bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in active and recovered anorexia nervosa
Authors: Nilsson Ida , Xu Jingjing , Landberg Rikard , Lavebratt Catharina , Bulik Cynthia , Landén Mikael 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is one of the most lethal psychiatric disorders, and to date, we lack adequate knowledge about the (neuro)biological mechanisms of the disorder to inform evidence-based pharmacological treatment. Gut dysbiosis is a trending topic in mental health, including AN. Communication between the gut microbiota and the brain is partly mediated by metabolites produced by the gut microbiota such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Previous research has suggested a role of SCFA in weight regulation, e.g., correlations between specific SCFA-producing bacteria and BMI have been demonstrated. Moreover, fecal SCFA concentrations are reported to be altered in active AN. However, data on SCFA concentrations in individuals who have recovered from AN are limited. In the present study, we analyzed and compared the plasma concentrations of seven SCFA (acetic-, butyric-, formic-, isobutyric-, isovaleric-, propionic- and succinic acid) in females with active AN (N = 109), recovered from AN (AN-REC, N = 108), and healthy-weight age-matched controls (CTRL, N = 110), and explored correlations between SCFA concentrations and BMI. Significantly lower plasma concentrations of butyric, isobutyric-, and isovaleric acid were detected in AN as well as AN-REC compared with CTRL. We also show significant correlations between plasma concentrations of SCFA and BMI. These results encourage studies evaluating whether interventions directed toward altering gut microbiota and SCFA could support weight restoration in AN.
Student and supervisor perceptions of undergraduate research in college of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
Authors: Ajmi Zainab Al , Na’abi Aya Al , Rawahi Abdel-Hakeem Al , Saadoon Muna Al , Balushi Huriya Darwish Al , Alhabsi Fatema , Babiker Hamza 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Undergraduate research (UGR) is a valuable experience, that can potentially enhance the quality of graduates, and raise the awareness of the importance of research and its impact on career development. These outcomes, however, depend on the environment under which students conduct research. We undertook a self-administered survey, to elucidate the experiences of both students and supervisors, in the College of Medicine and Health Sciences (COMHS), Sultan Qaboos University, Oman. The study examined supervisors (n = 90) and students’ (n = 314) perceptions to UGR and factors that hinder the research experience. The supervisors’ and students’ satisfaction towards UGR was good (mean = 72.4 ± 13.0) and moderate (mean = 57.8 ± 14.2), respectively. The students reported a good satisfaction towards the relevance of research (Mean = 71.34 ± 20.0) research learning skills acquired (63.43 ± 18.9), research supervisor (68.47 ± 23.5), with female students been more positive towards UGR than males. The students’ grade in UGR module was the only independent factor influencing the overall satisfaction. The supervisors were highly satisfied with the relevance of UGR (mean = 84.4% ±20.7), the module structure (mean = 73.3 ± 14.6), workload (mean = 73.3 ± 14.6) and the students’ performance (71.8%±18). However, supervisors were less positive towards the students’ acquired skills (mean = 69.0% ±12.8) and logistics for UGR (mean = 67.8%±16.3). In summary, supervisors and students in COMHS, Oman, regard UGR as valuable and recognize its relevance. Supervisors were more likely than students to report lack of resources to run UGR. Thus, resources should be maintained to inspire supervisors and sustain a research-oriented environment to inspire students.
Testicular salvage: Using Machine Learning Algorithm to Develop a Predictive Model in Testicular Torsion
Authors: Ekşi Mithat , Yavuzsan Abdullah Hızır , Evren İsmail , Ayten Ali , Fakir Ali Emre , Akkaş Fatih , Bursalı Kerem , Akdağ Azad , Şahin Selçuk , Taşçı Ali İhsan 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Purpose: To compare the models developed with a classical statistics method and a Machine Learning model to predict the possibility of orchiectomy using preoperative parameters in patients who were admitted with testicular torsion.Materials Method: Patients who underwent scrotal exploration due to the testicular torsion between the years 2000 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, features of admission time, and other preoperative clinical findings were recorded. Cox Regression Analysis as a classical statistics method and Random Forest as a Machine Learning algorithm was used to create a prediction model. Results: Among patients, 215 (71,6%) were performed orchidopexy and 85 (28,3%) were performed orchiectomy. The multivariate analysis revealed that monocyte count, symptom duration, and the number of previous Doppler Ultrasonography were predictive of orchiectomy. Classical Cox Regression analysis had an area under the curve (AUC) 0,937 with a sensitivity and specificity of 88% and 87%. The AUC for the Random Forest model was 0,95 with a sensitivity and specificity of 92% and 89%. Conclusion: The ML model outperformed the conventional statistical regression model in the prediction of orchiectomy.The ML methods are cheap, and their powers increase with increasing data input; we believe that their clinical use will increase over time.
