bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combining Systemic Inflammation Biomarkers with Traditional Prognostic Factors to Predict Surgical Site Infections in Elderly Hip Fracture Patients: A Risk Factor Analysis and Dynamic Nomogram Development
Authors: Guo Yuhui , Li Chengsi , Guo Haichuan , Wang Peiyuan , Zhang Xuebin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Systemic inflammation biomarkers have been widely shown to be associated with infection. This study aimed to construct a nomogram based on systemic inflammation biomarkers and traditional prognostic factors to assess the risk of surgical site infection (SSI) after hip fracture in the elderly.
Methods
Data were retrospectively collected from patients over 60 with acute hip fractures who underwent surgery and were followed for more than 12 months between June 2017 and June 2022 at a tertiary referral hospital. Biomarkers were calculated from peripheral venous blood collected on admission. The CDC definition of SSI was applied, with SSI identified through medical and pathogen culture records during hospitalization and routine postoperative telephone follow-ups. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent risk factors for SSI and developed predictive nomograms. Model stability was validated using an external set of patients treated from July 2022 to June 2023.
Results
A total of 1430 patients were included in model development, with 41 cases (2.87%) of superficial SSI and 6 cases (0.42%) of deep SSI. Multivariable analysis identified traditional prognostic factors older age (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.04–1.12), ASA class III-IV (OR = 2.46, 95% CI 1.32–4.56), surgical delay ≥ 6 days (OR = 3.59, 95% CI 1.36–9.47), surgical duration > 180 minutes (OR = 2.72, 95% CI 1.17–6.35), and systemic inflammation biomarkers PAR ≥ 6.6 (OR = 2.25, 95% CI 1.17–4.33) and SII ≥ 541.1 (OR = 2.24, 95% CI 1.14–4.40) as independent predictors of SSI. Model’s stability was proved by internal validation, and external validation with 307 patients, and an online dynamic nomogram (https://brooklyn99.shinyapps.io/DynNomapp/) was generated.
Conclusions
This study combined systemic inflammatory biomarkers and developed an online dynamic nomogram to predict SSI in elderly hip fracture patients, which could be used to guide early screening of patients with high risk of SSI and provide a reference tool for perioperative management.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of disseminated intravascular coagulation in patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome
Authors: Zhang Zhongwei , Hu Xue , Du Qian , Mo Pingzheng , Chen Xiaoping , Luo Mingqi , Jiang Qunqun , Deng Liping , Xiong Yong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Until recently, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS)-related disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) had not been elucidated. This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics and outcomes of DIC in patients with SFTS.
Methods
Patients diagnosed with SFTS who were admitted to Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from August 2016 to October 2023 were included. Patients’ demographics and clinical data were collected. According to the presence of DIC, they were assigned into the DIC and non-DIC groups. Independent risk factors for prognosis were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.
Results
A total of 246 consecutive patients diagnosed with SFTS were enrolled, including 216 (87.8%) patients in the non-DIC group and 30 (12.2%) patients in the DIC group. ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, LDH, creatinine, cystatin-C, amylase, lipase, CK, CK-MB, troponin I, BNP, PT, PTA, APTT, TT, FDP, D-dimer, CRP, procalcitonin, IL-6, SAA, ESR, ferritin levels, and viral load were significantly higher in patients with DIC. The cumulative survival rate of patients with DIC was significantly lower than that of patients without DIC. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the presence of DIC was an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality of patients with SFTS.
Conclusion
DIC is a potential complication and is associated with high mortality in patients with SFTS. Early recognition and timely management of this serious complication are important for patients with SFTS.
Comparison of awake and intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in management of malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Eltaweel Mohamed , Albatrek Hani , Talaat Ahmed , Elsokkary Ismail , Khalil Ibrahim 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the short-term postoperative outcomes with patients underwent awake and intubated video assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the management of recurrent malignant pleural effusion.
