bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of acute-phase COVID-19-related indicators on pulmonary fibrosis and follow-up evaluation
Authors: Wang Qiong , Zhou Ying , Jing Fangxue , Feng Yingying , Ma JiangPo , Xue Peng , Dong Zhaoxing 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis is a significant long-term respiratory morbidity affecting patients’ respiratory health. This study aims to investigate the incidence, clinical characteristics, and acute-phase risk factors for pulmonary fibrosis in COVID-19 patients. Additionally, it evaluates their pulmonary function and chest CT outcomes to provide clinical evidence for early intervention and prevention.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 595 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 from January 2022 to July 2023. Patients were divided into fibrosis and nonfibrosis groups on the basis of imaging changes. Baseline data, including demographics, disease severity, laboratory indicators, and chest imaging characteristics, were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary function and chest CT follow-ups were conducted for the fibrosis group. The data were processed via SPSS 26.0, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results
The incidence of pulmonary fibrosis was 4.37%, with 2.08% in moderate cases and 8.22% in severe cases. Significant differences were found between the fibrosis and nonfibrosis groups in sex; disease severity; NLR; ALB and LDH levels; and percentages of lung reticular lesions, consolidations, and GGOs (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed LDH (OR = 1.004, 95% CI 1.000–1.007, P = 0.035), ALB (OR = 0.871, 95% CI 0.778–0.974, P = 0.015), lung reticular lesion volume (OR = 1.116, 95% CI 1.040–1.199, P = 0.002), and lung consolidation volume (OR = 1.131, 95% CI 1.012–1.264, P = 0.030) as independent risk factors. The follow-up results revealed significant improvements in pulmonary function, specifically in the FVC%, FEV1%, and DLCO%, but not in the FEV1/FVC. Quantitative chest CT analysis revealed significant differences in lung reticular lesions, consolidation, and GGO volumes but no significant difference in honeycomb volume.
Conclusions
The incidence of pulmonary fibrosis post-COVID-19 increases with disease severity. LDH, ALB, lung reticular lesions, and consolidation volume are independent risk factors for Patients with fibrosis.
A Comparation of three different anti-VEGF drugs in development of persistent avascular retina in premature children
Authors: Ünal Ayşe Cengiz , Akıdan² Melih , Erol¹ Muhammet Kazım 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Our current prospective cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the effect of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs used in the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity on retinal maturation and persistent avascular retina (PAR). Retinal imaging was performed with Optos confocal laser ophthalmoscopy for 100 patients aged 4 to 8 years who were screened and treated for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) during the neonatal period. The ROP examination findings (stage and zone) and treatment history (age in weeks at time of treatment and anti-VEGF drug used) from the neonatal period were reviewed. Retinal vascularization was assessed in fundus images using the green filter on the Optos device and the presence of PAR was evaluated by two investigators. Relationships between the rate of PAR, age in weeks at time of treatment, and type of anti-VEGF drug used were analyzed statistically. The study included 196 eyes of 100 patients. Sixty-four eyes were analyzed in Group 1 (no ROP), 23 eyes in Group 2 (ROP, no treatment), and 108 eyes in Group 3 (anti-VEGF treatment of ROP with ranibizumab, bevacizumab, or aflibercept). The number of eyes with PAR in these groups was 2 (3.7%), 4 (17.4%), and 45 (41.7%), respectively. PAR was detected in 30 of 44 eyes treated with aflibercept. The rate of PAR was higher after aflibercept treatment (68.2%) with statistical significance (p = 0.000). This study showed that the prevalence of PAR differs between anti-VEGF drugs. Patients treated with aflibercept have a higher risk of late complications and should be followed closely.
