bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tumor size of preoperative breast cancer assessment by whole-body silicon photomultiplier PET: feasibility and first results
Authors: Kuroda Hiroyuki , Yoshizako Takeshi , Yada Nobuhiro , Kamimura Tomomi , Yamamoto Nobuko , Maruyama Mitsunari , Yoshida Rika , Fukuda Mizuki , Kataoka Yuko , Itakura Masayuki , Kaji Yasushi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Whole-body silicon photomultiplier positron emission tomography (WB SiPM PET) could be used to diagnose breast cancer spread before lumpectomy. We aimed to investigate the method of measuring the tumor size by WB SiPM PET as a basis for diagnosing breast cancer spread in the breast.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 24 breast cancer lesions in 21 patients who underwent WB SiPM PET/CT in the prone position as preoperative breast cancer examinations from September 2020 to March 2022.
In all cases, a 20-mm spherical VOI was placed in the normal mammary gland to measure the mean standardised uptake value (SUVmean) and the standard deviation (SD) of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake. We prepared four types of candidates (SUVmean + 2 SD, SUVmean + 3 SD, 1.5 SUVmean + 2 SD, 1.5 SUVmean + 3 SD) for thresholds for delineating tumor contours on PET images. On the semiautomatic viewer soft, the maximum tumor sizes were measured at each of the four thresholds and compared with the pathological sizes, including EIC.
Results: The lesion detection sensitivity was 96% for WB SiPM PET. PET detected 23 lesions, excluding 4-mm ductal carcinomas in situ (DCIS). PET measurements at the threshold ‘1.5 SUVmean + 2 SD’ demonstrated the highest correlation coefficient (rs) with the pathologic sizes, including EIC (rs = 0.722). Moreover, ‘1.5 SUVmean + 2 SD’ had the highest concordance (62.5%).
Conclusions: By using ‘1.5 SUVmean + 2 SD’ of the normal mammary gland as a patient-specific threshold, we were able to evaluate the tumor size, including EIC.
Efficacy of lactulose supplementation as a preventive measure for cardiovascular events post myocardial infarction: a preliminary retrospective study
Authors: Chen Lin , Wang Fei , Ishigami Tomoaki 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Purpose
Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of death worldwide. Several studies have suggested that the gut microbiome plays an important role in MI via its metabolites and immune regulation mechanisms. Lactulose is a safe molecule that can be used as an osmotic laxative in clinical treatment, potentially through altering the gut microbiota. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effects of lactulose on cardiovascular events after acute MI (AMI).
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed data from the electronic medical records of 165 patients admitted with AMI from June 2016 to March 2021. We classified patients with AMI into two groups according to the intake of lactulose supplements, and baseline characteristics were compared between the two groups. The effects of lactulose on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were evaluated using logistic regression, Cox regression, and linear regression models.
Results
After adjusting for confounding factors, lactulose use was independently associated with a lower risk of MACEs post-AMI during hospitalization (composite adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.4, 95 % CI, 0.16-0.95, P = 0.038).
Conclusion
Taken together, the results of this study indicate that lactulose is a safe and potentially effective treatment option for patients with AMI managed in routine practice settings.
Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangial Drainage for Distal biliary malignant obstructive jaundice
Authors: Cai Qingyuan , wu xiaomin 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Biliary drainage can significantly improve prognosis in patients with malignant obstructive jaundice (MOJ). The purposes of this study are to evaluate the effect of ultra-sound (US)-guided percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD) on the treatment of different degrees of biliary dilatation caused by distal biliary malignant obstructive jaundice (DBMOJ). We retrospectively reviewed the medical record of PTCD of DBMOJ, they were prospectively randomized to the right of left access for PTCD. A total of 89 patients that had undergone successful biliary drainage with more than 1 months of follow-up. Patients were grouped according to the diameter of four-grade bile duct: group A with < 4mm, group B with 4-8mm, and group C with > 8mm. Puncture success rate, complications and liver function tests of the patients were recorded. There was no significant difference in puncture success rate and complication rate among the three groups. The early complications (bleeding, biliary fistula, bile reflex) and late complications (catheter comes off, catheter obstruction) of PTCD occurred in 2, 3, 3 cases and 2, 2, 3 cases in the 3 groups, respectively. After drained to drainage, the TBIL and DBIL declined linearly, with slope of 43 and 117. The levels of ALT and AST declined rapidly within postoperative 1 week, with no statistical difference between the groups. There was also no significant difference in levels between the groups between 1 week and 2 weeks postoperatively. PTCD were performed through right access in 53 cases and 36 cases through left access. The ALT and AST slope of right-side approach is significantly greater than that of the left-side approach, and the difference was statistically significant. The right-sided approach PTCD has a faster rate of liver function recovery in patients than the left-sided approach. Thus, PTCD for DBMOJ has the characteristics of low complication rate and good efficacy in reducing jaundice. The right-sided approach PTCD has a faster rate of liver function recovery in DBMOJ patients than the left-sided approach. We suggest that patients with malignant obstructive jaundice should biliary drainage. The less severe the obstruction, the faster the recovery of liver function.
A scheme for increasing the sensitivity of metal-insulator-metal perfect absorber sensors
Authors: Askari Mehdi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Perfect absorbers have attracted lots of attentions in recent years due to their diverse applications in various fields. Between all designs introduced so far to represent the perfect absorption characteristic, metal-insulator-metal (MIM) plasmonic and metamaterial structures have a reputable standing because of their resonant nature, relatively easy fabrication procedure, and high absorption coefficients. In this paper, we introduce a novel MIM plasmonic structure operating at optical wavelengths that represents high absorption rates of 99.1 and 99.7 percent at two different resonant wavelengths. By extensively investigating the theoretical physics behind this resonant perfect absorptive behavior and inspired by that physics, we invent a new scheme through which sensing capabilities of the structure are noticeably enhanced. It is very likely that the procedure followed in this paper can be applied to similar MIM perfect absorber sensors as well to effectively increase their sensitivities.
Untangling adaptive functioning of PMM2-CDG across age and its impact on parental stress: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Epifani Florencia , Pujol Susana , Llorens Marta , Balcells Sol , Nolasco Gregorio , Bolasell Mercè , Albesa Sergio Aguilera , Candela Ramon Cancho , Cervera José Luis Cuevas , Sánchez Verónica García , Garcia Oscar , Miranda-Herrero María Concepción , Lozano Pedro J Moreno , Robles Bernabé , Aparicio Susana Roldán , Fragua Ramón Velazquez , Serrano Mercedes 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Phosphomannomutase deficiency (PMM2-CDG) causes cerebellar atrophy and presents with ataxia, dysmetria, and intellectual deficits. Despite ongoing therapy development and clinical trials, limited knowledge exists regarding the cognitive and adaptive profile. We evaluated a large cohort assessing the adaptive profile and its association with parental stress, clinical, and molecular characteristics. We recruited 37 individuals, and used validated scales to assess disease severity, behavioral and adaptive functioning, psychopathology and parental stress. Results were compared with clinical features. No significant differences were found based on age or gender. "Daily living skills" was the most affected domain. Patients clinically classified as severe had significantly lower adaptive skill values, as did those with lipodystrophy and inverted nipples. Learning difficulties and scholastic problems were consistently observed. Greater severity in motor cerebellar syndrome, behavioral disturbances and the presence of comorbidities such as hyperactivity, autistic features and moderate-to-severe intellectual disability correlate with higher scores in parental stress. Although not longitudinal, our study indicates either stabilization or no progression in adaptive abilities. Our findings offer validated tools to assess adaptive deficits in PMM2-CDG patients, emphasizing the importance of addressing communication, executive function, daily living skills, autonomy, and their impact on parental stress in clinical monitoring and future therapies.
A case report of pituitary neuroendocrine tumor manifesting as severe conjunctival chemosis
Authors: Yamamuro Shun , Yoshino Atsuo , Nishide Takuma , Negishi Hiroshi , Kumagawa Takahiro 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background Conjunctival chemosis (CC) is an extremely rare symptom of pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET). We report an extremely rare case of PitNET manifesting as severe CC.
