Segmentation: A Comprehensive Optimization Approach
Authors: venkatesh Raavi , kandaswamy Akash 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Medical imaging is one of the critical tasks in the image segmentation process. Knee detection comes under it. It is done by using U-Net segmentation. This is a very powerful deep learning approach that has been effective in the medical field for a very long time including knee detection. This U-Net segmentation has areas to improve which lead to derivation of various techniques from the main algorithm like U-Net++,pspnet,Aunet and many more. For finding the efficiency and accuracy for medical imaging we choose three different algorithms along with the U-Net segmentation to compare the factors like Number of parameters, FLOPS,Memory usage and speed. This comparison leads to conclusions finding which is the most efficient model in terms of both memory usage and computation resources. The method used for the comparison is training the models and summarizing the results. From the summarization we take the params to compare and find the result. By the process of the comparison we can conclude that the PSPNet model achieved high accuracy. Whereas, U-Net or U-Net + + achieved higher computational speed. For the proposed medical image segmentation application, PspNet achieved 85.4% results.
Genomics complement of FOXO1 gene prevents Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Choudhury Shouhartha 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: The FOXO1 (FKHR) is a major insulin-dependent gene that governs metabolic (glucose) homeostasis in reaction to Redox imbalance (oxidative damage). Also, the insulin-dependent FOXO1 gene from the FOXO group of TFs (transcription factors) prevents type 2 diabetes (adult-onset diabetes). The adult-onset diabetes appears when insulin is ineffective and suppresses glucose levels in the organs (liver and pancreas). The FOX domain-mediated FOXO1A gene product regulates glucose formation via hepatic gluconeogenesis by peptide hormone (insulin). FOXO1A further controls the hepatic function via glucogenic-initiated genes and improves the adipocyte and motion of insulin. FOXO1 gene enhances hepatic glucose formation and maintains beta-cell damage. So, the FKHR (FOXO1A) gene restores insulin reactivity and recovers diabetes phenotype. The novelty of the FOXO1A gene is a regulator of the liver, adipocyte, and pancreas. The response of the forkhead box O1A (FOXO1A) gene controls insulin-forming beta-cells to treat diabetes. Therefore, insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells remain a target of diabetes therapy.
Aim: So, the study aimed to investigate the FOXO group of transcription factors (TFs) in the mammalian genome. Further observation of the FOX domain is mandatory to explore the fundamental strategy of the insulin-dependent FOXO1A gene in the mammalian genome.
Methods: Hence, the study applies bioinformatics with computational techniques and tools to the current knowledge of the FOXO group of TFs in the genome. This application may be valuable for future analysis of the particular gene and their groups in different organism’s genomes.
Results: A genome-wide examination suggested different genes contain forkhead box domains in two organism’s genomes. Further observation demonstrated the forkhead box/winged helix domain and motifs in the FOXO1 gene in both organisms. Also, a group-wise identification forwarded the FOX domain-mediated FOXO1 (FKH1), FOXO3 (FKHRL1), FOXO4 (AFX1), and FOXO6 (forkhead box O6) in Homo sapiens and Mus musculus. So, the documented data upgraded a sum of FOX (forkhead box) domain-mediated genes and their subgroup in Homo sapiens and Mus musculus. Also, the FOXO signaling pathway confirmed cell cycle regulation, metabolism, autophagy, immune regulation, oxidative stress arrest, DNA repair, muscle atrophy, and apoptosis in humans. Therefore, the analysis forwarded the FOXO1A governs insulin susceptibility and recovers diabetes phenotype.
Conclusion: The study provided a reference of the forkhead box domain-mediated genes that play a central role in the survival of organisms. In contrast, the FOXO1A gene maintains metabolic homeostasis via insulin to treat diabetes. So, the FOXO1A is a supreme regulator in gluconeogenesis. Therefore, the study concluded that the FOXO1A gene function and molecular mechanisms would be the ultimate target to prevent type 2 diabetes.
Optimal Dimensions and Performance Evaluation of a Truncated Spherical Dielectric Lens Antenna at X-Band Frequencies
Authors: Ali Syed Zeeshan , Ahsan Kamran , Khairi Danish-ul-Khairi , Raza syed akhter 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study presents the design and development of a truncated spherical dielec-tric lens antenna. The objective was to enhance and optimize the directivity and beamwidth of the feed antenna by adjusting the feed position around the focal point of the lens. Polyetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), with a dielectric constant of 2.1, was chosen as the lens medium. Simulations were conducted using CST Studio Suite over a frequency range of 8 to 12 GHz. Experimental validation was performed using a vector network analyzer (VNA) and an anechoic chamber. The optimized dimensions of the dielectric lens antenna were determined as follows: lens thickness (T) = 24.34 mm, center of curvature (R) = 55 mm, and lens aperture (L) = 110 mm. This configuration achieved a directivity of 21.9 dBi and a beamwidth of 13.1°. The resulting dielectric lens antenna exhibits a compact size, simple geometric shape, and ease of design and construction. These characteristics make it highly suitable for RF applications, particularly when energy concentration is required.
