bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of the Fibrosis‐4 index and alanine aminotransferase at 1 year of nucleos(t)ide analog treatment for prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Inoue Jun , Akahane Takehiro , Kobayashi Tomoo , Kimura Osamu , Sato Kosuke , Ninomiya Masashi , Iwata Tomoaki , Takai Satoshi , Kisara Norihiro , Sato Toshihiro , Nagasaki Futoshi , Miura Masahito , Nakamura Takuya , Umetsu Teruyuki , Sano Akitoshi , Tsuruoka Mio , Onuki Masazumi , Sawahashi Satoko , Niitsuma Hirofumi , Masamune Atsushi ,   THERME Study Group
Published: August 2023

AbstractAimNucleos(t)ide analogs do not completely prevent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis B virus infection. This study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of a non‐invasive liver fibrosis marker, the Fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index, for predicting HCC development.MethodsAmong a total of 882 chronically hepatitis B virus infection‐infected patients who were treated with nucleos(t)ide analogs, 472 patients without HCC history whose FIB‐4 at baseline and 1 year of treatment was obtained were evaluated for the incidence of HCC.ResultsThe median FIB‐4 was 2.00 at baseline and was significantly reduced to 1.58 at 1 year (P < 0.001), but the reduction was small at 2 years or later. When a receiver operating characteristic analysis of FIB‐4 was performed to predict HCC within 5 years, the area under the curve of FIB‐4 at 1 year was higher than that at baseline (0.676 vs. 0.599). The HCC incidence was significantly higher in patients with FIB‐4 ≥1.58 than in those with FIB‐4 <1.58 (14.8% vs. 3.6% at 10 years, P < 0.001). Additionally, an abnormal alanine aminotransferase (≥31 U/L) at 1 year was an independent risk for HCC. When a fibrosis and alanine aminotransferase‐1 (FAL‐1) score was evaluated as an applicable number of FIB‐4 ≥1.58, and alanine aminotransferase ≥31 as 0, 1, and 2, the HCC risk in patients with score 2 was significantly higher than in those with score 1 or score 0 (24.1% vs. 9.8% vs. 0.7% at 10 years, P < 0.001).ConclusionsFIB‐4 ≥1.58 and alanine aminotransferase ≥31 at 1 year of nucleos(t)ide analog was an independent risk factor for HCC development, and a score using these factors stratified the risk of HCC.
Gonadal and cellular dynamics during protogynous sex change in the harlequin sandsmelt Parapercis pulchella
Authors: Yao Akifumi , Nakamura Mayuko , Kohtsuka Hisanori , Sunobe Tomoki , Miura Toru 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSome teleost fishes change their sex, and some of these fishes have specific gonads known as “ovotestes,” that is, gonads containing both ovarian and testicular tissues. In this study, we revealed the gonadal transformation process and cell dynamics during the female‐to‐male sex change in the harlequin sandsmelt, Parapercis pulchella (Pinguipetidae), in which females possess ovotestes. Histological observations revealed that although female ovotestes were composed of oocytes, a few cysts of male germ cells were observed among them. At the initial phase of sex change, male germ cells increased, and spermatogenesis proceeded. After that, oocytes decreased and finally disappeared, and the gonads became functional testes. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies against Pcna (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) as a cell proliferation marker revealed that spermatogonia were Pcna positive, whereas spermatocytes were negative, in female ovotestes. This suggests that spermatogenesis is arrested at the spermatocyte stage. In addition, some somatic cells surrounding oocytes, which were thought to be the female follicle cells, were Pcna positive during sex change, indicating that these cells proliferate during sex change and are reused in male testes after sex change. Also, immunostaining using antibodies against active cleaved‐Caspase3a as an apoptosis marker demonstrated that oocytes degenerated through apoptotic cell death at the late transition stage. Together with previous findings in other fishes, these findings suggested that the histological processes in gonads during sex change, such as the order of developmental events, developmental fates of ovarian cavities, and ovotestis structures, are diversified among fish species. In contrast, cellular dynamics of female germ and somatic cells during sex change are common among protogynous species.