The value of COPD Assessment Test in Screening Anxiety and Depression in stable COPD patients
Authors: Liu Meishan , Li Yuna , Yin Danfeng , Wang Ying , Fu Tingting , Zhu Zhaomeng , Zheng Chunming , Huang Kewu 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in COPD patients but are often under-diagnosed. We aimed to assess the value of the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) in identifying anxiety and depression from patients with COPD.
Methods
Stable COPD patients were recruited in this cross-sectional observational study between December 2016 and January 2021. The demographic characteristics and the CAT score were recorded. Anxiety was measured using Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD)-7. Depression was measured by Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were performed to identify factors associated with anxiety or depression and to calculate the predictive values.
Results
A total of 530 stable COPD patients were enrolled and of those the proportion of anxiety and depression were 17.0% and 21.5%, respectively. The CAT score correlated well with the GAD-7 score (r = 0.339, P < 0.001) and PHQ-9 score (r = 0.435, P < 0.001). The adjusted odds ratios of the CAT for the presence of anxiety and depression were 1.094 (95% CI: 1.057–1.131) and 1.143 (95% CI: 1.104–1.183), respectively. The CAT score demonstrated a good performance in identifying anxiety and depression with area under curves (AUCs) of 0.709 and 0.791, respectively. Among CAT items, analysis further showed that non-respiratory CAT components were superior to respiratory components in identifying both anxiety and depression.
Conclusions
The CAT score might be valuable in screening anxiety and depression in stable COPD patients. However, the screening value should be further evaluated using the diagnostic criteria for anxiety and depression in the future.
Trial registration:
Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03044847); 07/02/2017.
Fiscal autonomy of subnational governments and equity in healthcare resource allocation: evidence from China
Authors: Yang Ciran , Cui Dan , Yin Shicheng , liu Xiaojun , Yang Ying , Ke Xinfeng , Teng Caixia , Xu Luxinyi , Sun Yixuan 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background: Promoting equity in healthcare resource allocation (EHRA) has become a critical political agenda of governments at all levels since the ambitious Universal Health Coverage was launched in China in 2009, while the role of an important institutional variable -- fiscal autonomy of subnational governments -- is often overlooked. The present study was designed to determine the effect of FASG on EHRA and its potential mechanism of action and heterogeneity characteristics to provide empirical support for the research field expansion and relative policies making of EHRA.Methods: From the start, we utilized the Theil index and the entropy method to calculate the EHRA index of 22 provinces (2011-2020) based on the medical resource data of 287 prefecture-level cities. Furthermore, we used the two-way fixed effects model (FE) to identify and analyze the impact of FASG on EHRA and then used three robustness test strategies and two-stage least squares (2SLS) regression to verify the reliability of the conclusions and deal with potential endogeneity problems respectively. At last, we extend the baseline regression model and obtain the two-way FE threshold model for conducting heterogeneity analysis, which makes us verify whether the baseline model has nonlinear characteristics. Results: The static value and the trend of interannual changes in the EHRA values in different provinces are both very different. The regression results of the two-way FE model show that FASG has a significant positive impact on EHRA, and the corresponding estimated coefficient is -0.0849 (P < 0.01). Moreover, this promotion effect can be reflected through two channels: enhancing the intensity of government health expenditure (IGHE) and optimizing the allocation of human resources for health (AHRH). At last, under the different economic and demographic constraints, the impact of FASG on EHRA has nonlinear characteristics, i.e., after crossing a specific threshold of per capita DGP (PGDP) and population density (PD), the promotion effect is reduced until it is not statistically significant, while after crossing a particular threshold of dependency ratio (DR), the promotion effect is further strengthened and still statistically significant.Conclusions: FASG plays an essential role in promoting EHRA, which shows that subnational governments need to attach great importance to the construction of fiscal capability in the allocation of health care resources, effectively improve the equity of medical and health fiscal expenditures, and promote the sustainable improvement of the level of EHRA.
