bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Procalcitonin as a Biomarker for Postoperative Pneumonia: A Study on Dynamics Following Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Adults
Authors: MAO Guang-Xu , Wang Li-Yun , Chen Wen-Sen , Zang Feng 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
Postoperative pneumonia (POP) frequently complicates cardiac surgery that involves cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This study was aimed to assess the diagnostic utility of procalcitonin (PCT) for identifying pneumonia subsequent to CPB-assisted cardiac surgery.
Methods
Patients diagnosed with postoperative pneumonia were enrolled into the retrospective matched case-control study, who were admitted to a Grade III general hospital in Nanjing in 2023. POP diagnosis was determined based on a combination of clinical and microbiological criteria.PCT and white blood cell count (WBC) data were systematically collected from day 1 (T1) to day 5 (T5). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and subject operating characteristics were utilized to evaluate the diagnostic performance of biomarkers,while a binary logistic regression model was developed to identify factors that influence the diagnosis of POP.
Results
The study included 220 age- and sex-matched patients, comprising 56 individuals with POP and 164 uninfected patients constituting the non-POP group. ROC curve analysis revealed that serum PCT concentration exhibited an AUC > 0.7 from day 2 to day 5, whereas other indices demonstrated AUCs < 0.7 at these time points.Univariate and multivariate analyses highlighted serum PCT concentration on day 2, WBC count on day 5, the PCTT4-T1 variation rate, and days of mechanical ventilation as significant predictive factors for POP diagnosis, each demonstrating statistical significance (P < 0.05). The calculated AUC was 0.837 (95%CI: 0.773–0.902). The absolute PCT value exhibited superior diagnostic performance relative to its variance rate and WBC count, with a cutoff value of 3.45 ng/ml yielding optimal diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusion
Serum PCT absolute value demonstrates higher sensitivity and specificity when compared to other indices, thereby offering superior diagnostic potential for predicting postoperative pneumonia.
Advancing Trunk Control and Balance in Rehabilitation: A Quantitative Approach Using VR Head-Mounted Display and Motion-Sensing Technologies
Authors: Zhang Xu , Zhao Xueqiang , Zhang Chi , Wu Xiaoqing , Zhang Ranran 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) technology is becoming increasingly vital across various sectors, including healthcare, engineering, and science. Its applications extend to training, education, clinical evaluations, and rehabilitation. Particularly in rehabilitation, VR is instrumental for assessing and treating a range of conditions. It holds promise for enhancing balance and gait in patients with neurological impairments and offers added benefits when integrated with conventional rehabilitation therapies. Despite its widespread use, there is a notable absence of methods and technologies for the functional quantification of training performance within current VR systems. This study addresses this gap by employing VR head-mounted displays and motion-sensing recognition technologies. This integration facilitates precise positioning and free movement within a VR environment, leveraging motion interaction functions to target trunk control and balance training. The study introduces a functional quantification framework that encompasses algorithms for analyzing movement trajectories, trunk activity, and three-dimensional spatial motion performance. This framework digitally records and updates the rehabilitation journey of participants in real-time, generating functional reports. Such reports enable medical professionals and patients to monitor rehabilitation progress continuously, thereby enhancing the overall efficacy of the treatment process.
KRAS and H1F1a expression in colorectal cancer and its association with the tumor clinicopathological features
Authors: Elmahdi Mohamed , Hosain Ahmed , Bayoumi Heba 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer represents one of the commonest cancers worldwide. It is ranked as the fourth commonest one accounting for nearly 10 % of all cancers. Some tumor markers may help identify the prognosis of the Colorectal cancer . One of those markers is the Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Protein (KRAS). KRAS is one of the proteins important for the transduction cascade of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and Hypoxia inducible factor HIF1a which is essential mediators of cellular response to hypoxia, regulate gene expression for tumor angiogenesis, glucose metabolism, and resistance to oxidative stress.
Aim: To study the expression of KRAS and H1F1a and its relationship with other clinical and histopathological prognostic factors in patients with Colorectal cancer .