Case presentation A 48-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with severe CC, proptosis, and ptosis of the right eye. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated the tumor mass invading the cavernous sinus (CS) with cystic lesion. The patient underwent emergent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery, and the pathological diagnosis was PitNET. CC of the right eye remarkably improved after the surgery. Glucocorticoid therapy was performed for right oculomotor nerve palsy, which rapidly improved. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged from our hospital without hormone replacement.
Conclusions CC caused by CS invasion of PitNET can be cured by early surgical treatment. Therefore, PitNET is important to consider in the differential diagnosis of CC.
Metadichol® a Sirtuin Modulator for Anti-Aging Therapies
Authors: Raghavan P.R. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

There are seven sirtuin genes in humans that encode seven sirtuin enzymes (SIRT1–7), each of which has unique functions and subcellular locations. Sirtuins are NAD+-dependent protein deacetylases that play a significant role in physiological processes such as energy metabolism, stress responses, DNA repair, and gene expression. Sirtuins are essential targets for aging-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, inflammatory diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. However, finding a single molecule that can activate all seven sirtuin genes is challenging because each isoform has a unique structure, substrates, and regulatory mechanisms. Most known sirtuin activators are specific for SIRT1, the most studied isoform of the sirtuin family. Here, we report that Metadichol®, a nano-emulsion of long-chain alcohols, induces 3- to 15-fold expression of all SIRT1–7 genes in human dermal fibroblasts when used in concentrations ranging from 1 pg/mL to 100 ng/mL. SIRT3 and FOXO1 gene expressions were 15-fold higher than those after treatment with Metadichol®. In addition, KL, FOXO1, TERT, and TP53 exhibited increased expression. Sirtuins and the four genes regulate aging, metabolism, and DNA repair and are age-related diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. All of these genes play essential roles in improving the quality of life as we age.
Association between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and benign prostatic hyperplasia risk: A meta-analysis
Authors: Ruan Li 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia is one of the global public health challenges due to the complexity of its mechanisms of occurrence. Many studies have suggested that vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms are associated with BPH susceptibility. Still, their conflicting findings need to be analyzed in aggregate to gain a better understanding.
Method: We identified 10 trials involving 1539 Benign prostatic hyperplasiacases and 1915 controls through a systematic search of Embase, with data obtained from the Web of Science, PubMed, and China Knowledge Network databases as of 31 December 2021. A meta-analysis was then performed to investigate the association between four constant polymorphisms of this associated vitamin D receptor gene (Fok-Ⅰ, Bsm-Ⅰ, Taq-Ⅰ, and Apa-Ⅰ) and BPH risk.
Result: In the overall population analysis, a significant positive association with Benign prostatic hyperplasia risk was found only in the Taq-1 variant (p<0.001). Of these, the pure-hybrid model (95% CI=1.384-3.196), the heterozygous model (95% CI=1.207-2.021), the dominant model (95% CI=1.312-2.133) and the allelic inheritance model (95% CI=1.205-1.730) showed low heterogeneity. In subtype analyses, Bam-1 variants showed a significant association with Benign prostatic hyperplasia risk for both the recessive (95%CI=0.100-0.943, p=0.039) and over-dominant (95%CI=1.553-3.100, p=0) models in the Caucasian population, and for the recessive (95%CI=1.242-3.283, p=0.039) and over-dominant (95%CI=0.281-0.680, p=0) models in the Asian population. In addition, a high degree of heterogeneity was found in the subgroup analysis of the association between Fok-1 variants and Benign prostatic hyperplasia risk.
Conclusion: Overall, there is an association between vitamin D receptor polymorphisms and Benign prostatic hyperplasia risk. Identification of BPH susceptibility by vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms has potential.
