bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
QRS complex and T wave planarity for the efficacy prediction of automatic implantable defibrillators
Authors: Hnatkova Katerina , Andršová Irena , Novotný Tomáš , Vanderberk Bert , Sprenkeler David , Junttila Juhani , Reichlin Tobias , Schlögl Simon , Vos Marc A , Friede Tim , Bauer Axel , Huikuri Heikki V , Willems Rik , Schmidt Georg , Sticherling Christian , Zabel Markus , Malik Marek 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that in recipients of primary prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), the non-planarity of ECG vector loops predicts (a) deaths despite ICD protection and (b) appropriate ICD shocks.MethodsDigital pre-implant ECGs were collected in 1948 ICD recipients: 21.4% females, median age 65 years, 61.5% ischaemic heart disease (IHD). QRS and T wave three-dimensional loops were constructed using singular value decomposition that allowed to measure the vector loop planarity. The non-planarity, that is, the twist of the three-dimensional loops out of a single plane, was related to all-cause mortality (n=294; 15.3% females; 68.7% IHD) and appropriate ICD shocks (n=162; 10.5% females; 87.7% IHD) during 5-year follow-up after device implantation. Using multivariable Cox regression, the predictive power of QRS and T wave non-planarity was compared with that of age, heart rate, left ventricular ejection fraction, QRS duration, spatial QRS-T angle, QTc interval and T-peak to T-end interval.ResultsQRS non-planarity was significantly (p<0.001) associated with follow-up deaths despite ICD protection with HR of 1.339 (95% CI 1.165 to 1.540) but was only univariably associated with appropriate ICD shocks. Non-planarity of the T wave loop was the only ECG-derived index significantly (p<0.001) associated with appropriate ICD shocks with multivariable Cox regression HR of 1.364 (1.180 to 1.576) but was not associated with follow-up mortality.ConclusionsThe analysed data suggest that QRS and T wave non-planarity might offer distinction between patients who are at greater risk of death despite ICD protection and those who are likely to use the defibrillator protection.
Abstract IA09: Characterization of hypoxic tumor microenvironment in HPV-negative HNSCC
Authors: Chung Christine H. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) which are often associated with heavy tobacco use has one of the most hypoxic tumor microenvironments (TME) among solid tumors. A hypoxic TME is known to be immunosuppressive due to inhibition of T-cell proliferation and effector cytokine production, unfavorable metabolic competition, upregulation of coinhibitory receptors in T-cells, and recruitment of immunosuppressive cells such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells. However, there is no proven therapeutic strategy to remodel the TME to be less hypoxic and proinflammatory. We determined hypoxic HNSCC based on a Hypoxia-Immune gene expression signature, characterized the immune cells in the TME using multiple immunohistochemical staining, and analyzed the signaling pathways to identify potential therapeutic targets. We found that the hypoxic HNSCC had significantly higher numbers of immunosuppressive cells, and patients with hypoxic HNSCC had worse outcomes after treatment with anti-Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab. The gene expression analysis showed hypoxic HNSCC predominantly increased the expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway genes. Inhibition of EGFR pathway using cetuximab decreased the expression of hypoxia signature genes, suggesting that it may alleviate the effects of hypoxia and remodel the TME to become more proinflammatory. In addition, recent clinical trials evaluating combination of cetuximab and nivolumab as well as combination of BCA101 (an EGFR and TGF-β dual inhibitor) and pembrolizumab showed a significant response in HPV-negative HNSCC. Our study provides a rationale for treatment strategies combining EGFR- and TGF-β-targeted agents and immunotherapy in the management of HPV-negative, hypoxic HNSCC.
Citation Format: Christine H. Chung. Characterization of hypoxic tumor microenvironment in HPV-negative HNSCC [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-AHNS Head and Neck Cancer Conference: Innovating through Basic, Clinical, and Translational Research; 2023 Jul 7-8; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2023;29(18_Suppl):Abstract nr IA09.
