bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The causal effect of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels on epilepsy: A two‐sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Luo Xinxin , Ruan Zhichao , Liu Ling 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveObservational studies have shown an association between 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D) and epilepsy, but it is unclear whether the association is causal. Therefore, we applied Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to determine the causal relationship between serum 25 (OH) D levels and epilepsy.MethodsWe conducted a two‐sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) study to investigate the association between serum 25 (OH) D levels and epilepsy using pooled statistics from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). Data for 25 (OH) D came from a GWAS comprising 417,580 participants, and data for epilepsy were obtained from the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) consortium. Five methods were used to analyze TSMR, including the inverse variance weighting method, MR Egger method, weighted median method, simple model, and weighted model. In the sensitivity analysis, MR Egger and MR PRESSO methods were used to test for pleiotropy, inverse variance weighting and MR Egger in Cochran's Q statistics were used to test for heterogeneity.ResultsMR analyzed the relationship between 25 (OH) D and different types of epilepsy, and the results showed that a 1 standard deviation increase in natural log‐transformed serum 25 (OH) D levels was associated with reduced risk for juvenile absence epilepsy (IVW OR = 0.985; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.971–0.999; P‐value = 0.038). There was no apparent heterogeneity and horizontal gene pleiotropy.SignificanceHigher serum levels of 25 (OH) D were a protective factor for adolescent absence epilepsy, but had no effect on other types of epilepsy.
Temporal patterns of childhood cancer survival 1991 to 2016: A nationwide register‐study based on data from the German Childhood Cancer Registry
Authors: Wellbrock Maike , Spix Claudia , Ronckers Cécile M , Grabow Desiree , Filbert Anna‐Liesa , Borkhardt Arndt , Wollschläger Daniel , Erdmann Friederike 
Published: May 2023

AbstractChildhood cancer is the leading disease‐related cause of death among under 15 year olds in Europe. Since primary preventive measures are lacking, improving survival probabilities and long‐term well‐being remain primary goals. With this report, we provide the first long‐term assessment and interpretation of patterns in childhood cancer survival in Germany, covering a period of 30 years. Using data from the German Childhood Cancer Registry, we assessed temporal patterns of cancer survival among children (0‐14 years) diagnosed in Germany from 1991 to 2016, by cancer type, age at diagnosis and sex. We calculated overall survival (OS) and average annual percentage changes of the respective 5‐year OS estimates. OS improved across all cancer types, age groups as well as for boys and girls over time. Five‐year OS for all childhood cancers combined increased from 77.8% in 1991‐1995 to 86.5% in 2011‐2016, with stronger improvements during the early 1990s. The most pronounced survival improvement was seen for acute myeloid leukaemia, at 2% annually and 5‐year OS recently reaching 81.5%. Survival improvements for some diagnoses such as neuroblastoma, renal tumours and bone tumours have flattened out. Tremendous enhancements in diagnostics, treatment and supportive care have affected average survival improvements for most cancer types. Recently, survival improvements have decelerated overall and for some cancer types, it plateaued at an unsatisfactory level. As not all children benefited equally from the survival improvements, personal factors (eg, socioeconomic circumstances, health literacy, access to care) likely affect individual prognosis and warrant further investigation.
Bladder cancer risk in relation to occupations held in a nationwide case‐control study in Iran
Authors: Hosseini Bayan , Zendehdel Kazem , Bouaoun Liacine , Hall Amy L. , Rashidian Hamideh , Hadji Maryam , Gholipour Mahin , Haghdoost Ali Akbar , Schüz Joachim , Olsson Ann 
Published: May 2023

AbstractGlobally, bladder cancer has been identified as one of the most frequent occupational cancers, but our understanding of occupational bladder cancer risk in Iran is less advanced. This study aimed to assess the risk of bladder cancer in relation to occupation in Iran. We used the IROPICAN case‐control study data including 717 incident cases and 3477 controls. We assessed the risk of bladder cancer in relation to ever working in major groups of the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO‐68) while controlling for cigarette smoking, opium consumption. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). In men, decreased ORs for bladder cancer were observed in administrative and managerial workers (OR 0.4; CI: 0.2, 0.9), and clerks (OR 0.6; CI: 0.4, 0.9). Elevated ORs were observed in metal processors (OR 5.4; CI: 1.3, 23.4), and workers in occupations with likely exposure to aromatic amines (OR 2.2; CI: 1.2, 4.0). There was no evidence of interactions between working in aromatic amines‐exposed occupations and tobacco smoking or opium use. Elevated risk of bladder cancer in men in metal processors and workers likely exposed to aromatic amines aligns with associations observed outside Iran. Other previously confirmed associations between high‐risk occupations and bladder cancer were not observed, possibly due to small numbers or lack of details on exposure. Future epidemiological studies in Iran would benefit from the development of exposure assessment tools such as job exposure matrices, generally applicable for retrospective exposure assessment in epidemiological studies.