Morphogenesis of a chiral liquid crystalline droplet with topological reconnection and Lehmann rotation
Authors: Yoshioka Jun , Ito Yuki , Fukao Koji 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Morphogenesis is a hierarchical phenomenon that produces various macroscopic structures in living organisms, with high reproducibility. This study demonstrates that such structural formation can also be observed in a chiral liquid crystalline droplet under a temperature gradient. Through specific control of the temperature change process, we were able to switch the final structure obtained as a result of the formation via the appearance and reconnection of loop defects in the transient state during structure formation. Simultaneously, the existence of the gradient resulted in a characteristic rotational phenomenon called Lehmann rotation, which was prominently induced in the transient state. By demonstrating three-dimensional measurements of the flow field, we revealed the existence of Marangoni convection in the state. Consequently, it is indicated that the convection results in high-speed Lehmann rotation and large structural deformation with topological changes, thereby playing a significant role in the structure formation.
Is Iodine deficiency a burden among school-age children in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Baffa Lemlem Daniel , Angaw Dessie Abebaw , Abriham Zufan Yiheyis , Gashaw Moges , Agimas Muluken Chanie , Sisay Mekonnen , Muhammad Esmael Ali , Mengistu Berhanu , Belew Aysheshim Kassahun 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Nowadays, Iodine deficiency has become a huge burden to the globe, leaving 2 billion people and 29.8% of school-age children iodine deficient. It is a leading cause of preventable brain damage among children, resulting in impaired cognitive and motor development. Even though, salt iodization was started to be implemented to alleviate this burden in Ethiopia, primary studies assessing Iodine deficiency in the country show inconsistent findings which make it difficult to assess the effect of the intervention as well as to design appropriate and timely measures. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of iodine deficiency and the common factors affecting its occurrence among school-age children in Ethiopia.
Method
To obtain the eligible studies, databases (EMBASE, Scopus, Hinari, and PubMed), websites (Google and Google Scholar), and references of the eligible studies were searched systematically. Data were extracted using an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using STATA 17 version. I2 test was used to assess heterogeneity between the studies. Random-effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence and pooled odds ratio. Funnel plot and Egger’s test were done to detect publication bias.
Result
A total of 15 eligible studies, having 15,611 school-age children were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of Iodine deficiency among school-age children in Ethiopia was found to be 58% (95%CI: 44.00–77.00), while the highest prevalence was recorded in Oromia region, which was 64% (95% CI: 49–79). Goitrogenic food consumption (AOR: 2.93, 95% CI: 1.60–5.35) and sex of the child (AOR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.43–2.44) showed a significant association with the prevalence of iodine deficiency.
Conclusion
Iodine deficiency among school-age children in Ethiopia was found noticeably high. Goitrogenic food consumption and the sex of the child were determinant factors for the occurrence of iodine deficiency among the children. Therefore, appropriate advice should be given to the households to limit goitrogenic foods in the diet of their children by giving due attention to their female children.
Reactive Aldehyde Chemistry explains the Missing Source of Hydroxyl Radicals
Authors: Yang Xinping , Wang Haichao , Ma Xuefei , Tan Zhaofeng , Chen Xiaorui , Li Chunmeng , Zhai Tianyu , Li Yang , Qu Kun , Long Bo , Xia Yu , Zhang Yuqiong , Li Xin , Chen Shiyi , Dong Huabin , Zeng Limin , Lu Keding , Zhang Yuanhang 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Hydroxyl radicals (OH) drive the removal of most primary pollutants and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, determine the tropospheric oxidation capacity, and regulate air quality and climate. However, the state-of-the-art mechanisms still underestimate the observed high OH concentrations at the low nitrogen oxide and high volatile organic compounds regime, indicating a missing OH source. The missing mechanism would bias the understanding of tropospheric air pollution and the lifetime of greenhouse gases. People attempted but failed to find the mechanism to explain high OH radicals in the past decades fully. Here, with a retrospective meta-analysis of a comprehensive warm-season field observation dataset and theoretical study, we find the reactive aldehyde chemistry, especially the autoxidation of carbonyl RC(O)O2 radicals derived from higher aldehydes, is a noteworthy OH regeneration mechanism that overwhelms the contribution of isoprene autoxidation mechanism, the latter is proved to largely contribute to the missing OH source under high isoprene condition. The R(CO)O2 radicals undergo fast H-migration, confirmed by the quantum chemical calculations, to produce unsaturated hydroperoxyl-carbonyls that generate OH radicals by fast photolysis. The new chemistry can explain almost all unknown OH sources with significant contributions in areas rich in both natural and anthropogenic emissions. It would be further enhanced on a larger spatiotemporal scale under a future low nitrogen oxide society.