Abstract PO-027: Clinical and genetic associations of biological sex and survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yao Alexandria , Petti Andrew , Mezghani Nadia , Momen-Heravi Fatemeh , Taylor Alison M. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Approximately half of all head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients die within the five years of diagnosis despite treatment. Some studies have found that women with HNSCC have worse overall prognosis. To investigate the characteristics of HNSCC stratified by biological sex, we analyzed HNSCC samples within the Cancer Genome Atlas dataset from 382 male and 141 female patients. Here, tumors from female patients were more likely to be HPV negative and located in the oral cavity, along with a higher diagnosis age for this patient population. In the tumors of female patients, we also observed increased expression of genes belonged to immune pathways and higher overall immune infiltrate. Although immune infiltrate influences patient prognosis, it did not explain the biological sex disparity in our multivariable Cox proportional hazard model. Instead, across HNSCC, we found that survival differences attributed to biological sex were largely due to differences in diagnosis age and HPV status. However, this was not the case when solely looking at patients with HNSCC in the larynx. In laryngeal HNSCC, women have significantly worse outcome that cannot be attributed to HPV status or other clinical features. Of note, the association of biological sex with outcome in laryngeal HNSCC is also observed in other datasets. The molecular underpinnings of this disparity have not yet been identified, but preliminary analyses suggest different patterns of genomic alterations correlating with biological sex. Our study provides insight into factors that contribute to worse prognosis for females with HNSCC, particularly of the larynx.
Citation Format: Alexandria Yao, Andrew Petti, Nadia Mezghani, Fatemeh Momen-Heravi, Alison M. Taylor. Clinical and genetic associations of biological sex and survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-AHNS Head and Neck Cancer Conference: Innovating through Basic, Clinical, and Translational Research; 2023 Jul 7-8; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2023;29(18_Suppl):Abstract nr PO-027.
Abstract PO-087: Single-cell transcriptome analysis reveals functional changes in tumor-infiltrating macrophages after nutraceutical momordicine-I treatment in head & neck cancer
Authors: Sur Subhayan , Steele Robert , Ray Ratna B. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Head & neck cancer is the sixth most prevalent cancer in the world, and oral cancer is the most common subtype with limited effective treatment options. Therefore, there is a critical need to understand the pathogenesis and therapeutic modalities for successful management of head & neck cancer. Momordicine-I (M-I), an active component of bitter melon extract, displayed anti-tumor activity. However, M-I mediated immune modulation of head & neck tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unknown. To improve the efficacy of therapy, it is important to understand the heterogeneity of head & neck cancer in TME and its modulation following treatment at molecular level. In this study, we showed that M-I inhibits head & neck tumor growth in an immunocompetent mouse model. To understand the in-depth changes in immune system, we analyzed the transcriptome profiles of vehicle treated and M-I-treated tumors using single-cell RNA-sequencing. M-I treatment modulates several molecules in monocyte/macrophage clusters in CD45+ populations. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are crucial barriers to their antitumor effects. We observed that the expression of Sfln4, a myeloid cell differentiation factor, and Cxcl3, a neutrophil chemoattractant, in the monocyte/macrophage populations was significantly reduced following M-I treatment. We further showed that macrophages need to be in close contact with tumor cells to reduce Sfln4 or Cxcl3 expression, suggesting that TAMs are modulated by M-I treatment. Co-culture of macrophages and tumor cells enhances Nos2 expression following M-I treatment, implicating an alteration of the M2 to M1 phenotype of macrophages. In fact, differential expression of macrophage populations from M-I treated tumors showed downregulation of several M2 macrophage marker genes, and their further validations for functional consequence are underway. Together, our results highlight a potential mechanism of immune modulation by M-I, which may help in the development of a combination therapy for head & neck cancer.
Citation Format: Subhayan Sur, Robert Steele, Ratna B. Ray. Single-cell transcriptome analysis reveals functional changes in tumor-infiltrating macrophages after nutraceutical momordicine-I treatment in head & neck cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-AHNS Head and Neck Cancer Conference: Innovating through Basic, Clinical, and Translational Research; 2023 Jul 7-8; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2023;29(18_Suppl):Abstract nr PO-087.
Rosiglitazone-Mediated Activation of PPARγ Restores HO1 Expression in the Human Preeclamptic Placenta
Authors: Grimaldi Brooke , Kohan-Ghadr Hamid-Reza , Halari Chidambra D. , Nandi Pinki , Kingdom John C. , Drewlo Sascha 
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:
Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by chronic placental ischemia and suppression of proangiogenic proteins, causing oxidative stress, hypertension, and maternal systemic organ damage. The transcription factor, PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ) promotes healthy trophoblast differentiation but is dysregulated in the preeclampsia placenta. Our study identifies the beneficial impact of Rosiglitazone-mediated PPARγ-activation in the stressed preeclampsia placenta.

