bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Visual Perception of Object Motion in Dynamic Environments
Authors: Duinkharjav Budmonde , Kang Jenna , Miller Gavin Stuart Peter , Xiao Chang , Sun Qi 
Published: November 2024

Precisely understanding how objects move in 3D is essential for broad scenarios such as video editing, gaming, driving, and athletics. With screen-displayed computer graphics content, users only perceive limited cues to judge the object motion from the on-screen optical flow. Conventionally, visual perception is studied with stationary settings and singular objects. However, in practical applications, we---the observer---also move within complex scenes. Therefore, we must extract object motion from a combined optical flow displayed on screen, which can often lead to mis-estimations due to perceptual ambiguities.
We measure and model observers' perceptual accuracy of object motions in dynamic 3D environments, a universal but under-investigated scenario in computer graphics applications. We design and employ a crowdsourcing-based psychophysical study, quantifying the relationships among patterns of scene dynamics and content, and the resulting perceptual judgments of object motion direction. The acquired psychophysical data underpins a model for generalized conditions. We then demonstrate the model's guidance ability to significantly enhance users' understanding of task object motion in gaming and animation design. With applications in measuring and compensating for object motion errors in video and rendering, we hope the research establishes a new frontier for understanding and mitigating perceptual errors caused by the gap between screen-displayed graphics and the physical world.
Socioeconomic Inequalities in Participation in Colorectal Cancer Screening in Ontario, Canada: A Decomposition Analysis
Authors: Jalili Faramarz , Austin Nichole , Lavergne M. Ruth , Hajizadeh Mohammad 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background:
The relationship between socioeconomic status and colorectal cancer screening in Canada remains poorly understood. This study aims to measure and explain the extent of socioeconomic inequalities in colorectal cancer screening participation in Ontario, Canada.

Methods:
This study assesses socioeconomic inequalities in colorectal cancer screening uptake in Ontario among adults of ages 50 to 74 years (n = 12,039) utilizing cross-sectional data from the 2017 to 2018 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS). The Wagstaff index and the Erreygers index were used to quantify and decompose income-related inequality in colorectal cancer screening participation.

Results:
The results revealed an overall colorectal cancer screening rate of 71.7%, with higher rates among females (78.4%) compared with males (69.4%). The positive values of the Wagstaff index (0.193; 95% confidence interval, 0.170–0.215) and the Erreygers index (0.156; 95% confidence interval, 0.138–0.174) indicated a pro-rich inequality in colorectal cancer screening participation in Ontario (i.e., screening is more concentrated among wealthier individuals). The decomposition analysis identified income (71.61%), education (8.61%), and language barriers with healthcare providers (5.76%) as the primary factors contributing to the observed income-related inequality in colorectal cancer screening participation.

Conclusions:
Income is the primary driver of socioeconomic inequality, requiring targeted strategies to boost screening rates among low-income residents. Addressing education and language barriers through awareness initiatives and language support can reduce socioeconomic inequalities in cancer screening uptake in Ontario.

