bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colorectal Polyps in Young Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy
Authors: Bhusal Yuvaraj , Basnet Bhupendra Kumar , Shrestha Ramila , Sharma Poudel Mukesh , Khanal Ajit , Silwal Poudyal Nandu , Shah Manoj Kumar , Khadka Dibas , Bhusal Surendra
Published: February 2025

Background: More than 10 % of colorectal carcinoma occur in patients less than 50 years. Progression of a colorectal polyp to carcinoma may take 5 to 20 years. Implementing screening guidelines and removing such polyps would reduce the progression into carcinoma. The aim of the study was to find the prevalence, distribution and histological analysis of polyps in patients under 50 years undergoing colonoscopy.Methods: Single-center cross-sectional study of 254 consecutive patients less than 50 years who underwent colonoscopy were included in the study. Patients with prior diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, colonic polyp(s) or colorectal carcinoma were excluded. Basic demographic data (age, gender), history of smoking and alcohol consumption were recorded. Prevalence of polyps, their location, size and histological type were estimated. Categorical data were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Results: Among 254 patients who underwent colonoscopy, 63 had colorectal polyps. 39 (61.9 %) patients with polyp were males and 33 (52.38 %) patients were of 40-49 years age. Recto-sigmoid polyps were seen in 47 (74.6 %) patients. Regular heavy alcohol consumers and active smokers had higher odds of having polyps. Adenomatous polyps and adenocarcinoma were detected in 12 and 10 patients respectively. Ulcerated or excavated appearance strongly suggested carcinomatous histology (OR: 363.8, (CI: 16.04 – 8250.90). Similarly, polyp size 5 mm or more favored adenomatous polyp or carcinoma [(OR: 177.35, CI: 9.7 – 3229)].Conclusions: Prevalence of polyps in patients below 50 years age was 24.8 %. Most of the polyps were benign, diminutive (< 5 mm) and located in recto-sigmoid colon. One-third of the polyps were adenoma or adenocarcinoma. Keywords: Colonoscopy; colorectal polyp; screening
Prevalence of Spinal Injuries among Autopsied Cases of Traumatic Deaths
Authors: Acharya Apurba , Bhattarai Kushal , Rokaya Poojan Kumar , Aryal Umesh Raj , Kaphle Sushma , Bista Binamra , Khatiwada Amit
Published: February 2025

Background: Traumatic deaths, resulting from spinal injuries are significant issue in Nepal. The study aims to assess the prevalence of spinal injuries amongst the traumatic death cases brought in for autopsy in Jumla and to provide their socio-demographic profile.Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study done in Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS) from 16th July 2021 to 16th July 2023 incorporating all the traumatic deaths brought for autopsy. The data was collected using a proforma which included the modality of trauma, spinal involvement, seasons associated with trauma and demographic variables of the deceased. The data was analyzed using both Microsoft excel and SPSS 23.0. Results: A total of 55 cases were brought for autopsy following traumatic death with road traffic accident (45.45%) and fall injuries (29.1%) being the most common mode of trauma. Among all traumatic deaths, 29.1% cases presented with spinal injuries. The cervical spine (68.8%) was the most commonly affected spine followed by thoracic (12%), lumbar spine (6.3%) and two cases with multiple spinal involvement. Of all the spinal injury cases in traumatic deaths, the highest and the lowest number of cases occurred during spring and summer season respectively.Conclusions: Traumatic deaths caused by spinal injuries after fall and road traffic accidents is a common phenomenon in Jumla. Thus, timely preventive measures associated with these deaths needs to be addressed to reduce them. Keywords: Autopsy; deaths; Jumla; spinal injuries; trauma.
Opetusvuorovaikutteinen resilienssi oppilaiden opiskelukyvyn vahvistamisena – käsiteanalyyttinen tarkastelu
Authors: Tiilikainen Mikko , Lepola Janne , Kajamies Anu
Published: February 2025

Resilienssillä viitataan opetusalalla koulutusjärjestelmien kestävyyteen, joustavuuteen ja palautumiseen. Kirjallisuudessa korostuu näkemys, jossa resilienssi ei ole niinkään yksilöllinen ominaisuus vaan ennemmin systeeminen prosessi. Tässä kasvatusteoreettisessa tutkimuksessa analysoimme resilienssiä opetusvuorovaikutuksen näkökulmasta: paikannamme resilienssin opettajien, oppilaiden, oppisisältöjen ja laajemman kouluympäristön välillä toteutuvan opetusvuorovaikutuksen ominaisuudeksi. Yhdistämme erityisesti didaktisia ja soveltavan kasvatuspsykologian jäsennyksiä opetusvuorovaikutuksesta ja tulkitsemme niitä auttamistyön valossa. Opetusvuorovaikutteinen resilienssi rakentuu kahden tehtävän ja niitä toteuttavan ydinkäytännön avulla: Ensimmäinen tehtävä on opetustilanteiden aikana tapahtuva oppilaiden opiskelun auttaminen, jonka keskeinen ydinkäytäntö on opiskelun tunnetuki. Toinen tehtävä on oppilaiden opiskelukyvyn vahvistaminen, joka laajentaa opiskelun auttamisen myös opetuksen ennakointi- ja arviointivaiheisiin. Opiskelukykyä vahvistavaksi ydinkäytännöksi määritämme opiskelun yhteissuunnittelun. Käsiteanalyysin pohjalta esittelemme erityisen opetuksellisen toimintakyvyn mallin, joka kuvaa opetusvuorovaikutteisen resilienssin ehtoja kouluopetuksen ydinsuhteiden tasolla. Mallia voidaan soveltaa resilienssitutkimuksessa, opetustyössä ja opettajankoulutuksessa opetusvuorovaikutteisen resilienssin kehittämiseksi.
REVALIDAÇÃO DO DIPLOMA UNIVERSITÁRIO AO REFUGIADO NO BRASIL: A DIGNIDADE DO DIREITO FUNDAMENTAL AO TRABALHO
Authors: Costa Souza Nilson , De Andrade Barbosa Santos de Mesquita Alessandra , Diego Martarelli Fernandes Felipe
Published: February 2025