Background: Malignant pleural effusion is characterized by presence of malignant cells in the pleural fluid. Malignant cells from pleural lavage performed in patients without a coexistent pleural effusion have been identified as an indicator of micro-metastatic disease and are associated with a higher recurrence rate and poorer survival.
Patients and methods: A case series of 315 consecutive patients from January 2021 to November 2023 with malignant pleural effusion. The patients were randomized into two groups as awake video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with sedoanalgesia (non-intubated as group A) and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with general anesthesia (intubated as group B). The patients’ demographics and co-morbid conditions were noted, which are associated with postoperative complications and morbidity.
Results: The study included 315 patients which underwent video assisted thoracoscopic pleurodesis either by endotracheal intubation (145 cases) or without (170 cases). The mean average age was noted to be 54.58 ± 7.93. there were 178 cases of male patients (65.5 %). There was highly significant differences in both parameters (p< 0.001). VAS showed significant difference after procedure 4 hours without any difference after 24 hours. There was non-significant difference between both groups according to changes of dyspnea score and grades of chest X-ray findings of pleural effusion.
Conclusion: Awake video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is safe in patients especially those with co-morbidity and couldn’t tolerate general anesthesia. It has also similar reliability compared to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery performed under general anesthesia.
‘We may not understand at the first go, because we are not medics’- A qualitative study on the communication and information needs of parents of preterm newborns in a tertiary health facility in northeast Nigeria
Authors: Adeniji Yasangra Rabo , Wariri Oghenebrume , Musitia Peris Muoga , Jalo Iliya 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
While the need for hospitalisation in preterm newborns is a well-recognized source of stress and anxiety for most parents, the communication and informational needs of parents during this period remain vastly understudied in sub-Saharan Africa.
Objective
This study aimed to investigate the specific information and communication needs of parents with preterm infants in the newborn unit, focusing on their preferences regarding content, timeliness, and communication approaches. Additionally, the study sought suggestions for enhancing communication during hospitalization
Methods
This study was carried out in a tertiary health facility in Northeast Nigeria between August 2023 to April 2024. We used a phenomenological approach in this qualitative study and conducted three Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with 20 parents of preterms recruited at the follow-up clinic until data saturation was achieved. The FGDs were recorded, transcribed, and thematic analysis was done. Data was managed using Nvivo version 1.0
Results
The main themes that emerged were pragmatism in information sharing such as the available parent receiving the information, paternal involvement to enhance shared decision-making and cultural sensitivity, leveraging the routine of the unit to avoid multiple sessions, individualizing of parents based on their strengths and weaknesses and lastly, respectful care Conclusion It is important to tailor information to each family's specific needs, rather than assume that all parents wish to be fully informed about their child's condition. This personalized approach ensures that information is provided in a way that respects the parents' preferences and emotional readiness.
• Main findings – Information sharing about the health of a hospitalised preterm should be pragmatic, personalised and context-specific
• Added knowledge – The peculiarity of our setting such as gender roles/power dynamics, cultural norms, absence of universal health coverage and overwhelmed health systems give rise to specific challenges with communication between health workers and the parents.
• Global health impact for policy and action- in the care of hospitalised newborns, parents are a valuable resource who can offer insights and suggestions to improve the quality of care.
A new 3D full-body scanner analyzing the sagittal and coronal balance of the spine for adult spine deformity: a preliminary prospective observational study
Authors: Cho Minjoon , Jang Seokin , Choi Minseok , Park Yongsoo , Lee Yohan , Lee Jae Hyup , Kang Tae Hoon 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Spinal balance analysis is critical to the diagnosis and treatment of adult spine deformity (ASD), and radiography is the current gold standard. This study aims to develop a new spinal balance analysis system based on the 3D full body scanner and compare it to X-ray parameters.