Study on depletion of ovarian function and late‐life chronic diseases in India
Authors: Kundu Sampurna , Acharya Sanghmitra Sheel 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe current study aims to understand premature and early menopausal age in association with chronic conditions.MethodsThe present cross‐sectional study analyzed nationally representative data from LASI (Longitudinal Aging Study in India) from 2017 to 2018. Bivariate analysis including cross‐tabulation and χ2 tests were performed. Further multiple regression analysis was performed, using the generalized linear model of logit link.ResultsApproximately 2533 (8%) older women reported that they had experienced premature menopause (before age 40), while 3889 (12.4%) reported having early menopause (age 40–44). The likelihood of a woman with premature menopause developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is 15% higher (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.15; P < 0.05) than those who do not experience premature menopause, while women with early menopause have a 13% higher risk (AOR, 1.13; P < 0.05). For women who experienced premature menopause and were also smokers, the probability of developing CVDs was higher. Other chronic diseases such as bone or joint problems, diabetes, and eye vision problems were also shown to be significant health problems among women who had premature ovarian failure.ConclusionOur results show significant association between women with premature or early depletion of ovarian function and chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, bone or joint problems, vision problems, and neurological or psychiatric disorders at their later life ages. Comprehensive strategies in the form of lifestyle changes may regulate hormonal levels and allow the body to reach menopause at the appropriate age.
Danish women's preferences regarding gynecological examination support international recommendations: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Laschke Alexander , Blaakær Jan , Jensen Charlotte Floridon , Larsen Mette Bach 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveGynecological examinations (GEs) are challenging for many women. Several recommendations and guidelines have emerged, partly based on common sense and clinicians' consensus. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding women's opinions. Therefore, this study aimed to describe women's preferences and experiences in relation to GEs and investigate whether they are dependent on their socioeconomic status.MethodsIn Denmark, GEs are typically performed by general practitioners or resident specialists in gynecology (RSGs) in gynecological hospital departments. This cross‐sectional questionnaire and register study included approximately 3000 randomly selected patients who visited six RSGs from January 1, 2020, to March 1, 2021. The main outcome measurement involved women's preferences and experiences regarding GEs.ResultsOverall, 37% of the women thought that a changing room was important, 20% preferred a garment to cover themselves, 18% preferred a separate examination room, and 13% thought that the presence of a chaperone was important. Compared with working and retired women, more women outside the workforce felt insufficiently informed, considered their experience with RSGs unprofessional, and found GEs painful.ConclusionOur results support existing recommendations regarding GEs and the related environment, confirming that privacy and modesty are factors to take into consideration as they are of concern for a relatively large group of women. Thus, providers should focus on women outside the workforce, because this group appears to feel vulnerable in this environment.
Clinical application of intelligent technologies and integration in medical laboratories
Authors: Huang Wenjie , Huang Dongquan , Ding Yeran , Yu Cheng , Wang Lei , Lv Ning , Qu Jiuxin , Lu Hongzhou 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWith the development of scientific technology, the transition to the intelligent era of digitalization and automation is an irresistible trend for medical laboratories. Medical diagnosis systems have undergone significant changes as a result of intelligent technologies, such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things, from the collection, transmission, and detection of test samples to the review of reports and the provision of clinical feedback. In addition to significantly enhancing the efficiency, consistency, and accuracy of medical laboratory testing, these technologies also assist the improvement of individualized healthcare and medical expert systems, as well as the early detection and treatment of diseases. The future development of medical laboratories will focus on integrating big data and diverse intelligent resources, cooperating more closely with clinical departments, and realizing the effective pathway of patient‐centered care. The purpose of this review is to illustrate the current state of intelligent technology integration in medical laboratories and provide a preliminary discussion about the potential future influences of intelligent technology development on the evolution of medical laboratories.