O presente artigo ira contemplar a sistematização que os refugiados enfrentam para revalidarem o diploma universitário no território nacional, eis que o cenário não somente implica o direito ao trabalho, e sim o direito humano da educação, sem contar, a aclamada dignidade da pessoa humana para continuarem seguir suas trajetórias ao novo pais. Neste âmbito, torna indiscutível atuação do governo federal na promoção e fortalecimento das politicas públicas de promover a boa acolhida aos refugiados, tal como, propor meios de vivencia digna para referida classe que a cada dia cresce o número significativamente, sendo a reavaliação um mecanismo de integração social e assim fortalecer as diretrizes humanitárias ao enredo em discussão.
 
PALAVRAS CHAVE: Refugiados, diploma universitário e trabalho.
ABSTRACT
This article will address the systematization that refugees face in order to revalidate their university diplomas in the national territory, since the scenario not only involves the right to work, but also the human right to education, not to mention the acclaimed dignity of the human person to continue following their paths to the new country. In this context, the federal government's role in promoting and strengthening public policies to promote a good welcome for refugees becomes indisputable, as well as proposing means of dignified living for this class, whose number is growing significantly every day, with reevaluation being a mechanism for social integration and thus strengthening the humanitarian guidelines for the subject under discussion.
 
Keywords: Refugees, university degree and work.
Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Jagung Manis terhadap Sistem Budidaya Secara Organik dan Anorganik
Authors: Utami Rizky Septika , Gustian Meko , Togatorop Eny Rolenti , Sari Dia Novita
Published: February 2025

Penelitian bertujuan untuk melihat pertumbuhan dan hasil jagung manis pada sistem budidaya secara organik dan anorganik. Rancangan percobaan dalam penelitian menggunakan rancangan acak kelompok lengkap (RAKL) dengan tiga ulangan. Perlakuan terdiri atas sistem budidaya secara organik dan sistem budidaya secara anorganik. Pengamatan meliputivariabel pada komponen pertumbuhan dan komponen hasil. Untuk melihat perbandiangan antara budidaya secara organik dan anorganik pada beragai variabel pengamatan maka dilakukan uji-t (pasangan dua sampel untuk rata-rata pada P < 0,05). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Jagung manis yang dipupuk secara organik dan anorganik memberikan pengaruh yang sama pada komponen pertumbuhan (tinggi tanaman, diameter batang, jumlah daun, panjang daun, luas daun dan tingkat kehijauan daun) dan komponen hasil (tinggi tongkol, panjang tongkol dan diameter tongkol berkelobot, panjang tongkol, diameter tongkol dan bobot tongkol tanpa kelobot, jumlah baris dalam tongkol dan jumlah biji per baris). Hasil penelitian ini dapat dijadikan oleh petani dalam memilih pupuk dalam melakukan budidaya jagung manis.
Keterlibatan Masyarakat Menjaga Ketahanan Wilayah Akibat Bencana: Pembelajaran dari Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Fikri Ahmad Fatkul , Maarif Syamsul , Ruswandi Dody , Rustian  , Rahardi Catur Susilo
Published: February 2025

At the beginning of 2020, Indonesia faced the non-natural disaster of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Almost all regions in the world have been infected with Covid-19, including Palopo City, and South Sulawesi Province. The Covid-19 pandemic is transmitted from human to human, so the success of tackling the Covid-19 pandemic is determined by community involvement. The period from 2020 to 2021, several sub-districts are still classified as red zones which indicates that the pandemic is still ongoing. This study aimed to analyze and describe the involvement of the people of Palopo City in overcoming the Covid-19 Pandemic. The research method used was exploratory qualitative. Primary data were obtained through in-depth interviews with government officials and representatives of civil society organizations which were determined by purposive sampling and observation at the research location. Secondary data was obtained from supporting documents such as news, regulations, reports, and photographs. The collected data was processed, analyzed and interpreted qualitatively. The findings of this study are the involvement of the Palopo City community through the Covid-19 Task Force, prevention and control, and resource mobilization. Palopo City has stable regional resilience because it has protection for the community, an effective resource management mechanism; it can develop effective work mechanisms, recover from disasters quickly, and can coexist with disaster risks.
Studi Pemanfaatan Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Surya di Infrastruktur Militer guna Mendukung Ketahanan Energi Nasional
Authors: Amalia Zahra , Thamrin Suyono , Yanto Sri
Published: February 2025

