bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thoracic Aorta Diameter Calculation by Artificial Intelligence Can Predict the Degree of Arterial Stiffness
Authors: Wang Yaoling , Yang Jinrong , Lu Yichen , Fan Wenliang , Bai Lijuan , Nie Zhuang , Wang Ruiyun , Yu Jie , Liu Lihua , Liu Yun , He Linfeng , Wen Kai , Chen Li , Yang Fan , Qi Benling 
Published: December 2021

Background: Arterial aging is characterized by decreased vascular function, caused by arterial stiffness (AS), and vascular morphological changes, caused by arterial dilatation. We analyzed the relationship of pre-AS and AS, as assessed by cardio ankle vascular index (CAVI), with arterial diameters (AD) at nine levels, from the aortic sinus to the abdominal aorta, as measured by artificial intelligence (AI) on non-enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) images.Methods: Overall, 801 patients who underwent both chest CT scan and arterial elasticity test were enrolled. Nine horizontal diameters of the thoracic aorta (from the aortic sinuses of Valsalva to the abdominal aorta at the celiac axis origin) were measured by AI using CT. Patients were divided into non-AS (mean value of the left and right CAVIs [M.CAVI] &lt; 8), pre-AS (8 ≤ M.CAVI &lt; 9), and AS (M.CAVI ≥ 9) groups. We compared AD differences among groups, analyzed the correlation of age, ADs, and M.CAVI or the mean pressure-independent CAVI (M.CAVI0), Furthermore, we evaluated the risk predictors and the diagnostic value of the nine ADs for pre-AS and AS.Results: The AD at mid descending aorta (MD) correlated strongest with CAVI (r = 0.46, p &lt; 0.001) or M.CAVI0 (r = 0.42, p &lt; 0.001). M.CAVI was most affected by the MD AD and by age. An increase in the MD AD independently predicted the occurrence of pre-AS or AS. For MD AD, every 4.37 mm increase caused a 14% increase in the pre-AS and AS risk and a 13% increase in the AS risk. With a cut-off value of 26.95 mm for the MD AD, the area under the curve (AUC) for identifying the risk of AS was 0.743. With a cut-off value of 25.15 mm, the AUC for identifying the risk of the stage after the prophase of AS is 0.739.Conclusions: Aging is associated with an increase in AD and a decrease in arterial elasticity. An increase in AD, particularly at the MD level is an independent predictor of AS development.
Modeling Spatial Patterns of Dissolved Oxygen and the Impact Mechanisms in a Cascade River
Authors: Zhong Ming , Liu Shanxia , Li Kun , Jiang Huabo , Jiang Tao , Tang Guoping 
Published: December 2021

Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration is an essential indicator for assessment of river ecosystems. A hydrodynamic and water quality mathematical model coupling one-dimensional and two-dimensional models is developed in this study. The characteristics of study area, flow velocity, temperature, and organic contamination are taken as consideration in the scenario setting. The changing processes of DO concentration are simulated in different scenarios, and the effects on DO concentration are discussed. Results indicate that: 1) A negative relation was present between DO concentration in Yongjiang River and releasing discharge of the Laokou hydro-project, since reoxygenation is greater than oxygen consumption along the river, DO concentration increases from upstream to downstream. 2) DO concentration increases with the releasing of DO in the water, which also varies along with the releasing of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) concentration. Laokou exhibits the greatest increase of BOD, which ranges from 0.1 mg/L to 0.75 mg/L 3) The increasing of water temperature results in increased reoxygenation and a decrease in oxygen consumption. Our study shows that the water temperature increased from 19°C to 29 °C, and correspondingly saturated DO decreased from 9.25 mg/L to 7.54 mg/L. The study provides scientific support for ecology operation in the cascade river, and is expected to improve the water environment by reservoir regulation.
Association Study of Apolipoprotein E Gene Polymorphism With Incidence and Delayed Resolution of Hemifacial Spasm
Authors: Zhou Jianxin , Jiang Li , Yuan Sangui , Huang Jiashang , Shi Quanhong , Xie Yanfeng , Deng Bo , Zhan Yan 
Published: December 2021