Gas‐phase thermochemistry of noncovalent ligand–alkali metal ion clusters: An impact of low frequencies
Authors: Otlyotov Arseniy A. , Minenkov Yury 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe experimental gas‐phase thermochemistry of reactions: M+(S)n–1 + S → M+(S)n and M+ + nS→ M+(S)n, where M is an alkali metal and S is acetonitrile/ammonia, is reproduced. Three approximations are tested: (1) scaled rigid‐rotor‐harmonic‐oscillator (sRRHO); (2) the sRRHO(100) identical to (1), but with all vibrational frequencies smaller than 100 cm−1 replaced with 100 cm−1; (3) Grimme's modified scaled RRHO (msRRHO) (Grimme, Chem. Eur. J., 2012, 18, 9955–9964). The msRRHO approach provides the most accurate reaction entropies with the mean unsigned error (MUE) below 5.5 cal mol−1 K−1 followed by sRRHO(100) and sRRHO with MUEs of 7.2 and 16.9 cal mol−1 K−1. For the first time, we propose using the msRRHO scheme to calculate the enthalpy contribution that is further utilized to arrive at reaction Gibbs free energies (∆Gr) ensuring the internal consistency. The final ∆Gr MUEs for msRRHO, sRRHO(100) and sRRHO schemes are 1.2, 3.6 and 3.1 kcal mol−1.
Evaluating the effect of different irrigation activation techniques on the dentin tubules penetration of two different root canal sealers by laser scanning confocal microscopy
Authors: Kaplan Fatma , Erdemir Ali 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of different irrigation activation techniques on the dentin tubules penetration of two different sealers by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM).MethodsA hundred premolar teeth were used in this study. The root canals were shaped and irrigated with 5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA using the following final irrigation activation techniques in each group; Group1: Conventional Syringe Irrigation (CSI), Group2: Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI), Group3: Apical Negative Pressure (EndoVac), Group4: Er:YAG laser and Group5: Er,Cr:YSGG laser. Then the teeth were separated two subgroups according to sealers (AH‐Plus and Totalfill‐BC). Horizontal sections were obtained at 2, 5, 8 mm distance of apex. Images were obtained with CLSM and the penetration areas of sealers were calculated with four different dentin tubule penetration assessment techniques. The data were statistically analyzed with Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests.ResultsNo significant difference was observed between the sealers (p > .05). EndoVac, Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG laser activation groups were observed to have a significantly higher mean penetration depth, penetration percentage and penetration area than the Control group. There was a significant difference between all regions in all penetration parameters (p < .05).ConclusionsWhile the use of resin or bioceramic‐based root canal sealers did not affect dentin tubule penetration, the use of activation techniques positively affect the dentin tubule penetration. The average tubule penetration and penetration area assessment techniques are suitable methods for the investigation of dentinal tubule penetration.Research HighlightsIt can be stated that the use of resin or bioceramic based root canal sealers does not affect dentin tubule penetration and the use of irrigation activation techniques during removal of the smear layer positively affects dentinal tubule penetration. In addition, it has been determined that the average tubule penetration and penetration area assessment techniques are suitable methods for the investigation of dentinal tubule penetration.