Impact:
Our study reveals significant socioeconomic inequality in colorectal cancer screening in Ontario, driven by income, education, and language barriers, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to promote equitable access.
Modeling the Acute Mucosal Toxicity of Fractionated Radiotherapy Combined with the ATM Inhibitor WSD0628
Authors: Garcia Darwin A. , Rathi Sneha , Connors Margaret A. , Grams Michael , Vaubel Rachael A. , Bakken Katrina K. , Ott Lauren L. , Carlson Brett L. , Hu Zeng , Decker Paul A. , Eckel-Passow Jeanette E. , Burgenske Danielle M. , Zhong Wei , Trzasko Joshua D. , Herman Michael G. , Elmquist William F. , Remmes Nicholas B. , Sarkaria Jann N. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Ataxia Telangiectasia–mutated (ATM) inhibitors are being developed as radiosensitizers to improve the antitumor effects of radiotherapy, but ATM inhibition can also radiosensitize normal tissues. Therefore, understanding the elevated risk of normal tissue toxicities is critical for radiosensitizer development. This study focused on modeling the relationship between acute mucosal toxicity, radiation dose, fractionation schedule, and radiosensitizer exposure. The ATM inhibitor WSD0628 was combined with single or fractionated doses of radiation delivered to the oral cavity or esophagus of Friend Leukemia virus B (FVB) mice. The potentiation by WSD0628 was quantified by a sensitizer enhancement ratio (SER), which describes the changes in radiation tolerance for radiation combined with WSD0628 relative to radiation-only regimens. WSD0628 profoundly enhanced radiation-induced acute oral and esophageal toxicities. For oral mucosal toxicity, the enhancement by WSD0628 with 3 fractions of radiation resulted in an SER ranging from 1.3 (0.25 mg/kg) to 3.1 (7.5 mg/kg). For the 7.5 mg/kg combination, the SER increased with increasing number of fractions from 2.2 (1 fraction) to 4.3 (7 fractions) for oral toxicity and from 2.2 (1 fraction) to 3.6 (3 fractions) for esophageal toxicity, which reflects a loss of the normal tissue sparing benefit of fractionated radiation. These findings were used to develop a modified biologically effective dose model to determine alternative radiation schedules with or without WSD0628 that result in similar levels of toxicity. Successful radiosensitizer dose escalation to a maximally effective therapeutic dose will require careful deliberation of tumor site and reduction of radiation dose volume limits for organs at risk.
Pragmatic effects of intersubjective evidentiality
Authors: Napoli Maria 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
I aim here to analyze the semantic and pragmatic functions of the negative question oukh horâis? ‘don’t you see?’ in the context of dialogic interactions in Classical Greek. In light of recent studies on the intersubjective impact of evidential strategies, especially, though not exclusively, on their use in interrogative contexts, I propose to interpret oukh horâis? as a non-canonical, assertive question with an evidential intersubjective value, primarily encompassing the domain of visual evidentiality but also allowing the expression of inferential evidentiality. It is shown that the oukh horâis? strategy enables the speaker to (i) engage the hearer by guiding their focus to a visual source of information which is relevant to the construction of their interaction, (ii) make the hearer responsible, and (iii) share responsibility, ultimately with an agreement-seeking function. The analysis is corpus-based and investigates the occurrences of oukh horâis? in all the plays by Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes. Furthermore, it examines the occurrences of the non-negative question horâis? ‘do you see?’ for comparative purposes.
Aerobic bacterial group as an early-stage biomarker from faecal samples of patients with colorectal cancer without distant metastasis
Authors: Lee D. , Ahn K. , Yun K. , Oh Y. , Park Y.S. , Kim Y.S. , Gim J.-A. , Mun S. , Mun J.-W. , Han K. , Ahn Y.J. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The current approaches for detecting most colorectal polyps and early neoplasms lack sufficient sensitivity and specificity, potentially hindering treatment and ultimately reducing survival rates. Here, we performed a metagenomic analysis to identify microbiome markers in stool samples from patients with early-stage colorectal cancer (CRC). We compared the composition of gut microbiota between patients with CRC and healthy individuals, specifically focusing on patients with early-stage CRC, defined as those without core mutations (KRAS, BRAF) for CRC diagnosis, stable microsatellite instability, and distant metastasis. The aim of our study is to identify potential biomarkers from gut microbiota at different cancer stages in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, thereby proposing a novel non-invasive method for the early diagnosis of CRC. Specific microbes were detected from groups divided based on the TNM criteria, with one group classified by tumour size only (named the T group) and another group with lymph node metastasis (named the TN group). Aerobic bacteria, such as Delftia, Stenotrophomonas, Sphingobacterium, Rhodococcus, Devosia, Ensifer, and Psychrobacter were predominantly detected in patients with CRC without lymph node metastasis. The diagnostic prediction was evaluated using the CatBoost algorithm; these microbes presented high diagnostic accuracy with a receiver operating characteristics-area under curve of 0.8, which was validated using qPCR. In conclusion, this study identified specific aerobic microbial groups as non-invasive biomarkers for early diagnosis in patients with CRC without genetic or environmental factors.
Navigating the Pandemic: Insights into Food Security From Oman’s Experience
Authors: Abdel-Gadir Sufian Eltayeb Mohamed 
Published: November 2024

