bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early prediction of cardiovascular disease using artificial neural network
Authors: Talukdar Jyotismita , Singh Thipendra P. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in the mortality rate, and heart disease is a significant contributor to this trend. According to the California Association for Diabetes Investigation, by 2015, cardiovascular disease would be the primary cause of death in India, where 62 billion people live. Deficiencies in the heart’s ability to pump blood to and from the rest of the body are the leading cause of cardiovascular disease. The healthcare industry is a prime example of a sector poised to greatly benefit from the availability of massive amounts of data and analytical insights. Increasingly, it will be important to extract medical data to predict and treat the high fatality rate caused by heart attacks. Every day, humanity generates terabytes worth of data. Medical errors with dire effects can be avoided only with high-quality services. Hospitals can reduce the price of expensive clinical testing by using decision support systems. Hospitals in the modern-day use hospital information systems to keep track of patient records. The health care sector generates vast amounts of data, but little of it is really put to good use. It will be important to adopt a new strategy to reduce costs and make accurate predictions about heart disease. To determine which machine learning and deep learning approaches are most useful and accurate for predicting and classifying cardiac illnesses, this article reviews the existing literature on the topic and subsequently tries to detect the most probable factors leading to heart disease. This study introduces and models an artificial neural network methodology for identifying potential cardiovascular disease risk factors. In this study, we examine and present the various full and partial correlations among risk attributes. In addition, a number of risk variables are analysed to generate a predicted list of risk features most likely to result in cardiovascular disease.
Study on the uniaxial compression constitutive relationship of modified yellow mud from minority dwelling in western Sichuan, China
Authors: Hu Xiao , Xie Li , Chen Zhenlin , Lei Pengcheng , Chen Hao , Tan Tao 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
More than 2 billion people around the world still use raw earth architecture, in countries like Nepal, India, and Iran. In China, the proportion of people living in earthen structures rose to 36%, some of them in western Sichuan. Minority dwellings in western Sichuan, China, use local stone and yellow mud as building materials and have been used for thousands of years. Because yellow mud is a brittle material with poor mechanical properties, and because the region is prone to earthquakes, the walls are highly susceptible to damage under seismic action. To improve the mechanical properties of yellow mud, the yellow mud of Taoping Qiang Village in western Sichuan was studied and modified. Uniaxial compressive tests were conducted on the modified specimens, and the existing ontogenetic equations of raw soil-based materials were analyzed and optimized. Finally, we developed the constitutive models for yellow clay and modified yellow clay in the western Sichuan area, which can be used for different kinds of modified materials through the variation of parameters. The results show that the compressive strength of yellow clay is improved by adding the modified materials. The optimized constitutive model can better fit the test curves, which can provide a basis for theoretical calculations and seismic mitigation of minority residential structures in western Sichuan or similar structural systems.
Evaluation of a novel steel box-soft body combination for bridge protection against ship collision
Authors: Yan Hongfei , Fang Hai , Zhu Lu , Jia Enshi , Dai Zhiwei , Zhang Xinchen 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Ship–bridge collision is a common type of accident in bridge engineering which could cause heavy casualties and economic losses. To ensure the safety of both the ships and bridges during collision, a novel steel box-soft body combination was proposed in this work. The time history curves of the impact force of three downscaled facility specimens were obtained through the horizontal impact test. The influence of the steel box web spacing and the existence of the anti-collision facilities on the ship collision force reduction rate was investigated. The collision failure modes of ship bow and the anti-collision facilities, as well as the energy absorption behavior of the facility were analyzed. Based on ANSYS/LS-DYNA finite element (FE) analysis software, the nonlinear numerical models of the anti-collision facilities were generated. The analysis results show that the proposed anti-collision facility can not only greatly reduce the ship impact force, but the bow damage as well. The densified steel box web can improve the anti-collision performance of the whole anti-collision facilities to a certain extent. Compared with the direct impact on the steel plate, the maximum reduction rate of peak force of the proposed facility can be achieved to be 31.07%. The anti-collision facilities deformation energy absorption accounts for more than 70% of the total energy, which shows that the facility is able to absorb most of the energy and protect the bow. The FE simulation results coincide with the experimental outcomes, indicating the acceptable accuracy of the FE models.
Immune surveillance of brain metastatic cancer cells is mediated by IFITM1
Authors: She Xiaofei , Shen Shijun , Chen Guang , Gao Yaqun , Ma Junxian , Gao Yaohui , Liu Yingdi , Gao Guoli , Zhao Yan , Wang Chunyan , Jiang Cizhong , Wang Ping , Qin Huanlong , Gao Hua 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBrain metastasis, most commonly originating from lung cancer, increases cancer morbidity and mortality. Although metastatic colonization is the rate‐limiting and most complex step of the metastatic cascade, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, in vivo genome‐wide CRISPR‐Cas9 screening revealed that loss of interferon‐induced transmembrane protein 1 (IFITM1) promotes brain colonization of human lung cancer cells. Incipient brain metastatic cancer cells with high expression of IFITM1 secrete microglia‐activating complement component 3 and enhance the cytolytic activity of CD8+ T cells by increasing the expression and membrane localization of major histocompatibility complex class I. After activation, microglia (of the innate immune system) and cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes (of the adaptive immune system) were found to jointly eliminate cancer cells by releasing interferon‐gamma and inducing phagocytosis and T‐cell‐mediated killing. In human cancer clinical trials, immune checkpoint blockade therapy response was significantly correlated with IFITM1 expression, and IFITM1 enhanced the brain metastasis suppression efficacy of PD‐1 blockade in mice. Our results exemplify a novel mechanism through which metastatic cancer cells overcome the innate and adaptive immune responses to colonize the brain, and suggest that a combination therapy increasing IFITM1 expression in metastatic cells with PD‐1 blockade may be a promising strategy to reduce metastasis.
STRATEGIES OF BUSINESS UNITS OF DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIAL COMPANIES AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF THE LIFE CYCLE
Authors: Kolobov A. V. 
Published: February 2023

