bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foreign body aspiration in children: should we perform bronchoscopy on every patient?
Authors: Saraç Fatma , Yazıcı Mehmet 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Foreign body aspiration is an important health problem frequently seen in children and requiring emergency intervention due to severe morbidity and mortality. This study evaluates patients who underwent bronchoscopy with diagnoses of foreign body aspiration.
Methods
All children aged under 18 who underwent bronchoscopy with diagnoses of foreign body aspiration between June 2020 and December 2023 were included in the study. The patients’ medical records were examined retrospectively.
Results
Three hundred ten (310) patients aged between three months and 15 years underwent bronchoscopy due to suspected foreign body aspiration. 83% of the patients were aged two or younger, and boys outnumbered girls two to one. Foreign bodies were detected at bronchoscopy in 202 (65.16%) patients. Foreign bodies were most frequently located in the right main bronchus (47.52%). In addition, 83.66% of the foreign bodies consisted of organic material. The most frequently aspirated material was peanut (32.54%).
Conclusion
No symptom, finding, or test is definitively diagnostic or exclusive in patients presenting with suspected foreign body aspiration. Despite a negative bronchoscopy rate of 34.83% in this study, since we observed no severe complications or mortality we recommend that it be performed on all patients with suspected foreign body aspiration.
A Multi-Omic Analysis to Investigate the Causal Associations Between Circulating Proteins and Risk of Spontaneous Abortion and Their Potential Implications
Authors: Huang Min , He Mei-hua , Xiang Jia-hui , Zhang Li-mei , Liu Ying-hui , Sun Xiao-li 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Spontaneous abortion is a complex disorder with a significant genetic component. Identifying genetic variants influencing spontaneous abortion risk could unveil biological pathways and potential therapeutic targets.
Methods
We performed Mendelian randomization using cis- and trans-protein quantitative trait loci (pQTLs) as instrumental variables to assess causal effects of circulating proteins on spontaneous abortion. Proteins exhibiting differential expression between sexes were excluded. KEGG pathway enrichment was employed to investigate the pathways affected by susceptibility genes, while single-cell transcriptomic analysis was utilized to explore the susceptible cell types with elevated expression of these genes within the uterine endometrium.
Results
MMP9 and DC-SIGN were associated with increased spontaneous abortion risk (OR = 1.11(1.03–1.19), P = 3.70x10− 3; OR = 1.09(1.02–1.16), P = 9.89x10− 3), while HBAZ and NELL1 had protective effects (OR = 0.96(0.94–0.99), P = 5.20x10− 3; OR = 0.94(0.9–0.98), P = 8.54x10− 3). Additionally, TMM85 conferred higher spontaneous abortion risk (OR = 1.06(1.02–1.1), P = 4.72x10− 3). Pathway analysis highlighted sphingolipid binding, chemorepellent activity, and tumor necrosis factor receptor activity. Single-cell transcriptomics revealed that MUL1, EMC4, NDC80, and SELL gene exhibit higher expression levels within uterus cells, and these susceptibility genes displayed elevated expression levels in leukocytes, mature NK T cells, and T cells in uterus.
Conclusion
Our integrated multi-omics analysis identified genetic variants influencing spontaneous abortion risk and their downstream molecular mechanisms, providing insights into potential therapeutic targets. The implicated pathways and cell types may guide future investigations into the pathogenesis of spontaneous abortion.
“Sonography findings spurring suspicion for a confirmed case of Leiomyosarcoma: A Case Report”
Authors: Adejuyigbe Temiloluwa , Burgess Anh Vi , Nguyen Brandon , Andrews Brooke , Salazar Christina , WIlliams-Brown Marian Yvette 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Differentiating degenerating leiomyomas and malignant leiomyosarcomas is often difficult, given the lack of criteria for imaging findings and difficulty in reliably sampling myometrial neoplasms of the uterus.
Case: We present the case of using a transvaginal ultrasound to evaluate for characteristics of leiomyosarcoma prior to further referral of a patient to gynecology oncology for hysterectomy, with final pathology confirming a leiomyosarcoma.
