bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new approach for hemodynamics of varicoceles: Perfusion patterns based on contrast- enhanced ultrasound
Authors: Zou Penglin , Fan Gaoxiang , Li Zheng , Tao Yuchen , Jia Chao , Liang Hongmei , Tian Ruhui , Shi Qiusheng , Hu Jianlin , Wu Rong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Hemodynamic alterations in the spermatic vein are implicated in infertility among patients with varicocele (VC). Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), a powerful tool for hemodynamic analysis, remains unexplored for VC. This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of using CEUS to evaluate spermatic vein hemodynamics in patients with VC and establish a clear correlation between specific hemodynamic patterns and impaired semen parameters. This study included 165 patients with left-sided VC and 50 healthy volunteers. All participants underwent CEUS of the spermatic veins, along with maximum venous diameter and testicular volume measurements and serum sex hormone levels and routine semen analyses. The sperm DNA fragmentation index was measured in 146 patients with VC and 37 healthy controls.
Results
The analyses revealed four distinct perfusion patterns ofthe spermatic vein: steady flow, intermittent stasis, intermittent reflux, and filling defect. In healthy spermatic veins, the predominant perfusion patterns included steady flow and intermittent stasis. Spermatic veins with VC exhibited a significant increase in the intermittent reflux and filling defect patterns, with the proportion rising as the clinical grade increased. The four patterns were further grouped into the “steady flow & intermittent stasis” and “intermittent reflux & filling defect” patterns for logistic regression analyses; the intermittent reflux & filling defect pattern was revealed as an independent risk factor for impaired sperm concentration, total sperm counts, progressive motility, morphology, and DNA fragmentation index.
Conclusions
This study validated the feasibility of CEUS for assessing the hemodynamics of the spermatic vein and established the intermittent reflux & filling defect pattern as an independent predictor of impaired semen parameters.
Short-term design methods evaluation of single self-piercing rivet joint at elevated temperatures
Authors: Zhao Lun , ye kai , Xiao Qiqi , QI Xiaozhi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The static mechanical properties of high-strength aluminum alloy and self-piercing rivet (SPR) joints were investigated through coupon tensile tests and tensile shear tests across a temperature range from -50 to 300°C. The study focused on 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, which was used as the substrate for both the coupon tensile and SPR specimens. The results demonstrated that the strength variation of SPR joints at different temperatures is intrinsically linked to the properties of the substrate material. Based on these findings, a high-temperature design code for 6061-T6 SPR joints was developed, which offers a practical framework for evaluating their mechanical performance. This study highlights the potential of SPR joints for application in construction structures, including scenarios requiring fire-resistant capacity, thereby broadening their suitability for use in prefabricated lightweight and high-performance buildings.
Influence of fuzzified dataset on classification and prediction of plant types - A case study
Authors: Swathi T. , Sudha S. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This research explores the use of fuzzification to improve the classification and prediction of plant types based on environmental and soil parameters. Fuzzification, a process that transforms numerical features into fuzzy sets, is used to handle the inherent uncertainty discovered in parameters such as soil pH, moisture, nutrients and temperature. The dataset obtained from Kaggle consists of 9 features and 10 plant types. Several Machine Learning models such as Naïve Bayes, Support Vector Machine, Random Forest, K-Nearest Neighbour, Decision tree, XGBoost and LightGBM are employed to classify and predict plants based on their environmental and soil features. These models are applied to fuzzified and non-fuzzified datasets for comparative performance analysis. The hyperparameters of each model is fine-tuned using the Bayesian optimization. SVM and KNN significantly benefit from the fuzzified dataset demonstrating the effect of fuzzification. XGBoost achieves an accuracy of 91.37% and AUC of 99.41% on the fuzzified dataset, while with the non-fuzzified dataset, accuracy and AUC of 91.34% and 99.42% respectively is found to be achieved. LightGBM shows an accuracy of 91.35% and AUC of 99.41% on the fuzzified dataset and 91.27% accuracy and AUC of 99.40% on the non-fuzzified dataset. From this research work, fuzzification is observed to improve the ability of certain models to manage complex data, leading to more accurate classification. These findings aid in the enhancement of more reliable and robust machine learning models for agricultural applications, particularly in prediction and management based on uncertain environmental and soil parameters.
Effectiveness of a Tailored Forest Package of Interventions, Including Topical Repellents, in Reducing Malaria Incidence in Myanmar
Authors: Win Kyawt Mon , Gimnig John E. , Linn Nay Yi Yi , Monti Feliciano , Khin Nu Nu , Hawley William A. , Hwang Jimee , Wiegand Ryan E. , Topcuoglu Ersin , Moran Alexander , Lin Khin , Thadar Hsu , Myint Aye Aye , Tun Kyaw Myint 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
In Myanmar, progress towards malaria elimination has stagnated in some areas requiring deployment of new tools and approaches to accelerate malaria elimination. While there is evidence that networks of community-based malaria workers and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) can reduce malaria transmission in a variety of settings, evidence for the effectiveness of other interventions, such as topical repellents is limited. Since malaria transmission in Myanmar occurs outdoors, mainly among forest-goers, we tested the effectiveness of topical repellents in combination with supplemental ITN distribution and strengthened networks of malaria workers.
Methods
Thirty-eight villages in the Tanintharyi Region and Rakhine State were initially selected for the study based on malaria incidence in previous years. An additional 31 villages were included as comparison areas. The implementation of interventions began in March 2020 and continued through June 2021. Malaria cases were detected in all villages through surveillance at health facilities and a network of malaria workers. Data were analyzed by interrupted time series. A nested case-control study was also conducted where forest-goers who tested positive for malaria by RDT were matched to up to three forest-goers who tested negative.
Results
A decrease in mean monthly incidence was observed in the intervention villages from 6.0 (95% CI: 4.9–7.1) to 3.7 (95% CI: 2.4–4.9) cases per 1,000 people at risk before and after the interventions. For the comparison villages, the mean monthly incidence increased from 1.1 (95% CI: 0.8–1.5) to 5.7 (95% CI: 2.1–9.3) cases per 1,000 people at risk. Malaria incidence was significantly lower following the implementation of the interventions (RR = 0.117; 95% CI = 0.061–0.223; p < 0.001) in the intervention villages, whereas that of comparison villages was higher after the implementation of the interventions (RR = 3.558; 95% CI = 0.311–40.750; p = 0.308). However, a significant trend for increasing malaria incidence after implementation was observed in the intervention villages (RR = 1.113; 95% CI = 1.021–1.214, p = 0.015), suggesting a waning effect. The nested case-control analysis showed that the odds of topical repellent use were significantly lower among cases than controls (aOR: 0.063, 95%CI: 0.013–0.313, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
The tailored intervention package for forest-goers helped reduce malaria incidence in Myanmar. Topical repellents may help to further reduce malaria transmission in elimination settings where high-risk populations such as forest-goers do not have easy access to routine health services or are less likely to use ITNs for malaria prevention.
Prognostic Value of Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index in Patients with Small-Cell Lung Cancer Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: HAMAKAWA YUSUKE , Hirahara Ayumi , Hayashi Akiko , Ito Kota , Shinohara Hiroyuki , Shiba Aya , Higashi Yuko , Aga Masaharu , Miyazaki Kazuhito , Taniguchi Yuri , Misumi Yuki , Agemi Yoko , Nakamura Yukiko , Shimokawa Tsuneo , Okamoto Hiroaki 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) has emerged as a promising prognostic marker in various malignancies. However, its prognostic significance in patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic impact of the SII in patients with SCLC after ICI use.
Methods
Of 62 patients with SCLC who received chemoimmunotherapy at our institution between September 2019 and July 2024, we retrospectively analyzed 36 patients who subsequently received ICI maintenance therapy following the initial chemoimmunotherapy treatment. The SII was calculated at the start of the second cycle of the ICI maintenance therapy. Patients were stratified into high (≥ 570) and low (< 570) SII groups. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were compared between the groups using the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test. Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model was performed to identify independent prognostic factors.
Results
The high SII group exhibited a significantly shorter OS (median 12.1 vs. 24.1 months, P = 0.010) and PFS (median 5.2 vs. 8.1 months, P = 0.026) than those in the low SII group. A multivariate analysis identified SII ≥ 570 as an independent negative prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio 3.83, 95% confidence interval 1.38–10.6, P = 0.010).
Conclusions
Elevated SII in the initial phase of ICI maintenance therapy was associated a with poor prognosis in patients with SCLC, supporting its utility as a prognostic biomarker in this setting. Therefore, prospective validation is required to confirm these findings.
High expression of CENPF predicts poor prognosis inHigh-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Fu Aoyu , Jiang Yuanna , Guan Hongdan , He Zhouxiao , Xiang Xuan-ang , Li Fenghua , Tang Can-e , Wang Qian , Cao Lanqin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the expression and clinical significance of Centromere Protein F (CENPF) in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) and to identify a new target for the prognostic assessment of HGSOC. In this study, by using the GEO database, CENPF was predicted to be overexpressed in HGSOC tissues. We investigated the expression patterns of CENPF via immunohistochemical staining (IHC) of 43 HGSOC tissues and 43 normal fallopian tube tissues with complete pathological parameters and survival data. CENPF protein was highly expressed in HGSOC tissues. The expression level of the CENPF protein was significantly correlated with FIGO stage, lymph node metastasis, and greater omentum metastasis in HGSOC patients. Survival analysis revealed that CENPF protein expression is significantly associated with short survival in HGSOC patients. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that an advanced FIGO stage, the presence of lymph node metastasis, the presence of greater omental metastasis, and high CENPF expression were all significantly associated with overall survival (OS). In contrast, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses of progression-free survival (PFS) in HGSOC patients revealed that age, FIGO stage, lymph node metastasis, and greater omental metastasis were not significantly correlated with PFS.
Hemorrhagic Shock in a Pediatric Patient Undergoing Hirudotherapy: A Case Report and Recommendations for Vigilance
Authors: Shaw Susanna , Hinchcliff Katharine , Rafaat Karim , Frugoni Brian 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Hirudotherapy, the use of leeches for medicinal purposes, is a recognized treatment for various medical conditions, including digit replantation.
Case Presentation: We present a case of a 12-year-old male who developed hemorrhagic shock while undergoing hirudotherapy. Although there is evidence of its benefit, leech therapy can lead to substantial blood loss, especially in combination with additional anticoagulation measures.
Conclusions: This case emphasizes the need for extreme vigilance and continuous monitoring in pediatric patients undergoing hirudotherapy. We discuss potential risk factors, signs of occult bleeding, and recommend adjunctive measures to improve the assessment of critically ill patients in such situations.
The Correlation Between Serum Uric Acid Level And The Uric Acid-To-Creatinine Ratio In Paediatrics With Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Running Title: Fatty Liver in Children with Obesity
Authors: Arsoy Hanife Ayşegül , Kara Özlem 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

It has been demonstrated that elevated serum uric acid (sUA) levels elicit both pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidative effects. A growing body of evidence suggests that this may play a contributory role in the development of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children with obesity. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the association between paediatric NAFLD and sUA levels and the sUA/creatinine (Cr) ratio. This single-center, cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted at the tertiary care center. The study cohort comprised 228 patients with obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 95th percentile) and 167 controls, matched for age, sex and pubertal stage. A diagnosis of NAFLD was made following an ultrasound examination of the liver, with other possible causes of hepatic disease excluded. A significantly elevated level of sUA, and sUA/Cr values was observed in the group of patients with obesity in comparison to the control group (p < 0.001). In the group with obesity, NAFLD was detected by abdominal ultrasonography in 169 (74.1%) patients, whereas NAFLD was not detected in 59 (25.8%) patients. The levels of sUA and sUA/Cr were significantly elevated in the obese NAFLD group in comparison to the obese non-NAFLD and control groups (p < 0.001). An elevated WC, ALT, and the ratio of sUA/Cr are associated with an increased risk of NAFLD. A one-unit increase in sUA/Cr was found to be associated with an increased risk of NAFLD (OR = 1.323, 95% CI: 1.001–1.748).The findings of our study indicate that an elevated WC, ALT, and the ratio of sUA/Cr are associated with an increased risk of NAFLD. Nevertheless, no such correlation was identified between sUA and NAFLD.
A machine learning model for predicting outcomes of MitraClip therapy
Authors: Li Hui , Guo Ying , Gong Junsong , Hu Yiran , Qi Hongxia , Zhang Fengwen , Pang Xiangbin , Duan Fujian 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
Severe mitral regurgitation (MR) is a life-threatening mitral valve disease. The MitraClip intervention offers a percutaneous solution for patients who are unsuitable for surgery. However, limited information is available on outcomes post-MitraClip intervention. This study aims to develop an approach for predicting MR outcomes after MitraClip intervention using machine learning-enhanced echocardiography.
Methods:
We enrolled 164 patients with MR ≥ 3 + degree who underwent MitraClip intervention at our institution between 2021 and 2024. Patients were monitored for approximately three years. The analysis included clinical data and echocardiographic parameters. Study endpoints were the recurrence of MR (2 + or above) and major adverse events during follow-up. A total of 147 patients were randomly divided into training (80%) and testing (90%) sets. An additional 17 patients comprised the validation cohort.
Results:
The best-performing model for predicting clinical outcomes utilized 81 features in a logistic regression classifier. Using all 81 features in the logistic regression model, specificity increased to approximately 0.797 (95% confidence interval: 0.739 ~ 0.854) and sensitivity to about 0.459 (0.370 ~ 0.549), resulting in an overall accuracy of 0.688 (0.632 ~ 0.745) for the validation dataset. The best-performing model achieved a receiver operating characteristic area under the curve value of 0.773 in both the test and validation groups.
Conclusions:
Our machine learning model, leveraging echocardiographic characteristics, demonstrated superior predictive performance. This model effectively forecasts patient outcomes following MitraClip intervention, proving beneficial within a clinical setting.
Effect of Education Program regarding Pathological Jaundice on Nurses’ Performance and Neonates’ Bilirubin Induced Neurological Dysfunction
Authors: Ebrahim Nora Abd El-Alim , Bayoumi Madiha Hassan , Metwally Hanan El-Sayed 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Both term and preterm infants are susceptible to pathological jaundice, a frequent condition that can cause long-lasting neurological damage. A novel treatment for indirect pathological hyperbilirubinemia is bilisphere phototherapy, which lowers total serum bilirubin just as well as exchange transfusions.
Methods:A quasi-experimental research design was utilized in the current study. This study was conducted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Benha Specialized Pediatric Hospital. A convenient sample of all available nurses (60) working in the previously mentioned setting. A purposive sample of neonates (90) with pathological jaundice which would be divided into control and study groups. Three tools were used: Tool I: A structured interview questionnaire sheet. Tool II: Observational checklist for caring neonates with pathological jaundice. Tool III: Neonatal outcomes assessment sheet.
Results: There were a positive correlation between nurses’ total performance regarding pathological jaundice and bilisphere phototherapy at pre/post education program implementation. Additionally, there were a positive correlation between neonates’ outcomes in the study group and nurses’ total performance post- program implementation.
Conclusion:The education program regarding pathological jaundice was effective in improving nurses’ performance and neonates’ bilirubin induced neurological dysfunction post compared to pre- education program implementation.
I Will ‘Go for it’ even if it Scares me! How Psychological Courage Relates to Well-being at Work through Reinforcement Sensitivity Systems
Authors: Pajestka Grzegorz , Skałacka Katarzyna 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Psychological courage (PC) is believed to help individuals in dealing with fear and anxiety, allowing them to confront obstacles and discover purpose in their careers. This study investigated the relationship between PC, job satisfaction, meaning in work, perceived stress, and behavioral systems (BAS, BIS, FFFS) using structural equation modeling (SEM). A sample of 805 employees from various industries participated in the study. Results revealed a positive correlation between PC and both job satisfaction and meaning in work, while a negative correlation was found with perceived stress. SEM analysis further indicated that the behavioral activation system (BAS) mediates the relationship between PC and positive well-being outcomes. Conversely, the behavioral inhibition system (BIS) was associated with increased stress and decreased job satisfaction and meaning in work. These findings highlight the importance of PC in promoting positive work experiences. By activating the BAS and inhibiting the BIS, PC can contribute to greater job satisfaction, increased meaning in work, and reduced stress. Organizations can benefit from implementing interventions that foster psychological courage among employees, leading to improved overall well-being and job performance.
Synthesis and characterization of superparamagnetic PEGylated zero valent iron gold (Fe0Au) nanoparticles
Authors: Soto María Ana Rivera , Gattorno Geonel Rodríguez , López Marco Antonio González , Cárdenas Elena Marcia Gutiérrez , Benitez Maximo Berto Martinez , Trejo José de Jesús Olivares 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Iron-gold (Fe0-Au) nanoparticles are forefront agents in biomedicine because of their magnetic and plasmonic properties and are prime candidates for advanced biomedical applications such as magnetic hyperthermia, targeted drug delivery, and bioimaging. Synthesizing biocompatible, stable iron phase, and minimal borate-related cytotoxicity, Fe0-Au hybrid nanoparticles are a great challenge, This study presents an optimized, two-step synthetic approach to produce PEGylated Fe0-Au hybrid nanoparticles, employing NaBH4 as a reducing agent under strictly anaerobic conditions. UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed nanoparticle formation, with absorbance peaks at 260 nm for Fe0 and 526 nm for Au, accompanied by discernible color shifts in the colloidal suspension, indicative of successful metal reduction. High Transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) revealed a uniform spherical morphology with an average diameter of 50 nm, while X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) demonstrated substantial minimization of borate byproducts, reducing these potentially cytotoxic residues to 14 atomic percent. Magnetization assessments showed hysteresis-free superparamagnetic behavior with a saturation magnetization of 75 Am²/kg for the PEGylated NPs, validating their suitability for precision hyperthermia and magnetic resonance imaging. These findings indicate that PEG functionalization enhances colloidal stability and effectively mitigates toxicity risks, rendering these Fe0-Au nanoparticles as highly viable candidates for preclinical and potentially translational biomedical applications.
Comparison of clinical outcomes between high tibial osteotomy and total knee arthroplasty in older patients with severe osteoarthritis
Authors: Hamaoka Kodai , Okimura Shinichiro , Horita Kazushi , ikeda Yasutoshi , Okada Yohei , Kamiya Tomoaki , Teramoto Atsushi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
The clinical outcomes of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) in older patients compared with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in early older patients with severe osteoarthritis has not been studied. In this study, we aimed to compare these clinical outcomes.
Methods:
In this retrospective comparative single centre study, patients who underwent HTO and TKA for medial knee osteoarthritis were assigned to separate groups. The inclusion criteria were ages 65–74 years (early older), Kellgren–Lawrence grade 4, and a minimum post-operative 2-year follow-up. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) achievement rate for the KOOS subscales at the final follow-up. The t-test, paired t-test, and chi-squared test were used, with statistical significance set at 0.05.
Results:
The HTO and TKA groups comprised 35 and 51 patients, respectively. The median ages were 69.1 and 71.2 years, respectively. Conversion to TKA after HTO was performed in three patients in the HTO group. Preoperatively, no significant difference was observed in any of the outcome scores subscales between the groups. However, at the final follow-up, the mean KOOS symptoms, pain scores and MCID achievement rate for KOOS symptoms scores were significantly better in the TKA group than in the HTO group. No significant differences were observed in the PASS achievement rates for the KOOS subscales.
Conclusion:
KOOS symptoms, pain scores and MCID achievement rate for KOOS symptoms scores after TKA were superior to those after HTO at a mean follow-up of 57 months. These findings suggest that TKA may be more beneficial in older patients with severe osteoarthritis.
Level of evidence
Retrospective comparative study, Level III