Indonesia memiliki potensi energi baru terbarukan yang sangat besar, terutama energi surya, yang dapat dimanfaatkan untuk mendukung ketahanan energi nasional, terutama di infrastruktur militer. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji bagaimana potensi PLTS dapat dioptimalkan untuk mendukung ketahanan energi, mengidentifikasi tantangan implementasinya, dan mengevaluasi peranannya dalam mengurangi ketergantungan pada energi fosil. Metodologi penelitian menggunakan metode kualitatif yaitu dengan kajian literatur dari berbagai sumber yang relevan dan analisis data untuk menjawab pertanyaan penelitian. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa PLTS dapat meningkatkan keandalan pasokan energi di infrastruktur militer, mendukung operasi independen, dan mengurangi dampak infrastruktur dengan mengurangi emisi gas rumah kaca. Tantangan utama dalam implementasi PLTS meliputi masalah anggaran, perencanaan, keamanan, dan integrasi teknologi. Dengan mengatasi tantangan ini, pemanfaatan PLTS di infrastruktur militer dapat memberikan kontribusi signifikan terhadap ketahanan energi nasional dan keberlanjutan infrastruktur.
Exploring Cerebral Perforating Artery Function in Small Vessel Disease With 7 Tesla MRI
Authors:   , Onkenhout Laurien Paula
Published: February 2025

Small cerebral perforating arteries are essential for brain blood supply. Pathological changes in these arteries, known as small vessel disease (SVD), are strongly linked to stroke and dementia. Previously, studying these small arteries in vivo was not feasible, but advancements in 7T MRI now allow for detailed analysis of their function. This thesis investigates the relationship between cerebral perforating artery function and SVD by addressing three key questions: (1) How does their function relate to other components of the cardiovascular system? (2) How do vascular risk factors influence their function? (3) How does their function relate to SVD damage?
how does cerebral perforating artery function relate to other functional measures along the cardiovascular tree? Our findings show a relation in the function between the more proximal arteries and perforating arteries in this extensive network of cerebral blood supply, indicating a complex interplay between different parts of the cardiovascular system. It teaches us that damping behavior, i.e. vascular response to a pulse wave measured in flow velocity and pulsatility, varies along the cardiovascular tree. It also varies among individuals and regions. Likewise that the more proximal regions are more prone to early damage than the distal regions. Furthermore, this thesis has shown that lower flow velocity occurs in the small perforating arteries of the CSO border zone areas in patients with COD, implying that these border zone areas are more vulnerable to changes. To sum up how vascular risk factors relate to cerebral perforating artery function, my answer in the setting where I explored this is that they are not directly related. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies, also in other, including population-based, cohorts, to observe how vascular risk factors and its management potentially impacts perforating artery function over time. Does the cerebral perforating artery function relate to SVD damage? Yes, in this thesis I conclude that small vessel function is altered in patients with structural manifestations of SVD and also relates to lesion burden. This finding provides new markers for SVD at the level of the perforating arteries themselves. The journey in understanding cerebral SVD is far from over, and while our findings have increased the existing knowledge on the mechanisms underlying cerebral SVD, establishing a causal relationship requires longitudinal studies to track disease progression over time and the path before us is not finished jet. In conclusion, this thesis has demonstrated that new MRI markers of cerebral perforating artery function can help to better understand SVD. Hopefully, this will pave the way to develop effective interventions that can prevent or even treat SVD.
Editorial
Authors: Tavares Ujiie Nájela
Published: February 2025

Neste segundo número, com publicação contínua e fatiada apresentamos por hora quatro artigos, um de autoria internacional e três nacionais, os quais possuem temáticas relevantes, sendo elas:  a educação familiar na experiência cubana, a percepção de crianças com TEA acerca da escola e sua educação, vivências e ocupação espaço-tempo de crianças na cidade e atitudes sociais de professores da educação infantil acerca da inclusão.
Artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of uveal melanoma: advances and applications
Authors: Dadzie Albert K. , Iddir Sabrina P. , Ganesh Sanjay , Ebrahimi Behrouz , Rahimi Mojtaba , Abtahi Mansour , Son Taeyoon , Heiferman Michael J. , Yao Xincheng
Published: February 2025

