bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancement in stability of air bubbles in mortar at fresh state with different SCMs
Authors: Jiang Qian , Yu Cheng , Zhang Qian 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The stability of air bubbles is a crucial factor in determining the workability, strength, durability and surface quality of concrete. There is a growing interest in the regulation of air bubble stability in concrete industry. This study examines the influence of various supplementary cementing materials (SCMs, 20% by weight in replacement of cement) on the foam/air bubble stability. The time-dependent evolutions of foaming height and air bubble size distribution were tested, which reflected the trend of the influence of different SCMs on the foam/air bubble stability in solutions or mortars. The air bubble size distribution in mortar was tested using AVA (air void analyzer) from 5 minutes to 60 minutes and X-CT from 60 minutes to 180 minutes after the mixture were prepared. The results demonstrated that over time, the number of small bubbles decreased, while the number of large bubbles increased. The primary change occurred within the initial 60 minutes. The results of the wettability test were combined with those of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis to identify a correlation between the stability of air bubbles and the wetting angle of the supplementary cementitious material (SCM). The wetting angle of the SCM was found to be within 90° in cases where the air bubbles were more stable. Furthermore, the XRD patterns revealed significant differences in the mineral compositions between the air bubble shells and the screened pastes from fresh mortar. The presence of more SCMs and hydration products on the air bubble shells than in the paste was identified as a potential reason for the observed differences in air bubble stability. The utilization of specific SCMs has the potential to enhance the air bubble stability in the context of concrete construction engineering, in addition to chemical admixtures.
Role of Inflammatory Markers and Doppler Parameters in Late-Onset Fetal Growth Restriction: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Ulusoy Can Ozan , Kurt Ahmet , Seyhanli Zeynep , Hizli Burak , Bucak Mevlut , Agaoglu Recep Taha , Oguz Yuksel , Yucel Kadriye Yakut 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study evaluates the association of novel inflammatory markers and Doppler parameters in late-onset FGR, utilizing a machine learning approach to enhance predictive accuracy.
Materials and methods
A retrospective case-control study was conducted at the Department of Perinatology, Ministry of Health Etlik City Hospital, Ankara, from 2023 to 2024. The study included 240 patients between 32–37 weeks of gestation, divided equally between patients diagnosed with late-onset FGR and a control group. We focused on novel inflammatory markers—systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), and neutrophil-percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR)—and their correlation with Doppler parameters of umbilical and uterine arteries. Machine learning algorithms were employed to analyze data collected, including demographic, neonatal, and clinical parameters, to develop a predictive model for FGR.
Results
The machine learning model, specifically the Random Forest algorithm, effectively integrated the inflammatory markers with Doppler parameters to predict FGR. NPAR showed a significant correlation with FGR presence, providing a robust tool in the predictive model. In contrast, SII and SIRI, while useful, did not achieve the same level of predictive accuracy. The model highlighted the potential of combining ultrasound measurements with inflammatory markers to improve diagnostic accuracy for late-onset FGR.
Conclusions
This study illustrates the efficacy of integrating machine learning with traditional diagnostic methods to enhance the prediction of late-onset FGR. Further research with a larger cohort is recommended to validate these findings and refine the predictive model, which could lead to improved clinical outcomes for affected pregnancies.
The take-home message:
This study demonstrates that combining novel inflammatory markers, particularly the neutrophil-percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), with Doppler ultrasound parameters can significantly improve the prediction accuracy of late-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) using a machine learning approach. This integration of machine learning with traditional diagnostic methods provides a more robust and cost-effective tool for the early diagnosis and management of FGR in clinical settings.
The Necessity of Prophylactic Central Lymph Node Dissection in Clinically N0 Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Perspective from the Endemic Region
Authors: Özel Tuğba Matlım , Soytaş Yiğit , Akbulut Sezer , Çelik Aykut , Yıldız Görkem , Karatay Hüseyin , Sarı Serkan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Prophylactic central lymph node dissection (pCND) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is still a matter of debate. Therefore, we aimed to identify the factors affecting central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in patients with clinically node-negative (cN0) PTC.
Methods: This retrospective study included 248 patients with cN0 PTC who underwent total thyroidectomy (TT) or TT+pCND. Clinicopathological associations among CLNMs, complication rates and the effect of pCND on staging were assessed. Risk factors (RFs) and the pattern of lymph node metastasis (LNMs) in PTC patients were studied via multivariate analysis.
Results: A total of 216 patients underwent pCND, and 51.2% (127/216) had positive CLNMs. Male patients, aged <41 years, and those with lymphatic invasion were identified as RFs for CLNM, with odds ratios of 2.59, 2.26, and 4.09, respectively. Among the 216 patients, 65 (30%) had transient hypoparathyroidism (HPT) , and 20 (9.3%) had permanent HPT. Transient recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy occurred in 15 (6.9%) patients, and permanent RLN palsy occurred in 3 (1.4%) patients. Over 55 years of age, 46.7% of patients were upstaged according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM staging system, and 14.2% (n=18) of the 127 patients with CLNMs were upgraded according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk stratification (RS) system.