The paper considers the models of organisational development of multidisciplinary companies and their business units. It is shown that the existing models need to be supplemented with two enlarged managerial competencies – management of incremental (modification) innovations and management of radical innovations. The proposed model of a business unit assumes that their development is structured as a progressive passage of the organisation through the stages of housing and communal services by developing the necessary managerial competencies for the next stage. The developed general models are used to form models of organisational development of the “Severgroup” multidisciplinary corporation and its business units. The strategic portfolio of business units, its parameters and position within the framework of the matrix of housing and communal services of the industry are determined. The result of the study was the formulation of two strategies – “growth to the core” and “growth to the peak”. Models of organisational development of the corporation (changes in the composition and characteristics of the portfolio of business units) and models of transfer of managerial competencies have been developed for each strategy.
Autism Spectrum Disorder – Diagnostic Dilemmas in a Boy with a Doubly Disadvantaged Background
Authors: Gregorič Kumperščak Hojka 
Published: February 2023

Purpose: we present a case report on a boy with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to illustrate the differential diagnostic questions that can emerge when working with such subjects.
Case report: ASD is defined with qualitative deficits in social interactions, communications, and interests and activities. In the subject of this report these symptoms are influenced by a doubly disadvantage background. First, the boy belongs to an ethnicity known for its reservedness in communication – not only with strangers but also within their own families. Second, he was further disadvantaged by his specific microfamily environment.
Conclusion: a doubly disadvantaged background appears to have interfered with the subject's development; consideration of this background was crucial for understanding his condition
Complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease: 10-year experience
Authors: Hojski Aljaž , Crnjac Barbara , Vuletić Filip , Crnjac Anton 
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition of modern times resulting from chronic reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. The cause underlying GERD involves an imbalance between noxious and protective factors of the esophageal mucosa and a functional disorder of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The transitional release of the LES appearing more frequently and longer than physiologically normal is the main cause for the development of GERD. The negative effects of reflux can increase by disturbed esophageal motility, which is unable to regularly clear the esophagus in esophageal motility disorders and disturbed gastric emptying in large hiatal hernias and peptic ulcers. Typical GERD symptoms include a burning sensation or pain behind the sternum, return of bitter or acidic gastric content into the esophagus, rare odynophagia and extraesophageal signs, such as non-cardiac chest pain, chronic cough, and hoarseness
Methods: A literature revue and a review of clinical cases over a 10-year span in the Department for Thoracic Surgery University Medical Centre Maribor.
Results: The study was also drawn from 10 years of experience with surgical treatment of GERD and its complications. The treatment of reflux esophagitis and asthma as a GERD complication is not the domain of a surgeon. Surgical treatment is indicated in passage-blocking conditions and in cases in which GERD cannot be managed with medical therapy. In the period from 2006–2015 we performed 928 surgeries to remove and prevent GERD complications.
Conclusion: Several possible complications of GERD are known, among which the development of Barret’s esophagus as a pre-malignant condition of the esophageal mucosa and the development of glandular carcinoma of distal esophagus are especially dangerous. Therefore, a precise diagnostic treatment is necessary when treating the underlying disease of patients as the clinical picture of GERD often resembles problems related to other thoracic pathologies.
Correlations between infant mortality and recommended immunization schedules against vaccine–preventable diseases in Slovenia
Authors: Zemljič Mateja , Pejković Božena , Kranjc Ivan , Kraigher Alenka 
Published: February 2023