Insights into vertebral band pair deposition rate in the juvenile common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus) in the northeastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Spear Luka N. , Kohin Suzanne , Mohan John A. , Wells R. J. David 
Published: August 2023

AbstractValidation of band pair deposition rates in elasmobranch vertebrae is essential for accurate age estimation using band pair counting techniques. We present a validation study of the vertebral band pair deposition rate for juvenile common thresher sharks Alopias vulpinus in the northeastern Pacific Ocean (NEPO) using tag and recapture with oxytetracycline (OTC) injection. A total of 14 juvenile A. vulpinus marked with OTC from 1998 through 2013 were recaptured with times at liberty ranging from 1.08 to 3.81 years with an average of 2.14 years (±0.97 years standard deviation, SD). Shark size ranged from 80 to 128 cm fork length (LF) at the time of OTC injection and from 112 to 168 cm LF for those measured at recapture. The slopes of the relationships between band pairs post OTC and years at liberty for each reader ranged from 0.84 to 0.95, slightly lower than the 1.0 slope expected from annual band pair formation. These findings preliminarily support previous age and growth assumptions based on a one band pair per year deposition rate. However, high variation in band pair deposition rates between samples, coupled with regression slopes falling just under one band pair per year, indicates that further investigation is needed to refine band pair deposition rate estimates.
Modeling and optimization of integrated earth air heat exchanger and direct evaporative cooling system using ANN and RSM approaches for preserving fruits and vegetables
Authors: Nishad Praween , Mangaraj Shukadev 
Published: August 2023

AbstractConventional air‐conditioned storage systems are more energy intensive which requires a consistent supply of electricity. Apart from this, it is costly and not suitable in remote areas where electricity is almost inaccessible. Therefore, the present study aimed to test the performance and feasibility of an integrated earth air heat exchanger and direct evaporative cooling system for storage of fruits and vegetables. The effects of air velocity (4–6 m/s), water flow rate (0.032–0.096 kg/s), and thickness of the cooling pad (50–150 mm) with corresponding responses were investigated in order to develop response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) models and compared them to predict temperature drop and humidity rise. Using RSM model, the optimum values for maximum temperature drop (16.80°C) and humidity rise (70.85%) within a range of input variables were found to be 4 m/s air velocity, 0.065 kg/s water flow rate, and 150 mm thickness of the cooling pad. For predicting the temperature drop and humidity rise, the higher (0.992 and 0.998) lower MAE (0.045 and 0.064), RMSE (0.187 and 0.266), and values (0.028 and 0.001) were observed in the ANN model. The developed ANN model was better than RSM models, and the model prediction was in good agreement with experiment values within the range of ±5% uncertainty. The results of this study indicate that the proposed cooling system can be successfully applied to store horticultural commodities.Practical ApplicationIntroduced hybrid cooling technique is low‐cost and eco‐friendly, and can be commercially used for on‐farm storage of fruits and vegetables to enhance their shelf life. The system is helpful for smallholder farmers/retailers to maintain the quality of the commodity during storage, minimize post‐harvest losses, and fetch good market value for the commodity.
Hybrid data‐driven modeling for accurate prediction of quality parameters in sugarcane milling with fine‐tuning
Authors: Yang Tao , Mao Hanling , Yin Yanqing , Zhong Jiankang , Wen Jieming , Ding Jiang , Duan Qingshan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe data‐driven model for predicting sugarcane milling quality parameters is crucial for optimization. Current challenges include real‐time data acquisition and limited labeled data, reducing model accuracy and raising data collection costs. There is an urgent need to utilize unlabeled data to establish data‐driven models for sugarcane milling. This study introduces novel hybrid strategies, namely combining Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with Kernel Extreme Learning Machine (KELM), utilizing pre‐training and fine‐tuning techniques. These strategies include CNN‐KELM and Transfer Learning CNN‐KELM (TL‐CNN‐KELM). Results demonstrate superior accuracy compared to single algorithms. TL‐CNN‐KELM, leveraging unlabeled data through transfer learning, achieves reductions of 0.007 in mean squared error and 0.005 in mean absolute error for extraction rate predictions. For initial juice sugar content predictions, reductions of 0.027 in mean squared error and 0.012 in mean absolute error are attained. This approach demonstrates enhanced accuracy in predicting quality parameters while maintaining robustness to data size.Practical ApplicationsThis work can reduce the data acquisition cost for quality parameter prediction and accelerate the intellectualization of sugarcane milling. In production practice, there are many process industries similar to sugarcane milling, so the novel algorithms also provide an idea for the quality parameter optimization and prediction of other process industries.
