bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Body composition distribution changes after short-term growth hormone treatment in adults with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency: A case‒control study
Authors: Ren ZiYu , Peng Yuling , Wang Yunting , shen Yayin , Chen Jie , Ren Wei , Liu Dongfang 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Objectives

The aim of this study is to explore the specificity of baseline indicators in patients with IAGHD and investigate the potential differential therapeutic effects of short-term GH treatment on body composition distribution in IAGHD patients and non-IAGHD with established etiology.

Methods

Nineteen patients with IAGHD and 26 patients matched by basic data with non-IAGHD of definite etiology were included in this prospective, case–control study. All subjects underwent complete anthropometric and laboratory measurements at baseline and after 6 months of recombinant human GH replacement therapy. Of these patients, 13 IAGHD and 19 non-IAGHD patients underwent a quantitative assessment of body composition using deep learning software.

Results

Baseline: IAGHD group had higher height (p=0.025), LBM (p=0.009) and total body muscle (p=0.029), and lower WHR (p=0.034) compared to non-IAGHD group. Short-term GH therapy in non-IAGHD patients: Increased total body normal and abnormal attenuation muscle (p=0.035/p=0.009) and reduced IMF volume in upper limbs and abdomen (p=0.050/p=0.040), indicating positive body component redistribution. However, GH therapy resulted in increased weight (p=0.048) and waist circumference (p=0.038), decreased LBM and bilateral upper extremity muscle (p=0.028), and increased total body fat (p=0.046), intra-abdominal fat (p=0.004), torso visceral fat (p=0.038), AVF (p=0.017), and bilateral upper and proximal lower extremity SF volume in IAGHD patients (p=0.015/p=0.038). HOMA-IR in IAGHD patients was significantly correlated with adipose-related parameters.

Conclusion

There were significant differences in the clinical parameters of IAGHD patients at baseline, and short-term GH replacement therapy appeared to be detrimental to the redistribution of body composition in IAGHD patients.
Myxobacteria From Vietnam: Isolation, Phylogenetic Analysis and Bioprospection
Authors: Nguyen Yen Thi Ngoc , Duong Chung Dinh , Nguyen Hong Thi Kim , Nguyen Cham Phuong , Vo Nhan Thi , Dinh Linh Thi Lan , Nguyen Ngoc Le Bao , Nguyen Thai Minh , Nguyen Nga Dinh , Nguyen Anh Tu 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Myxobacteria have been considered microbial factories for producing secondary metabolites that have a variety of potential biological actions for discovering and isolating new biological molecules. Forty-three myxobacterial strains were isolated and identified from 20 soil samples collected in Vietnam. The information on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis inferred from 16S ribosomal gene showed that the newly isolated myxobacterial strains were classified into seven genera ofAngiococcus,Archangium,Corallococcus,Cystobacter,Melittangium, andMyxococcus. Antioxidant activity was measured with the DPPH and ABTS assays; the minimum inhibitory concentration values were determined by the microdilution method. The extract from CT21 strain had the highest total antioxidant activity (IC50= 52.34 ± 1.47 and 30.28 ± 0.74 μg/mL for the DPPH and ABTS, respectively). Interestingly, all strains isolated myxobacterial strains show inhibitory activity against at least one of the tested microorganisms. The most potent antimicrobial strain was GL41, which inhibited all tested microorganisms, and the MIC values were 1 μg/mL against MRSA, MSSA,S. faecalis,C. albicans, andA. niger. Almost all active strains were members of theMyxococcusgenus, among of which, GL41 strain was identified asMyxococcus stipitatus. Myxobacteria strains isolated from soil are a potent source of bioactive metabolite production.
Development of the Prosencephalic Structures, Ganglionic Eminence, Basal Ganglia and Thalamus at 11+3 to 13+6 Gestational Weeks on 3D Transvaginal Ultrasound Including Normative Data
Authors: Altmann Reinhard , Rechberger Tamara , Altmann Claudia , Hirtler Lena , Scharnreitner Iris , Stelzl Patrick , Enengl Sabine 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Objectives: To show the development of ganglionic eminence, basal ganglia and thalamus/hypothalamus in week 11+3 to 13+6 by transvaginal 3D ultrasound.