Evaluation of Er,Cr:YSGG laser technique for fiber post removal of endodontically treated teeth using micro‐computed tomography
Authors: Papoulidou Ismini , Dionysopoulos Dimitrios , Mourouzis Petros , Naka Olga , Sarris Kyriakos , Baldi Andrea , Scotti Nicola , Tolidis Kosmas 
Published: May 2023

AbstractVarious clinical techniques such as removal kits, ultrasonic tips, burs, and drills, have been used for fiber post removal in endodontically treated teeth. In most clinical cases, the dental practitioners prefer to use ultrasonic tips, despite the heat generation and the formation of microcracks induced in the radicular dentin. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of using erbium, chromium: yttrium‐scandium‐gallium‐garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser (2780 nm) as an alternative fiber post removal technique and to compare it to an ultrasonic method using micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT). The operating parameters of the X‐ray tube were set to 50 kVp and 300 mA. This approach allowed the generation of 2D lateral projections that were then used to reconstruct the 3D volume in DICOM format. Fiber posts were removed from 20 endodontically treated single‐rooted premolars (n = 10) using an ultrasonic vibrator with diamond‐coated ultrasonic tip (control method), or Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation protocol; average power 2.5 W, repetition rate 20 Hz, pulse duration 140 μs, 40% air and 20% water, and close‐contact mode. The number of sections with newly formed microcracks, the loss of dentinal tissue, the amount of the residual resin cement, and the removal time were evaluated for both methods. The data were analyzed using paired t‐test, Wilcoxon signed‐rank and Mann–Whitney U tests at level of significance a = .05. In the laser‐treated group the parameters regarding microcracks formation (21 ± 16) and removal time (4.7 ± 1.1 min) were advantageous compared to the ultrasonic‐treated group (42 ± 27 and 9.2 ± 1.0 min, respectively), indicating that Er,Cr:YSGG laser could be an alternative fiber post removal technique.
The research landscape of immunology research in spinal cord injury from 2012 to 2022
Authors: Zheng Bowen , Kuang Yirui , Yuan Dun , Huang Haoxuan , Liu Songlin 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundSpinal cord injury (SCI) is defined as traumatic damage to the spinal cord, affecting over three million patients worldwide, and there is still no treatment for the injured spinal cord itself. In recent years, immunology research on SCI has been published in various journals.MethodsTo systematically analyze the research hotspots and dynamic scientific developments of immunology research in SCI, we conducted a bibliometric and knowledge map analysis to help researchers gain a global perspective in this research field.ResultsThe bibliometric study we completed included 1788 English‐language papers published in 553 journals by 8861 authors from 1901 institutions in 66 countries/regions. Based on the references and keyword analysis, researchers in the past 10 years have mainly focused on the research directions of “monocyte chemoattractor protein 1,” “nitric oxide,” “pain,” and “nitric oxide synthase” related to immunological research in SCI. However, with the development of other new directions such as “extracellular vesicles” (2019–2022), “Regenerative medicine” (2019–2022), “stromal cells” (2018–2022), “motor recovery” (2019–2022), and “glial activation” (2019–2022). Researchers prefer to study the application of regenerative strategies in SCI, the mechanism of extracellular vesicles in the development of SCI, the activation of spinal glial cells in SCI, and the pathways of motor recovery. This bibliometric analysis of immunology research in SCI summarizes the current status of this research field. The relationship between extracellular vesicles, regenerative medicine, stromal cells, motor recovery, and glial activation is currently a major research frontier. Further research and cooperation worldwide need to be enhanced.ConclusionWe believe that our research can help researchers quickly grasp the current hotspot of immunology research in SCI and determine a new direction for future research.
Landscape context and spatial attributes matter for New England cottontail occupancy
Authors: Bischoff Kathryn E. , Rittenhouse Tracy A. G. , Rittenhouse Chadwick D. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn response to the widespread threat of habitat loss, managers of imperiled species commonly focus on restoring habitat to encourage species establishment (i.e., the field of dreams hypothesis). Habitat management strategies for the rare New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis) have largely followed the field of dreams hypothesis, focusing on increasing the area of young and regenerating forest throughout the species' range to increase populations of the species. Recently researchers indicated that these practices may not be as effective when the introduced eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) co‐occupies patches with the New England cottontail. Using data from the New England Cottontail Regional Monitoring Program collected in Connecticut, USA, from 2016–2020 and geospatial data to create dynamic occupancy models, we determined how both patch and landscape characteristics influence New England cottontail and eastern cottontail occupancy patterns. We ran 4 dynamic occupancy models: 1 at the patch scale and 1 at the landscape scale for each species. Large patches and short interpatch distances increased both species' occupancy patterns more than vegetation height <2.5 m. New England cottontail occupancy and colonization positively responded to the amount of shrublands within the landscape and weakly responded to forest regeneration, the vegetation type most commonly created by management actions for the species. New England cottontail colonization probability was low at both the patch and landscape scale, and lower than extinction probabilities, suggesting the current landscape may not be sufficient to allow metapopulations to persist. Overall, our results indicate that solely focusing on habitat restoration, or applying the field of dreams hypothesis, to conserve New England cottontail, a species that is area dependent, dispersal limited, and threatened by an introduced competitor, does not promote species persistence on the landscape.