Conclusions: Ultrasound findings of uterine masses that include a large mass with heterogeneous tissue, irregular loculated spaces in combination with increased vascularity and symptoms of pelvic pain and abnormal uterine bleeding, as described in this case, can support a suspicion of and further investigation for malignancy. In addition, further evaluation of ultrasound as a modality to evaluate vascularity in atypical uterine masses is supported by this presentation
Vision Transformer-based Meta Loss Landscape Exploration with Actor-Critic Method
Authors: Zhang Enzhi , Zhong Rui , Du Xingbang , Wahib Mohamed 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Detecting and mitigating overfitting in deep neural networks remains a critical challenge in modern machine learning. This paper investigates innovative approaches to address these challenges, particularly focusing on vision transformer-based models. By leveraging meta-learning techniques and reinforcement learning frameworks, we introduce Transformer-based Loss Landscape Exploration (TLLE), which utilizes the validation loss landscape to guide gradient descent optimization. Unlike conventional methods, TLLE employs the Actor-Critic algorithm to learn the mapping from model weights to future values, facilitating efficient sample collection and precise value predictions. Experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of TLLE-enhanced transformer models in image classification and segmentation tasks, showcasing the efficacy of our approach in optimizing deep learning models for image analysis.
Assessment of Dry Weight in Hemodialysis Patients by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis
Authors: Zeng Xiaoqing , Cheng Yi , Chen Lin , Hu Wen , Liu Yuan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Diabetes and hypoalbuminemia are commonly observed in hemodialysis patients, which affect assessment of dry weight.
Methods: the patients with higher Kt/V than 1.2, were divided into group A (- -), group B (- +), group C (+ -) and group D (+ +) according to whether they had diabetes and hypoalbuminemia. And they were measured the body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). And validation studies were conducted.
Results: The ECW/TBW and ECW/ICW of group D was significantly higher than those of group A, group B, and group C (p＜0.05). Additionally, The ECW/ICW and ECW/TBW of groups B and C was significantly higher than that of group A (p＜0.05). The Kappa value for the evaluation of dialysis adequacy using the two methods was 0.532 (0.409,0.601, p<0.001).
Conclusions: The BIA method can be utilized to measure the body composition of hemodialysis patients for evaluating dry body weight. It is potential to provide objective data through calculation to determine the ultrafiltration volume, in order to reduce volume load and improve the quality of life of hemodialysis patients.
Ion-Molecule Reaction Kinetics of C2H+ and COH+ with a permanent dipole NH3 molecule
Authors: Silva Washington B. da , Albernaz Alessandra F. , Correa Eberth 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In this work, the ab initio potential energy surfaces were calculated for the COH+ + NH3 and C2H+ + NH3 reactions. To calculate the rate constants we employed three different methods: Master Equation Solver for Multi-Energy Well Reactions , and two well established capture theories, ADO and AADO. The last ones were revised from the original paper by Su et al.[1], and the revised equations can be found in our Appendix. To obtain the respective rate constants through the ADO and AADO theories we propose an analytical approximation for the relation between the relative velocity, v, of the reactants and the critical impact parameter, bc in the capture theory used for ADO and AADO. The resulting rate constants in the interval from 200 K to 1000 K were obtained and compared in different theories.
Tanshinone IIA targets RNF123 to inhibit non-small cell lung cancer progression via KAT2B-mediated H3K18ac modification
Authors: He Yongjie , Zhang Yingxin , Zhang Jiangsheng , Cai Kaican 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Tanshinone IIA (TSIIA) presents excellent anti-tumor effect. Our
work aims to explore the pharmacological effect of TSIIA on lung
cancer development and define the underlying mechanism.