Objective: This study investigates the correlation between Apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) polymorphism and the incidence and delayed resolution of hemifacial spasms.Methods: The APOE genotypes of 151 patients with hemifacial spasm and 73 control cases were determined by cleaved amplification polymorphism sequence-tagged sites. The distribution of three APOE alleles (ε2, ε3, and ε4) in two groups and the delayed resolution rate in 6 genotypes were calculated and statistically analyzed.Results: The proportion of patients with APOE ε3/ε4 genotype in the hemifacial spasm group (25.17%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (12.33%) (P = 0.027). In terms of allele frequency, the proportion of the APOE ε4 allele in the hemifacial spasm group (15.56%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (6.85%) (P = 0.009). Meanwhile, the proportion of APOE ε4 allele carriers in the hemifacial spasm group (29.80%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (13.7%) (P = 0.009). Logistic regression analysis showed that the ε4 allele significantly increased the incidence of hemifacial spasm (OR 2.675, 95%CI 1.260-5.678, P = 0.010). Among the 32 patients with a delayed resolution, the ε3/ε3 and ε3/ε4 had the highest proportion in 6 genotypes. The delayed resolution rate of APOE ε3/ε4 (34.21%) was significantly higher than APOE ε3/ε3 (17.78%) (P &lt; 0.05). The delayed resolution rate of APOE ε4 carriers was the highest (33.33%) in the 3 allele carriers, but there was no significant difference among the 3 allele carriers (P = 0.065).Conclusion: The polymorphism of APOE is relevant to the incidence rate of hemifacial spasms. APOE ε4 allele increases the incidence of hemifacial spasm. The APOE ε4 allele may promote the occurrence of delayed resolution.
Radiomics Analysis for Predicting Epilepsy in Patients With Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformations
Authors: Zhao Shaozhi , Zhao Qi , Jiao Yuming , Li Hao , Weng Jiancong , Huo Ran , Wang Jie , Xu Hongyuan , Zhang Junze , Li Yan , Wu Zhenzhou , Wang Shuo , Cao Yong , Zhao Jizong 
Published: December 2021

Objectives: To investigate the association between radiomics features and epilepsy in patients with unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) and to develop a prediction model based on radiomics features and clinical characteristics for bAVM-related epilepsy.Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 176 patients with unruptured bAVMs. After manual lesion segmentation, a total of 858 radiomics features were extracted from time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA). A radiomics model was constructed, and a radiomics score was calculated. Meanwhile, the demographic and angioarchitectural characteristics of patients were assessed to build a clinical model. Incorporating the radiomics score and independent clinical risk factors, a combined model was constructed. The performance of the models was assessed with respect to discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness.Results: The clinical model incorporating 3 clinical features had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.71. Fifteen radiomics features were used to build the radiomics model, which had a higher AUC of 0.78. Incorporating the radiomics score and clinical risk factors, the combined model showed a favorable discrimination ability and calibration, with an AUC of 0.82. Decision curve analysis (DCA) demonstrated that the combined model outperformed the clinical model and radiomics model in terms of clinical usefulness.Conclusions: The radiomics features extracted from TOF-MRA were associated with epilepsy in patients with unruptured bAVMs. The radiomics-clinical nomogram, which was constructed based on the model incorporating the radiomics score and clinical features, showed favorable predictive efficacy for bAVM-related epilepsy.
Coagulation Factor XIII Subunit A Is a Biomarker for Curative Effects and Prognosis in Malignant Solid Tumors, Especially Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Luo Yujiao , Li Bin , Li Ji , Zhang Yang , Deng Mingyang , Hu Chunhong , Yan Wenzhe , Zhou Zhiguang , Zhang Guangsen 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundThe expression of coagulant factor XIII subunit A (FXIII-A) is significantly increased in some types of cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). However, few studies on plasma FXIII-A in cancer patients have been conducted and have shown contradictory results, so the relationship of plasma FXIII-A with the progression and prognosis of malignant tumors is still unknown. This study explored the association of plasma FXIII-A with a curative effect and the prognosis of patients with malignant solid tumors.MethodsWe monitored plasma FXIII-A before and during systemic therapy and assessed its relationship with the curative effect and prognosis of malignant solid tumors, especially non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), by propensity-adjusted, multivariable logistic regression analysis and survival curve, in a prospective study of 1147 patients with different types of malignant solid tumors. The influencing factors of plasma FXIII-A were also analyzed.ResultsWe found that D-dimer (D2) = 1 mg/L was the inflection point for the association between FXIII-A and D2: FXIII-A was significantly negatively correlated with D2 (r = -0.39, p &lt; 0.01) and FDP (r = -0.40, p &lt; 0.01) in D2 &gt; 1 mg/L but uncorrelated with D2 or FDP in D2 ≤ 1 mg/L, which provided a method to find a more realistic plasma FXIII-A level. Plasma FXIII-A was positively correlated with age, platelets, lymphocytes, monocytes and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). It was found for the first time that plasma FXIII-A was abnormally significantly increased (FXIII-A &gt; 150%) in post-therapy patients, especially in NSCLC and lung metastasis patients, and the incidence of FXIII-A &gt; 150% in lung adenocarcinoma was 16 times higher than that in lung squamous carcinoma. FXIII-A &gt; 150% proved to be an independent risk factor for disease progression in NSCLC patients (OR=5.74, 95% CI: 1.20-27.60, p = 0.029), predicting poor efficacy. The marked decrease in plasma FXIII-A (FXIII-A &lt; 40%) was related to coagulation disorders and poor prognosis with a short survival time (median survival time of 4 months).ConclusionsPlasma FXIII-A has the potential to be a real-time biomarker with bidirectional indicator effects to assess curative effects and prognosis in malignant solid tumors, especially NSCLC.
Obesity Indices for Predicting Functional Fitness in Children and Adolescents With Obesity
Authors: Udomittipong Kanokporn , Thabungkan Teerapat , Nimmannit Akarin , Tovichien Prakarn , Charoensitisup Pawinee , Mahoran Khunphon 
Published: December 2021