This study examines the influence of COVID-19 and climate change on food security in Oman using econometric methods. Time series data from 1990 to 2022 encompassing variables such as carbon dioxide emissions (CO2), real GDP per capita (RGDPc), inflation rate (INF), and a pre/post-coronavirus dummy variable (DUMV) are analyzed. The dependent variable, FOOD_Impit, serves as a food security proxy, with data sourced from the World Development Indicators and Global Food Security Index databases. The study employs Johansen cointegration, canonical cointegrating regression (CCR), fully modified least squares (FMOLS), to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on food security in Oman. Johansen and CCR cointegration tests confirm a long-term cointegrating relationship among the variables in Oman, indicating their relevance to food security. However, the analysis reveals that while climate change, represented by CO2 levels, significantly and adversely impacts food security in Oman, the effects of COVID-19, real GDP per capita, and inflation rate are statistically insignificant. In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights into the dynamics of food security and supply chains in Oman. It highlights the severe impact of climate change on food security and advocates for urgent policy reforms. Specifically, it recommends that policymakers focus on enhancing climate resilience within the food sector and invest in boosting domestic food production to reduce import dependency. The study also calls for further research to address potential omitted variables and refine the understanding of food security determinants in Oman, ensuring more robust policy formulation and implementation. JEL classification: F11, F15, F04
Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in the First-year Students of Medical Education: A Prospective Cohort Study from a Women’s Medical College in South India
Authors: Mallaram Ganesh Kumar , Gopalakrishnan Upasna , Mathews Deepthy Ann , Mudamala Dhatri Sai , Gangavarappagari Harshitha , Modi Utkarsh , Kattula Dheeraj 
Published: November 2024

Background and Aims: Medical students around the world have been found to have high rates of depression and anxiety as compared to the general population. This study aimed to assess these in medical students immediately after they joined medical school and six months later. This study also aimed to assess if there was any association with stress, anxiety, and depression scores at six months follow-up with coping styles, self-esteem, personality, family functioning, and academic performance. Methods and Materials: We enrolled 154 first-year undergraduate medical students in this study with a baseline assessment including sociodemographic factors and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale 21 (DASS 21). They were followed up at six months with assessments of DASS 21, family functioning using the Family Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve Scale (APGAR), coping styles using the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief COPE) scale, personality factors using the Big Five Inventory (BFI-10) and self-esteem using Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory (RSES). Change in scores in DASS 21 was measured. The DASS 21 scores at six months were correlated with other scale scores using appropriate statistical tools. Logistic regression analysis was done to study the effect of different variables on the outcomes. Results: Mean DASS scores at baseline fell within the normal range. There was a significant increase in mean DASS scores six months after joining. Despite this, only three students reported receiving treatment for mental health problems. DASS scores showed positive correlations with neuroticism and emotion-focused coping styles. About 36.6% of students reported failing in at least one subject. Academic performance did not show any association with levels of psychological distress. Conclusion: Students showed a striking rise in psychological distress six months after joining medical school. This suggests that the medical school environment could play a role. To meet students’ needs, a change in medical school culture and the provision of accessible and flexible mental health services are required.
Overuse of analgesics can affect the fertility biomarker Anti-Müllerian Hormone in females. A translational study
Authors: Carlsen Louise Ninett , Nielsen Brian Skriver , Rouw Carolien , Petersen Morten Rønn , Lindh Christian H , Krais Annette M , Westgate Connar Stanley James , Jeppesen Janni Vikkelsø , Jensen Lea Bejstrup , Kristensen Stine Gry , Ziebe Søren , Jensen Rigmor Højland , Kristensen David Møbjerg 
Published: November 2024