Methods
Cell viability and proliferation were assessed using CCK-8 and
EdU assays, respectively. Transwell assay was adopted to determine
cell migration and invasion. H3K18ac and H4K8ac enrichment in the
RING finger protein 123 (RNF123) promoter and the interaction
between lysine acetyltransferase2B (KAT2B) and RNF123 promoter were
analyzed by ChIP assay.

Results
RNF123 is weakly expressed in lung cancer, and its upregulation
represses lung cancer cell viability, proliferation, migration,
invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Sodium
tanshinone IIA sulfate (STS) treatment inhibits non-small cell lung
cancer cell malignant phenotypes, which are reversed by the
knockdown of RNF123. Mechanistically, TSIIA promotes KAT2B-mediated
H3K18ac modification of RNF123 and RNF123 expression in non-small
cell lung cancer cells. KAT2B knockdown prevents STS-induced
inhibition on non-small cell lung cancer cell malignant phenotypes.
RNF123 upregulation restores the effect of KAT2B knockdown on
STS-treated non-small cell lung cancer cell malignant
phenotypes.

Conclusion
TSIIA inhibits non-small cell lung cancer cell malignant
phenotypes via epigenetic modification of RNF123.
WITHDRAWN: Resveratrol alleviates testicular toxicity induced by anti-PD-1 through regulating the NRF2-SLC7A11-GPX4 pathway
Authors: Tuerxun Halahati , Zhao Yixin , Li Yawen , Liu Xingyu , Wen Shuhui , Zhao Yuguang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors while they make corrections to the work. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Principal Component Analysis of Spatial Water Quality Variation in Shallow Wells of Half London Ward, Tanzania
Authors: William Matungwa , Katambara Zacharia 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Groundwater is a crucial water source for urban areas in Africa, particularly where surface water is insufficient to meet demand. This study analyzes the water quality of five shallow wells (WW1-WW5) in Half-London Ward, Tunduma Town, Tanzania, using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to identify the primary factors influencing groundwater contamination. Monthly samples were collected over 12 months and analysed for physical, chemical, and biological parameters. The PCA revealed between four and six principal components (PCs) for each well, explaining between 84.61% and 92.55% of the total variance in water quality data. In WW1, five PCs captured 87.53% of the variability, with PC1 (33.05%) dominated by pH, EC, TDS, and microbial contamination, suggesting significant influences from surface runoff and pit latrines. In WW2, six PCs explained 92.55% of the variance, with PC1 (36.17%) highlighting the effects of salinity, TDS, and agricultural runoff. WW3 had four PCs explaining 84.61% of the variance, with PC1 (39.63%) showing high contributions from pH, hardness, and salinity, indicating geological influences and contamination from human activities. Similarly, in WW4, six PCs explained 90.83% of the variance, where PC1 (43.53%) revealed contamination from pit latrines and fertilizers. WW5 also had six PCs, accounting for 92.51% of the variance, with PC1 (42.73%) indicating significant contamination from agricultural runoff and pit latrines. The study concludes that groundwater quality in Half-London Ward is primarily affected by a combination of surface runoff, pit latrine contamination, agricultural inputs, and geological factors. The presence of microbial contaminants and elevated nitrate and phosphate levels underscores the need for improved sanitation and sustainable agricultural practices. Recommendations include strengthening sanitation infrastructure, promoting responsible farming techniques, and implementing regular groundwater monitoring to safeguard water resources and public health in the region.
The perils of premature evaluation: reassessing the application of Benford’s Law to the USA’s COVID-19 data
Authors: Dutta-Powell Ravi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This paper reviews earlier applications that claimed non-conformity of COVID-19 in the United States with Benford's Law, and uses later and more granular data to demonstrate that this was likely due to the data being unsuitable for applications of Benford’s Law. It also demonstrates that the same dataset, analysed in different ways, can show vastly different levels of conformity with Benford’s Law. Specifically, most US states show high degrees of conformity for COVID-19 cases and cumulative deaths when the Robust Order of Magnitude (ROM) is over three and data at the county level is used to analyse state outcomes. Conversely, when county data is aggregated to the state level and analysed (i.e., case totals for all counties are summed to create a single state figure for each day of the pandemic), every state shows nonconformity. Only new deaths showed the reverse pattern - this is likely because new deaths at the county level do not span sufficient orders of magnitude, and aggregation to the state level overcomes this. This suggests that some instances of non-conformity with Benford’s Law in the literature may be driven by applications to inappropriate datasets or methodological issues.
Towards explicit soft skills labelling in ESCO through semantic NLP analysis
Authors: Panzaru Ciprian , Grama Anamaria 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The classification and identification of soft skills within the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications, and Occupations (ESCO) framework presents a significant challenge, as ESCO does not explicitly indicate which of its listed skills are considered “soft”. This lack of clear labelling complicates the strategic alignment of educational programs and workforce development initiatives with the evolving demands of today’s labour market, where soft skills are increasingly recognised as essential for professional success. Our study seeks to address this challenge by conducting a systematic literature review to identify and define a comprehensive set of soft skills, and by employing Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques to map these skills to the ESCO taxonomy. Through semantic analysis and comparison of soft skills identified from scientific literature against the ESCO skillset, we establish a refined classification that explicitly labels soft skills within the ESCO framework. Our findings provide a necessary clarification of soft skills within the standardised European context, offering valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and HR professionals focused on fostering soft skills development. By clarifying the soft skills embedded within the ESCO framework, this research contributes to the advancement of skill taxonomies and promotes a more integrated approach to the development and assessment of soft skills.
Validity of a Consumer-Based Wearable to Measure Clinical Parameters in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Healthy Controls: Observational Study
Authors: Hermans Fien , Arents Eva , Blondeel Astrid , Janssens Wim , Cardinaels Nina , Calders Patrick , Troosters Thierry , Derom Eric , Demeyer Heleen 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Consumer-based wearables are becoming more popular and provide opportunities to track individual’s clinical parameters remotely. However, literature about their criterion and known-groups validity is scarce.