Methods
Ninety-seven participants underwent 3D full body scanning, whole spine X-rays, clinical questionnaires and body composition analyses. After 3D full body scanning, 5 inflection points (ear, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle) were automatically labeled in the sagittal plane. Three concepts are created including angle between two inflection points with respect to the plumb line, horizontal distances between two points in the sagittal plane and the angle between three points. For the coronal plane, shoulder gradient was analyzed automatically. Multiple x-ray parameters about cervical, thoracolumbar and whole spine sagittal balance and coronal balances were analyzed and compared using correlation analyses. Partial correlation analyses and multiple regression analyses were done combining body composition scores and clinical questionnaire scores.
Results
The correlation coefficient (C.C.) of dAB_hor (horizontal distance between ear and shoulder in the sagittal plane) and C2-C7 SVA was 0.478 (p-value < 0.001). The C.C. of aAC_sag (sagittal angle of ear-hip from the plumb line) and ODHA was 0.336 (p < 0.001). About coronal balance, the C.C. of shoulder gradient from 3D scanner and clavicle angle from x-ray was 0.373 (p < 0.001). The C.C.s were merely affected by body composition data. But in multiple regression analysis, BMI affected 3D scanner data. Clinical symptoms showed a correlation with both aBCD(shoulder-hip-knee angle) and aCDE(hip-knee-ankle angle), which may reflect a compensatory knee flexion for positive sagittal imbalance.
Conclusions
A new analysis system of spine balance based on a 3D full-body scanner has a statistical correlation with X-ray and shows clinical correlation by representing the compensatory mechanism of ASD.
Loop-assisted inversion and double suture technique: a new endotherapy for gastric fundal subepithelial lesions
Authors: Zhang Tao , Zeng Qingyu , Lan Chao , He Binbo , Liu Jie , Kong Tao , Xu Shan , Chen Long 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The loop-assisted inversion and double suture technique has been used as an endoscopic treatment for gastric fundal subepithelial lesions.
This study aimed to analyse the efficacy and safety of the loop-assisted inversion and double suture technique for the treatment of gastric fundal subepithelial lesions. Consecutive patients with gastric fundal tumours who underwent the loop-assisted inversion and double suture technique at our centre between January 2023 and January 2024 were retrospectively assessed. The primary outcome was surgical success.
Twelve patients with 14 gastric fundal subepithelial lesions underwent the loop-assisted inversion and double suture technique during the study period. Two patients had double lesions. Pathology confirmed that out of 14 lesions, 12 were gastrointestinal stromal tumors and 2 were leiomyomas.All the gastrointestinal stromal tumors were of low-risk G1. Operative success was achieved in 14 lesions with complete resection, with no intraoperative transfer to surgery; no adverse effects, including postoperative perforation and bleeding; and no postoperative antibiotic use. During the follow-up period, all 14 lesions showed no recurrence.
The loop-assisted inversion and double suture technique is a safe, effective, and time-saving endoscopic treatment for gastric fundal subepithelial lesions. However, prospective large-scale multicentre studies are required.
High antagonistic activity and antibiotic resistance of flavobacteria of polar microbial freshwater mats (King George Island, Antarctica)
Authors: Górniak Dorota , Świątecki Aleksander , Kowalik Jakub , Grzesiak Jakub , Jastrzębski Jan , Zdanowski Marek K. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In polar-region environments, flavobacteria are an abundant component of freshwater microbial mats. For the first time, polar-region flavobacterial strains have been investigated for their antagonistic activity and their antibiotic resistance. These strains were derived from microbial mats occurring in ephemeral freshwater ponds, i.e. ponds and streams of the periglacial zone of Ecology Glacier (King George Island, Maritime Antarctica). The study demonstrated the strains’ surprisingly high phylogenetic diversity, with 20 species among 50 isolates. Flavobacteria were characterised by four different patterns of antagonism and sensitivity: PRS, PR, SR and R, with ‘P’ representing the production of antimicrobial substances, ‘R’ – resistance, and ‘S’ – sensitivity to antimicrobials. Over 50% of strains produced substances inhibiting the growth of other isolates, with 40% being sensitive to such compounds. 68% of the isolates represented multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. The antibiotic resistance index (ARI) demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of MDR strains and ARI ≥ 0.2 in stream mats (87%) as compared to the strains derived from pond mats (55%). A strong correlation was observed between the strains’ antagonistic potential and antibiotic resistance. Diverse chemoecological responses were found among the flavobacterial strains. An important role in these phenomena is accomplished by the “super bacteria” strains that effectively accumulate numerous traits associated with antagonistic potential and can be involved in the potential transfer of these traits. The individualisation of antagonistic interaction patterns and antibiotic resistance is one of the mechanisms that maintain mat homeostasis.