Objectives: We aimed to determine the obesity indices that affect 6-min walk test (6-MWT) distance in children and adolescents with obesity and to compare the 6-MWT distance of obese subjects with that of normal-weight subjects.Methods: Obese children and adolescents aged 8–15 years and normal-weight age- and gender-matched controls were enrolled. All participants performed the 6-MWT; respiratory muscle strength (RMS), including maximal inspiratory pressure and maximal expiratory pressure; and spirometry. Data between groups were compared. In the obesity group, correlation between obesity indices and pulmonary function testing (6-MWT, RMS, and spirometry) was analyzed.Results: The study included 37 obese and 31 normal-weight participants. The following parameters were all significantly lower in the obesity group than in the normal-weight group: 6-MWT distance (472.1 ± 66.2 vs. 513.7 ± 72.9 m; p = 0.02), forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) (85.3 ± 6.7 vs. 90.8 ± 4.5%; p &lt; 0.001), forced expiratory flow rate within 25–75% of vital capacity (FEF25−75%) (89.8 ± 23.1 vs. 100.4 ± 17.3 %predicted; p = 0.04), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) (81.2 ± 15 vs. 92.5 ± 19.6 %predicted; p = 0.01). The obesity indices that significantly correlated with 6-MWT distance in obese children and adolescents were waist circumference-to-height ratio (WC/Ht) (r = −0.51; p = 0.001), waist circumference (r = −0.39; p = 0.002), body mass index (BMI) (r = −0.36; p = 0.03), and chest circumference (r = −0.35; p = 0.04). WC/Ht was the only independent predictor of 6-MWT distance by multiple linear regression.Conclusions: Children and adolescents with obesity had a significantly shorter 6-MWT distance compared with normal-weight subjects. WC/Ht was the only independent predictor of 6-MWT distance in the obesity group.
Factors Influencing COVID-19 Vaccination Intentions Among College Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in India
Authors: Jain Lovely , Vij Jatina , Satapathy Prakasini , Chakrapani Venkatesan , Patro Binod , Kar Sitanshu Sekhar , Singh Ritesh , Pala Star , Sankhe Lalit , Modi Bhavesh , Bali Surya , Rustagi Neeti , Rajagopal Vineeth , Kiran Tanvi , Goel Kapil , Aggarwal Arun Kumar , Gupta Madhu , Padhi Bijaya Kumar 
Published: December 2021