METHODS:
We used first trimester placentas, preeclamptic and preterm control placentas, and human trophoblast cell lines to study PPARγ activation.

RESULTS:

Induction of PPARγ activates cell growth and antioxidative stress pathways, including the gene, heme oxygenase 1 (
Hmox1
). Protein expression of both PPARγ and HO1 (heme oxygenase 1) are reduced in preeclamptic placentas, but Rosiglitazone restores HO1 signaling in a PPARγ-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS:
Restoring disrupted pathways by PPARγ in preeclampsia offers a potential therapeutic pathway to reverse placental damage, extending pregnancy duration, and reduce maternal sequelae. Future research should aim to understand the full scope of impaired PPARγ signaling in the human placenta and focus on compounds for safe use during pregnancy to prevent severe perinatal morbidity and mortality.
Atoms for Socialism: The Birth of a Czechoslovak-Soviet Nuclear Utopia
Authors: Šmidrkalová Michaela 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This article focuses on the popular image of the nuclear future of Czechoslovakia in the mid-1950s and analyzes the push for a Czechoslovak-Soviet nuclear utopia. The article describes the foreign orientation of Czechoslovakia's nuclear research through 1955 and the first joint nuclear activities between Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union. The article also shows how Czechoslovak-Soviet friendship was integrated in practice into the image of the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and it analyzes the image of civilian nuclear activities that was presented to Czechs and Slovaks in a campaign of popularization in the mid-1950s. Soviet “nuclear assistance” to Czechoslovakia, announced in January 1955, corresponded with a change in the popular vision of the nuclear age in Czechoslovakia when a remote nuclear future was transformed into a “lived utopia.”
Machine learning and EEG can classify passive viewing of discrete categories of visual stimuli but not the observation of pain
Authors: Mari Tyler , Henderson Jessica , Ali S. Hasan , Hewitt Danielle , Brown Christopher , Stancak Andrej , Fallon Nicholas 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPrevious studies have demonstrated the potential of machine learning (ML) in classifying physical pain from non-pain states using electroencephalographic (EEG) data. However, the application of ML to EEG data to categorise the observation of pain versus non-pain images of human facial expressions or scenes depicting pain being inflicted has not been explored. The present study aimed to address this by training Random Forest (RF) models on cortical event-related potentials (ERPs) recorded while participants passively viewed faces displaying either pain or neutral expressions, as well as action scenes depicting pain or matched non-pain (neutral) scenarios. Ninety-one participants were recruited across three samples, which included a model development group (n = 40) and a cross-subject validation group (n = 51). Additionally, 25 participants from the model development group completed a second experimental session, providing a within-subject temporal validation sample. The analysis of ERPs revealed an enhanced N170 component in response to faces compared to action scenes. Moreover, an increased late positive potential (LPP) was observed during the viewing of pain scenes compared to neutral scenes. Additionally, an enhanced P3 response was found when participants viewed faces displaying pain expressions compared to neutral expressions. Subsequently, three RF models were developed to classify images into faces and scenes, neutral and pain scenes, and neutral and pain expressions. The RF model achieved classification accuracies of 75%, 64%, and 69% for cross-validation, cross-subject, and within-subject classifications, respectively, along with reasonably calibrated predictions for the classification of face versus scene images. However, the RF model was unable to classify pain versus neutral stimuli above chance levels when presented with subsequent tasks involving images from either category. These results expand upon previous findings by externally validating the use of ML in classifying ERPs related to different categories of visual images, namely faces and scenes. The results also indicate the limitations of ML in distinguishing pain and non-pain connotations using ERP responses to the passive viewing of visually similar images.
The prognostic significance of histologic variant on survival outcomes in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy
Authors: Tsai Tsung-Han , Su Po-Jung , Huang Shih-Yu , Kuo Ming-Chun , Lin Chang-Ting , Wu Chia-Che , Luo Hao-Lun , Chen Chien-Hsu , Chou Chih-Chi , Liu Ting-Ting , Huang Chun-Chieh , Tsai Kai-Lung , Su Yu-Li 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
While the treatment guidelines have been established for pure urothelial carcinoma (pUC), patients with variant type urothelial carcinoma (vUC) face limited effective treatment options. The effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in patients with vUC remains uncertain and necessitates additional research.