Association between Street Greenery and Physical Activity among Chinese Older Adults in Beijing, China
Authors: Song Yiling , Zhou Mingzhong , Tan Jiale , Cheng Jiali , Wang Yangyang , Feng Xiaolu , Yu Hongjun 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
The association between urban green spaces, especially street greenery, and physical activity (PA) in older adults is understudied. This study utilized Baidu Street View images and deep learning techniques to objectively assess street greenery exposure and its relationship with different types of PA among older adults in China.
Methods
This study investigated 1326 older adults (aged 60 or above) living in Beijing, China. Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) was used to assess the PA level of older adults. Baidu Street View images and deep learning were used to assess the level of street greenery in the 500-meter buffer zone around the community. The study employed ANOVA, Chi-square tests, and multilevel linear regression to analyze the data.
Results
After controlling for individual factors, household economic income, and other confounders, the multilevel linear regression model showed that street greenery was significantly and positively correlated with transportation PA (β = 0.08, P < 0.01). There was no significant correlation between street greenery and leisure PA, household PA (P>0.05).
Conclusions
The level of street greenery around the community is significantly associated with transportation PA among Chinese older adults. It is recommended that the planning of urban green spaces should focus on street greenery, add bicycle lanes and sidewalks, and provide safe and comfortable environments to motivate older adults to actively participate in PA.
Dynamic characteristics analysis and optimization design of two-stage helix planetary reducer for robots
Authors: Lin Wenzhao , Huang Fangping , Chen Junhua , Li Hao , Chang Dongdong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The dynamic characteristics of high-precision planetary reducers in terms of vibration response and dynamic transmission error have a significant impact on positioning accuracy and service life. However, the dynamics of high-precision two-stage helical planetary reducers has not been studied extensively enough and needs to be studied in depth. In order to make up for this defect, considering the time-varying meshing stiffness of gears and transmission errors, a translation-torsion coupled dynamics model of a two-stage helical planetary gear drive is established based on the Lagrange equations by using the centralized parameter method for analyzing the dynamic characteristics of the reducer. The differential equations of the system were derived by analyzing the relative displacement relationship between the components. On this basis, a finite element model of a certain type of high-precision reducer was established, and the effects of factors such as rotate speed and load on the dynamic behaviour and transmission accuracy were investigated through simulation and experimental comparison to quantify or characterize their effects.Based on the combined modification method of helix modification with drum shape, the optimized design of this type of reducer is carried out, and the dynamic characteristics of the reducer before and after modification are compared and analyzed. The results show that the adopted modification optimization method is effective in reducing the vibration amplitude and transmission error amplitude of the reducer.The peak-to-peak value of transmission error of the reducer is reduced by 19.87%; the peak value of vibration acceleration is reduced by 14.29%; and the RMS value is reduced by 21.05% under the input speed of 500 r/min and the load of 50 N·m operating conditions. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for the study of dynamic characteristics, fault diagnosis, optimization of meshing parameters and structural optimization of planetary reducers.