Advancements in machine learning and deep learning have the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of melanocytic choroidal tumors, including uveal melanoma, a potentially life-threatening eye cancer. Traditional machine learning methods rely heavily on manually selected image features, which can limit diagnostic accuracy and lead to variability in results. In contrast, deep learning models, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), are capable of automatically analyzing medical images, identifying complex patterns, and enhancing diagnostic precision. This review evaluates recent studies that apply machine learning and deep learning approaches to classify uveal melanoma using imaging modalities such as fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and ultrasound. The review critically examines each study’s research design, methodology, and reported performance metrics, discussing strengths as well as limitations. While fundus photography is the predominant imaging modality being used in current research, integrating multiple imaging techniques, such as OCT and ultrasound, may enhance diagnostic accuracy by combining surface and structural information about the tumor. Key limitations across studies include small dataset sizes, limited external validation, and a reliance on single imaging modalities, all of which restrict model generalizability in clinical settings. Metrics such as accuracy, sensitivity, and area under the curve (AUC) indicate that deep learning models have the potential to outperform traditional methods, supporting their further development for integration into clinical workflows. Future research should aim to address current limitations by developing multimodal models that leverage larger, diverse datasets and rigorous validation, thereby paving the way for more comprehensive, reliable diagnostic tools in ocular oncology.
The Lambert-Topp-Leone distribution: an alternative for modeling proportion and lifetime data
Authors: Astorga Juan M. , Iriarte Yuri A.
Published: February 2025

This article discusses the Lambert-Topp-Leone distribution as a flexible alternative for modeling proportion and lifetime data. By extending the Topp-Leone distribution, the proposed model offers greater flexibility in terms of skewness and kurtosis, making it suitable for a broader range of real-world applications. We examine key properties of the distribution, including its moments and behavior in terms of skewness and kurtosis. Parameter estimation using the maximum likelihood method is also discussed. A Monte Carlo simulation study is conducted to evaluate the performance of the estimators. Finally, to illustrate its practical utility, we apply the Lambert-Topp-Leone distribution to real-world datasets, demonstrating its superior fit for proportion and lifetime data compared to traditional models. The results suggest that this distribution provides a valuable tool for researchers and professionals in fields that require versatile modeling of bounded or positively skewed data.
AI-based biplane X-ray image-guided method for distal radius fracture reduction
Authors: Zha Qing , Shen Sizhou , Ma Ziyang , Yu Manqiu , Bi Hongzheng , Yang Hongbo
Published: February 2025

Background

In the course of manual reduction of distal radius fractures, many doctors rely on tactile perception to assess the displacement of the fracture. However, a more accurate determination of the severity of the fracture and the success of the reduction requires measurement software to annotate the fracture images, which is difficult to achieve real-timely in actual procedure of reduction. Which may lead to misdiagnosis when experienced doctors rely on their intuition. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an AI-based method for calculating fracture parameters to provide real-time display, particularly in fracture reduction machines.

Methods

An AI-based method for automatically calculating of radiographic parameters in distal radius fractures (DRF) was developed. Initially, anteroposterior (AP) and lateral (LAT) X-ray images of patients with distal radius fractures were collected from three hospitals and preprocessed. Subsequently, several neural network structures, UNet, DeeplabV3+, PSPNet, and TransUNet, are compared in terms of utility and accuracy, and finally, the models obtained from the UNet image segmentation algorithm are used for semantic segmentation of the radius and ulna. Following this, the contours of the radius and ulna were extracted using OpenCV, key points were detected, and the principal axes were calculated. Finally, the computed parameters including radial angle (RA), radial length (RL), ulnar variance (UV), and palmar tilt (PT) were calculated and displayed on the image.

Results

The advantages and disadvantages of several models were considered, and finally the UNet neural network model was used as the core algorithm of the image segmentation model in this study. The segmentation accuracy for the radius and ulna in the AP and LAT X-ray images reached 91.31% and 88.63%, respectively. The average errors between the automated calculations of parameters RA, RL, UV, and PT and the manually annotated results by physicians were −1.36°, −1.7 mm, 0.66 mm, and −1.06°, respectively. The system has been initially deployed on the same computer that operates the radial fracture fracture repositioning robot.

Conclusion

The automated parameter calculation method developed in this study accurately computes diagnostic parameters for assessing distal radius fractures and can be utilized in the image-guided reduction process of fracture rehabilitation robots. This method has the potential to evolve into an intelligent diagnostic tool for physicians, thereby enhancing the accuracy of distal radius fracture diagnosis.
Case Report: A new therapeutic option for a rare patent ductus arteriosus child complicated with pulmonary artery aneurysm due to infectious endocarditis
Authors: Zhang Hua-yong , Feng Xiao-yuan , Li Chang-jian , Zhang Yong
Published: February 2025

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is one of the most common forms of congenital heart disease (CHD). Infectious endocarditis (IE) is a rare but serious complication of PDA. PDA combined with pulmonary artery aneurysm (PAA) due to IE is rare in children. In this report, we report a rare pediatric PDA case, complicated with PAA due to IE. Transcatheter closure of PDA without the surgical intervention of PAA was performed, with a favorable prognosis.
Cloud computing convergence: integrating computer applications and information management for enhanced efficiency
Authors: Zhang Guo
Published: February 2025