Background: Students act as messengers in delivering effective messages for better uptake of health-promoting behavior. Understanding their knowledge about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), intentions to use the COVID-19 vaccine, and its associated factors will help develop promising strategies in vaccine promotion concerning the current COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was carried out among students in the healthcare and non-healthcare sectors to assess their intentions to get vaccinated against the COVID-19. A non-probability snowball sampling technique was used to recruit study participants (N = 655) through social media platforms and emails. Study participants were recruited across the country, including six major geographical regions (Eastern, Western, Northern, Southern, North-east, and Central) in India between November 2020 and January 2021 before the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine. Descriptive statistics were used to present the sociodemographic, and vaccine-related behaviors of the study participants. Key determinants that likely predict vaccine acceptance among students were modeled using logistic regression analysis. For each analysis, p &lt; 0.05 was considered significant.Results: A total of 655 students were recruited, 323 from healthcare and 332 from non-healthcare sectors, to assess their intentions to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Of the 655 students, 63.8% expressed intentions to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The acceptance was higher among non-healthcare students (54.07 vs. 45.93%). At the time of the study, 27.8% of the students indicated that they had been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 patient. A vast majority (93.4%) of the students knew about the COVID-19 virus, and most (89.3%) of them were aware of the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. The history of vaccine hesitancy was found to be low (17.1%). Only one-third (33.4%) of the students showed concern about contracting COVID-19. Trust in the healthcare system [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 4.13; (95% CI: 2.83–6.04), p &lt; 0.00] and trust in domestic vaccines [aOR: 1.46; (95% CI: 1.02–2.08), p &lt; 0.05] emerged as the significant predictors of student's intention to get vaccinated. Higher acceptance for vaccine was observed among students in the non-healthcare [aOR: 1.982; 95% CI: 1.334–2.946, p &lt; 0.00].Conclusion: This study shows that the Indian college students had relatively high levels of positive intentions to receive COVID-19 vaccines, although about one-third were not sure or unwilling to receive the vaccine, highlighting possible vaccine hesitancy. Informational campaigns and other strategies to address vaccine hesitancy are needed to promote uptake of COVID-19 vaccines.
Using Whole Genome Sequencing to Trace, Control and Characterize a Hospital Infection of IMP-4-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae ST2253 in a Neonatal Unit in a Tertiary Hospital, China
Authors: Bai Yuanyuan , Shao Chunhong , Hao Yingying , Wang Yueling , Jin Yan 
Published: December 2021

Background: The purpose of this study is to use whole genome sequencing (WGS) combined with epidemiological data to track a hospital infection of the carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP), which affected 3 neonatal patients in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentrations for the antimicrobial agents were determined according to the guidelines of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Beta-lactamases were investigated using the polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing. The transferability of the plasmid was investigated by a conjugation experiment. The clonal relationships were evaluated using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). WGS and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) analysis were performed on the CRKP isolates to investigate how the infection might progress.Results: Nine CRKP isolates were obtained from the NICU, seven from three patients, one from a duster cloth and one from the hand of a nurse, they all harbored blaIMP-4. Other resistance genes including blaKPC-2, blaIMP-4, blaSHV-1, blaTEM-1, blaCTX-M-15, and blaDHA-1 were also detected. PFGE analysis showed that IMP-4-producing K. pneumoniae were clonally related, and MLST assigned them to a new sequence type 2253. The SNP variations throughout the genome divided the 9 strains into three clades. Clade 1 comprised 7 strains (K1- K2 and K4-K8), whereas clade 2 and 3 consisted of only one strain each: K3 and K9, respectively.The sputum isolate K3 from patient 3 was the most distinct one differing from the other eight isolates by 239-275 SNPs.Conclusions: This is a report of using WGS to track a hospital infecion of IMP-4-producing K. pneumoniae ST2253 among neonates. Nosocomial surveillance systems are needed to limit the spread of the infection caused by these pathogens resulting from the environmental exposure in NICUs.
Primary and Recurrent Repair of Incisional Hernia Based on Biomechanical Considerations to Avoid Mesh-Related Complications
Authors: Nessel Regine , Löffler Thorsten , Rinn Johannes , Lösel Philipp , Voss Samuel , Heuveline Vincent , Vollmer Matthias , Görich Johannes , Ludwig Yannique-Maximilian , Al-Hileh Luai , Kallinowski Friedrich 
Published: December 2021

