bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality and Readability Assessment of Arabic Online Content for Developmental Dysplasia of The Hip: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Addar Abdullah , Algarni Nizar , AlAngari Saad 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

· Background: The suitability of online health information is assessed through the quality of information and readability of the public. Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the most common paediatric hip disorder and one in which improved health literacy through patient education material (PEM) can impact outcomes directly. Assessing Arabic online content about DDH can help improve literacy for Arabic-speaking parents and patients.
· Methods: A cross-sectional survey of web pages with PEM on DDH written in Arabic, inclusion criteria were: online PEM regarding DDH, written in Arabic, and provided with free access. Quality assessment was performed using the DISCERN tool. Readability assessment was performed with the Flesch-Kincaid (FK) score, the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), and the Flesch-Reading Ease score (FRE). The search was done on January 2024.
· Results: Fifty-eight web pages were included in the final analysis. The quality of information was moderate to low, with a mean DISCERN score of 35.15 (SD=7.94). Readability was acceptable, with the mean Flesch-Kincaid grade level at 6.78 (SD=6.67, 0.64-30.82). The mean SMOG score was 3.56 (SD=1.18, 3-8.84). Moreover, the Flesch readability ease score (FRE) averaged 85.96 (SD=17.25, 32.15-110.72).
· Conclusions: Arabic online PEM on DDH is of moderate to low quality, despite acceptable readability. Official organizations are encouraged to publish a higher volume of PEM that satisfies quality and readability standards.
The NACA score predicts mortality in polytrauma patients before hospital admission: A registry-based study.
Authors: Fiore Paolo Ivan , Monteleone Andrea Stefano , Müller Jochen , Filardo Giuseppe , Candrian Christian , Riegger Martin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: The early assessment of the severity of polytrauma patients is key for their optimal management. The aim of this study was to investigate the discriminative performance of the NACA score in a large dataset by stratifying the severity of polytraumatized patients in correlation to Injury Severity Score (ISS), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and mortality.
Methods: This study on the Swiss Trauma Registry investigated 2239 polytraumatized patient (54.3±22.8 years) enrolled from 2015 to 2023: 0.5% were NACA 3, 76.7% NACA 4, 21.4% NACA 5, and 1.4% NACA 6. The NACA predictive value of patients’ mortality was investigated, as well as the correlation of ISS and GCS scores, and other factors influencing patients’ survival at discharge and after 28 days.
Results: In NACA 4 and 5 the survival rate during hospitalization was 97.7% and 82.5%, respectively, and 28-day mortality 3.5% and 23.5%, respectively (p<0.0005). NACA correlated with GCS in the prehospital phase and in the emergency room (p<0.0005), as well as with ISS (p<0.0005). NACA 4 and 5 presented different injury patterns (fall <3m vs vehicle accident) with NACA 5 requiring more CPR and intubation (p<0.001, p<0.0005). The ROC AUC analysis showed the prehospital NACA and GCS values as the strongest variables predicting patients’ survival.
Conclusions: This study provides valuable evidence supporting the effectiveness of the NACA score in assessing the severity of polytrauma patients. The NACA is a valid score for assessing polytrauma, correlating with both the pre-ER as well as the ER condition, as well as the post-hospitalization ISS assessment of patient severity.
noSpliceVelo infers gene expression dynamics without separating unspliced and spliced transcripts
Authors: Maslov Sergei , Mahajan Tarun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Modern single-cell transcriptomics has revolutionized biological research, but because of its destructive nature, it provides only static snapshots. Computational approaches that infer RNA velocity from the ratio of unspliced to spliced mRNA levels can be used to predict how gene expression changes over time.