Comparison of ultrasound features and establishment of a predictive nomogram for triple-negative and non-triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Su Liyang , Xie Qiaojie , Chen Jiaohong , Zhang Qingquan , Li Nian , Hong Chuntian 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to compare ultrasound features and establish a predictive nomogram for distinguishing between triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and non-triple-negative breast cancer (non-TNBC).
Materials and Methods: The study included a total of 205 patients with confirmed TNBC and 574 patients with non-TNBC, randomly divided into a training set and a validation set at a ratio of 7:3. All patients underwent ultrasound examination and received a confirmatory pathological diagnosis. Nodules were classified according to the Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) standard. Subsequently, the study conducted a comparative analysis of clinical characteristics and ultrasonic features.
Results: A statistically significant difference was observed in multiple clinical and ultrasonic features between TNBC and non-TNBC. Specifically, in the logistic regression analysis conducted on the training set, indicators such as posterior echo, lesion size, presence of clinical symptoms, margin characteristics, internal blood flow signals, halo, and microcalcification were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). These significant indicators were then effectively incorporated into a static and dynamic nomogram model, demonstrating high predictive performance in distinguishing TNBC from non-TNBC.
Conclusion: The results of our study demonstrated that ultrasound features can be valuable in distinguishing between TNBC and non-TNBC. The presence of posterior echo, size, clinical symptoms, margin, internal flow, halo and microcalcification were identified as predictive factors for this differentiation. Microcalcification, hyperechoic halo, internal flow, and clinical symptoms emerged as the strongest predictive factors, indicating their potential as reliable indicators for identifying TNBC and non-TNBC.
Functionally refined encoding of threat memory by distinct populations of basal forebrain cholinergic projection neurons.
Authors: Rajebhosale Prithviraj , Ananth Mala R. , Kim Ronald , Crouse Richard , Jiang Li , López-Hernández Gretchen , Zhong Chongbo , Arty Christian , Wang Shaohua , Jone Alice , Desai Niraj S. , Li Yulong , Picciotto Marina R. , Role Lorna W. , Talmage David A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Neurons of the basal forebrain nucleus basalis and posterior substantia innominata (NBM/SIp) comprise the major source of cholinergic input to the basolateral amygdala (BLA). Using a genetically-encoded acetylcholine (ACh) sensor in mice, we demonstrate that BLA-projecting cholinergic neurons can “learn” the association between a naïve tone and a foot shock (training) and release ACh in the BLA in response to the conditioned tone 24h later (recall). In the NBM/SIp cholinergic neurons express the immediate early gene, Fos following both training and memory recall. Cholinergic neurons that express Fos following memory recall display increased intrinsic excitability. Chemogenetic silencing of these learning-activated cholinergic neurons prevents expression of the defensive behavior to the tone. In contrast, we show that NBM/SIp cholinergic neurons are not activated by an innately threatening stimulus (predator odor). Instead, VP/SIa cholinergic neurons are activated and contribute to defensive behaviors in response to predator odor, an innately threatening stimulus. Taken together, we find that distinct populations of cholinergic neurons are recruited to signal distinct aversive stimuli, demonstrating functionally refined organization of specific types of memory within the cholinergic basal forebrain of mice.
Latitudinal and morphological divergence among three allopatric populations of Rhagoletis cingulata in Eastern America and Northern Mexico.
Authors: Tadeo Eduardo , Muñiz-Reyes Erica 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Geography is often a key factor facilitating population divergence and speciation. Determining the underlying causes of this radiation is fundamental to understanding the emergence of new species as a result of evolutionary processes or reproductive barriers to gene flow between populations, which are caused by the availability of resources and prevailing environmental conditions in different habitats. The objective of this work was to analyse the morphological variations present in three geographically isolated and latitudinally distant populations of flies of the cingulata group. The results provide evidence of a clinal pattern of geographic variation among these populations, as shown by morphometric changes, variations in femur pigmentation and the presence of an apical band or point in the wing patterns among individuals from different populations. These phenotypic differences could be closely related to the phenotypic differences found within the cingulata group and even show a different pattern of adaptive radiation than that of R. pomonella that gave rise to the incipient apple and hawthorn-associated species in the USA.