Purpose: The infant mortality rate (IMR) is among the most important indicators of a nation's health and well–being. In Slovenia, over the last 55 years, infant mortality (IM) has decreased rapidly and vaccinations are undoubtedly the major contributing factor. In Slovenia, infant immunization is initiated at the age of 3 months. The vaccination schedule includes several doses of combined vaccines that should be administered according to the yearly program on immunization.
Methods: In this retrospective study, 279 infants were divided into subgroups in accordance with the vaccination program. The structure of the study design used the data of the National Institute of Public Health of Slovenia regarding the causes of IM for the years 2007–2011
Results: Direct and indirect leading causes of death were infant respiratory distress syndrome (n = 22), extreme immaturity (n = 19), necrotizing enterocolitis (n = 18), extremely low birth weight (n = 14), and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (n = 14). The maximum IMR (85.30%) occurred before the recommended vaccination period. During the prescribed program of vaccination, the IMR was 14.70%.
Conclusion: Genetic alterations, congenital abnormalities, and preterm birth complications are the major and leading causes of IM. Most instances of IM occur within the first two months of life, before the recommended vaccinations. During the recommended vaccination period, IM is low and causes of death are largely congenital and genetic diseases. The results of the comparative study during the recommended vaccination schedule by the end of the first year of life from 2007 to 2011 substantiates that the vaccines are not a major cause of IM.
Laparoscopic cornual resection for interstitial pregnancy - a case report
Authors: Bizjak Tina , Rakić Saša 
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Ectopic pregnancy is defined as the implantation of a fertilized egg outside of the uterine endometrium. Previous research has reported an increase in the incidence of ectopic pregnancy and estimated that this condition occurs in 1.5 to 2.5% of pregnancies (1). In cases of ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg most often implants in the fallopian tubes. In some cases, it can also implant at the site where the fallopian tube and the uterus join; this is a condition referred to as interstitial pregnancy (2). Rupture of interstitial pregnancy can have catastrophic consequences with a mortality rate of up to 2% (2, 3).
Case report: Here, we report the case of a 33-years-old patient with an interstitial pregnancy in the right uterine horn. We successfully performed laparoscopic surgery with a harmonic scalpel and preliminary coagulation of the uterine artery without any complications. Following surgery, the pregnancy was normal and was carried to term.
Conclusions: Previously, the treatment of interstitial pregnancy was mostly performed surgically by open surgery including resection of the affected horn of the uterus (4). However, several successful clinical cases of laparoscopic surgery have now been reported (5-8). In our opinion, laparoscopic resection, with a harmonic scalpel and preliminary coagulation of the uterine artery, represents a safe and efficient techniqueand should be used more regularly in the treatment of interstitial pregnancy.
Diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in patients with osteoporotic hip fracture
Authors: Krajnc Mateja , Ivetić Vojislav 
Published: February 2023

Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed and untreated osteoporosis cases prior to hip fracture, to determine if there are more patients with diagnosed and treated osteoporosis from model family medicine practices compared to standard family medicine practice patients, and to determine the proportion of patients initiating osteoporosis therapy after discharge from hospital. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, qualitative study at the Department of Surgery, General Hospital of Dr. Jože Potrč Ptuj, Slovenia, using patient records from the period of January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016, including data analysis of patient discharge letters.Results: The analysis used data from 145 patients, 26 men (17.9%) and 119 women (82.1%). The mean age was 82.7 (±6.8) years. At discharge, 70.4% (81 out of 115) of patients were mobile and 28.3% (41 out of 145) of these were discharged and allowed to return home. The study showed that osteoporosis prior to hip fracture was undiagnosed and untreated in 94.5% (137 out of 145) of cases. Osteoporosis therapy was initiated at discharge in only 7.1% (10 out of 140) of patients, and recommendations to initiate osteoporosis therapy at discharge were provided in 15.0% (21 out of 140). There was no significant difference between model family medicine practice patients (5 out of 91; 5.5%) and patients from standard family medicine practices (8.1%; 3 out of 37) in the proportion of patients treated for osteoporosis prior to hospitalization due to hip fracture (p>0.05).Conclusion: The study concluded that the prevalence proportion of undiagnosed osteoporosis is quite high and that, despite all recommendations and guidelines, management of osteoporotic hip fractures still remains a major challenge at all levels of healthcare.
Awareness and expectations of visitors to family medicine practices about palliative care in Slovenia
Authors: Zelko Erika , Gašpar Dorotea , Gjuras Estera , Krčevski Škvarč Nevenka 
Published: February 2023