Background Medication overuse headache is a prevalent secondary headache due to the overuse of analgesics, mainly over-the-counter analgesics. Over-the-counter analgesics have been associated with disrupted male endocrinology, while the effects on female endocrinology remain nearly unknown. The aim was to understand the effect of long-term analgesic exposure in females with medication overuse headache on Anti-Müllerian hormone, a surrogate measure of female fertility. Methods Using a translational approach, an observational prospective clinical study was conducted to determine the effect of withdrawal therapy in females with medication overuse headache on Anti-Müllerian hormone levels, in combination with pre-clinical investigation of primary granulosa cells to understand the effects of analgesics on granulosa cell function. Results We included 21 females (mean-age 30.0 years; SD (7.3)) for Anti-Müllerian hormone -measurement. Anti-Müllerian Hormone increased by 21% from baseline (mean 20.1 pmol/L; SD (8.7)) after withdrawal of analgesics ((mean 24.3 pmol/L; SD (12.0)); p = 0.0023). Exposing primary granulosa cells to analgesics (acetaminophen (100 and 200 µM, n = 9–10) and ibuprofen (150 and 200 µM, n = 12–13)) did not reduce Anti-Müllerian hormone levels. In contrast, de novo DNA synthesis in GCs (n = 6) exposed to acetaminophen was reduced by 78% ( p = 0.0036) compared to controls, suggesting that cellular proliferation was restricted. Conclusion We found that frequent use of over-the-counter analgesics was associated with repressed Anti-Müllerian Hormone levels, likely through disruption of granulosa cell proliferation. Further research is crucial to investigate a potential effect of analgesics on adult female reproductive endocrinology. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04090333
The not so ‘simple’ laparoscopic nephrectomy: Experience with 3D laparoscopy from a tertiary care centre
Authors: Bhargava Priyank , Choudhary Gautam Ram , Jena Rahul , Navriya Shivcharan , Shrivastava Nikita , Singh Vikram , Jain Jaydeep , Singh Mahendra , Bhirud Deepak Prakash , Sandhu Arjun Singh 
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Laparoscopic simple nephrectomy (LSNx) is among the gold standard options for management of selected poorly functioning and most non-functioning kidneys (PFK/NFKs). Our objective was to audit our patients who had undergone LSNx for benign causes and assess their perioperative outcomes and analyse the factors correlating with these outcomes. Materials and Methods: We reviewed our prospectively collected data of patients with PFK/NFKs due to benign causes who underwent a LSNx on a three-dimensional (3D) system via a transperitoneal approach between January 2017 and June 2023. Details on clinical profile, radiological findings and peri-operative details were recorded and analysed. Results: A total of 302 patients underwent LSNx in the study duration. Urolithiasis was the most common cause of PFK/NFKs in 66.5% of patients followed by pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction in 14.9%. Rate of conversion to open surgery was 5.3%. Final histopathology revealed chronic pyelonephritis in 82% patients and Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGPN) in 14%. Multivariate analysis revealed presence of pre-operative fat stranding on imaging, larger kidney size, presence of XGPN and pyonephrosis to be significantly associated with longer operation times. Prior renal surgery, positive urine culture, presence of XGPN and a higher body mass index was associated with a longer hospital stay and increased rate of post-operative complications. Conclusion: LSNx is commonly employed for management of PFK/NFKs from various aetiologies, the most common of which is urolithiasis in our experience. Multiple clinico-radiological factors as described correlated with longer operative times and prolonged hospital stay, which aids in surgical planning and patient counselling.
A pigment dispersion syndrome case with concave iris and ocular hypertension managed through a phakic ICL implantation
Authors: Rodriguez-Una Ignacio , Fernández-Vega-Cueto Luis , Alfonso-Bartolozzi Belén , Fernández-Vega-Cueto Andrés , Martínez-Alberquilla Irene , Madrid-Costa David , Alfonso Jose F. 
Published: November 2024