Methods: To visualize the prosencephalic structures surrounding the 3rd ventricle, 285 volume blocks from 402 fetuses examined were selected in a prospective transvaginal 3D study to compare ultrasound images of ganglionic eminence, basal ganglia, thalamus/hypothalamus with embryological sections. In addition, measurements of the described structures were made in 104 fetuses to quantify the embryological development.
Results: The sonomorphologic characteristics of ganglionic eminence, basal ganglia and thalamus/ hypothalamus are described in 71 % of the fetuses examined. Measurements of the structures in 57% of the fetuses, show the following results: axGE ap = 0.17 + 0.112*CRL; axGE/I = 0.888 + 0.048*CRL; axGE/BG = 0.569 + 0.041*CRL; coGE/BG = 0.381 + 0.048*CRL; coTh lat = -0.002 + 0.135*CRL; coTh/HyT = 3.68 + 0.059*CRL; co3.V lat = 0.54 + 0.008*CRL
Conclusion: Transvaginal 3D neurosonography allows visualization and measurement of normal structures in the fetal prosencephalon at 11+3 to 13+6 weeks of gestation including details of ganglionic eminence (GE), basal ganglia (BG), and thalamus/hypothalamus (Th/HyT). Further scientific work is needed before using the results to decide pathological changes in patients.
Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleocapsid total Ig, anti-RBD IgG antibodies, and infection in Thailand: A cross-sectional survey from October 2022 to January 2023
Authors: Chansaenroj Jira , Suntronwong Nungruthai , Kanokudom Sitthichai , Assawakosri Suvichada , Vichaiwattana Preeyaporn , Klinfueng Sirapa , Wongsrisang Lakana , Thongmee Thanunrat , Aeemjinda Ratchadawan , Khanarat Nongkanok , Srim Donchida , Thatsanathorn Thaksaporn , Yorsaeng Ritthideach , Katanyutanon Apirat , Thanasopon Wichai , Bhunyakitikorn Wichan , Sonthichai Chaninan , Angsuwatcharakorn Piyada , Withaksabut Withak , Wanlapakorn Nasamon , Sudhinaraset Natthinee , Poovorawan Yong 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Seroprevalence studies on SARS-CoV-2 are essential for estimating actual prevalence rates of infection and vaccination in communities. This study evaluated infection rates based on total anti-nucleocapsid immunoglobulin (N) and/or infection history. We determined the seroprevalence of anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) antibodies across age groups. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Chonburi province, Thailand, between October 2022 and January 2023. Participants included newborns to adults aged up to 80 years. All serum samples were tested for anti-N total Ig and anti-RBD IgG. The interviewer-administered questionnaires queried information on infection history and vaccination records. Of 1459 participants enrolled from the Chonburi population, ~ 72.4% were infected. The number of infections was higher in children aged < 5 years, with evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection decreasing significantly with increasing age. There were no significant differences based on sex or occupation. Overall, ~ 97.4% of participants had an immune response against SARS-CoV-2. The anti-RBD IgG seroprevalence rate was lower in younger vaccinated individuals and was slightly increased to 100% seropositivity at ages > 60 years. Our findings will help predict the exact number of infections and the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the Thai population. Furthermore, this information is essential for public health decision-making and the development of vaccination strategies.
The inhibition of Evolocumab on Non-Infarct-Related Artery Disease in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhao Qi , Sun Siyuan , Yue Jingkun , Zhang Ying , Hou Shenglong , Qu Chao , Xian Huimin , Luo Xing , Qu Xiufen 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose: The effects of combing evolocumab and statin on the clinical outcome and physiological function of coronary arteries in STEMI patients with non-infarct-related artery (NIRA) disease are still unclear.
Methods:355 STEMI patients with NIRA were enrolled in this study, who underwent combined anatomical and physiological assessments at baseline and after 12 months of treatment with statin monotherapy or statin plus evolocumab. Plaque composition and functional ischemia were determined via using the quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and quantitative flow ratio (QFR).