Comparison of different risk stratifications for gastric cancer and establishing a simplified risk‐scoring model based on the Kyoto classification
Authors: Zhang Pengyue , Xu Tingting , Wang Jingjing , Li Yang , Cai Yi , Feng Hui , Wang Yalei 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackground and AimThe study aims to assess the value of different risk stratifications in diagnosing early gastric cancer (GC) and explore risk factors based on Kyoto gastritis classification.MethodsThis study was a single‐centered cross‐sectional study; all epidemiological data and endoscopic findings were obtained prospectively. To evaluate the proportion of GC in each risk stratification and to compare the diagnostic performance of different methods using the receiver operating characteristic curve, univariable and multivariable analyses were used to explore the correlation between endoscopic findings and GC.ResultsA total of 240 subjects were enrolled, and the diagnostic efficacy of the Kyoto Classification Score was similar to Operative Link on Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia Assessment (OLGIM) stage, and the accuracy was higher than that of the Japanese scoring system and OLGA stage. Moderate atrophy (odds ratio [OR] = 3.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.52–8.16), severe atrophy (OR = 4.96, 95% CI: 1.75–14.04), map‐like redness (OR = 9.89, 95% CI: 1.16–84.15), and xanthelasma (OR = 3.57, 95% CI: 1.15–11.15) were independent risk factors for GC. The simplified Kyoto classification (area under the receiver operating characteristic [AUROC] = 0.76, P = 0.58) based on multivariable analysis demonstrated favorable diagnostic value compared with traditional Kyoto classification score (AUROC = 0.74).ConclusionsThis study confirms the value of the Kyoto classification score and the OLGIM stage in the risk stratification of GC. Simplified Kyoto classification is also promising in risk assessment of GC but still requires validation in the population.
A newer approach in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis with QR678® and QR678 Neo®—A prospective pilot study
Authors: Kapoor Rinky , Shome Debraj , Doshi Komal , Patel Ghanshyam , Tandel Harshal , Kumar Vaibhav 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundSeborrheic dermatitis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder that affects the scalp and is characterized by erythema and oily scales. It could perhaps be difficult to control and could seriously degrade one's quality of life. The study's objective is to assess the effectiveness of intradermal administrations of QR678 Neo® hair growth factor therapy for the treatment of scalp seborrheic dermatitis in both men and women.MethodForty male and female patients with clinically diagnosed seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp in the age 18–45 years, not satisfactorily responding to standard therapy for at least 6 months, were included. 1 mL solution of QR678 Neo® was administered in the scalp skin of all patients at 3‐week interval till eight sessions. Patients were advised to continue with antifungal shampoo and topical antifungal solution with steroid combination which they had been on during the treatment. Assessment of disease severity, dermoscopic evaluation, and self‐assessment were done at baseline and at the end of the fourth and the eighth sessions.ResultsImprovement was observed in adherent scalp flaking score after eighth session (mean = 12) compared to baseline (mean = 60). The dermoscopic evaluation showed a noticeable difference from baseline (mean = 11) in erythema and scaling with the Seborrheic Dermatitis Scalp Severity Index tool at the end of treatment (mean = 2). A high satisfaction score was given for the efficiency in the self‐assessment questionnaire.ConclusionOur study proved that treatment with QR678 Neo® led to an improvement in the overall scalp condition by the resolution of flaking and inflammation.
Exploring exercise, physical wellbeing and the role of physiotherapy: perspectives from people with narcolepsy
Authors: Tadrous Ragy , O'Rourke Deirdre , Murphy Niamh , Quinn Gillian , Quinn Caitriona , Slattery Lisa , Broderick Julie 
Published: August 2023

SummaryNarcolepsy is associated with reduced quality of life and physical performance. The study aimed to explore the attitudes of people with Type 1 narcolepsy towards exercise and physical activity, their physical wellbeing, and the potential role of physiotherapy. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 22 people with narcolepsy attending a dedicated outpatient narcolepsy clinic located in Dublin, Ireland. Transcripts were iteratively coded; a thematic analysis was undertaken, and key themes were identified. Four themes were identified: ‘Barriers and Facilitators to Exercising’, ‘Social Concerns’, ‘Health Concerns’ and ‘Suggestions for the Role of Physiotherapy’. Future research should explore the potential role of exercise to help manage narcolepsy‐related symptoms in this population.