Conclusion: Taken together, in terms of the high incidence rate of CLNM in cN0 PTC patients;
We believe that routine pCND, which can be performed with low morbidity rates, is optimal for cN0 PTC patients during their first treatment, especially for those with RFs for CLNM.
Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Orthorexia Nervosa Inventory (ONI)
Authors: Sun Xinzhang , Lu YING , Jian CHENGPING , Zhang HANQING 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is an emerging clinical eating disorder characterized by an obsessive and pathological focus on healthy eating. In recent years, the Orthorexia Nervosa Inventory (ONI) has gained recognition as a promising tool for assessing orthorexic tendencies and behaviors, addressing the limitations of existing ON-specific measures. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the ONI.
Methods
A total of 717 participants (Mage = 20.11 years, 78.66% female) completed the Orthorexia Nervosa Inventory (ONI) alongside the Chinese version of the Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale (C-DOS). The ONI was translated into Chinese using the Brislin traditional translation model, following formal authorization from the original author. This translation process included literal translation, back translation, and cultural adaptation to ensure both linguistic and contextual fidelity. Item analysis was employed to assess item differentiation, while the Delphi method was used to evaluate content validity. Scale reliability was determined by measuring internal consistency. Furthermore, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to investigate and confirm the underlying factor structure and overall validity of the scale.
Results
The Chinese version of the Orthorexia Nervosa Inventory (ONI) comprises 24 items across three dimensions. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the overall scale was 0.922, with individual dimensions having coefficients of 0.930, 0.925, and 0.855, respectively. The Spearman-Brown split-half reliability coefficient was 0.931, and McDonald's ω was also 0.931, indicating strong reliability. The KMO value was 0.949, well above the acceptable threshold of 0.600, confirming the data's suitability for factor analysis. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with varimax orthogonal rotation retained items with loadings greater than 0.40 on a single factor. The resulting three-factor structure explained 62.439% of the total variance. All model fit indices fell within acceptable ranges, affirming the structural validity of the Chinese version. The results from both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses further supported this conclusion.
Conclusion
This study successfully translated and culturally adapted the ONI into Chinese, followed by a comprehensive evaluation of its psychometric properties. The findings demonstrate that the Chinese version of the ONI possesses strong reliability and validity. In the context of varying cultural backgrounds and dietary habits, this scale serves as a valid tool for assessing and screening the Chinese ON population.
Construction and validation of the validity of a column chart based on pulse oximetry perfusion index and its difference multiplier to predict the anesthetic effect of epidural anesthesia for cesarean delivery surgery
Authors: Li Jiawei , Hu Jing , Chen Lu , Du Jianhua , Yuan Yingchuan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To assess the application of PI and dPI in epidural anesthesia for cesarean delivery, to determine the effect of anesthesia, and to provide predictive criteria for determining whether the plane of anesthesia is appropriate for surgery.
METHODS
179 women undergoing cesarean section in the Department of Obstetrics of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University were included, and after epidural anesthesia was administered, the PI values of the index finger of the hand and the thumb of the foot were measured at 5min, 7min, and 9min after administration of the drug, and when the plane of anesthesia reached T6, respectively. The model was constructed using the 5-min data and expressed using a line graph, the model performance was evaluated using ROC curves, DCA curves, and clinical impact curves, and finally, the model was tested using internal validation and external validation using the 7- and 9-min data as external data.
RESULTS
Patients with higher dPI (> 1.85) as well as higher PI (> 4.15) had significantly higher rates of achieving anesthesia after epidural anesthesia; the column plots were satisfactorily calibrated and discriminated between the training cohort, internal validation cohort and external validation cohort (C-index for the training cohort was 0.989, for the internal validation cohort was 0.989, for the external validation cohort was 0.885); in addition DCA as well as clinical decision curves indicated a net clinical benefit for the column-line diagram.
CONCLUSION
Both PI and dPI were identified as independent predictors and ultimately included in the model, which can be used to predict the effectiveness of the plane of anesthesia in women undergoing cesarean delivery after epidural anesthesia.
Gallium-68 citrate PET/CT for diagnosis and treatment response assessment of infections - Prospective study.