Methods: This is a retrospective immunohistochemical study on 55 resection specimens from 55 Colorectal cancer cases. The pathology specimens were collected from July 2019 to February 2020. Tumor tissues were prepared as formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens. The paraffin blocks were sectioned at the 5 microns thickness. Then the collected sections were stained with hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) for histopathological revision and immune-histochemical staining for KRAS and H1F1a proteins.
Results: In our sample, only 54% of cases were positive for KRAS expression, and 50.9% were positive for H1F1a. KRAS and H1F1a expression showed no statistically significant relationship with the different clinical, and histopathological parameters including age groups, sex, histological variant, and tumor stages.
Conclusion: immune-histochemical staining staining with KRAS and H1F1a could be a promising modality for screening of mutations of Colorectal cancer with less cost and comparable results to molecular studies. However, the interpretation of our results is limited by the small sample size of our population.
Guideline-Guided Prognostic Models of Mortality Following First-Ever Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Mohammed Mustapha 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and validate guideline-guided prognostic models for predicting mortality in patients with first-ever ischemic stroke. The study included 899 adult patients (≥ 18 years) with confirmed diagnosis of first-ever ischemic stroke from the National Stroke Registry (NSR) of Malaysia (2009–2020). The primary outcome assessed was post stroke mortality within 90 days. Multivariable regression was used to develop (75%, n = 674) and internally validated (25%, n = 225). Model performance was evaluated using discrimination [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and calibration [Hosmer-Lemeshow test (HLT)]. The final prognostic model included age ≥ 60 years [adjusted odds ratio, aOR 2.39, 95% confidence interval, CI (1.37–4.18)], Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of ≤ 8 [2.66, (1.31–5.40)], diabetes [2.42 (1.41–4.16)], and non-adherence to antiplatelet therapy within 48 hours [2.30 (1.26–4.20)], dysphagia screening [2.90 (1.63–5.17)], antiplatelet therapy at discharge [3.63 (2.07–6.36)], lipid-lowering therapy [2.09 (1.10-4.00)], stroke education [39.61 (21.92–71.57)] and rehabilitation [10.75 (6.00-19.25)]. The prognostic model demonstrated good validation performance, with an AUROC of 0.94 (HL p = 0.630). The study demonstrates that the guideline-guided prognostic models developed are effective in predicting mortality after a first-ever ischemic stroke. The model holds considerable promise for enhancing clinical decision-making and patient care. Additionally, risk scores generated from these models could be valuable for creating risk calculators, aiding healthcare providers, patients, and other stakeholders in making well-informed clinical decisions in managing patients with stroke.
Circular Economy Initiatives in Food Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Dip Hasnat Shishir 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The case company is an European food manufacturer, building a plant-based meals product family, which is the focus of this thesis. With sustainability as a guiding concept, the company uses cutting-edge tactics to minimize its environmental impact and satisfy the growing demand for environmentally friendly eating options. The case company introduces an internship program with an emphasis on sustainability and environmental impact assessment to achieve more sustainability targets. To assess the company's carbon footprint, pinpoint opportunities for improvement, and carry out significant environmental projects, this effort seeks to leverage the experience of aspiring environmentalists. The company aims to foster an inventive and enduring corporate culture by working together with both internal and external stakeholders and promoting constructive transformation within the food industry. Performing thorough life cycle assessments (LCAs) of the company’s product line, with an emphasis on particular goods, is a top priority for the internship program. This allows participants to learn important information about the environmental impact of each stage of the product life cycle - manufacturing, distribution, usage, and disposal. The company will also be positioned as a pioneer in sustainable product creation, providing benchmarks and best practices, through industry reviews and comparative studies. A dashboard that will visualize key results and data in an understandable way is being worked on. Decision-makers in the organization will find this dashboard to be a useful tool as it will help them monitor developments, pinpoint areas for development, and effectively convey sustainability accomplishments. Moreover, sentiment analysis is essential for understanding customer perspective. Through the examination of reviews, social media comments, and other digital feedback, the organization can obtain profound insights into the opinions and emotional responses of its customers through sentiment analysis. With this knowledge, the company is better able to improve customer happiness overall, customize marketing techniques to better connect with their audience, and improve their products based on consumer preferences and problem issues. In the end, the company’s data-driven strategy helps it maintain its competitiveness in the market, strengthening client loyalty and accelerating long-term company growth.
Multi-scenario Simulation Analysis of the Impact of Land Use Change on Habitat Quality in Zhongwei Based on the PLUS Model Coupled with the InVEST Model
Authors: Wang Xiao , Liu Bing , Chen Jingzhong , Arash Malekian , Zhang Bo , Chang Qing , Liu Jing , You Wanxue 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Land use change is a key factor affecting habitat quality. In order to reveal the impacts of urban land use changes on habitat quality, this paper uses the city of Zhongwei, China, as a case study. Based on the land use data from 1980, 2000 and 2020, the PLUS-InVEST coupled model was used to predict and assess the land use and habitat quality of Zhongwei. The results showed that from 1980 to 2020, the areas of construction land and woodland increased significantly, while the areas of water and unused land decreased slightly, and the other lands remained essentially unchanged. The main factors such as precipitation, temperature, population and distance from government distance influenced the land expansion. Moreover, the habitat quality in Zhongwei showed a decreasing trend. The overall area of low habitat quality increased, while the overall area of relatively low and medium habitat quality decreased, and the other remained essentially unchanged between 2000 and 2020. The predicted habitat quality of the study area in 2040 was compared under different development scenarios. The comparison of results showed that highest habitat quality and the lowest habitat degradation under the Ecological protection scenario. Although the afforestation and desertification control projects in Zhongwei have proved successful in increasing woodland and improving habitat quality, its ecological restoration measures have not yet completely counteracted the adverse effects of ongoing urbanization and industrialization on habitat quality, resulting in a persistent decline in overall habitat quality.
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on the Epidemiology of Early Childhood Caries in Nigeria
Authors: Okolo Chizoba , Aborisade Adetayo , Oguchi Chika , Alalade Olusegun , Adeyemo Yewande 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a significant oral health issue affecting children under six years old. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of ECC in Nigeria through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Methods
A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases for studies on ECC prevalence in Nigeria. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist was used to assess study quality. A random-effects model was employed to calculate pooled prevalence estimates and mean dmft scores. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity.
Results
Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 7,362 participants. The pooled ECC prevalence in Nigeria was 17% (95% CI: 11% – 24%), with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 97%). Subgroup analyses revealed variations across geopolitical zones and study settings. The pooled mean dmft score was 0.44 (95% CI: 0.24–0.74). Age group and gender showed minimal impact on ECC prevalence.
Conclusion
With a 17% prevalence rate, ECC remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions, standardized national surveys, and further research into region-specific risk factors to address ECC effectively.
Sleep quality and psychological resilience mediate the association between child maltreatment and externalizing and internalizing problems: A longitudinal study based on an early adolescent cohort
Authors: Xie Faliang , Wang Xinhui , Tang Ting , Wang Fan , Zhu Dongxue , Tong Yingying , Wen Xue , Wang Gengfu , Su Puyu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Child abuse (CM) is considered to be an important risk factor for adolescent externalizing and internalizing problems (EIPs), but the mediating factors that mediate the relationship between the two are different. The purpose of this study was to explore the mediating role of sleep quality and psychological resilience in CM and adolescent EIPs, and to explore the timing of these two mediating variables. Longitudinal data were collected from all the 7th grade students (N = 1814) in a middle school in Huaibei City, Anhui Province. Baseline data were collected in September 2019, followed by two follow-up visits every other year. The main data collected include general demographics, CM, sleep quality, psychological resilience, and EIPs. Correlation analysis was performed using SPASS. Chain mediation analysis in Mplus. There was an association between any two of the four variables of CM, sleep quality, psychological resilience and EIPs. Mediation analysis showed that both sleep quality and psychological resilience independently mediated the association between CM and adolescent EIPs. In addition, when sleep quality and mental resilience continuously mediated the association between CM and EIPs in adolescents, they explained 2.5% (CM-sleep quality-psychological resilience-EIPs) and 2.1% (CM-psychological resilience-sleep quality EIPs) of the CM-EIPs association.