Method
We conducted a retrospective, multicenter study to explore the effectiveness of ICI in patients with pUC or vUC in Taiwan. We evaluated the overall response rate (ORR) through univariate logistic regression analysis and examined the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Additionally, we employed univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models to analyze the data.

Result
A total of 142 patients (116 pUC, 26 vUC) were included in our final analysis. The ORR was marginally higher in patients with pUC compared to those with vUC (34.5% vs. 23.1%, p = 0.26). Among all patients, 12.9% with pUC achieved a complete response (CR) after ICI treatment, while no vUC cases achieved CR (p = 0.05). There were no significant differences in PFS (median 3.6 months vs. 4.1 months, p = 0.34) or OS (median 16.3 months vs. 11.0 months, p = 0.24) when comparing patients with pUC or vUC. In the subgroup analysis, patients with pUC who underwent first-line ICI treatment exhibited significantly improved OS compared to those with vUC (24.6 months vs. 9.1 months, p = 0.004).

Conclusion
The use of ICI as monotherapy is a feasible and effective treatment approach for patients with metastatic vUC.
Mechanical properties evaluation of metacarpophalangeal joint prosthesis with new titanium-nickel memory alloy: a cadaver study
Authors: Guo Minzheng , Qi Baochuang , Li Jun , Shi Xiangwen , Ni Haonan , Shi Hongxin , Ren Junxiao , Zhou Xizong , Ye Tao , Yao Ling , Xu Yongqing , Zhang Meichao , Li Chuan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objective
Ni-Ti memory alloys are unusual materials for hard-tissue replacement because of their unique superelasticity, good biocompatibility, high strength, low specific gravity, low magnetism, wear resistance, corrosion resistance and fatigue resistance. The current study aims to evaluate its mechanical properties and provide biomechanical basis for the clinical application of the prosthesis.

Methods
Ten adult metacarpophalangeal joint specimens were randomly divided into a prosthesis group (n = 5, underwent metacarpophalangeal joint prosthesis) and a control group (n = 5, underwent sham operation). Firstly, the axial compression strength was tested with BOSE material testing machine to evaluate its biomechanical strength. Secondly, these specimens were tested for strain changes using BOSE material testing machine and GOM non-contact optical strain measurement system to evaluate the stress changes. Thirdly, fatigue test was performed between groups. Lastly, the mechanical wear of the metacarpophalangeal joint prosthesis was tested with ETK5510 material testing machine to study its mechanical properties.

Results
Axial compression stiffness in the prosthesis group was greater than that in the control group in terms of 30 ° and 60 ° flexion positions (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between two groups with regards to axial compression stiffness and stress change test (P > 0.05). In the fatigue wear test, the mean mass loss in the prosthesis group’s prosthesis was 17.2 mg and 17.619 mm3, respectively. The mean volume wear rate was 0.12%. There was no statistically significant difference in the maximum pull-out force of the metacarpal, phalangeal, and polymer polyethylene pads between the prosthesis group and the control group specimens.