Purpose: In Slovenia, palliative medicine and care are developing more intensively in the last years. Appraisal of the existing evidence on, expectations in, and awareness about palliative care (PC) in Slovenia is essential to inform the emerging practice and future research.
Methods: A cross–sectional survey of 2000 individuals aged over 18 years old was performed. Information was collected using a structured questionnaireconsisting of 18 items. Analysis of the questions is presented using descriptive statistics. The significance level was set at p ≤0.05 in all analyses.
Results: 58.6% of participants report having little awareness of PC, with most information received via media (radio, TV, internet) and experience obtaineddirectly or through family and friends. In this sample, increasing age, being female and higher levels of education were related to higher reported levels of awareness of PC. 69.6% of our participants said they wish to die at home. According to our participants, patients at home need, their physical symptoms be well controlled (93.8%), followed by medical and health care (65.9%), and support from voluntary carers (41.4%) and they also highlighted the wish of relatives and patients to be consulted via telephone by a health care providers in case of problems (55.4%). 28.4% confirmed they know the advance healthcare directive form.
Conclusion: The survey data presented here provides an empirical basis from which we can begin stimulating discussions about death, dying and support empowered decision–making, as confronting end of life issues is inevitable for us all. All patients have the right to dignity and peace through their last stages of life.
Interleukin response in patients treated with abbreviated laparotomy for severe intraabdominal sepsis
Authors: Jagrič Tomaž , Gorenjak Maksimiljan , Homšak Evgenija , Krebs Bojan 
Published: February 2023

Background: Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines play an important role in abdominal sepsis. Studies suggest that the anti-inflammatory response is more detrimental to the patient with abdominal sepsis than the initial pro-inflammatory response. We therefore studied the serum levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory interleukins in patients with abdominal sepsis treated by abbreviated laparotomy.
Methods: We performed a prospective study of 42 patients treated by abbreviated laparotomy. The patients were divided into a high-risk (more than two procedures before abdominal closure) group (24 patients) and a low-risk (two or fewer procedures) group (18 patients). The differences and correlations between the serum levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines on days one and ten after the initial procedure were assessed.
Results: The mortality was significantly higher in the high-risk group (41.7% vs. 5.6% in the low-risk group; p = 0.012). IL-10 serum levels were significantly higher in the high-risk group (22.5 pg/mL (IQR 5.25)) compared to the low-risk group (12.15 pg/mL (IQR 6.725)) (p = 0.012). Age was significantly correlated with mortality (p = 0.007). The logarithmic value of IL-10 serum levels on day one (HR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.109–5.638; p = 0.027) and the IL-10 cut-off value (HR: 3.816; 95% CI: 1.047–13.910; p = 0.042) were significantly correlated with worse disease course in multivariate analysis.
Conclusions: Patients who exhibit a greater anti-inflammatory response on day one are at increased risk of a protracted course and higher mortality. IL-10 serum levels on day one after surgery predict a worse disease course in these patients and could be a useful marker of abdominal sepsis.
Comparison of the expanded disability status scale and the functional independence measure in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Čelan Nastasja , Čelan Dušan , Jesenšek Papež Breda 
Published: February 2023

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate scales that are used to follow up on the condition and course of rehabilitation for an objective assessment of patients with multiple sclerosis. The most commonly used scale is the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) for obtaining information on neurological impairments. The main disadvantage of this scale is that it focuses a lot on the ability to walk and is not adequately sensitive for detecting the changes in the patient in time. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) is the most commonly used scale in rehabilitation. It evaluates the ability of patients to perform daily activities, for example, feeding and dressing. In the study, we focused on the comparison of EDSS and FIM to ascertain the applicability of FIM in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of 38 patients with multiple sclerosis by talking to the patients and reviewing the medical documentation where the EDSS evaluation was conducted. Then, we evaluated the patient using the FIM scale. The data were processed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 25 software and displayed graphically using the Microsoft Excel program.
Results: The statistical analysis showed a strong negative correlation between EDSS and FIM (r = -0.731). The motor part of the FIM scale had a strong negative correlation with EDSS (r = -0.732). The cognitive part had a weak negative correlation (r = -0.262). The sex and the duration of the disease did not impact the FIM evaluation significantly. The age had a moderately strong negative correlation (r = -0.396).
Conclusion: We proposed that FIM was a useful scale for the routine evaluation of patients in the clinical environment.
MRI of subcutaneous granuloma annulare: A series of four cases
Authors: Jug Liona , Rupreht Mitja 
Published: February 2023

Background: Subcutaneous granuloma annulare (SGA) is a rare benign soft tissue mass that occurs mostly in the lower limbs of young children. Detailed knowledge of imaging findings is needed to avoid unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures.
Materials and Methods: One follow-up case and three companion cases are presented. All children were between the ages of 5 and 10 years.
Results: The MRI findings demonstrated ill-defined subcutaneous masses in three cases while in one case the mass was mildly hypointense and heterogeneous on fluid-sensitive sequences. Contrast agent was administered intravenously only in one case, where moderate enhancement was observed.
Conclusion: Detailed clinical description of the lesion location was crucial. In addition, knowledge of MR imaging findings was necessary for a correct diagnosis to reassure the parents and avoid unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures.