bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis and Validation of the Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) for Predicting 14-, 21-, and 30-Day Mortality in End-Stage Cancer Patients
Authors: Huang Jhen-Ling , Yang Wan-Ling 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: The Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) is commonly used to evaluate cancer patient prognosis. Early initiation of palliative care for end-stage cancer patients is crucial in providing comfort and preparing both patients and their families for a peaceful death. This study aimed to assess the value of GPS in predicting short-term mortality in end-stage cancer patients.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of in-hospital cancer deaths at a medical center in Taiwan over a five-year period was conducted. The discriminative ability, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of GPS were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for predicting 30-, 21-, and 14-day mortality.
Results: Among the 5,315 in-hospital cancer deaths between 2009 and 2013, 78% of patients died within 30 days of admission (mean hospital stay = 12 days). The GPS scoring model’s predictive ability for short-term mortality was suboptimal for this cancer population (AUC = 0.548, 95% CI: 0.526–0.571). Although sensitivity was high (79.2%), specificity was low (30.3%), and overall accuracy was 68.0%.
Conclusion: The GPS scoring model has high sensitivity and may serve as a reference for initiating palliative care in end-stage cancer patients. However, due to its low specificity, caution should be exercised in applying GPS scores for end-of-life care planning and patient communication, as it does not accurately predict patient death.
High Schistosoma mansoni infection intensity is associated with distinct gut microbiome and low levels of systemic cytokines in children along the Albert-Nile, Northern Uganda
Authors: Mulindwa Julius , Lujumba Ibra , Musiime Caroline , Namulondo Joyce , Kimuda Magambo Phillip , Nyangiri Oscar , Cuu Gloria , Mwubaha Caroline , Tukwasibwe Stephen , Ssemaganda Aloysious , Ssewanyana Isaac , Nerima Barbara , Baingana Rhona , Noyes Harry , MacLeod Annette , Matovu Enock 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Schistosomiasis is a chronic neglected disease that affects millions of people in sub Saharan Africa, with a range of impacts on both host immune responses and the gut microbiome. The gut microbiota plays a fundamental in role in the host’s nutrition, metabolism, protection against pathogens, and modulation of host immunity. There is a need to understand the role of the gut microbiome in pathophysiology of Schistosoma mansoni infection and how this influences the host’s immune response.
Methodology:
A cross sectional study was carried out on 140 faecal samples collected from school children aged 10-15years residing in the schistosomiasis endemic hot spots of the Albert-Nile, Pakwach district, Northern Uganda. The samples were categorised by S. mansoni infection intensity based on the Kato Katz test. Faecal DNA was isolated and microbiome composition was determined by 16S rRNA V3-V4 sequencing. Plasma Th1/Th2 profiling of 13 cytokines was carried out on the Luminex platform and compared with respect to S. mansoni infection intensities.
Results
The genera Phascolarctobaterium and Prevotella_7 were significantly enriched (padj < 0.05, LDA > 3.0) in the high S. mansoni infection intensity group whereas, Ruminobacter and Alloprevotella were enriched in the Low infection intensity group. We observed significantly lower systemic Th1/Th2 cytokine levels between the high intensity infection and the control samples (padj < 0.05). Linear regression analysis using all cytokines as covariates showed that the genus Alloprevotella, Streptococcus, Gastranaerophilales and Ruminobacter were associated with systemic IL6 response.
Conclusion
There are alterations in the gut microbiome of S. mansoni infected children with distinct genera that discriminate the high and low infection intensity that could be potentially used as biomarkers. There is an association between the gut microbiome and systemic cytokine response whose mechanism in chronic disease pathophysiology can be further investigated.
Development and Validation of a Machine-Learning Model for Predicting Prognosis in Critically Ill Patients Undergoing Major Surgery
Authors: Zhang Xian , Wang Tao , Chen Zhe , Zhang Shuliu , Yuan Jihong , Qin YingYi , Cui Yunliang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Major surgery can result in elevated mortality rates, poorer prognoses, and extended hospital stays. This study sought to develop and validate an effective machine-learning model capable of accurately forecasting outcomes in critically ill patients who have undergone major surgery.
Methods
Using the publicly accessible Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-IV database, we developed and validated multiple machine-learning models to predict postoperative outcomes in critically ill patients who had at least an overnight ICU stay after major surgery. Seven predictive models were tested to forecast prognosis, with the highest-performing model selected based on its accuracy and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). An advanced model, eXtremely Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), was created using all variables, followed by a streamlined model built from 10 features chosen for their importance and clinical applicability. The performance of both models was assessed using Decision Curve Analysis (DCA), while survival analyses distinguished high- and low-risk groups within the internal validation sets.
Results
A cohort of 2,335 critically ill patients who had undergone major surgery were included in the MIMIC-IV cohorts. The full XGBoost model achieved an accuracy of 80.6% and an AUC of 0.828, indicating high predictive power. A more practical selection model with 10 features demonstrated a slightly lower AUC of 0.824 (95% CI: 0.762–0.886) but offered advantages in clinical usability. The ten key features were identified based on their SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values, which included the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS)-II, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, mechanical ventilation, ARDS and sepsis complications, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), respiratory rate, and marital status. Additionally, survival curves showed a clear distinction between high- and low-risk groups based on predictions from both the full and selection XGBoost models.
Conclusions
This study developed two XGBoost model variants that outperform other ICU predictive methods for forecasting the prognosis of patients undergoing major surgery. These models have the potential to assist healthcare providers in making more informed decisions, thereby improving clinical outcomes in the ICU setting.
Effects of Mirror Therapy Preceding Augmented Reality in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lin Chia-Jung , Lin Keh-chung , Lau Hiu-Ying , Hsieh Yu-wei , Li Yi-chun , Chen Wen-Shiang , Chen Chia-Ling , Chang Ya-Ju , Lee Ya-Yun , Yao Grace , Hrong Yi-shiung , Pan Hsiao-Chieh , Wu Yi-Hsuan , Hsu Wan-Ling , Kuo Chih-chieh , Tsai Han-ting , Lin Chih-yu , Chang Pin-chen 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Mirror therapy (MT) and augmented reality (AR) are gaining popularity in stroke rehabilitation. MT uses mirror visual feedback to promote bilateral brain coupling and increase primary motor cortex excitability. AR offers an interactive context of practice for promoting motor and cognitive recovery. MT and AR may complement each other for hybrid interventions in stroke rehabilitation. This study investigated the differential benefits of AR compared with conventional therapy (CT) and evaluated the efficacy of an MT-primed intervention versus AR alone for individuals with stroke.
Method
The study randomly assigned 44 stroke survivors to the MT-primed AR group (MT + AR), the AR group (AR), or the CT group. Each treatment session was 90 minutes, 3 times a week, for 6 weeks. All assessments were administered before, immediately after treatment, and at 3 months. Primary outcome measures were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Secondary outcome measures were the revised Nottingham Sensory Assessment (rNSA), Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI), Motor Activity Log (MAL), and Stroke Impact Scale Version 3.0 (SIS). Adverse events were monitored before and after each session.
Results
After 6 weeks of treatment, the three groups demonstrated significant improvements in the FMA-UE, BBS, CAHAI, MAL, and SIS. In the between-group comparisons, MT + AR demonstrated a significant advantage in the FMA-UE (p = 0.03). On the other hand, AR showed greater improvements in the BBS (p < 0.01). Regarding secondary outcome measures, MT + AR exhibited significant changes in rNSA, with a notable advantage in tactile sensation in between-group comparisons (p < 0.01). The MT + AR and the AR groups both showed significant improvement in proprioception of rNSA and SIS compared with the CT group. Most of these changes were retained through the 3-month follow-up. No adverse effects were observed.
Conclusion
MT + AR and AR both effectively enhanced sensorimotor functions, balance, task performance, and life quality in patients with stroke with moderate to severe motor impairments. Each therapy demonstrated its strength: MT + AR was more beneficial for improving upper limb motor function and sensory function, whereas AR excelled in balance and functional mobility. Clinical therapists should consider stroke survivors’ goals and select appropriate intervention protocols.
Trial registration
NCT 05993091
Fallowed agricultural lands dominate anthropogenic dust sources in California.
Authors: Adebiyi Adeyemi , Kibria Md. Minhazul , Abatzoglou John , Ginoux Paul , Pandey Satyendra , Heaney Alexandra , Chen Shu-Hua , Akinsanola Akintomide 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Air pollution remains a major problem in many parts of California, significantly impacting public health and regional climate. However, the contribution of anthropogenic dust particles from agricultural sources, among the major pollutants, in California's semi-arid Central Valley region remains largely unclear. Here, we used the Cropland Data Layer from the US Department of Agriculture to identify crop types and land cover and leveraged satellite-derived estimates of major anthropogenic dust events between 2008 and 2022 over California. We identified fallowed land – an unplanted agricultural land parcel – as a key anthropogenic dust source in California. Specifically, we find that the Central Valley region accounts for about 77% of total fallowed land areas in California, where they are associated with about 88% of major anthropogenic dust events. We also find that regions with higher coverage of fallowed lands are expanding, increasing anthropogenic dust activities over the period considered. Additionally, these anthropogenic dust activities are sensitive to the dryness levels over the fallowed lands, with potential cumulative effects on downstream dust burden during prolonged multi-year drought conditions. Overall, our results have important implications for public health, including possible increased risk for Valley fever, a fungal respiratory infection caused by inhalation of soil-dwelling infectious spores, and on regional climate, such as increases in extreme precipitation and snowmelt over the Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada.
Endovascular treatment beyond 24 hours for large vessel occlusion strokes selected by CT perfusion
Authors: Wu Changzhu , Wang Xianwei , Ni Hong , Wang Feng , Hong Weijun , Jiang Yiqing , Chen Liujing , Wang En 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
The role that endovascular treatment (EVT) may play in stroke patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) who are treated beyond 24 hours after onset is unclear. In this study, we aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of EVT beyond 24 hours based on uniform CT perfusion criteria in appropriately selected patients.
Methods
A retrospective review was performed at a single stroke center between January 2020 and August 2023. We chose patients who received EVT beyond 24 hours via CT perfusion. A matched group of patients who received EVT within the 6–24 hour time window was chosen as a control. Functional independence (modified Rankin scale score ≤ 2) at 90 days was used as the primary outcome, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH)and mortality were considered safety outcomes.
Results
We selected 400 patients treated with EVT within the 6–24 hour time window and 82 patients treated beyond 24 hours. A 2:1 matched group was used for comparison. No significant differences in functional independence (58.5% vs. 61.6%, P = 0.645), safety outcomes of sICH (7.3% vs. 9.8%, P = 0.527), or mortality (2.4% vs. 3.0%, P = 0.786) at 90 days were demonstrated. Patients who underwent EVT beyond 24 hours had a greater incidence of large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) (89.0% vs. 75.6%; P = 0.044) and a course of neurological deterioration before EVT (78.0% vs. 43.7%; P < 0.001). According to multivariate analysis, the preoperative NIHSS score (OR = 0.770, P = 0.001), sex (OR = 4.569, P = 0.007), and pro-operative ND (OR = 27.192, P = 0.006) were associated with good outcomes.
Conclusions
Compared with endovascular treatment performed within the 6–24 hours, EVT beyond 24 hours appears to be feasible and safe for acute LVO stroke patients who meet the DEFUSE-3 imaging criteria based on CT perfusion. Patients with neurological deterioration during the course of the disease may be a suitable screening population for super late window EVT.
When your heart takes your voice and your swallowing away: Massive Left Atrial Dilation Leading to Ortner's Syndrome and Dysphagia Megalatriensis
Authors: ETTAGMOUTI Yassine , EJJEBLI Samia , BELHAKIM Mehdi , DRIGHIL Abdenasser , HABBAL Rachida , BENNANI Ghita , BENNA Naima EL 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Ortner’s syndrome, or cardiovocal syndrome, involves paralysis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve due to cardiac causes, while Dysphagia Megalatriensis, also known as cardiac or cardiogenic dysphagia, results from esophageal compression caused by left atrial enlargement. The coexistence of these entities is very rare and typically linked to significant left atrial dilation. The aim of this case report is to highlight the clinical progression and management considerations for such complex unusual cases.
Case presentation:
We report the case of a 79-year-old woman who was diagnosed late with a severe rheumatic mitral stenosis leading to massive left atrial enlargement, causing compression of both the recurrent laryngeal nerve (Ortner’s syndrome) and the esophagus (dysphagia megalatriensis). She was treated with anticoagulation and heart failure drugs as she refused any surgical intervention with improvement in her clinical condition.
Conclusions
This case emphasizes the importance of early managing of rheumatic heart disease to avoid complications like left atrial enlargement, which can lead to Ortner’s syndrome and dysphagia megalatriensis. This case also highlights the need for a holistic patient evaluation, as extracardiac symptoms can sometimes reveal serious underlying cardiac conditions requiring appropriate treatment.
ASHI: The All Sky Heliospheric Imager: August 22-26, 2022, NASA Balloon Flight and Image Data Reduction Analysis
Authors: Jackson Bernard V. , Bracamontes Matthew , Buffington Andrew , Volkow Stuart , White Stephen , Bisi Mario M. , Stephan Edward , Leblanc Philippe , Quillin Ron , Volkow S. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

We have conceived, designed, and evaluated components for an All-Sky Heliospheric Imager (ASHI), suitable for flight on future space missions both in Earth orbit and in deep space. ASHI was tested in the summer of 2022 on a NASA-sponsored topside balloon flight; in this article we highlight the images taken and the current state of the data reduction from this instrument’s successful overnight flight. The data reduction involves the removal of atmospheric glow, starlight, and zodiacal light in order to enable the measurements of the outward flow of heliospheric structures. As a simple, light weight (~ 8kg) and relatively inexpensive spaceflight instrument, ASHI has the principal objective of providing a minute-by-minute and day-by-day near real time acquisition of precision Thomson-scattering photometric maps of the inner heliosphere. The instrument's unique optical system is designed to view a hemisphere of sky starting a few degrees from the Sun. A key photometric specification for ASHI is better than 0.05% differential photometry in one-degree sky bins at 90 degrees elongation that enables the three-dimensional reconstruction of heliospheric density extending outward from the Sun along with the ability to measure velocity outflows in the imagery. The ASHI system, unlike coronagraphs or other currently-planned or in-flight heliospheric imagers, will directly enhance our analysis capabilities of the remotely-sensed heliospheric structures that pass the spacecraft and hence if near Earth, that pass Earth, too. This has large potential benefits for improving space-weather forecast and nowcast capabilities.