In Salmonella enterica, the pathogenicity island 2 (SPI‐2) regulator PagR regulates its own expression and the expression of a five‐gene operon that encodes transketolase C
Authors: Parks Anastacia R. , McCormick Regan D. , Byrne Jordan A. , Escalante‐Semerena Jorge C. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe enteropathogen Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica sv. Typhimurium str. LT2 (hereafter S. Typhimurium) utilizes a cluster of genes encoded within the pathogenicity island 2 (SPI‐2) of its genome to proliferate inside macrophages. The expression of SPI‐2 is controlled by a complex network of transcriptional regulators and environmental cues, which now include a recently characterized DNA‐binding protein named PagR. Growth of S. Typhimurium in low‐phosphate, low‐magnesium medium mimics conditions inside macrophages. Under such conditions, PagR ensures SPI‐2 induction by upregulating the transcription of slyA, which encodes a known activator of SPI‐2. Here, we report that PagR represses the expression of a divergently transcribed polycistronic operon that encodes the two subunits of transketolase TktC (i.e., tktD, tktE) of this bacterium. Transketolases contribute to the nonredox rearrangements of phosphorylated sugars of the pentose phosphate pathway, which provide building blocks for amino acids, nucleotides, cofactors, etc. We also demonstrate that PagR represses the expression of its own gene and define two PagR‐binding sites between stm2344 and pagR.
Design and Application of an Acetabular Integrative Anatomic Plate: A Retrospective Study of 178 Cases with Complex Acetabular Fractures
Authors: Fan Shicai , Mai Qiguang , Li Tao , Wang Hua , Yang Cheng , Huang Hai , Liao Jianwen , Zhang Yingze 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveAs conventional plates require repeated pre‐bending during surgery with poor matching, this study aimed to explore the design and application of an acetabular integrative anatomical plate (AIAP) via the lateral‐rectus approach (LRA) in fresh complex acetabular fractures for the good reduction and fixation.MethodsWe designed an AIAP based on the anatomical morphology of the Chinese people. From March 2016 to September 2021, 178 patients with fresh complex acetabular fractures treated with an AIAP via the LRA were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were treated by the LRA under general anesthesia in a supine position. The fragments were well reduced and fixed by AIAPs. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. All patients underwent reexamination of pelvic X‐rays and CT scans and were followed up for over 1 year postoperatively. The reduction quality of fracture was evaluated according to the Matta criteria. The postoperative functional recovery was evaluated by modified Merle d'Aubigne‐Postel scoring system. Statistics were analyzed by SPSS 25.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).ResultsAll 178 patients went through the operation successfully. The time from injury to operation ranged from 5 to 21 days (8.7 ± 2.6 days). The operation time ranged from 35 to 150 min (75 ± 29 min). The intraoperative blood loss was from 250 to 1400 ml (440 ± 153 ml). According to the Matta score, the fracture reduction was evaluated as excellent in 131 cases, good in 31 cases, and poor in 16 cases, with an overall excellent and good rate of 91%. Four patients suffered wound fat liquefaction and healed after fresh dressing. All patients were followed up for 1 to 5 years without wound infection. All fractures were healed. At the last follow‐up, the modified Merle d'Aubigne‐Postel score results were evaluated as excellent in 125 cases, good in 26 cases, and fair in 27 cases, with an overall excellent and good rate of 84.8%. Postoperative complications included six cases of traumatic arthritis of the hips and two cases of femoral head necrosis.ConclusionThe LRA with an AIAP can help expose, reduce, and fix anterior and posterior columns as well as the quadrilateral area of the acetabulum, which is capable of improving the reduction quality of complex acetabular fractures and shortening surgical time and blood loss, thus reaching a good clinical efficacy.