Authors: Johnson Hanna Elizabeth , Sunny Saumya Sara , Hephzibah Julie , Mathew David , Oommen Regi , Shanthly Nylla , Rupali Priscilla , Thomas Regi , Sundaresan Rajan , Samuel Sumant , Oommen Anil , Krishnan Venkatesh , K. Reka 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of Ga-68 citrate PET/CT imaging for diagnosing infection and for the assessment of treatment response. The scan interpretation was based on visual comparison of uptake of Ga-68 citrate in the region of interest which was compared to the normal side / adjacent soft tissue / blood pool. Semi-quantitative parameter maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was retrospectively analysed as well. The PET/CT findings were correlated with tissue diagnosis, clinical symptoms, biochemical parameters like C- reactive protein (CRP), Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and Total leucocyte count (TLC) and other imaging modalities with a statistically significant association with inflammatory markers CRP (p = 0.001) and ESR (p = 0.07). Tissue diagnosis was considered the gold standard and out of the 43 patients included in the study, 28 had a tissue diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values were calculated at 100%, 66.6%, 85%, and 100%. Ga-68 citrate is a promising tool for assessing the presence of skeletal/soft tissue infections for diagnosis and treatment response assessment, significantly impacting clinical decision-making in accurately treating patients and surgical planning.
CT imaging using variable helical pitch scanning for lower extremity arterial disease: reduced contrast medium dose, improved image quality and diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Li Xiao-Shi , Geng Ji-Gang , Zhu Yin-Hu , Liu Li-Yao , Qiao Yan-Qiang , Ma Yong-Li , Lu Lu , Song Chang-Rui , Qin Yue , Chen Guo-Ping , Xu Min , Wang Ya-Rong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to explore the feasibility of reducing contrast medium (CM) volume, improving image quality and diagnostic accuracy using variable helical pitch (VHP) scanning for patients with lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD).
Materials and Methods
Eighty patients who underwent lower extremity CT angiography (CTA) were prospectively enrolled and randomly assigned to either the VHP group (n = 40) or the conventional group (n = 40). Quantitative parameters and qualitative scores were compared between the two groups. Additionally, out of these patients, 72 arteries from 18 patients had DSA as the reference standard, and the diagnostic accuracy for the degree of vessel stenosis was assessed and compared.
Results
In the VHP group, the contrast volume was significantly lower than in the conventional group (79.55 ± 11.87 mL vs. 89.63 ± 10.03 mL, p < 0.001), showing a reduction of 12.7%. For all image quality characteristics, scores in VHP group were significantly superior to those to those in the conventional groups (all p < 0.05). Quantitative analysis revealed that images from the VHP group exhibited superior CT enhancement, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in the anterior tibial arteries (ATA) and dorsali pedis arteries (DPA) compared to the conventional group (all p < 0.001). Moreover, the VHP group demonstrated significantly higher positive predictive value (PPV) and accuracy than the conventional group (PPV: 100% vs. 76.19%, p = 0.01; accuracy: 100% vs. 84.38%, p = 0.01, respectively).
Conclusions
The implementation of the VHP protocol led to a 12.7% decrease in contrast medium dosage compared to the conventional lower extremity CTA scanning protocol. Furthermore, it improved image quality and diagnostic accuracy, particularly for arteries below the knee.
Artificial Intelligence Support Improves Diagnosis Accuracy in Anterior Segment Eye Diseases
Authors: Maehara Hiroki , Ueno Yuta , Yamaguchi Takefumi , Kitaguchi Yoshiyuki , Miyazaki Dai , Nejima Ryohei , Inomata Takenori , Kato Naoko , Chikama Tai-ichiro , Ominato Jun , Yunoki Tatsuya , Tsubota Kinya , Oda Masahiro , Suzutani Manabu , Sekiryu Tetsuju , Oshika Tetsuro 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

CorneAI, a deep learning model designed for diagnosing cataracts and corneal diseases, was assessed for its impact on ophthalmologists' diagnostic accuracy. In the study, 40 ophthalmologists (20 specialists and 20 residents) classified 100 images, including iPhone 13 Pro photos (50 images) and diffuser slit-lamp photos (50 images), into nine categories (normal condition, infectious keratitis, immunological keratitis, corneal scar, corneal deposit, bullous keratopathy, ocular surface tumor, cataract/intraocular lens opacity, and primary angle-closure glaucoma). The iPhone and slit-lamp images represented the same cases. After initially answering without CorneAI, the same ophthalmologists responded to the same cases with CorneAI 2–4 weeks later. With CorneAI's support, the overall accuracy of ophthalmologists increased significantly from 79.2–88.8% (P < 0.001). Specialists' accuracy rose from 82.8–90.0%, and residents' from 75.6–86.2% (P < 0.001). Smartphone image accuracy improved from 78.7–85.5% and slit-lamp image accuracy from 81.2–90.6% (both, P < 0.001). In this study, CorneAI's own accuracy was 86%, but its support enhanced ophthalmologists' accuracy beyond the CorneAI's baseline. This study demonstrated that CorneAI, despite being trained on diffuser slit-lamp images, effectively improved diagnostic accuracy, even with smartphone images.