Conclusions
Ni-Ti memory alloy metacarpophalangeal joint prosthesis conforms to the biomechanical characteristics of metacarpophalangeal joints without implants, and the fatigue strength can fully meet the needs of metacarpophalangeal joint activities after joint replacement.
Is there any difference based on sublingual varices frequency between hypertensive patients and healthy persons?
Authors: Ahadian Hakimeh , Akhavankarbassi Mohammad Hasan , Sabaghzadegan Yasaman , Owlia Fatemeh , Daneshmand Amir Sasha 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Sublingual varices (SV) are benign vascular lesions that have questionable associations with aging, smoking, and hypertension. This study purposed to evaluate whether SV frequency differs between hypertensive patients and healthy persons.

Methods and Material
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 dental patients referred to Yazd Oral Medicine Department. At first sublingual surface of the tongue were examined before the routine oral survey, and blood pressure (BP) was measured in a sitting position. SV were classified into Grade 1 (no/mild), Grade 2 (medium to severe), and Grade 3 (multi-focal). Blood pressure was measured in all participants. Participants based on the obtained BP, divided into normal, prehypertension, stage 1, and 2 groups. Frequency of SV was compared in regarding age, gender, and stage of hypertension. All of the analyses were conducted at a p < 0.05 level of significance by the SPSS22 statistical package using chi-square test.

Results
Out of 120 patients, 84 (70%) had SV. The frequency of SV in patients with hypertension (HT) (86.8%) was significantly higher than in others (48.1%); (p < 0.001). Data analysis showed there was a significant difference between the age groups. There was no significant difference based on SV between two genders. There was no significant difference in the frequency of sublingual varices between males and females. Aging could impact the frequency of SV.

Conclusion
This study revealed that patients with hypertension had more SV. A simple valuable method for dental clinicians to be active in preventive health care is evaluating sublingual surface of tongue.
Leveraging electronic medical records for HIV testing, care, and treatment programming in Kenya—the national data warehouse project
Authors: Ndisha Margaret , Hassan Amin S. , Ngari Faith , Munene Evans , Gikura Mary , Kimutai Koske , Muthoka Kennedy , Murie Lisa Amai , Tolentino Herman , Odhiambo Jacob , Mwele Pascal , Odero Lydia , Mbaire Kate , Omoro Gonza , Kimanga Davies O. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Aggregate electronic data repositories and population-level cross-sectional surveys play a critical role in HIV programme monitoring and surveillance for data-driven decision-making. However, these data sources have inherent limitations including inability to respond to public health priorities in real-time and to longitudinally follow up clients for ascertainment of long-term outcomes. Electronic medical records (EMRs) have tremendous potential to bridge these gaps when harnessed into a centralised data repository. We describe the evolution of EMRs and the development of a centralised national data warehouse (NDW) repository. Further, we describe the distribution and representativeness of data from the NDW and explore its potential for population-level surveillance of HIV testing, care and treatment in Kenya.

Main body
Health information systems in Kenya have evolved from simple paper records to web-based EMRs with features that support data transmission to the NDW. The NDW design includes four layers: data warehouse application programming interface (DWAPI), central staging, integration service, and data visualization application. The number of health facilities uploading individual-level data to the NDW increased from 666 in 2016 to 1,516 in 2020, covering 41 of 47 counties in Kenya. By the end of 2020, the NDW hosted longitudinal data from 1,928,458 individuals ever started on antiretroviral therapy (ART). In 2020, there were 936,869 individuals who were active on ART in the NDW, compared to 1,219,276 individuals on ART reported in the aggregate-level Kenya Health Information System (KHIS), suggesting 77% coverage. The proportional distribution of individuals on ART by counties in the NDW was consistent with that from KHIS, suggesting representativeness and generalizability at the population level.

Conclusion
The NDW presents opportunities for individual-level HIV programme monitoring and surveillance because of its longitudinal design and its ability to respond to public health priorities in real-time. A comparison with estimates from KHIS demonstrates that the NDW has high coverage and that the data maybe representative and generalizable at the population-level. The NDW is therefore a unique and complementary resource for HIV programme monitoring and surveillance with potential to strengthen timely data driven decision-making towards HIV epidemic control in Kenya.

Database link
(https://dwh.nascop.org/).