Distinguishing the flow of airborne microorganisms along with environmental conditions and their influence on historic heritage buildings
Authors: de-Lemos-Medina Leonora , Bermudez-Marín Alvaro , Jaikel-Víquez Daniela , Camacho-Cambronero Natalia , Segura-Vargas Alejandra , Gómez-Arrieta Alejandra , Mora-Quirós Yojina , Ureña-Alvarado Keilyn , Rautenberg Lasse Aaron , Fonseca-Alfaro Isaí , Calderón-Mesén Paula , Sandoval-Gutiérrez María Isabel , Redondo-Solano Mauricio , Herrera-Sancho Oscar Andrey 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The National Theater of Costa Rica is a national symbol of our country and an important architectural landmark. It was built in 1897 and is decorated with large-format paintings made by Italian artists. One of these painters was Paolo Serra, who was in charge of decorating three chambers, including the Management’s Office (MO). A yearly volumetric air sampling was conducted in seven rooms of the theater, showing high levels of circulating fungal spores in the MO. Thus further analysis was carried out in this venue. First, the environmental conditions (wind velocity, temperature, relative humidity, and particles) were monitored. Then the air and particles flow and the probability of particles concentration were simulated for different scenarios of natural ventilation using a Discrete Phase Model. This allowed us to identify the areas where there were probably more damages and microorganisms presented. The artworks in this chamber were analyzed to determine the types of damages identified: buckling, cracks, cuts, craquelure, holes, scratches, color gaps with exposed fabric or wall, insect debris, flaking, humidity stains, interventions of old restorations, opaque stains, whitish stains and total loss of the original image. As a complement, a microbiological sample was held in 34 sites of interest. As a result, five bacterial isolates and thirteen fungi were isolated and identified. We identified the artist’s main colour palette: madder lake, lead white, calcium carbonate, yellow ocher, natural ultramarine and natural barite. We can conclude that artworks under non-controlled environmental conditions may present a significant degree of deterioration, biodeterioration, and chromatic alteration.
A novel method for selective lithium recovery from end-of-life LiFePO4 automotive batteries via thermal treatment combined with a leaching process
Authors: Sánchez Felipe Antonio Lucca , Pacheco João Antonio Scherer , Veit Hugo Marcelo 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

As the demand for electric vehicles has increased, effective solutions for recycling end-of-life lithium-ion batteries have become crucial. Since lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries represent a significant portion of the automotive battery market, this research presents an innovative method to produce concentrated lithium solutions by combining a calcination process with a microwave-assisted hydrometallurgical process. The initial steps involve safe collection and disassembly of discarded batteries to preserve components and minimize contamination. The cathode coils were separated and ground to a particle size smaller than 0.25 mm, concentrating 96% of the lithium compounds. Afterward, the cathode material was calcined for 1 h at temperatures ranging from 300°C to 900°C in air and N₂ atmospheres. For samples treated in an oxidative atmosphere, the complete phase conversion of LiFePO₄ to Li₂Fe₃(PO₄)₃ was achieved at 500°C, whereas in an inert atmosphere, this phase change fully manifested at 700°C. Different sulfuric acid concentrations (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mol/L) were subsequently used in the microwave-assisted leaching process for all the calcined and non-calcined cathodic powders. Considering leaching with aqua regia as a reference for the complete leaching of metals, the best results obtained in terms of lithium selectivity were obtained with samples calcined at 500°C and leached with 0.5 mol/L sulfuric acid. Under these conditions, 75% of all the lithium and only 2.5% of all the iron were extracted in solution. This result reveals that calcination in an air atmosphere prior to a hydrometallurgical process plays a fundamental role in achieving high lithium selectivity without the need for any other additives.
Forecasting Cryptocurrency Prices Using Hybrid Long Short – Term Memory and Long Short – Term Memory Variants
Authors: Nguyen Thuan Dinh 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Nowadays, virtual currency has become mainstream and attracts many investors and the environment. People spend large amounts of money in the hope that their trades are buying which occurs when the price of a cryptocurrency falls and selling when it rises in search of a profit. However, due to the volatility of these currencies, it is difficult for investors to decide whether to buy, sell or hold. So in this research, we build a valuable daily data set of virtual currencies, especially Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Binance. We rely on it to build deep learning models along with model improvement techniques and model fusion techniques to improve model performance. We use basic regulatory response measurements to evaluate the model’s results, i.e. MAE, MAPE, MSE, and RMSE.