Sleep Subdomain of the Sinonasal Outcome Test as a Potential Screening Tool for Sleep Apnea in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Duffy Alexander N. , Alapati Rahul , Chitguppi Chandala , D'Souza Glen , Parsel Sean M. , Toskala Elina M. , Rosen Marc R. , Nyquist Gurston G. , Rabinowitz Mindy R. 
Published: May 2023

ObjectivesApproximately 20% of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) have comorbid obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Patients with undiagnosed OSA are at high risk for perioperative complications. The Sinonasal Outcomes Test (SNOT‐22) Questionnaire is commonly administered to CRS patients, whereas OSA screening tools are less routinely employed. This study compared SNOT‐22 sleep subdomain (Sleep‐SNOT) scores among non‐OSA CRS versus OSA‐CRS patients undergoing ESS, and assessed sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of the Sleep‐SNOT for OSA screening.MethodsRetrospective review of patients that underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for CRS from 2012 to 2021. Patients either carried a reported OSA diagnosis and completed the SNOT‐22, or had undocumented OSA status and completed both STOP‐BANG and SNOT‐22. Demographics, questionnaire scores, and OSA status were collected. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve assessed cutoff scores, sensitivity, and specificity of the Sleep‐SNOT for OSA screening.ResultsOf 600 patients reviewed, 109 were included. 41% had comorbid OSA. OSA patients had a higher BMI (32.1 ± 7.7 vs. 28.35 ± 6.7 kg/m2; p = 0.02), Sleep‐SNOT (21.96 ± 12.1 vs. 16.8 ± 11.2; p = 0.021) and STOP‐BANG (3.1 ± 1.44 vs. 2.06 ± 1.27; p = 0.038) scores. A Sleep‐SNOT score of 17.5 had a sensitivity of 68.9%, specificity of 55.7%, and diagnostic accuracy of 63% for OSA detection (p = 0.022).ConclusionsSleep‐SNOT scores are greater for CRS‐OSA patients. The Sleep‐SNOT ROC curve demonstrates a high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for OSA screening in CRS patients. A Sleep‐SNOT score of ≥17.5 should prompt further OSA evaluation. The Sleep‐SNOT may be considered as a surrogate OSA screening tool when other validated tools are not employed.Level of EvidenceRetrospective chart review, Level 3 Laryngoscope, 133:2029–2034, 2023
Toward Universal Transformations of Orbital Angular Momentum of a Single Photon
Authors: Chen Dong‐Xu , Wang Yunlong , Wang Feiran , Zhao Jun‐Long , Yang Chui‐Ping 
Published: May 2023

AbstractHigh‐dimensional quantum systems offer many advantages over low‐dimensional quantum systems. Meanwhile, unitary transformations on quantum states are important parts in various quantum information tasks, whereas they become technically infeasible as the dimensionality increases. The photonic orbital angular momentum (OAM), which is inherent in the transverse spatial mode of photons, offers a natural carrier to encode information in high‐dimensional spaces. However, it is even more challenging to realize arbitrary unitary transformations on the photonic OAM states. Here, by combining the path and OAM degrees of freedom of a single photon, an efficient scheme to realize arbitrary unitary transformations on the path‐OAM coupled quantum states is proposed. The proposal reduces the number of required interferometers by approximately one quarter compared with previous works, while maintaining the symmetric structure. It is shown that by using OAM‐to‐path interfaces, this scheme can be utilized to realize arbitrary unitary transformations on the OAM states of photons. This work facilitates the development of high‐dimension quantum state transformations and opens a new door to the manipulation of the photonic OAM states.