Leveled Fuzzy Identity-Based Fully Homomorphic Signatures
Authors: Li Mingxiang 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In fuzzy identity-based fully homomorphic signature (FIBFHS), the output of homomorphic computation, which is related to the identity id, can be verified by the receiver using the identity id^ as long as id and id^ are within a certain distance of each other. Gorbunov, Vaikuntanathan and Wichs (STOC 2015) introduced a new notion called homomorphic trapdoor functions (HTDFs) and constructed the first leveled fully homomorphic signature (FHS) scheme from HTDFs. In this paper, firstly, we extend the notion of HTDFs to fuzzy identity-based homomorphic trapdoor functions (FIBHTDFs). Next, we construct a FIBHTDF based on the small integer solution (SIS) problem by borrowing ideas from the secret-sharing techniques developed by Agrawal et al. (PKC 2012) and Boyen (TCC 2013) and prove that it is selective-identity secure in the standard model. Finally, we construct the first leveled FIBFHS scheme from FIBHTDFs and prove that it satisfies existential unforgeability under selective-identity and static chosen-message attacks in the standard model.
Transfer Learning for Gas Emission Prediction:A Comparative Analysis of Six Machine Learning Methods and TabNet
Authors: deng sen , Li Xijian 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Gas emissions in the tunnel will be a significant hindrance to its safe construction and may result in major consequences such as injuries and financial losses. Due to the peculiar characteristics of gas emission, the sample size of data on gas emissions is typically tiny; therefore, it is crucial to prevent over-fitting and to raise the precision and stability of predictions. We propose in this study to use tunnel inflow data as the source data and gas emission data as the target data, and then use transfer learning to predict gas emissions. For transfer learning, several well-known and effective machine learning models are used: AAN (artificial neural network), ET (extra tree), GB (gradient boost), KNN (K-nearest neighbor), MLP (multilayer perception), SVM (support vector machine), and XGBOOST (extreme gradient boost). To ensure the correctness and effectiveness of the experiment, the Tabnet model without transfer learning is used as a comparison. The method's viability and effectiveness are then confirmed by comparison with three sets of actual measurement data and the Tabnet model without transfer learning. The research demonstrates that: The transfer learning method, which uses tunnel water gushing data as the source data and gas emission data as the target data, confirms the viability and effectiveness of the method through the prediction of three groups of measured data and the comparison with the accurate and efficient Tabnet model, Indications are promising that the approach can provide a novel framework for improving the accuracy with which gas emissions are predicted.
Identifying Meaningful Facial Configurations during Iterative Prisoner’s Dilemma Games
Authors: Robertson Olly , Parkinson Brian , Shore Danielle 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

The contraction and relaxation of facial muscles in humans is widely assumed to fulfil communicative and adaptive functions. However, to date most work has focussed either on individual muscle movements (action units) in isolation or on a small set of configurations commonly assumed to express “basic emotions”. As such, it is as yet unclear what information is communicated between individuals during naturalistic social interactions and how contextual cues influence facial activity occurring in these exchanges. The present study investigated whether consistent patterns of facial action units occur during dyadic iterative prisoners’ dilemma games, and what these patterns of facial activity might mean. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, we identified three distinct and consistent configurations of facial musculature change across three different datasets. These configurations were associated with specific gameplay outcomes, suggesting that they perform psychologically meaningful context-related functions. The first configuration communicated enjoyment and the second communicated affiliation and appeasement, both indicating cooperative intentions after cooperation or defection respectively. The third configuration communicated disapproval and encouraged social partners not to defect again. Future work should validate the occurrence and functionality of these facial configurations across other kinds of social interaction.