Comparison of Modified K‐wire Fixation with Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) for Unstable Colles Fracture in Elderly Patients
Authors: Zhang Lin , Jiang Haoming , Zhou Jin , Jing Jingti 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveOpen reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is the standard treatment of unstable Colles fracture among the elderly. Modified percutaneous K‐wire fixation is becoming increasingly popular in recent years. However, there is controversy concerning its appropriate use. This study aimed to compare the early safety and efficacy of the two different treatments and provide an alternative method for the treatment of unstable Colles fracture among the older population.MethodsElectronic medical records of 60 consecutive unstable Colles fractures patients who underwent surgery from June 2019 to October 2021, by modified percutaneous K‐wire fixation (30 patients) or ORIF (30 patients), were reviewed retrospectively. All cases were followed up for 3 months. The outcomes of patients were assessed with operation time, intraoperative blood loss, visual analog score (VAS) for wrist joint pain, palmar tilt (PT), radial inclination (RI), radial height (RH), Gartland–Werley score, total hospitalization costs, hospital stays, postoperative complications, and patient subjective satisfaction. General patient information was also collected.Independent Student's t‐test or Mann–Whitney U test were used to compare continuous data. Pearson's chi‐square test or Fisher's exact test were used to analyze the categorical data.ResultsThe operation time and intraoperative blood loss were significantly shorter in the K‐wire group than in the ORIF group (p < 0.05). Compared with the ORIF group, the VAS of the K‐wire group was significantly lower at 1 and 3 days postoperatively (p < 0.05), and no significant differences were observed in VAS between the two groups preoperatively and 7 days postoperatively (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the PT, RI, and RH between the two groups preoperatively and at 1, 4, and 8 weeks postoperatively (p > 0.05). Patients in the K‐wire group had significantly shorter hospital stays and lower total hospital costs (p < 0.05). All patients were followed up for 3 months, and there was no significant difference in the Gartland‐Werley score between the two groups (p > 0.05). Compared with the ORIF group, postoperative complications were lower, and patient subjective satisfaction was higher in the K‐wire group, but there were no significant differences (p > 0.05).ConclusionsModified percutaneous K‐wire fixation in the treatment of unstable Colles fracture among the elderly is a safe, effective, rapid, and minimally invasive surgical option for surgeons.
The Effect of the Hip Flexion Angle in Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head Based on China‐Japan Friendship Hospital Classification ‐ A Finite Element Study
Authors: Wen Ming‐Tao , Liang Xue‐Zhen , Luo Di , Li Jia‐Cheng , Yan Bo‐Zhao , Lu Bo‐Wen , Guo Yan‐Bo , Xu Bo , Li Gang 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveThe alteration in the mechanical environment of the necrotic area is the primary cause of the collapse observed in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). This study aims to evaluate the biomechanical implications of the China‐Japan Friendship Hospital (CJFH) classification system and hip flexion angles on the necrotic area in ONFH using finite element analysis (FEA). The goal is to provide valuable guidance for hip preservation treatments and serve as a reference for clinical diagnosis and therapeutic interventions.MethodsHip tomography CT scan data from a healthy volunteer was used to create a 3D model of the left hip. The model was preprocessed and imported into Solidworks 2018, based on the CJFH classification. Material parameters and boundary conditions were applied to each fractal model in ANSYS 21.0. Von Mises stresses were calculated, and maximum deformation values were obtained to evaluate the biomechanical effects of the load on the necrotic area and post‐necrotic femur, as well as assess each fractal model's collapse risk.Results(1) At the same hip flexion angle, maximum deformation followed this order: M Type < C Type < L Type. The L3 type necrotic area experienced the most significant deformation at 0, 60, and 110° angles (1.121, 1.7913, and 1.8239 mm respectively). (2) Under the same CJFH classification, maximum deformation values increased with hip flexion angle (0 < 60 < 110°), suggesting a higher risk of collapse at larger angles. (3) Von Mises stress results showed that the maximum stress was not located in the necrotic area but near the inner and outer edge of the femoral neck, indicating decreased stiffness and strength of the subchondral bone after osteonecrosis.ConclusionThe study found that femoral head collapse risk was higher when the necrotic area was located in the lateral column under the same stress load and flexion angle. Mechanical properties of the necrotic area changed, resulting in decreased bone strength and stiffness. Large‐angle hip flexion is more likely to cause excessive deformation of the necrotic area; thus, ONFH patients should reduce or avoid large‐angle hip flexion during weight‐bearing training in rehabilitation activities.