This study examines the transformative impact of cloud computing on the integration of computer applications and information management systems to improve operational efficiency. Grounded in a robust methodological framework, the research employs experimental testing and comparative data analysis to assess the performance of an information management system within a cloud computing environment. Data was meticulously collected and analyzed, highlighting a threshold where user demand surpasses 400, leading to a stabilization in CPU utilization at an optimal level and maintaining subsystem response times consistently below 5 s. This comprehensive evaluation underscores the significant advantages of cloud computing, demonstrating its capacity to optimize the synergy between computer applications and information management. The findings not only contribute to theoretical advancements in the field but also offer actionable insights for organizations seeking to enhance efficiency through effective cloud-based solutions.
Innovation in Portuguese schools: what is the grammar of its conceptualization?
Authors: Martins Natália , Palmeirão Cristina , Matias Alves José
Published: February 2025

Massification of schooling ensured all students access to education. Until now, the industrial school model was ideal, however, due to the coexistence of cultural and socioeconomic differences, it has become ineffective. Consequently, problems of school failure, dropout and hidden school dropout related to the school mission emerged. Thus, the solution reached, after several relatively unsuccessful “top-down” reforms, is the emergence of a “bottom-up” change which allows schools to reconstruct while adapting to changes in society and addressing the needs of each student. Given this, there is a need to alter the grammar of schooling which remains rooted in time and has become an obstacle to students' learning. In 2018, innovation began to be seen as a possible pathway toward constructing a more personalized education through the implementation of innovation plans in schools. Accordingly, we created and applied an analysis matrix to 66 of the 88 innovation plans pertaining to the 2022/2023 school year, with the aim of answering the following questions: what problems or difficulties have been diagnosed in the design and development of the innovation projects? What variables are used to solve the diagnosed problems? Do the areas and dimensions utilized entail effective innovation in organizational and pedagogical practices capable of improving educational processes and outcomes? Findings indicate that, considering the reference table, a greater investment by schools is needed for a desired profound change in the grammar of schooling. It is noted that, given the identified problems, mainly focusing on school failure, there is a clear emphasis by most plans on changes in teachers' professional development and evaluation strategies. Nevertheless, it seems clear that the macro-level dimensions were the most neglected, with a significant number of plans lacking information regarding the school organization and management, the school environment and top leadership. Therefore, these data suggest that at the micro-level, which refers to educational action in the classroom, all dimensions were very evidently considered by most plans, ignoring organizational dimensions that have the potential to change the working models of teachers and students.
Bridging the gap: the OPTIONS program as a model for integrating career development into biomedical PhD training
Authors: Neely Crystal J. , Abras Chadia , Lauka Bri , Oladeinde Moremi , Eith Christine A.
Published: February 2025

The OPTIONS program employs an innovative approach to integrating career readiness into the foundation of biomedical doctoral education. Designed to address the growing need for diverse career pathways beyond academic roles, this three-phase program provides structured opportunities for PhD students to explore career interests, develop transferable skills, and participate in experiential learning opportunities prior to graduating. Over the past 6 years, the program has experienced substantial growth, currently supporting over 300 doctoral students and with ~50 alumni who have transitioned into careers across academia, industry, government, and other sectors. Preliminary findings suggest that participating in the OPTIONS program improves students’ ability to articulate how their graduate training translates to career opportunities and enhances their awareness of actionable steps to develop career-related skills. By embedding career development into doctoral education and addressing evolving workforce demands, OPTIONS represents a scalable model for equipping graduates to thrive in today’s dynamic and multidisciplinary professional landscape.
Improving partnerships to improve outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities: qualitative findings from a mixed methods systematic review
Authors: Tyldesley-Marshall Natalie , Johnson Rebecca , Parr Janette , Brown Anna , Ghosh Iman , Mehrabian Amin , Chen Yen-Fu , Grove Amy
Published: February 2025

Background

Effective collaboration between different services is recommended by government policy for children and young people (CYP) with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across many countries. In the UK, despite significant shifts in policy towards partnership working, there remains a scarcity of scientific evidence on how this should be achieved. This mixed methods systematic review examined interventions leading to improved service outcomes for multiagency working for CYP with SEND.

Method

Eleven databases generated a total of 7,473 results. Data from 137 selected studies were analysed. However, only qualitative research findings from thematic synthesis regarding key ingredients of effective partnership are reported.

Results

From these, five key ingredients for effective partnership working in SEND services were identified: (1) participation, and legitimacy to participate in a partnership; (2) personalisation and consultation with children, young people, and their families in designing and delivering services; (3) respectful communication, and feeling that involvement is valued; (4) preparation to be an effective member of a partnership; and (5) working across professional and organisational boundaries.

Conclusion and implications

To facilitate practical application of the findings, three exemplar cases of effective partnership are explored. A framework to support partnership design, collaboration, and the development of evidence-based recommendations, is presented.