However, information about unspliced and spliced transcripts is not always available and may change on a timescale too short to accurately infer transitions between cellular states. Here we present noSpliceVelo, a novel technique for reconstructing RNA velocity without relying on unspliced and spliced transcripts. Instead, it exploits the temporal relationship between the variance and mean of bursty gene expression using a well-established biophysical model. When evaluated on datasets describing mouse pancreatic endocrinogenesis, mouse and human erythroid maturation, and neuronal stimulation in mouse embryonic cortex, noSpliceVelo performed comparably or better than scVelo, a splicing-based approach. In addition, noSpliceVelo inferred key biophysical parameters of gene regulation, specifically burst size and frequency, potentially distinguishing between transcriptional and epigenetic regulation.
DNA Origami Structural Integrity Tracked In Vivo Using Proximity Ligation
Authors: Högberg Björn , Wang Yang , Rocamonde-Lago Iris , Waldvogel Janine , Zang Shuya , Baars Igor , Kloosterman Alexander , Shen Boxuan ,   Ian T Hoffecker3, He Qin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

DNA origami holds great potential for advancing therapeutics, yet the lack of precise in vivo structural assessment methods prevents its translation. We introduce the Proximity Ligation Assay for Structural Tracking and Integrity Quantification (PLASTIQ), a method that resolves origami structural integrity in vivo. PLASTIQ requires just 1 µL of blood and has a detection limit of 0.01 femtomolar. Through PLASTIQ, we could observe detailed degrading dynamics of origamis during blood circulation, and evaluate the effectiveness of PEGylation for slowing this process. Additionally, by employing a double-layered barrel-like origami structure, we found distinct degradation kinetics among DNA helices in different spatial zones, revealing slower degradation of internal helices compared to outer ones. PLASTIQ is thus an accurate new approach for assessing origami integrity in vivo, providing dynamic pharmaceutical-level insights for accelerating the development of DNA origami-based drugs.
Rare metastasis of renal cell carcinoma to the bladder with a new hypothesis and literature review: Case report
Authors: Manav Alper Nesip , Şahin Gökhan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to the bladder is extremely rare. A total of 1.6% of the patients were found via autopsy reports.
Case presentation:
A 44-year-old male patient underwent left nephroureterectomy + ureteral cuff resection because of a left endophytic renal mass and suspected upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Pathology revealed papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC). In the patient with hematuria, a 16x11 mm mass was detected on the left sidewall of the bladder 2 years after nephrectomy. Papillary RCC was detected after complete transurethral resection of the bladder tumor. When we evaluated the literature, we developed the hypothesis that the periureteral venous plexus pathway is involved in metastasis. Left iliac lymph node metastasis was detected via postoperative positron emission tomography (PET-CT). After 6 months of sunitinib treatment, the metastatic lymphadenopathy was found to regress on PET-CT.
Conclusion
Solitary resectable intravesical metastatic RCC is a good prognostic factor. Late-onset systemic metastasis may be observed and should be considered during follow-up. If necessary, PET-CT scanning should be performed, and the patient can be treated with sunitinib.
A novel intelligent prediction approach with optimal dimensional reduction on shrinkage defects in iron casting
Authors: Hernández-Briones Miguel A. , Reséndiz-Flores Edgar O. , Serrano-Toledo José L. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This study presents a quantitative prediction model with an optimal dimensional reduction technique for the first time in the context of shrinkage defects in a Compact Graphite Iron (CGI) engine cylinder head. The model is built on the Support Vector Regression (SVR) machine learning algorithm and the Mahalanobis-Taguchi System (MTS) is incorporated for dimensional reduction purposes. An in-depth analysis of 41 process variables has been conducted to identify the crucial factors influencing the shrinkage defect. The chosen variables were then used to feed the intelligent prediction model. Optimal tuning of SVR hyperparameters was achieved by evaluating adjustments over the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) for training and testing datasets while simultaneously minimizing RMSE when predicting the defect size. Results were experimentally validated through Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray detection (SEM-EDX).