Results: Diameter stenosis and lesion length were significantly lower in the group undergoing statin plus evolocumab. While the group exhibited significantly higher minimum lumen diameter (MLD), and QFR values. Statin plus evolocumab (OR=0.350) and plaque lesion length (OR=1.223) were independently associated with rehospitalization for unstable angina (UA) within 12 months.
Conclusion: Evolocumab combined with statin therapy can significantly improve the anatomical and physiological function of the coronary arteries and downregulate the re-hospitalization rate due to UA in STEMI patients with NIRA.
Nomogram prediction of the 70-gene signature (MammaPrint) binary and quartile categorized risk using medical history, imaging features and clinicopathological data among Chinese breast cancer patients
Authors: Pan Bo , Xu Ying , Yao Ru , Cao Xi , Zhou Xingtong , Hao Zhixin , Zhang Yanna , Wang Changjun , Shen Songjie , Luo Yanwen , Zhu Qingli , Ren Xinyu , Kong Lingyan , Zhou Yidong , Sun Qiang 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: The 70-gene signature (70-GS, MammaPrint) test has been recommended by the main guidelines to evaluate prognosis and chemotherapy benefit of hormonal receptor positive human epidermal receptor 2 negative (HR+/Her2-) early breast cancer (BC). However, this expensive assay is not always accessible and affordable worldwide. Based on our previous study, we established nomogram models to predict the binary and quartile categorized risk of 70-GS.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a consecutive cohort of 150 female patients with HR+/Her2- BC and eligible 70-GS test. Comparison of 40 parameters including the patients’ medical history risk factors, imaging features and clinicopathological characteristics was performed between patients with high risk (N=62) and low risk (N=88) of 70-GS test, whereas risk calculations from established models including Clinical Treatment Score Post-5 years (CTS5), Immunohistochemistry 3 (IHC3) and Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI) were also compared between high vs low binary risk of 70-GS and among ultra-high (N=12), high (N=50), low (N=65) and ultra-low (N=23) quartile categorized risk of 70-GS. The data of 150 patients were randomly split by 4:1 ratio with training set of 120 patients and testing set 30 patients. Univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression were performed to establish the two nomogram models to predict the the binary and quartile categorized risk of 70-GS.
Results: Compared to 70-GS low-risk patients, the high-risk patients had significantly less cardiovascular co-morbidity (p=0.034), more grade 3 BC (p=0.006), lower progesterone receptor (PR) positive percentage (p=0.007), more Ki67 high BC (≥20%, p<0.001) and no significant differences in all the imaging parameters of ultrasound and mammogram. The IHC3 risk and the NPI calculated score significantly correlated with both the binary and quartile categorized 70-GS risk classifications (both p<0.001). The area under curve (AUC) of receiver-operating curve (ROC) of the nomogram for binary high risk prediction were 0.826 (95%CI: 0.750-0.902) for training and 0.737 (95%CI: 0.556-0.917) for validation dataset respectively. The prediction accuracy of the nomogram for quartile categorized risk groups were 55.0% (likelihood ratio tests, p<0.001) and 53.3% (p=0.04) for training and validation, which more than double the baseline probability of 25%.
Conclusions: To our knowledge, we are the first to establish easy-to-use nomograms to predict the individualized binary (high vs low) and the quartile categorized (ultra-high, high, low and ultra-low) risk classification of 70-GS test with fair performance, which might provide information for treatment choice for those who have no access to the 70-GS testing.