Systematic review registration

The study protocol for this study was registered in PROSPERO CRD42022352194.
Ultrasonic radiomics in predicting pathologic type for thyroid cancer: a preliminary study using radiomics features for predicting medullary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Dai , Yang Fan , Hou Wenjing , Wang Ying , Mu Jiali , Wang Hailing , Wei Xi
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is aggressive and difficult to distinguish from papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) using traditional ultrasound. Objective to establish a standard-based ultrasound imaging model for preoperative differentiation of MTC from PTC.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on the case data of 213 thyroid cancer patients (82 MTC, 90 lesions; 131 PTC, 135 lesions) from the Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Ultrasonography, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital. We constructed clinical model, radiomics model and comprehensive model by executing machine learning algorithms based on baseline clinical, pathological characteristics and ultrasound image data, respectively.

Results

The study showed that the comprehensive model observed the highest diagnostic efficacy in differentiating MTC from PTC with AUC, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of 0.93, 0.88, 0.82, 0.77, 0.91, 85.8%. Delong test results showed that the comprehensive model was significantly better than the clinical model (Z=-3.791, P<0.001) and the radiomics model (Z=-2.017, P=0.044). Calibration curves indicated the comprehensive model and the radiomics model exhibited better stability than the clinical model. Decision curves analysis (DCA) demonstrated that the comprehensive model had the highest clinical net benefit.

Discussions

Radiomics model is effective in identifying MTC and PTC preoperatively, and the comprehensive model is better. This approach can aid in identifying the pathologic types of thyroid nodule before clinical operation, supporting personalized medicine in the decision-making process.
Arctic and Subarctic marine heatwaves and their ecological impacts
Authors: Pecuchet Laurene , Mohamed Bayoumy , Hayward Alexander , Alvera-Azcárate Aida , Dörr Jakob , Filbee-Dexter Karen , Kuletz Katherine J. , Luis Kelly , Manizza Manfredi , Miller Charles E. , Staehr Peter A. U. , Szymkowiak Marysia , Wernberg Thomas
Published: February 2025

The Arctic and Subarctic seas are predicted to become hotspots for marine heatwaves (MHWs). High-latitude marine ecosystems face unique consequences from accelerated warming and sea ice loss, challenging species adapted to cold conditions. We review the literature on MHW characteristics and ecological impacts in the Arctic and Subarctic seas, and contrast MHW characteristics between the Bering Sea and Barents Sea. We uncover the pervasive impacts of MHWs across widely different organism groups, including benthic foundation species, phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. MHWs in the Arctic marginal seas are especially prevalent in areas experiencing sea ice retreat, such as seasonal sea ice zones, highlighting the complex interplay between MHWs and sea ice dynamics. Overall, few studies have documented the ecological impacts of MHWs on high-latitude ecosystems, with the notable exception of the impacts from the Bering Sea and Chukchi Sea MHWs in 2017–2019. Many Arctic species, with their cold and narrow thermal preferences, appear vulnerable to MHWs, as they might not have access to cold climate refugia, while boreal species appear to benefit from Arctic and Subarctic MHWs. Sessile foundation species, such as kelp and seagrasses, are especially at risk during MHWs, although in the Arctic evidence of MHWs impacts remains limited. Reproductive failure and mass mortality events have been documented for several species in the Pacific Arctic (e.g., seabirds, fish, crabs). MHWs have been observed to have ecosystem-wide repercussions in the northern Bering Sea and Chukchi Sea with shifts in plankton communities affecting the entire food web. The ecological responses to MHWs in the Arctic and Subarctic ecosystems are still not fully understood, highlighting a need for further research to assess the direct and indirect impacts on various taxa and to improve predictive models for better management and conservation strategies. MHWs can also have large consequences for ecosystem services and socio-ecological systems, for example, closures of economically valuable and culturally important fisheries, as seen in Alaska, degradation of traditional ice-hunting practices, and compromised wellbeing of coastal communities. Large and abrupt ecosystem changes following MHWs underscore the urgent need for adaptive management strategies in the face of ongoing climate change.
Assessing effects of thinning on the stem form in larch during the stand initiation and stem exclusion stages using terrestrial laser scanning
Authors: Li Dandan , Jia Weiwei , Li Fengri , Guo Haotian , Wang Fan , Zhang Xiaoyong
Published: February 2025