Significant Reduction in Tonle Sap Lake's Critical Flood Pulse Caused by Human-Induced Riverbed Lowering
Authors: Le Quan , Hackney Christopher , Vasilopoulos Grigorios , Coulthard Thomas , Hung Nguyen Nghia , Darby Stephen , Parsons Daniel 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The Tonle Sap Lake (TSL), a vital component of the Mekong River, is renowned as one of the world’s most productive lake-wetland systems. The lake’s high productivity is intimately related to an annual flood pulse that is driven by Mekong River flood waters forcing a unique flow reversal along the Tonle Sap River into the lake. During the dry season the floodwaters are returned to the Mekong River, sustaining vital freshwater fluxes to the downstream delta, inhabited by 23 million people. Recent observations have revealed notable changes in the timing and duration of the reverse flow into the TSL, resulting in associated reductions in lake inundation extents. Previous work has identified changes in flow regimes as a possible cause of the observed decline of the reverse flow. In contrast, here we show how riverbed lowering along the mainstem of the Mekong River – driven by accelerating channel bed sand mining and trapping of sediments through upstream hydropower damming – of 3.06 m (σ= 2.03 m), has resulted in a reduction of the water flux into the TSL by up to 47% from 1998 to 2018. We additionally show that projected future (to the year 2038) riverbed lowering, resulting from ongoing sandmining, of up to 5.92 m (σ) = 2.84 m), would result in a further decline of water flux into the TSL of ~ 69% relative to the bathymetry condition in 1998. These ongoing reductions are reducing the maximum extent of seasonally flooded areas by ~ 40% around the lake, presenting a critical threat to its biological productivity and the entire functioning of the TSL flood pulse system. Additionally, these changes in the reverse flow would increase, by around 26 billion m³, the flow that would be transmitted downstream into the Mekong delta during the monsoon season, potentially contributing to increased flood risk downstream as well as reducing dry season ‘return’ water fluxes to the delta by 59%, presenting risks of accelerated saltwater intrusion and reduced agricultural productivity within the delta. Taken together our modelling results show the importance of sediment and river bed levels to the sustainability of the TSL flood pulse and that its future function will be significantly diminished if current levels of sediment extraction from the Mekong system continue.
Investigating the Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Vaccination Infection Status of Iranian Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Owlia Fatemeh , Kargar Mohammad-Javad , Kazemipoor Maryam 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Dental students have the potential risk of COVID-19 exposure due to close contact with patients and aerosol-generating procedures. This study aims to touch upon the frequency of COVID-19 infection after different doses of vaccination among Iranian dental students in 2022.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was used to collect self-reported COVID-19 status. A total of 261 dental students volunteered to participate in the study. A total of 252 valid forms were gathered, with a response rate of 96.55%. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, mean and standard deviation, and Chi-square and Fisher exact tests by Spss17 (Chicago, USA) software.
Results: The rate of COVID-19 infection significantly decreased after the first and third doses of vaccination. The rate of COVID-19 infection was not very different after the first, second, and third doses of the vaccine according to the type of vaccine. Despite gender, there was no significant difference between the study year and type of vaccine with the frequency of COVID-19 involvement. Serious complications following injection of AstraZeneca vaccine in all doses were observed in comparison to other types.
Conclusion:
Vaccination could decrease the rate of COVID-19 infection among dental students. The duration of COVID-19 infection also decreased after administration of different vaccine doses. There was no significant difference in the infection rate among students based on the type of vaccine received. Further studies should be conducted to explore the potential side effects and long-term effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines.
A deep learning framework based on SSM for detecting small and occluded objects in complex underwater environments
Authors: Zhuang Yaoming , Liu Jiaming , Zhao Haoyang , Ma Longyu , Li Li , Wu Chengdong , Cui Wei , Liu Zhanlin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Regular monitoring of marine life is essential for preserving the stability of marine ecosystems. However, underwater target detection presents several challenges, particularly in balancing accuracy with model efficiency and real-time performance. To address these issues, we propose an innovative approach that combines the Structured Space Model (SSM) with feature enhancement, specifically designed for small target detection in underwater environments. We developed a high-accuracy, lightweight detection model—UWNet. The results demonstrate that UWNet excels in detection accuracy, particularly in identifying difficult-to-detect organisms like starfish and scallops. Compared to other models, UWNet reduces the number of model parameters by 5% to 390%, significantly improving computational efficiency while maintaining top detection accuracy. Its lightweight design enhances the model's applicability for deployment on underwater robots, enabling effective real-time detection of subaquatic targets.