Anisotropic Non-Fermi Liquid and Dynamical Planckian Scaling of a Quasi-Kagome Kondo Lattice System
Authors: Kimura Shin-ichi , Lubis Muhammad Frassetia , Watanabe Hiroshi , Shimura Yasuyuki , Takabatake Toshiro 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

At the quantum critical point between a magnetically ordered state and a correlated Fermi liquid state, a non-Fermi liquid state appears where electron correlations continuously develop to very low temperatures. The interacted electrons, namely quasiparticles, can be regarded as quantum entanglement where the relaxation time is scaled with the Planckian time, ℏ/kBT . However, there is a debate over whether heavy-fermion systems can obey the Planckian time. In the optical conductivity
spectra, the Planckian scale appears as the scaling of ℏω/kBT as the dynamical Planckian scaling (DPS). Here, we investigate the non-Fermi liquid behavior in the Drude response of a candidate for such materials, the quasi-kagome Kondo lattice CeRhSn, combining polarized optical conductivity measurements and first-principles band calculations. Even though the material shows a strong valence fluctuation, renormalized Drude responses observed at the photon energy below 100 meV are characterized by non-Fermi-liquid-like scattering rate 1/τ, which is far from other Ce-based heavy fermions. Additionally, the heavy carriers’ Drude response only for the Ce quasi-kagome plane obeyed DPS below 80 K, suggesting quantum criticality. These results suggest that the anisotropic quantum criticality with the strong c-f hybridization is realized in the Ce quasi-kagome lattice in CeRhSn.
Sudden Bilateral Vision Loss: A Case Report of Frosted Branch Angiitis Following Pentavalent Vaccination in a 2-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Aljasir Mohammed Falah , Alhamad Dhoha Mohammed , Alsubhi Shahad Salah , Almalki Assaf Mohammad 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Frosted branch angiitis (FBA) is a rare form of retinal vasculitis that can lead to significant vision loss. This case report presents a unique case of idiopathic FBA in a 2-year-old boy following pentavalent vaccination.
Case Presentation:
A previously healthy 2-year-old Emirati boy presented with sudden painless bilateral vision loss for one day. His mother noted difficulty walking downstairs and a lack of interest in visual stimuli. Ten days prior, he received the pentavalent vaccination in the UAE. Ophthalmic examination revealed bilateral dilated pupils, anterior chamber inflammation, and extensive retinal vascular sheathing. Investigations were unremarkable, leading to a diagnosis of idiopathic FBA. The patient was treated with oral Prednisolone and Acyclovir. Within two weeks, the vision improved significantly, with complete resolution of retinal vasculitis observed within one month. Follow-up over one year showed no recurrence, although small white scars remained in both eyes.
Conclusion
This case highlights the potential association between pentavalent vaccination and the onset of idiopathic FBA. Prompt recognition and treatment with systemic steroids can lead to favorable outcomes, emphasizing the importance of monitoring visual symptoms in pediatric patients following vaccination.
Study of thermal and humidity properties of SiO 2 aerogel composites with porous media
Authors: Lei Wanlian , Sun Yuping , Du Xiangyang , Huang Dongmei , He Sen , Lin Huijuan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Building insulation improves the thermal environment of a building and significantly reduces energy consumption for heating and air conditioning. Traditional insulation materials are prone to moisture absorption and a significant reduction in thermal performance. Therefore, it is urgent to develop new building insulation materials to meet the high weather resistance, strong insulation and waterproof requirements of modern buildings. In this paper, the hydrophobic properties, pore size distribution and microstructure of SiO2 aerogel composite insulation materials with porous media were characterised. Its mass hygroscopicity at different humidity and thermal conductivity after hygroscopic equilibrium were tested. The results show that the increase in aerogel content complicates the microstructure of porous media SiO2 aerogel composites with wider pore size distribution and coarsening of pore structure. It optimises its physical properties and confers low water absorption with excellent hydrophobicity. The moisture absorption rate versus time curves of aerogel composites at different humidity levels were compared. It is found that the aerogel composites are highly applicable in wet or moisture-proof situations due to their low moisture absorption properties. Meanwhile, the thermal conductivity of porous media SiO2 aerogel composites is affected by both humidity and aerogel content. This indicates that increasing the aerogel content is an effective method to reduce the thermal conductivity of the composites. The Modified BET model used was able to verify this phenomenon. Therefore, porous media SiO2 aerogel composites can be widely used for building insulation in humid areas.