Forest management is vital to the growth and development of trees at different stages. However, comprehensively capturing tree attributes to determine the response to management remains a major challenge. Therefore, this study utilized TLS technology to probe forest structure information, explore the effects of TLS on stem diameter, and develop the most appropriate taper model to reveal how thinning management affects the stem size and form of larch during SIS and SES. Larch plantations aged 16 and 26 years were subjected to different intensities of thinning treatments, and 3D structural information of the stems was measured via TLS in the 7th year after the intervention. In present study, age and thinning intensity were used as dummy variables to reduce modeling costs and taper models were developed to reflect the stem shape. ANOVA was applied to assess differences in tree attributes (slenderness, stem taper, form factor at breast height, and form quotient) among the different thinning treatments. The results showed that the ability of TLS to measure stem diameter information was related to forest conditions, and the effect of the SES with low stand density and large stem diameters was greater than that of the SIS with complex understory conditions and small stem diameters (with 70% of the stem diameter captured in the SIS and 80% in the SES). During the SIS, plants were more sensitive to thinning, and their diameter growth efficiency was significantly greater than that during the SES. Thinning promoted trunk growth in the bottom part and intermediate section compared to that in the unthinned plots. The average DBH increased with increasing thinning intensity, while slenderness exhibited the opposite pattern. The responses of TH and form factor at breast height to thinning were not significant, but they were age dependent. Since TLS has difficulty capturing the diameter of canopy height, the Kozak variable-exponent taper equation is more suitable for modeling stem forms, and setting age as well as thinning intensity as dummy variables is an efficient modeling method. Overall, TLSs can be used for measuring long-term tree responses after intervention to efficiently support nondestructive forest inventories and management.
A novel glycolysis-related gene signature for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy in breast cancer
Authors: Huang Rui , Li Yi , Lin Kaige , Zheng Luming , Zhu Xiaoru , Huang Leqiu , Ma Yunhan
Published: February 2025

Background

Previous studies have shown that glycolysis-related genes (GRGs) are associated with the development of breast cancer (BC), and the prognostic significance of GRGs in BC has been reported. Considering the heterogeneity of BC patients, which makes prognosis difficult to predict, and the fact that glycolysis is regulated by multiple genes, it is important to establish and evaluate new glycolysis-related prediction models in BC.

Methods

In total, 170 GRGs were selected from the GeneCards database. We analyzed data from the Cancer Genome Atlas Breast Invasive Carcinoma (TCGA-BRCA) database as a training set and data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database as a validation cohort. Based on the overall survival data and the expression levels of GRGs, Cox regression analyses were applied to develop a glycolysis-related prognostic gene (GRPGs)-based prediction model. Kaplan (KM) survival and ROC analyses were performed to assess the performance of this model. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were used to identify the potential biological functions of GRPGs. cBioPortal database was used to explore the tumor mutation burden (TMB). The tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion indicator (TIDE) was used to estimate the patient response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). The levels of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) and stromal cells were quantitatively analyzed based on gene expression profiles.

Results

We constructed a prediction model of 10 GRPGs (ADPGK, HNRNPA1, PGAM1, PIM2, YWHAZ, PTK2, VDAC1, CS, PGK1, and GAPDHS) to predict the survival outcomes of patients with BC. Patients were divided into low- and high-risk groups based on the gene signature. The AUC values of the ROC curves were 0.700 (1-year OS), 0.714 (3-year OS), 0.681 (5-year OS). TMB and TIDE analyses showed that patients in the high-risk group might respond better to ICB. Additionally, by combining the GRPGs signature and clinical characteristics of patients, a novel nomogram was constructed. The AUC values for this combined prediction model were 0.827 (1-year OS), 0.792 (3-year OS), and 0.783 (5-year OS), indicating an outstanding predictive performance.

Conclusion

A new GRPGs based prediction model was built to predict the OS and immunotherapeutic response of patients with BC.
Association of systemic inflammation response index with latent tuberculosis infection and all-cause mortality: a cohort study from NHANES 2011-2012
Authors: Wang Lin , Kuang Yi , Zeng Yan , Wan Zhihui , Yang Sha , Li Renliang
Published: February 2025

Background

The Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI) is a promising inflammatory marker; however, the relationship between SIRI and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), as well as its association with mortality rates, remains unclear. The present study aimed to explore the associations of the SIRI with LTBI and all-cause mortality.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study using data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles from 2011 to 2012. We explored the association between SIRI and LTBI prevalence using Multiple logistic regression models. We used Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model to analyze the association between SIRI and all-cause mortality. In addition, Kaplan-Meier curves, restricted cubic splines (RCS), stratified analysis, and interaction tests were performed.

Results

The study included a total of 4,983 adults who participated in NHANES 2011-2012. The mean follow-up period was 92.35 ± 16.82 months, and there were 525 deaths, representing a mortality rate of 10.54%. The occurrence of LTBI is significantly associated with low SIRI levels(OR=0.76, 95% CI: 0.66-0.89), after adjusting for confounders. Among LTBI patients, elevated SIRI levels are significantly correlated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted HR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.01-2.15). RCS revealed a linear relationship between SIRI and all-cause mortality in patients with LTBI (P =0.059[overall] and P = 0.391 [Nonlinear]). Furthermore, within the LTBI population, the area under the curve (AUC) of SIRI for all-cause mortality are 0.731 (1-year), 0.640 (3-year), and 0.634 (5-year).