Objective
This study aimed to assess the validity of the Fitbit Charge 4, a wrist-worn consumer-based wearable, to measure clinical parameters (ie, daily step count, resting heart rate [RHR], heart rate variability [HRV], respiratory rate [RR], and oxygen saturation) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and healthy controls in free-living conditions in Belgium by comparing it with medical-grade devices.

Methods
Participants wore the Fitbit Charge 4 along with three medical-grade devices: (1) Dynaport MoveMonitor for 7 days, retrieving daily step count; (2) Polar H10 for 5 days, retrieving RHR, HRV, and RR; and (3) Nonin WristOX2 3150 for 4 nights, retrieving oxygen saturation. Criterion validity was assessed by investigating the agreement between day-by-day measures of the Fitbit Charge 4 and the corresponding reference devices. Known-groups validity was assessed by comparing patients with COPD and healthy controls.

Results
Data of 30 patients with COPD and 25 age- and gender-matched healthy controls resulted in good agreement between the Fitbit Charge 4 and the corresponding reference device for measuring daily step count (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC2,1]=0.79 and ICC2,1=0.85, respectively), RHR (ICC2,1=0.80 and ICC2,1=0.79, respectively), and RR (ICC2,1=0.84 and ICC2,1=0.77, respectively). The agreement for HRV was moderate (healthy controls: ICC2,1=0.69) to strong (COPD: ICC2,1=0.87). The agreement in measuring oxygen saturation in patients with COPD was poor (ICC2,1=0.32). The Fitbit device overestimated the daily step count and underestimated HRV in both groups. While RHR and RR were overestimated in healthy controls, no difference was observed in patients with COPD. Oxygen saturation was overestimated in patients with COPD. The Fitbit Charge 4 detected significant differences in daily step count, RHR, and RR between patients with COPD and healthy controls, similar to those identified by the reference devices, supporting known-groups validity.

Conclusions
Although the Fitbit Charge 4 shows mainly moderate to good agreement, measures of clinical parameters deviated from the reference devices, indicating that monitoring patients remotely and interpreting parameters requires caution. Differences in clinical parameters between patients with COPD and healthy controls that were measured by the reference devices were all detected by the Fitbit Charge 4.
Ethical Dilemmas Among Oncology Nurses in China: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ko Eunjeong , Shamsalizadeh Neda , Lee Jaehoon , Ni Ping 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Effective communication about cancer prognosis is imperative for enhancing the quality of end-of-life care and improving patient well-being. This practice is sensitive and is heavily influenced by cultural values, beliefs, and norms, which can lead to ethical dilemmas. Despite their significance, ethical challenges in nursing related to prognosis communication are understudied in China.