Association between the Rotavirus Vaccine and Intussusception in China: Study Protocol for Target Trial Emulation
Authors: Wang Yulin , Liu Zhike , Gào Xīn , Yang Junting , Zhang Mengdi , Zhan Siyan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background:Rotavirus vaccines represent a cost-effective and efficacious strategy for the prevention and management of severe rotavirus gastroenteritis, but potential associations of vaccines with intussusception often raise concerns, and this relationship has rarely been reported in China.
Methods:This study aims to explicitly emulate a target trial that is consistent with previous randomized controlled trials and subsequently conducts a nested case-control study to evaluate the risk of intussusception within 90 days of rotavirus vaccination. The study will utilize local birth cohorts from 2015 to 2023 across three locations: Ningbo city, Chongqing city, and Jiangsu Province, where the feasibility of accessing electronic healthcare records has been confirmed through a pilot assessment. Cases of suspected intussusception will be identified from various diagnostic settings, including outpatient and inpatient records, imaging, enema records, and surgical reports, adhering to Brighton's criteria for the inclusion of first-occurring cases classified as Brighton certainty level 1. The risk of intussusception will be evaluated via pooled logistic regression methods, adjusting for age, sex, birth season, site, pregnancy exposure, etc. Subgroup analyses will include the postvaccination period, vaccine type, number of doses, and full vaccination. Sensitivity analysis will consider the vaccination day 0, multiple imputation for missing data, propensity score matching, self-controlled analysis, and negative outcome control.
Discussion:This is the first, multicenter, large-scale, proactive surveillance study of the risk of intussusception after rotavirus vaccination in China. With the framework of target trial emulation, the nested case-control design would minimize or control relevant bias and confounding in real-world comparative safety studies. This evidence will support the decision of immunization programs in China and contribute to addressing the vaccine hesitancy worldwide.
Coevolution of cooperative lifestyles and low cancer incidence in mammals
Authors: Blaustein Matías , Sierra Catalina , Maxwell Julián , Flaibani Nicolás , Vega Constanza Sánchez de la , Ventura Alejandra , Lavagnino Nicolás 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The development of cancer has been traditionally seen as a ‘side-effect’ of other processes under selection or conceived as selectively neutral since cancer tends to occur after reproduction1. Although some mammals present molecular mechanisms that confer resistance to developing tumors, cancer is widely distributed throughout the tree of life2–4. In fact, ecological systems can experience counterintuitive increases in population size, a phenomenon known as hydra effect, when a subpopulation exhibits higher mortality rates5–7. Here, we work under the hypothesis that cancer risk across the tree of life might have been fine-tuned by evolution. A high incidence of cancer could have a neutral, negative or even positive adaptive value, depending on life history and lifestyle traits associated with the eco-evolutionary context of each species. By using public databases on cancer-related mortality of mammals, we show that species with cooperative habits have lower cancer risk. We demonstrate by mathematical modeling that higher cancer incidence in older less or post-reproductive individuals can lead to an increase in the population size (hydra effect) in a context of intraspecific competition. On the contrary, in species in which older individuals show supportive habits, population size increases as cancer mortality rates of older individuals decrease.
Stealth in Plain Sight: The Hidden Threat of PowerShell Fileless Malware and Its Evasion of Modern EDRs &amp; AVs
Authors: Elghaly Yehia M. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

These findings illuminate the potential vulnerabilities of current security solutions and highlight the need for enhanced detection strategies against fileless PowerShell threats. By offering critical insights, this research contributes to fortifying cybersecurity defenses against increasingly sophisticated fileless threats.