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate that elevated SIRI levels are independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality in patients with LTBI. Notably, SIRI was significantly inversely associated with the incidence of LTBI. Therefore, SIRI may serve as an effective tool for risk stratification in adults with LTBI in the United States. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to explore any therapeutic implications of these findings.
Enhancing water depth inversion accuracy via SAR and variable window sliding segmentation
Authors: Zhang Meng , Qi Chao , Yang Fanlin , Wang Ruifu , Pirasteh Saied
Published: February 2025

The utilization of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for depth inversion is crucial for accurate underwater mapping. However, current SAR-based techniques face challenges in segmentation accuracy, which directly affects inversion precision and spatial resolution. Traditional segmentation methods lack efficiency and often result in low-resolution outcomes. To address these issues, we propose a novel SAR water depth inversion method based on variable window sliding segmentation. This method optimizes nearshore image utilization by dynamically adjusting the pixel size and preventing coastline encroachment, leading to more precise swell wavelength measurements. When applied to the eastern sea off Naraha, Japan, our method achieved a minimum mean relative error (MRE) of 9.2% for shallow waters (0 to 20 m depth) and 4.9% for deeper waters (80 to 100 m depth). These results significantly improve upon those of traditional methods, which typically show MREs ranging from 10% to 30%. Additionally, our method achieves a maximum spatial resolution of 5.5 m, a notable advancement in nearshore depth measurement. The study also revealed that different depth ranges and function types, particularly linear and atanh functions, impact measurement performance, demonstrating superior accuracy across multiple metrics.
Enhancing patient satisfaction and reducing nurse workload: the impact of multimedia health education in a prospective single-center randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yang Liping , Qin Zilan , Yao Jia , Xu Huan , Tian Jinhui , Ren Yanxian , Wang Haiping , Meng Wenbo
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Health education is an important part of nursing care. Verbal health education is a common practice in surgical wards, which is time-consuming and laborious. Thus, this study aims to evaluate whether multimedia health education reduces nurses’ workload without compromising patient and family satisfaction in a surgical context.

Methods

We conducted a parallel-group, prospective randomized controlled trial at the Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute of Lanzhou University’s First Hospital between July 2019 and May 2022. Eligible patients (≥18 years) with general surgical conditions and acceptable for surgery were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive a multi-media health education group or a standard health education group. Randomization was performed by an independent statistician using a computer-generated randomization list. The nurses’ workload and satisfaction were the main outcomes; the anxiety level of patients and the variables affecting nurse workload were the secondary outcomes.

Results

A total of 184 eligible participants were randomly assigned to receive multimedia health education and standard health education. The results showed that multimedia health education can shorten the time [15.21 (0.63)vs.16.94 (3.96)] nurses spend on health education during patient admissions, the difference being statistically significant (p < 0.001), but it did not lower the satisfaction levels of nurses [73.46 (2.36) vs. 67.16 (5.52)], patients [53.35 (2.09) vs. 47.86 (5.00)], their families [53.35 (2.28) vs. 47.86 (4.53)] and doctors [73.33 (2.40) vs. 68.07 (4.92)] regarding health education (p < 0.001); in fact, it increased their satisfaction.

Conclusion

Multi-media health education could reduce nurses’ workload and enhance patient satisfaction but not increase complications.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier [NCT03989401].
Network analysis of adverse event patterns following immunization with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines: real-world data from the European pharmacovigilance database EudraVigilance
Authors: Ferreira-da-Silva Renato , Lobo Mariana Fernandes , Pereira Ana Margarida , Morato Manuela , Polónia Jorge Junqueira , Ribeiro-Vaz Inês
Published: February 2025

Objective

To analyses real-world safety data of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines within the European Economic Area (EEA), using Individual Case Safety Reports (ICSR), and to evaluate the variability in safety profiles between different vaccine versions.

Methods

We utilized EudraVigilance data from 1 January 2020, to 31 December 2023, focusing on Moderna (Spikevax) and Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty) vaccines against COVID-19. We performed descriptive statistics, co-occurrence analysis, and correspondence analysis to identify patterns and clusters of adverse events following immunization (AEFI).

Results

We retrieved 993,199 ICSR (Moderna: 394,484; Pfizer: 605,794), with most reports related to women patients (69%) and non-healthcare professionals (65%). A total of 10,804 distinct AEFI terms were described across the retrieved ICSR, with a cumulative occurrence frequency of 3,558,219 (Moderna: 1,555,638; Pfizer: 2,031,828). The most prominent serious clusters included headache, fatigue, pyrexia, myalgia, arthralgia, malaise, nausea, and chills, which frequently co-occurred with vaccination failure. Specific AEFI like fever, chills, malaise, arthralgia, injection site pain, inflammation, and warmth were more often linked to Moderna, while Pfizer was more commonly associated with vaccination failure, menstrual disorders (heavy menstrual bleeding and dysmenorrhea), and hypoesthesia. In older adults, serious clusters included confusional states, cerebrovascular accidents, and myocardial infarctions, while myocarditis and pericarditis were noted in younger males. Although rare, serious systemic AEFI, like anaphylactic reactions, were identified but require further causality evaluation.

Conclusion

The overall safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for mass vaccination is supported, but continuous pharmacovigilance remains essential. Identified clusters of AEFI, particularly serious and systemic ones, although rare and potentially influenced by other underlying causes, underscore the need for continuous monitoring and further epidemiological investigations to explore potential causal relationships.