Validation of a novel iPhone application for evaluating near functional visual acuity
Authors: Hanyuda Akiko , Kubota Miyuki , Kubota Shunsuke , Masui Sachiko , Yuki Kenya , Tsubota Kazuo , Negishi Kazuno 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Monitoring dynamic changes in near vision is important for early detection of presbyopia. This study assessed the accuracy and reliability of a new smartphone-based application, the Smart Vision Check (SVC), compared with those of a conventional device (AS-28; Kowa, Aichi, Japan), for measuring near functional visual acuity (NFVA). We enrolled 115 healthy volunteers aged ≥ 20 years with bilateral best-corrected visual acuity of ≥ 20/25. The SVC was designed for use on an Apple iPhone SE2 to measure NFVA by tapping on the orientation icon manually. Conventional FVA testing was measured by the AS-28 with − 2.50 D added to the best distance correction at baseline. There was no significant difference of NFVA-related measurements between the AS-28 and the SVC (P > 0.05). The Spearman correlation coefficients of NFVA measurements between the two devices were over 0.60 (P < 0.001). The Bland-Altman plot indicated minimal bias with limits of agreements of ± 0.34 logMAR for NFVA with habitual correction when comparing the AS-28 and the SVC. The intraclass correlation coefficients of the repeated SVC-measured NFVA was 0.915 (95% CI, 0.800–0.969). In summary, the SVC has sufficient validity and reproducibility for evaluating NFVA and may improve early detection and management of presbyopia in an affordable and accessible manner.
Trends of inequalities of avoidable mortality among children in Colombia: A group-based trajectory analysis
Authors: Rojas-Botero Maylen Liseth , Fernández Julián Alfredo , Borrero-Martinez Yadira Eugenia 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
In the last years, Colombia has improved most of the mayor health indicators, however, some inequalities –as those related with child health– remain over time; understanding the historical behavior of health inequalities, allows to evidence structural and persistent social inequalities that explain these trends. This study aims to describe territorial inequalities in child health among departments and municipalities of Colombia between 2000 and 2018, throughout the analysis of trajectories of under-five avoidable mortality rate.
Methods
We carried out a longitudinal and multi-group ecological study. We analyzed the longitudinal dynamics of avoidable mortality of Colombian under-five children by applying group-based trajectory approach and taking the Colombian departments and municipalities over time as analysis units.
Results
We included all the 33 departments and 1 118 municipalities in 19 years. The avoidable mortality rate in under-five children (AMRC) in the first and last year of follow-up was 23.3 and 12.2 deaths per thousand live births (lb), respectively. We identified three different trajectories of avoidable mortality at the department level: a best (57.6%; AMRC: 20.7–10.5 per thousand lb), moderate (30.3%; AMRC: 31.9–15.9) and worst trajectory (12.1%; AMRC: 56.4 − 26.9). We described the common characteristics of the departments within each identified group. At the municipality level we found five different trajectories, the worst had the greater reduction, but it was not enough to close the gap. We also found different trajectories when amenable, preventable, and mixed avoidable under-five mortality were analyzed among departments and municipalities.
Conclusions
The gaps in avoidable child mortality among departments and municipalities in Colombia have been reduced, however, territorial disparities persist over time, mainly in amenable mortality through timely and quality medical care. Those trajectories express inequities in child survival originated from the socioeconomic, political and health system determinants in Colombian territories.