Introduction A concave iris configuration is a characteristic feature of pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS). Therapeutic strategies to modify this configuration may be considered as first-line options for the treatment of ocular hypertension in PDS patients. Case description A 37-year-old male patient with myopic anisometropia presented bilateral PDS with concave iris, Krukenberg's spindle and iris transillumination defect in both eyes. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was 27 mmHg in both eyes. Optic nerve and visual field parameters were normal. The right eye was treated with a neodymium:YAG LPI. In the left eye, an implantable collamer lens (ICL) V4c model implantation for myopia correction was performed. Six-months postoperatively, both eyes evidenced an anteriorization of the iris, the morphology of the concave iris improved with the ICL V4c in place, becaming flattener in left eye. The IOP was 18 mmHg without treatment. Conclusion This case report reinforces the idea that in myopic patients with a concave iris, the refractive correction approach through ICL V4c implantation might also improve the iris configuration, similarly to laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI). Therefore, in this specific patient profile, this surgical procedure might be considered as a prophylactic treatment alternative to prevent the complications associated with this iris configuration, although its invasive nature should be taken into consideration.
Impact of anti-VEGF treatment-free interval during the first year on 5-year outcomes in eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Du Katherine , Mayer Natasha , Feistritzer Catalina , Barberis Elise , Muftuoglu Ilkay Kilic , Chhablani Jay 
Published: November 2024

Objectives This study aims to analyze the impact of longest treatment-free interval (TFI) between anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections during the first year of treatment on 5-year best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and recurrence of macular edema (ME) in eyes with ME secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods A retrospective study including eyes with BRVO, minimum of 5-year follow-up, and available optical coherence topography (OCT) scans. Eyes underwent anti-VEGF loading dose therapy and were treated and monitored with an OCT-guided PRN regimen. Those with a history of ocular comorbidities were excluded. Results Total of 60 patient eyes, with 40 females and average age of 71.75 ± 11.07 years. TFI among eyes was 1 month (20%); > 1–2 months (23%); > 2–3 months (18%); > 3–4 months (17%), and >4 months (22%). Forty-three (72%) eyes experienced ME recurrence during the five-year period. Multivariate linear regression shows that TFI (−0.02 [-0.03–0.00], p = 0.021) and baseline BCVA (0.37 [0.08–0.66], p = 0.014) are significant predictors of 5-year BCVA. TFI (Cox Proportional Hazard Ratio 1.34 [1.04–1.72], p = 0.023) and number of injections in the first year (Cox Proportional Hazard Ratio 1.76 [1.01–3.06], p = 0.045) were significant predictors of ME recurrence. Gender, age, type of injection, BCVA, and CMT did not influence recurrence. Conclusion For eyes receiving anti-VEGF injections to treat ME secondary to BRVO, TFI is a significant predictor of 5-year BCVA and ME recurrence according to regression models. This study suggests more ME recurrence may be due to increased TFI or indicate more injections needed to treat severe BRVO.
Assessment of safety and adverse events in endoscopic radiofrequency ablation for malignant biliary obstruction
Authors: Khizar Hayat , Hu Yufei , Gu Weigang , Yang Jin , Jin Hangbin , He Xiayin , Zhang Xiaofeng , Yang Jianfeng 
Published: November 2024

Background: Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used for the treatment of unresectable malignant biliary obstruction (MBO). The postoperative adverse events associated with RFA treatment have gained importance. Objective: To investigate the early adverse events and their risk factors associated with RFA for the treatment of MBO. Design: Observational retrospective study. Methods: We collected data from patients diagnosed with MBO and treated with endoscopic RFA at our hospital between January 2010 and June 2022. Based on the collected data, the patients were divided into two groups: the adverse event group and the nonadverse event group. Early postoperative adverse events were recorded, and risk factors were assessed. Results: One hundred and twenty patients with MBO underwent endoscopic RFA, with 20 developing adverse events (16.6%; 20/120). Among these, 13 patients (10.8%) developed biliary infection after RFA treatment, while 7 (5.8%) developed acute pancreatitis, and no bleeding or perforation occurred. Type 2 diabetes mellitus, bile duct stricture length >2.5 cm, segmental RFA, and the proportion of patients receiving single stent drainage were all significantly greater in the adverse event group compared to the nonadverse event group ( p < 0.05). The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that type 2 diabetes, segmental RFA, and single stent drainage were the three independent risk factors for getting a biliary infection after RFA therapy. Conclusion: Unresectable MBO combined with type 2 diabetes mellitus, segmental RFA, and postoperative single stent drainage can be the risk factors for adverse events after RFA. More attention should be paid to patients with multiple risk factors and preventive measures should be taken.