Hemodynamic evaluation of the pulmonary arteries and aorta using 4D flow cardiac MRI in children and young adults with dextro-transposition of the great arteries after the arterial switch operation
Authors: Calderon Kylie , Sodhi Aparna , Johnson Ethan M.I. , Markl Michael , Robinson Joshua D. , Rigsby Cynthia K. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Pulmonary artery stenosis, neoaortic dilatation, and neoaortic valve insufficiency are among the most frequent complications of the arterial switch operation for repair of dextro-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA). It remains difficult to predict which patients will require great arterial reintervention.
Objective
We aimed to characterize hemodynamics within the great arteries using 4D flow MRI in patients with d-TGA after the arterial switch operation.
Materials and Methods
Patients with d-TGA after the arterial switch operation and controls with normal cardiac anatomy who underwent 4D flow MRI between 2012 and 2024 were included. Velocity, stasis, kinetic energy, energy loss, wall shear stress, and pulse wave velocity were quantified in the aorta and pulmonary arteries.
Results
Patients with d-TGA after the arterial switch operation (15.7 years ± 2.4) demonstrated significantly higher maximum and mean velocity, maximum and mean kinetic energy, energy loss, and maximum and mean wall shear stress within the pulmonary arteries (P < 0.0001 for all parameters) compared with age-matched controls (15.5 years ± 2.4). Aortic maximum (P = 0.0011) and mean (P = 0.0483) velocity, maximum (P = 0.0008) and mean (P = 0.0026) kinetic energy, energy loss (P < 0.0001), maximum wall shear stress in five of six regions (range P < 0.0001 to P = 0.0022), and mean wall shear stress in three regions (range P = 0.0052 to P = 0.0310) were significantly higher in patients with d-TGA after the arterial switch operation patients compared with age-matched controls.
Conclusion
Patients with d-TGA after the arterial switch operation demonstrate hemodynamic abnormalities within the great arteries, which may provide insight into the mechanisms underlying postoperative consequences of the arterial switch operation and the need for reintervention.
Prevalence and morphology of middle mesial canals in mandibular first molars and their relationship with anatomical aspects of the mesial root: a CBCT analysis
Authors: Wang Dandan , Wang Ru , Xu Hongyan , Zhang Qianqian , Guo Yali 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: This study aims to investigate the prevalence and morphology of middle mesial canal (MMC) in mandibular first molar (M1M) among a Northwestern Chinese population, and to analyze their relationship with anatomical aspects of the mesial root.
Methods:Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was utilized to evaluate 898 M1Ms and assess the incidence and morphology of MMC. The following parameters for M1M with or without MMC were obtained: the vertical distance between the first appearance of MMC and canal orifices (D), the distance between mesiobuccal (MB) and mesiolingual (ML) canals (D1), the buccolingual width(L1) and mesiodistal width (L2) of mesial roots, and the flatness degree(L1/L2) of mesial roots. The results were statistically analyzed.
Results:The prevalence of MMC was 9.6% when considering the number of teeth and 7.2% when considering individuals. The presence of MMC was not significantly associated with sex (p = 0.993) or age (p = 0.211). Type 1-3-2 emerged as the most prevalent root canal morphology. MMC primarily manifested within 4 mm below the canal orifices. In cases where MMC was present, the MB-ML distance was significantly greater (p = 0.017). Conversely, no significant correlation was found between the presence of MMC and the length, width, or flatness degree of the mesial roots.
Conclusions:The morphology of MMCs is complex, and most of them exhibit confluent canals. MMCs are typically found within 4 mm below the canal orifices. In instances where MMCs are present, the MB-ML distance is significantly larger.
Disability and its correlates among older people in Nepal: evidence from the 2022 Nepal Demographic Health Survey
Authors: Thapa Naba Raj , Subedi Govind , KC Vikash Kumar 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Older people are the vulnerable with higher risk of having disability. There are very few studies on disability among older people in Nepal. To contribute the knowledge and research gap on disability among older people, this study examines the prevalence of disability and its associated factors among older people in Nepal.