As the frequency of fileless PowerShell attacks, which are exploited by Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups and cybercriminals continues to rise the need, for defense measures becomes more crucial than before. This study aims to explore the detection capabilities of defense mechanisms like Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Advanced Antivirus (AV) solutions when faced with these threats. Currently APT groups and cybercriminals are favouring fileless PowerShell scripts due, to their ability to bypass defenses. Furthermore, the absence of antivirus solutions and EDRs can leave organizations exposed to attacks. This trend highlights the timeliness and critical significance of our research.
I have developed and tested a novel PowerShell reverse shell, delivered in both PS1 and EXE formats, against sixteen 16 different security solutions. These include both paid and open-source Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems, as well as total security and premium antivirus software. This study uniquely focuses on analyzing the impact of script-to-executable conversion and varying persistence methods on detection rates. Additionally, I evaluated the effect of stealthy functions embedded within the PowerShell scripts. Furthermore, I utilized PowerShell code obfuscation techniques to determine if they could evade current security solutions.
Two different types of reverse shells were evaluated in a controlled environment. The initial version, which was publicly shared underwent testing, by the cybersecurity community. On the hand, the second version, which incorporated stealth techniques underwent private testing, on various antivirus and EDR systems.
Preliminary results revealed that both the PS1 script and the EXE formats managed to successfully bypass many AVs, EDRs, and XDRs. These findings shed light on the potential vulnerabilities of current security solutions and underscore the need for enhanced detection strategies against fileless PowerShell threats. By offering critical insights, this research contributes to the fortification of cybersecurity defenses against increasingly sophisticated fileless threats.
Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on water quality of major rivers in Sri Lanka
Authors: Hewakoon Harindu P. , Miguntanna Nandika , Siriwardhana Kushan D. , Rathnayake Upaka 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 lockdown resulted in a reduction in human activities, lowering pollution levels in these rivers. Nevertheless, limited research can be found on the impact of COVID-19 on river water quality in Sri Lankan rivers. Therefore, this research was carried out to investigate the water quality index (WQI) of four major rivers (Mahaweli, Nilwala, Kelani, and Kalu) in Sri Lanka in three consecutive time slots spanning from 2019 to 2022 (before, during, and after the lockdown). In-depth WQI analysis has unveiled nuanced dynamics in river health. While the lockdown period contributed to positive alterations in key parameters, subsequent periods demonstrated declining water quality in the post-lockdown period. This decline underscores the direct correlation between human activity and river water quality. Several parameters showed positive changes during the lockdown, indicating an improvement in river water quality. When comparing the periods before, during, and after the lockdown, pH, colour, turbidity, total iron, sulphate, chloride, total coliform, and E. coli all showed a significant positive impact. However, some parameters, such as fluoride and electrical conductivity (EC), had a neutral effect. This study sheds light on the positive effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on reducing river pollution in Sri Lanka.
An assessment of node–head–flow relationships at lumped demand nodes for pressure-dependent analysis of water distribution networks
Authors: Tiwari Satyam , Gupta Rajesh 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Pressure-dependent analysis (PDA) is preferred over demand-dependent analysis (DDA) to evaluate the performance of any water distribution network under pressure-deficient conditions. The PDA requires a relationship, called node–head–flow relationship (NHFR) between available head and available flow at a node to know whether the demand is fulfilled completely, partially, or not at all, depending on the available pressure. Several types of NHFRs have been suggested in the past and mostly a single type of NHFR is used at different nodes. An assessment of these NHFRs is carried out to know how accurate the use of a single type of NHFR is for the lumped nodes. The errors in prediction of the available nodal flows through the available NHFRs and that obtained through the detailed analysis are quantified using chi square. It is observed that actual NHFR is not as smooth as approximated by the different available NHFRs. A nonlinear behaviour between available flows and available heads exists for partial flow conditions and requires proper values of constants to define any NHFR. Furthermore, NHFRs at different lumped nodes in a network are different. This study recommends the consideration of different relationships at different lumped nodes of the network for PDA.