Objective
This study aimed to examine the ethical dilemmas relating to cancer prognosis communication and their associated factors.

Methods
A cross-sectional design was employed to survey 373 oncology nurses in mainland China. Data were collected on ethical dilemmas, attitudes, barriers, experiences with prognosis communication, sociodemographics, and practice-related information. Ordinary least squares regressions were used to identify factors contributing to ethical dilemmas.

Results
Participants reported a moderate level of ethical dilemmas in prognostic communication (mean 13.5, SD 3.42; range 5‐20). Significant predictors of these dilemmas included perceived barriers (P<.001), experiences with prognosis communication (P<.001), and years of work experience (P=.002). Nurses who perceived greater communication barriers, had more negative experiences with prognosis communication, and had less work experience were more likely to encounter ethical dilemmas in prognosis-related communication.

Conclusions
Chinese oncology nurses frequently encounter ethical dilemmas, as well as barriers, in communicating cancer prognoses. This study’s findings emphasize the importance of culturally tailored communication training. Collaborative interprofessional training, particularly through physician-nurse partnerships, can perhaps enhance the proficiency of cancer prognosis-related communication.
Efficacy and Safety of Murivenna Anal Infiltration Compared to Diltiazem Topical Application in Chronic Anal Fissure: Protocol for a Prospective, Randomized, Open-Label Clinical Trial
Authors: Shankar KM Pratap , Puthan Purayil Indu , Binitha Palengara , Rai Amit Kumar , Jameela Sophia , Ahmad Azeem , Bhogavalli Chandra Sekhara Rao , Srikanth Narayanam , Acharya Rabinarayan 
Published: November 2024

Background
Anal fissure is a common proctologic condition that causes significant pain and anguish to patients, significantly impacting their quality of life and well-being. There are various treatment options for anal fissure, ranging from pharmacological agents that reduce anal sphincter tone to surgical interventions for cases resistant to medical management. Ayurvedic treatments have shown potential for the therapeutic management of anal fissure.

Objective
This clinical study aims to analyze the efficacy and safety of murivenna anal infiltration compared to diltiazem topical application in chronic anal fissure.

Methods
This is an open-labeled, randomized, controlled parallel group clinical trial with a sample size of 66 participants to be randomized and allocated in a 1:1 ratio to 2 groups. The intervention group will be treated with murivenna anal infiltration, and the control group will be treated with topical application of diltiazem for a period of 4 weeks. The primary outcome will be the proportion of participants demonstrating complete healing after 4 weeks of treatment. The secondary outcomes will be the proportion of participants demonstrating complete healing after 7 days and 14 days of treatment, change in pain at or after defecation, cessation of bleeding, and any recurrence during the study period. Any adverse events will also be recorded during the trial period.

Results
The project was funded in July 2023, and the study period is 24 months. Participant recruitment started in December 2023. As of August 2024, we have enrolled 50 participants. The data analysis will be complete by June 2025, and the results are expected to be published by August 2025.

Conclusions
High recurrence rates, adverse effects, incomplete healing, and the negative impact on patients’ daily activities and quality of life underscore the need for alternative therapeutic options. Ayurveda offers potential for more sustainable relief with fewer adverse effects. Murivenna oil is a time-tested medicated oil effectively used by Ayurvedic physicians for various ulcers of traumatic and pathological origin. This study will provide scientific evidence on the efficacy and safety of murivenna anal infiltration; further, it can be incorporated into the cost-effective management of chronic anal fissure.

Trial Registration
Clinical Trials Registry India CTRI/2023/09/057330; https://tinyurl.com/y4ut9e8p

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
DERR1-10.2196/63063