Methods: The 2022 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey data was used for this study. The study included 3014 older people aged 60 years and above. The study was based on disability module with Washington Group Short Set of Questions on functional limitations. Disability was categorized as 'with disability' and 'without disability'. Descriptive statistics was used to assess the prevalence of disability while multivariate logistic regression was used as inferential statistics to analyze the correlates of disability among older people in Nepal.
Results: The results show that more than a quarter (27.1%) of older people had disabilities.
The prevalence of disability was higher among older people aged 80 years and above (54%), females (31%), no education (31%), ever married (39%), residing in Karnali province (39%), and belonged to poor household status (31%). Older people aged of 70 years and above, with no education, or primary education and who had ever married were more likely to have a disability. Older people from rich household status and living in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpashchim provinces were less likely to have a disability.
Conclusions: The burden of disability among older people in Nepal is of considerable. Therefore, there is a need for further research and effective disability interventions targeting the groups identified at risk of disability to improve the well-being of older people.
Indirect evidence of an early mating advantage in wild cooperatively breeding male banded mongooses
Authors: Birch Graham , Cant Michael , Blount Jonathan D. , Meniri Magali , Nichols Hazel , Mwanguhya Francis , Businge Robert 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Promiscuous females reduce male reproductive control. Males can attempt to monopolise access to these females, but distractions and sneaky rivals mean extra copulations cannot always be blocked. By mating first, males can obtain a headstart in sperm competition, but this may be negated by sperm storage and cryptic female choice mechanisms. We carry out an indirect rare test of an early mating advantage in a population of free-living wild animals. Using Bayesian GLMM analysis of a long-term life history database spanning 17 years, we show that banded mongoose males who interacted with females in earlier days of oestrus had a higher chance of siring their offspring compared with later rivals. An early mating advantage would intensify initial male-male competition and hence selection for male choice, as any initial mistake identifying preferred mating partners could see paternity lost to rivals.
Machine Learning for Early Detection and Severity Classification in People with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Hwang Juseon , Youm Changhong , Park Hwayoung , Kim Bohyun , Choi Hyejin , Cheon Sang-Myung 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Early detection of Parkinson's disease (PD) and accurate assessment of disease progression are critical for optimizing treatment and rehabilitation. However, there is no consensus on how to effectively detect early-stage PD and classify motor symptom severity using gait analysis. This study evaluated the accuracy of machine learning (ML) models in classifying early and moderate stages of PD based on spatiotemporal gait features at different walking speeds. A total of 178 participants were recruited, including 103 individuals with PD (61 early-stage, 42 moderate-stage) and 75 healthy controls. Participants performed a walking test on a 24-meter walkway at three speeds: preferred walking speed (PWS), 20% faster (HWS), and 20% slower (LWS). Key features—walking speed at PWS, stride length at HWS, and the coefficient of variation (CV) of stride length at LWS—achieved a classification accuracy of 78.1% using the random forest algorithm. For early PD detection, stride length at HWS and CV at LWS provided 67.3% accuracy with Naïve Bayes. Walking speed at PWS was the most critical feature for distinguishing early from moderate PD, with an accuracy of 69.8%. These findings suggest that assessing gait over consecutive steps under different speed conditions may improve early detection and severity assessment of people of PD.
Optimizing Military Target Recognition in Urban Battlefields: An Intelligent Framework Based on Graph Neural Networks and YOLO
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Zhang Lijuan , Jiang Yutong , Zhao Hui 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In urban battlefield environments, the rapid movement and frequent occlusion of military targets often result in lower detection accuracy. To address this issue, this study proposes an innovative approach that combines graph neural networks with the YOLO model to overcome the slow detection speed and low accuracy due to blurriness in existing models. We first detect the targets, then enhance model performance by introducing intelligent reasoning and optimization processes at the output stage, allowing the model to reassess object confidence based on spatial relationships between objects. A graph relationship model is constructed from the detection results and input into the adjusted SeHGNN network. The SeHGNN network learns complex relationships between targets and recalculates confidence scores. Experimental results show significant improvements in mAP@0.50, demonstrating the effectiveness of this method. By integrating traditional object detection techniques with the knowledge reasoning capabilities of graph neural networks, this approach substantially enhances the model’s performance in detecting military targets in urban battlefield scenarios.