Aim: Mechanical principles successfully guide the construction of polymer material composites in engineering. Since the abdominal wall is a polymer composite augmented with a textile during incisional hernia repair we ask: can incisional hernia be repaired safely and durably based on biomechanical principles?Material and Methods: Repair materials were assessed on a self-built bench test using pulse loads to elude influences on the reconstruction of the abdominal wall. Tissue elasticity was analyzed preoperatively as needed with computed tomography at rest and during Valsalva's maneuver. Preoperatively, the critical retention force of the reconstruction to pulse loads was calculated and a biomechanically durable repair was designed based on the needs of the individual patient. Intraoperatively, the design was adjusted as needed. Hernia meshes with high grip factors (Progrip®, Dahlhausen® Cicat) were used for the repairs. Mesh sizes, fixation elements and reconstructive details were oriented on the biomechanical design. All patients recieved single-shot antibiosis. Patients were discharged after full ambulation was achieved.Results: A total of 163 patients (82 males and 81 females) were treated for incisional hernia in four hospitals by ten surgeons. Primary hernia was repaired in 119 patients. Recurrent hernia was operated on in 44 cases. Recurrent hernia was significantly larger (median 161 cm2 vs. 78 cm2; u-test: p = 0.00714). Re-do surgery took significantly longer (median 229 min vs. 150 min; p &lt; 0.00001) since recurrent disease required more often transversus abdominis release (70% vs. 47%). GRIP tended to be higher in recurrent repair (p = 0.01828). Complication rates (15%) and hospital stay were the same (6 vs. 6 days; p = 0.28462). After 1 year, no recurrence was detected in either group. Pain levels were equally low in both primary and recurrent hernia repairs (median NAS = 0 in both groups at rest and under load, p = 0.88866).Conclusion: Incisional hernia can safely and durably be repaired based on biomechanical principles both in primary and recurrent disease. The GRIP concept provides a base for the application of biomechanical principles in incisional hernia repair.
Bioseguridad en el cultivo de camarones penaeidos: una revisión
Authors: Figueredo Arnaldo , Fuentes José Luis , Cabrera Tomás , León Jesús , Patti José , Silva José , Ron Ernesto , Pichardo Orlando , Marcano Nelson 
Published: December 2021

La camaronicultura ha venido creciendo significativamente en las últimas décadas, particularmente en el sudeste asiático, India y Ecuador. Paralelamente, la bioseguridad se ha presentado como una necesidad del aparato productivo debido a la frecuencia, magnitud y naturaleza de las enfermedades que afectan a los camarones penaeidos. En este artículo se revisan las estrategias que han sido incluidas en este concepto y las que pudieran serlo en el futuro, para asegurar la sustentabilidad del sector productivo. Entre los aspectos más conocidos, pero no necesariamente aplicados, pueden citarse la definición precisa y constante de la condición sanitaria de los camarones cultivados, la concepción de planes de bioseguridad, la utilización de cepas libres de patógenos específicos (Specific Pathogen Free o SPF), el fortalecimiento de las capacidades diagnósticas en sus tres niveles (signos clínicos, presuntivo y avanzado), la incorporación de análisis de los riesgos sanitarios, la regulación del ingreso de personas a los centros productivos, el establecimiento de protocolos de buenas prácticas de cultivo y la completa restricción de la fauna silvestre o doméstica dentro de las instalaciones de cultivo. Algunos paradigmas no son tan ampliamente manejados, aunque revisten gran importancia, como el involucramiento de múltiples niveles de acción, la implementación del mapeo sanitario, la formulación de planes de contingencia y simulacros, la definición de planes de compensación, la masificación del conocimiento sobre patobiología de los camarones penaeidos y bioseguridad entre los participantes del ciclo productivo, la sustitución de alimentación fresca, el mayor control del entorno, la apropiada disposición de residuos orgánicos, la aplicación de probióticos y manejo de microbiomas, y el fomento de investigación aplicada. La bioseguridad ha venido adquiriendo relevancia y actualmente es imprescindible para el mantenimiento del cultivo de camarones penaeidos como actividad productiva rentable y sostenible.