Machine learning-based D2D communication for a cloud-secure e-health system and data analysis by feature selection with classification
Authors: Awasthi Aishwary , R Suchithra , CHAKRAVARTY AJAY , Shah Jaymeel , Ghosh Debanjan , Kumar Avneesh 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Numerous aspects of healthcare have been altered by cloud-based computing. Scalability of required service as well as ability to upscale or downsize data storage, as well as the collaboration between AI and machine learning, are main benefits of cloud computing in healthcare. Current paper looked at a number of different research studies to find out how intelligent techniques can be used in health systems. The main focus was on security and privacy concerns with the current technologies. This study proposes a novel method for cloud service device-to-device communication using feature selection and classification for data analysis in an e-health system. Through a comprehensive requirement analysis as well as user study, the purpose of this research is to investigate viability of incorporating cloud as well as distributed computing into e-healthcare. After that, the smart healthcare system and conventional database-centric healthcare methods will be compared, and a prototype system will be created as well as put into use based on results. Convolutional adversarial neural networks with transfer perceptron are used to analyze the cloud-based e-health data that has been collected. Proposed technique attained training accuracy 98%, validation accuracy 93%, PSNR 66%, MSE 68%, precision 72%, QoS 63%, Latency 58%.
The commons dilemma: Strategic common pool resource extraction behavior
Authors: Berhe Haile Tewele 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The paper presents the strategic decision of common pool resource users at local level. Common pool resources typically characterized by the difficulty to exclude appropriation by others and the high level of rivalry (subtract ability). In this study, an application of game theory has been adopted to show individual resource use behavior. A game that better captures this underlying mechanism is the common pool resource game. Common pool resources with unlimited access are generally characterized by the existence of negative externality. Assuming a symmetric users’ payoff function, static analysis for a simple mathematical model using solution method for strategic common pool game come up with extraction effort levels exceed the socially optimal level at equilibrium. This implies that unregulated common pool resource game poses social dilemma; when players interact only once or finitely repeated. On the contrary, the infinitely repeated framework shows cooperation (socially optimal level of extraction) may sustain by a self-enforcing agreement provided individuals are sufficiently patient. This frame work indicates that cooperation may sustain for a long period of time, if the initial gain from deviation is small or losses from counter threat after deviation is large.
A Nomogram to Predict Conversion of Laparoscopic Surgery to Laparotomy for Choledocholithiasis
Authors: Zheng Yitao , Lv Haoyang , Lin Zhuoqun , Shi Hongqi , Huang Xiaming 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Laparoscopic surgery is effective for treating common bile duct (CBD) stones. However, it has high requirements for surgeons and the risk of conversion to laparotomy cannot be ignored. Our study aimed to establish a nomogram model for predicting conversion of laparoscopic to laparotomy for choledocholithiasis.
Materials and methods: A total of 867 patients who were diagnosed with choledocholithiasis and underwent laparoscopic surgery were randomly divided into a training group (70%, n = 607) and a validation group (30 %, n = 260). A nomogram was constructed based on the results of logistic regression analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to assess the predictive performance of the nomogram.
Results: Previous upper abdominal surgery, maximum diameter of stone ≥ 12mm, medial wall of the duodenum stone, thickening of the gallbladder wall, thickening of CBD wall, stone size/CBD size ≥ 0.75, and simultaneous laparoscopic hepatectomy were included in the nomogram. The AUC values were 0.813 (95% CI: 0.766-0.861) and 0.804 (95% CI: 0.737-0.871) in the training and validation groups, respectively. The calibration curve showed excellent consistency between the nomogram predictions and actual observations. DCA showed a positive net benefit for the nomogram.
Conclusions: We constructed a nomogram with a good ability to predict conversion to open surgery in laparoscopic surgery for choledocholithiasis, which can help surgeons to make a reasonable operation plan before surgery and timely convert to laparotomy during operation to reduce potential harm to the patient.
High-grade soft tissue sarcomas of the buttock: a case series and surgical technique
Authors: Sacco Riccardo , Piana Raimondo , Pellegrino Pietro , Ferro Andrea , Gilleron Matthieu , Hamza Amine , Dujardin Franck , Lalevee Matthieu 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Objective
Soft tissue sarcomas of the buttock (BSTS) are historically associated with a poor prognosis. The literature concerning BSTS includes outdated single-center retrospective case series, and case reports. We aimed to analyze the oncologic outcomes of high-grade BSTS according to current treatment modalities, and to present a detailed surgical technique of buttectomy,.