Application of Santulli enterostomy in the treatment of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fu Zhe , Zhang Jingmin , Qin Fanyue , Wang Xinru , Huang Hua , Huang Hongwei , Zheng Mingjun , Wang Peng , Zhang Weibo , Shi Hongguang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The Santulli enterostomy (SE) has been used as a clinical surgical treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in few studies which enrolled small number cases or lacked control group. Our study aimed to compare the clinical safety and efficacy of Santulli enterostomy with single- or double-lumen enterostomy in neonatal NEC through a retrospective cohort study. 110 patients met the criteria were divided into the SE group with 64 cases and the conventional enterostomy group with 46 cases who underwent single- or double-lumen enterostomy. There were no significant differences in complications and prognoses between the two groups after enterostomy. The stoma location in the SE group was higher (20 [11,37] cm vs 10 [4.5,15,5] cm), but the unused small intestine (USI) length was not significantly different (13 [5,20] cm vs 10 [4.5,15,5] cm). Multivariate analysis showed that USI length was the influence factor of malnutritional status after enterostomy (OR=1.103, P<0.001). The operation time, intestinal recovery time, fasting time, hospitalization time and intraoperative blood loss were all significantly less and the incidence of complications was lower in the SE group after stoma closure. Multivariate analysis showed that SE was a protective factor for complications after stoma closure (OR=0.036, P=0.006). Santulli enterostomy is a safe treatment option for NEC and can increase the effective utilization length of the small intestine after enterostomy, thereby improving the postoperative nutritional status. In addition, it enhances the recovery process and reduces the incidence of complications after stoma closure.
Predicting new-onset persistent conduction block following transcatheter aortic valve replacement: The usefulness of FEOPS finite element analysis
Authors: Wang Maode , Wang Yong , Debusschere Nic , Rocatello Giorgia , Jin Jun , Yu Shiyong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Despite the frequency of persistent new-onset conduction blocks after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), few preoperative methods of prediction exist.
Methods: Patients who underwent TAVR in the Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of the Army Medical University from December 2020 to September 2021 and postoperative aortic root modeling via the FEOPS finite element analysis were included in this single-center case-control study, divided into persistent conduction blocks (PCB)and non-PCB groups according to their pre- and postoperative electrocardiograms in the first month post-surgery. Risk factors affecting PCB were identified by comparing the baseline data of these two groups, including echocardiograms, computed tomography angiography of the aortic root, surgical decision-making, and FEOPS data. Independent risk factors were screened using logistic regression modeling, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to test the predictive ability.
Results: A total of 56 patients were included in this study, 37 with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and 19 with trileaflet aortic valve (TAV), with 17 cases of PCB. FEOPS of the contact pressure index (CPI), valve oversize ratio, differences between membranous interventricular septum length and implantation depth (ΔMSID), valve implantation depth were statistically different (P < 0.05). CPI could be used as an independent risk factor for PCB (P < 0.05), and the ROC curve comparison showed that the CPI was more predictive (AUC = 0.806, 95% CI: 0.684-0.928, P = 0.001).
Conclusions: FEOPS has better predictive value for new-onset conduction block after TAVR compared to other known predictors.
Enhancing Pediatric Emergency Training: The Impact of Virtual Reality- Simulations on Medical Student Knowledge and Learning Experience
Authors: Keicher Franca , Müller Mirja , Ruf Katharina , Härtel Christoph , König Sarah , Mühling Tobias 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Pediatric emergencies present significant risks, and medical students often have limited exposure to these situations, hindering the development of clinical skills. Virtual reality (VR) simulations offer a solution by providing high-fidelity experiences for practicing clinical reasoning and procedures. This study aimed to assess knowledge gain and gather student perspectives following a pediatric emergency VR simulation.
Methods
A 45-minute VR case scenario involving a newborn with late-onset sepsis was developed and implemented as part of the clinical rotation for medical students. Students' knowledge was assessed before and after the seminar using open text questions. Additionally, a post-seminar questionnaire was employed to gather feedback on estimated learning success, the efficiency of the simulation, and the didactic concept.
Results
Students demonstrated a significant enhancement in objective knowledge, with average scores increasing from 7.80 ± 2.1 points before the seminar to 10.90 ± 1.2 points after (out of a maximum of 12 points). Knowledge of nearly all individual diagnostic and therapeutic measures showed a significant increase. Accordingly, participants reported a high level of estimated learning success within the VR scenario. They also appreciated the utilization of VR simulations for instructing pediatric emergencies. The presence of a clinician expert throughout the seminar was well-received as integral part of the didactic concept.
Conclusions
VR simulations for pediatric emergencies offer a practical means for students to link theoretical knowledge with practical skills. They prove to be a motivating educational tool that leads to a quantifiable enhancement in students' knowledge.