Enhanced Elman Spike Neural Network optimized with Glowworm Swarm Optimization for Authentication of Multiple Transaction using Finger Vein
Authors: Joans S. Mary , Jasmine J.S. Leena , Ponsudha P. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Nowadays, Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are broadly used every one Hence, the security is some more need to improve the bank sector. Due to increase in the count of criminals and their activities, ATMs have become unsafe. The access card and PIN are used in the ATM system for identity verification. Recent advances in biometric detection techniques, like fingerprinting, retinal scanning, face recognition, have made great strides in recovering the insecure environment at ATMs. In this manuscript, an Enhanced Elman Spike Neural Network Optimized with Glowworm Swarm Optimization is proposed for Authentication of Multiple Transaction Using Finger Vein (EESNN-GWO-AMT-FV). Here finger vein authentication, images are collected from the SDUMLA-HMT dataset. Then the images are pre-processed to improve the quality of the images using contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization filtering (CLAHEF).The features are extracted by using the visual geometry group network (VGG16).By using VGG16 model, various features are extracted, such as Vein Patterns, Local Binary Patterns, Dimensionality Reduction andImage Transformations. The extracted features are transferred to EESNN classifier for classifying the authorized person and unauthorized person. Then the weight parameters of the EESNN are optimized using the Glowworm swarm optimization Algorithm (GWO). The proposed method is implemented and the efficiency of the proposed EESNN-GWO-AMT-FV is examined under performance metrics, viz accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, precision, Error rate, AUC. The performance of the proposed method provides higher accuracy 99.01%, 98.34%, and 97.45%, and higher precision 87.12%, 94.12% and 91.78% compared with existing methods, like CNN-AOA-MBR-FV, CNN-MBR-FKP-FV and DCNN-MBR-FV respectively.
ESM1/VEGFα signaling pathway augments endothelial cell proliferation and tumor angiogenesis in human cervical squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Huang Yugang , Li Dan , Yao Li , Wang Li , Tang Xianbin , Su Xiao-min 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
The aberrant expression of endothelial cell specific molecule 1 (ESM1) is frequent in the carcinogenesis of various neoplasms. However, the expression profile, potential biological function and prognostic value of ESM1 in CSCC remain undetermined.
Methods
In the present study, we used human specimens to investigate the expression pattern of ESM1 in normal cervical tissue, LSIL, HSIL and CSCC samples by IHC assay and RT-qPCR. The expression pattern and the diagnostic or prognostic value of ESM1 were then further validated and explored in CSCC based on GEO and TCGA. Genomic enrichment analysis (GSEA) was applied to probe the masked molecular mechanisms of ESM1 in CSCC. Finally, the molecular mechanisms of ESM1 in human CSCC cell lines, including SiHa and ME-180 cells, were explored by in vitro studies of RNA interference experiments.
Results
In human samples, the ESM1 was significantly hyper-expressed in CSCC or HSIL, compared with LSIL or normal cervical tissue. The data from TCGA and GEO further confirmed that ESM1 was overexpressed in CSCC and was significantly related to dismal overall survival (OS) in CSCC patients. Furthermore, GSEA analysis showed that the CSCC patients with ESM1high were mostly enriched in angiogenesis and the VEGFα signaling pathway. Finally, the in vitro experiment suggested that interference of ESM1 inhibited the cell proliferation, migration, invasion and enhanced apoptosis, resulting in the reduction of VEGFα expression, HIF-1α expression, the phosphorylation of VEGFR2 (P-VEGFR2) and ERK-1/2 (P-ERK-1/2) in SiHa and ME-180 cells.
Conclusion
This assay figures out that ESM1 is notably overexpressed in CSCC patients. Overexpression of ESM1 predicts adverse prognosis of CSCC, and overexpressed ESM1, VEGFα and HIF-1α harbored synergistic effect in tumorigenesis and progression of CSCC cells through the VEGFα/VEGFR2/ERK signaling pathway. Thus, ESM1 and related genes may serve as promising diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers and candidate therapeutic targets for CSCC patients.