Total fistula volume predicts surgical outcomes in complex perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease following fistula-tract laser closure: A single center retrospective study
Authors: Cao Dongxing , Wang Xiaohui , Zhang Ye , Qian Keyu , Yang Nailin , Zhu Mingming , Li Yousheng , Wu Guangyu , Cui Zhe 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Backgrounds: This study aimed to identify risk factors influencing long-term treatment outcomes in patients with complex perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease (pfCD) following fistula-tract laser closure (FiLaC™). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from patients with complex pfCD who underwent FiLaC™ from January 2019 to December 2020, including demographics, pharmacological regimens, and pre-operative MRI assessments. Follow-up monitored fistula outcomes such as healing, remission, failure, and recurrence. Results: Among 49 patients followed for an average of 60.0 months, 31 (63.3%) achieved fistula healing, 3 (6.1%) showed improvement, 3 (6.1%) had non-healing, and 12 (24.5%) experienced recurrence. Significant differences were found between healed and unhealed groups in total fistula volume (TFV), number of fistula tracts, and perianal Crohn’s disease activity index (PDAI) (P = 0.036, P = 0.020, and P = 0.041, respectively). Multivariate regression analysis indicated TFV as a significant predictor of healing outcomes (P = 0.013). ROC analysis confirmed its predictive value for fistula healing in complex pfCD, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.729 (P = 0.008). The optimal threshold for TFV was 4.81 cm³, with a sensitivity of 61.1% and a specificity of 83.9%. The AUC for recurrence rates was 0.883 (P < 0.001), with the sensitivity and specificity at 83.3% and 83.8%, respectively, using the same threshold for TFV. The Kaplan–Meier survival curve highlighted the predictive potential of TFV for fistula recurrence (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: TFV is an effective predictor for long-term outcomes in patients with complex pfCD following FiLaC™.
Transition from internal to external oxidation in binary Fe-Cr alloys around 900°C
Authors: Chyrkin Anton , Froitzheim Jan , Quadakkers Willem Joseph 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The transition from external to internal oxidation of a binary Fe-10Cr alloy has been investigated in Fe/FeO Rhines pack (RP) and H2/H2O between 850 and 900°C. Internal oxidation is facilitated by increasing temperature and presence of water vapor. A classical Wagnerian diffusion analysis predicts external oxidation for ferritic (BCC) Fe-10Cr and internal oxidation for austenitic (FCC) Fe-10Cr. The a-to-g transformation is demonstrated to be the primary factor promoting internal oxidation in Fe-Cr around 900°C. Water vapor is believed to promote internal oxidation due to a higher reactivity of H2O compared to O2 and higher preferential adsorption of the H2O molecule.
Differential management of Pneumatosis Intestinalis (PI)
Authors: Habeb Bola , Khair Sandy , Fowler Matthew 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is a rare but potentially serious gastrointestinal condition with diverse clinical presentations. PI is identified by the presence of gas in the extraluminal intestinal wall and is further subclassified into benign pneumatosis intestinalis (BPI) and life-threatening pneumatosis intestinalis (LTPI). Prompt and accurate diagnosis, often aided by imaging studies, is crucial to guide appropriate management. Treatment strategies vary depending on the severity of symptoms and underlying etiologies. Collaboration between gastroenterology, radiology, and general surgery is essential to optimize patient outcomes in cases of PI. Herein, we present a case of Pneumatosis Intestinalis complicated with intestinal perforation that was managed surgically.