Methods
Consecutive patients diagnosed with BSTS from 2016 to 2021, were retrospectively evaluated for the rate of local control, distant metastases, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Inclusion criteria: (1) high-grade STS confirmed by pathological biopsy, (2) tumors localized to the buttock, (3) surgical treatment, (4) age > 18 years. All patients underwent surgical resection. Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy was administered according to a standardized protocol. Functional outcome was assessed with the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score (MSTS 1993).
Results
Nine high-grade, G2/3 BSTS were included; mean age 60.1 years (range, 30–86), and mean follow-up 4,5 years (range, 1–7). There were 7 undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, 1 fibrosarcoma, and 1 myxoid liposarcoma. Three patients were referred after whoops surgeries, 33% (3/9). Overall, the deep gluteal space was invaded in three out of nine patients, and the subcutaneous fat in another three out of nine patients; wide margins were achieved only in two patients. At the last follow-up, two patients developed distant metastasis and died, in one case with invasion of the deep gluteal space, and in another of the subcutaneous fat; 7/9 patients were alive and disease-free. The LR rate was 33% (2/6), the 5-year OS and DFS were 66% (5/7). The MSTS 1987 scores averaged 89.0 (range 76–100).
Conclusion
BSTS are still associated with high rates of whoops surgeries and local recurrence in agreement with previous evidence from 1948 to 2002. Buttectomy for high-grade BSTS provided acceptable oncological outcomes when performed by a trained team using a precise surgical technique, in association to a multimodal therapy.
Comparative assessment of projection and clustering method combinations in the analysis of biomedical data
Authors: Lötsch Jörn , Ultsch Alfred 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background Clustering on projected data is a common component of the analysis of biomedical research datasets. Among projection methods, principal component analysis (PCA) is the most commonly used. It focuses on the dispersion (variance) of the data, whereas clustering attempts to identify concentrations (neighborhoods) within the data. These may be conflicting aims. This report re-evaluates combinations of PCA and other common projection methods with common clustering algorithms. Methods PCA, independent component analysis (ICA), isomap, multidimensional scaling (MDS), and t-distributed stochastic neighborhood embedding (t-SNE) were combined with common clustering algorithms (partitioning: k-means, k-medoids, and hierarchical: single, Ward's, average linkage). Projections and clusterings were assessed visually by tessellating the two-dimensional projection plane with Voronoi cells and calculating common measures of cluster quality. Clustering on projected data was evaluated on nine artificial and five real biomedical datasets. Results None of the combinations always gave correct results in terms of capturing the prior classifications in the projections and clusters. Visual inspection of the results is therefore essential. PCA was never ranked first, but was consistently outperformed or equaled by neighborhood-based methods such as t-SNE or manifold learning techniques such as isomap. Conclusions The results do not support PCA as the standard projection method prior to clustering. Instead, several alternatives with visualization of the projection and clustering results should be compared. A visualization is proposed that uses a combination of Voronoi tessellation of the projection plane according to the clustering with a color coding of the projected data points according to the prior classes. This can be used to find the best combination of data projection and clustering in a given in a given data set.
Enforcing ‘Equal Pay for Equal Work’ in the EU: What would it take?
Authors: DE POLI SILVIA , MAIER SOFIA 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

The European Parliament has approved new binding pay transparency measures to reinforce European Union´s commitment to the 1957 founding principle of `Equal Pay for Equal Work' at the workplace between women and men. In this paper, we shed new light on the prevalence of unequal pay for equal work, and its influence on the gender pay gap and the distribution of household income. We do so with harmonised microdata from the 27 EU countries, a novel estimation approach based on blocking with regression adjustments, and microsimulations to account for the interplay of tax-benefits. Our results suggest that, on average, women receive lower gross hourly wages than men performing similar work, with substantial cross-country variation. We also show that unequal pay is the main driver of the gender pay gap in most EU countries. Finally, we simulate a hypothetical upward shift of women's wages that would enforce this equal pay principle. This leads, ceteris paribus, to a substantial increase in household disposable income and government revenues (particularly strong in countries with low gender gaps at the extensive and intensive margin of labour market participation). We further discuss the implications of these distributional effects for income poverty and inequality.
JEL Classification: J16, J31, J38, J78