Clinical value of multi-gene testing in distinguishing benign and malignant thyroid nodules
Authors: Zhang Murui , Hu Xiaotong , Liu Lunming , Wang Yihong , Jiang Junchang , Li Hui , Fei Weiqiang , Zhong Tingting , Jiang Zhinong 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background: Fine needle aspiration (FNA) has been widely applied for the preoperative diagnosis of thyroid nodules. However, it is limited mainly to testing for a single gene--BRAFV600E, whereas multi-gene testing data are extremely scarce, especially in the Asian population. This study aimed to explore the clinical value of multi-gene testing in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules based on The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (BSRTC). Methods: A total of 615 thyroid nodules underwent ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) were collected from Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. The next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform was applied for multi-gene testing. A panel of well recognized commonly mutated genes in thyroid cancer were analyzed, including BRAFV600E, KRAS, NRAS, HRAS, TERT, TP53, PAX8/PPARγ, RET/PTC1 and RET/PTC3. Results: Gene mutations were identified in 324 nodules (52.7%), BRAFV600Ewas the driver gene with the highest alteration frequency (233/324, 79.1%), followed by RAS (77/324, 23.8%). The overall malignancy rate of gene mutations was 89.7% in our cohort, of which the lymph node metastasis rate was 45.3%. The combination of multi-gene testing and cytology resulted in 89.3% sensitivity, 95.2% specificity, 98.9% positive predictive value, 64.5% negative predictive value and 83.1% accuracy, which were significantly higher than those from mere cytology (sensitivity 68.6%, specificity 87.5%, positive predictive value 95.9%, negative predictive value 39.8%, accuracy 72.7%). Conclusions: Multi-gene testing could greatly increase the detection rate of malignant thyroid nodules and protect patients with benign nodules from unnecessary surgeries. Multi-gene testing provides a valuable reference for individualized preoperative decision-making, which may serve as a crucial method for postoperative treatment and prognosis assessment.
Those who speak survive: The value of the verbal component of GCS in trauma
Authors: Alao David Olukolade , Cevik Arif Alper , Alyafei Eman , Abu-Zidan Fikri 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Aim
To evaluate the predictive value of the individual components of GCS in predicting the survival of trauma patients in the emergency department.
Methods
This is a post-hoc analysis of previously published data on trauma patients in Al Ain City. We obtained data on patients that presented with trauma to Al-Ain Hospital who were admitted for more than 24 hours or died at the Emergency Department or hospital from January 2014 to December 2017. Studied variables included demographics, vital signs, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), GCS components, Injury Severity Score (ISS), and in-hospital mortality. We entered factors found to have a p value of < 0.1 in univariate analysis into a direct logistic regression model to define factors that predict survival.
Results
There were 3519 trauma patients in the registry. The median (range) of age, respiratory rate, and ISS were significantly lower in patients who survived 31(0-105) versus 37 (1–76) years, p = 0.031; 18 (6–56) versus 22 (0–35) breaths per minutes, p = 0.019, and 4 (1–75) versus 16.5 (1–75), p < 0.001, respectively). Systolic blood pressure and GCS were significantly higher in patients who survived (median (range) 133 mmHg (21–265) versus 117mmHg (0-209), p = 0.003, and 15 (3–15) versus 6 (3–15), p < 0.001, respectively). Logistic regression analysis revealed that ISS and GCS-Verbal Response (GCS-VR) were significant predictors of survival. GCS-VR was the most significant predictor for survival, with Area Under the Curve of 0.89, p < 0.001.
Conclusion
In general trauma patients, acute trauma care professionals can use GCS-VR to predict survival instead of the total GCS score or ISS.
Quantum gene regulatory networks
Authors: Cai James , Roman-Vicharra Cristhian 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
In this work, we present a quantum circuit model for inferring gene regulatory networks (GRNs). The model is based on the idea of using qubit-qubit entanglement to simulate interactions between genes. We provide preliminary results that suggest our quantum GRN modeling method is competitive and warrants further investigation. Specifically, we present the results derived from the single-cell transcriptomic data of human cell lines, focusing on genes in involving innate immunity regulation. We demonstrate that our quantum circuit model can be used to predict the presence or absence of regulatory interactions between genes and estimate the strength and direction of the interactions, setting the stage for further investigations on how quantum computing finds applications in data-driven life sciences and, more importantly, to invite exploration of quantum algorithm design that takes advantage of the single-cell data. The application of quantum computing on single-cell transcriptomic data likewise contributes to a novel understanding of GRNs, given that the relationship between fully interconnected genes can be approached more effectively by quantum modeling than by statistical correlations.