First-in-patient exploratory trial assessing safety, feasibility, and efficacy of artificial protein (silk- elastin) in promoting healing in patients with meniscus injuries
Authors: Ishikawa Masakazu , Tsuji Shunya , Kamei Goki , Nakata Kyohei , Nekomoto Akinori , Hashiguchi Naofumi , Nakasa Tomoyuki , Nakamae Atsuo , Kamei Naosuke , Inoue Keiichiro , Kawabata Shingo , Ueda Keiko , Adachi Nobuo 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Meniscal tears are a significant risk factor for osteoarthritis when repair fails. Meniscal repair is the preferred treatment to preserve function, however, has a high failure rate in avascular areas. Silk-elastin (SE), an artificial protein with wound-healing properties, was assessed in this study for its safety and potential efficacy in enhancing meniscal repair. Eight patients with meniscal tears in avascular zone underwent arthroscopic repair followed by SE application. The study included both lateral and medial meniscal tears, with discoid lateral meniscus and bucket-handle tears among them. There was no adverse events or reactions associated with SE application. Three months post-surgery, clinical outcomes and repaired sites were evaluated using MRI and arthroscopy. Significant improvements in Lysholm, and visual analog scale scores were observed (P<0.05). The knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score was significantly improved only in the symptom subscale. MRI findings showed that one patient had grade 1 and three patients had grade 2 healing and four had grade 3 (unhealed). Arthroscopic evaluation revealed that six patients had completely healed menisci, while the other two had incomplete healing. No patients had a meniscus categorized as “unhealed”. The study concluded that SE is safe and shows promise for promoting meniscal healing in the avascular zone, suggesting its potential as an option to improve repair outcomes.
Phytochemical Profiling, Antifungal Potential of Vinca rosea Extracts and Isolated Compound Against Wheat Pathogens from Northern Part of India
Authors: Sharma Parul , Kaur Ramandeep , Kaur Jaspal , Bhardwaj Urvashi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Natural products significantly impact the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries, especially as alternatives to synthetic fungicides. Our research aimed to investigate the phytochemical properties of the V. rosea plant, focusing on extracts obtained from various polar and non-polar solvents and their antifungal potential against two fungi affecting wheat plants (Fusarium graminearum and Bipolaris sorokiniana). We used multiple techniques (maceration, sonication, Soxhlet extraction) to prepare extracts, and their phytochemical screening was done to analyze different bioactive compounds, which was further confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), showing the presence of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins as bioactive compounds in this plant. GC-MS analysis helped identify potentially important compounds with higher concentrations and further helped to isolate vindoline from leaf extract. Antifungal assays demonstrated vindoline effectiveness against F. graminearum and B. sorokiniana. This study's findings underscore the importance of V. rosea as a natural source of antifungal agents. The identified bioactive compounds in GC-MS analysis also pave the way for developing pharmaceutical biosynthesis pathways, enlightening future research and development in these industries.
Behavior of electrodeposited silicon in lithium-ion power sources
Authors: Leonova Anastasia , Leonova Natalia , Suzdaltsev Andrey 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Due to increased lithium capacity silicon and silicon-based materials appear promising for their use in high-power lithium-ion power sources. In the present work a comparative analysis of the electrochemical behavior of electrodeposited thin films, submicron fibers and needles during their multiple lithiation and delithiation as part of the anode half-cell of a lithium-ion power source has been performed. Silicon samples electrodeposited from molten KCl-K2SiF6-SiO2, KCl-CsCl-K2SiF6, and LiCl-KCl-CsCl-K2SiF6 electrolytes were taken for comparison. As a result of the studies, it is shown that the silicon samples possess discharge capacity from 20 to 1500 mAh g− 1 depending on the charge and discharge current. At the same time, in the course of multiple lithiation, a gradual decrease in the charging and discharging capacity of all the studied samples was observed as a result of silicon expansion, which leads to the formation of new surfaces for the formation of SEI, and the disruption of electrical contacts both in the volume of the anode mass and between the anode and the substrate.