Analysis of the Influencing Factors of Dental Family Doctor Contracting Services Based on Survey Data (2021-2023) from Xi’an, China
Authors: Ge Wenhua , Dai Quan , Yu Dingyi , Li Min , Yuan Xuemin , Wang Ruidi , Si Hongling 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Dental family doctor contracting plays a "gatekeeper" role in improving the population's oral health. This study focuses on analyzing the relevant contracting information obtained in the past three years since the implementation of this contracting service, studying the relevant factors affecting the contracting of dental family doctors. From 2021 to 2023, 3,000 questionnaires were distributed. After excluding the invalid questionnaires, 2,831 valid questionnaires were collected in the three years, of which 1,500 were selected using a simple random sampling method. Over the past three years, the number of oral family doctors signing up has increased annually. Patient preferences for dental family doctor services may vary. By studying the dental family doctor contracting service model based on specialty tertiary care hospitals for the three years from 2021–2023, we found that women, young people, high-income families, residents with urban residents' health insurance, residents with children, residents of Xi'an, residents who brushed their teeth more than or equal to 3 times a day, visited the dentist frequently, and used interdental brushes were more willing to sign up for dental family doctor services. These studies are useful for research and practice to ultimately achieve the goal of lifelong oral health management for the whole population. The publicity of the oral family doctor contract service can be strengthened to improve residents' awareness and recognition, cultivate residents' habit of seeking medical treatment for oral diseases through the valuable family doctor contract service. At the same time, we have also actively explored a reasonable compensation reimbursement mechanism.
Case report of a dog treated with radioactive iodine (I131) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for metastatic ectopic thyroid carcinoma
Authors: McGovern Felicity Anne , Zuber Richard Maxwell , Yu Sonya Kok-Chi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Thyroid carcinoma is a rare malignancy in middle-aged to older, medium to large breed dogs. Most are carcinomas or adenocarcinomas and are often detected incidentally via palpation or advanced imaging, such as computed tomography. Up to 48% of dogs present with metastatic disease, primarily in lymph nodes and lungs. Preferred treatment is thyroidectomy, but many dogs are poor candidates due to tumour immobility and metastasis. Stereotactic body radiation therapy and radioactive iodine (I131) are emerging treatments with promising outcomes in these cases. This report describes a dog with metastatic ectopic thyroid carcinoma treated with both SBRT and I131.
Case presentation: This case describes a 10-year-old Jack Russell Terrier mix presenting with an ectopic thyroid carcinoma at the heart base and pericardial effusion. Initial treatment involved stereotactic body radiation therapy in three fractions totalling 22.5 Gy. Seven weeks later, with persistent tumour-related signs, a subcutaneous injection of 1600 MBq of I131 was administered. The dog clinically improved, while showing initial tumour reduction on cardiac ultrasound and thoracic radiographs. 37 months later, the dog presented again with recurrent pericardial effusion. Thoracic radiographs and ultrasound revealed metastatic nodules and increased size of the primary heart-based mass, indicating disease progression. A second dose of I131 (1600 MBq) was administered, but restrictive pericarditis and effusion necessitated a subtotal pericardectomy. Nine months after the second I131 treatment, the dog presented with similar signs and further disease progression evident on imaging including pleural effusion. Though treatment options, including a third I131 dose and a second SBRT course, were discussed, the owners chose to humanely euthanise the dog.
Conclusions: This case highlights an unusually prolonged survival in a dog with metastatic ectopic thyroid carcinoma, suggesting the potential for extended disease control with multimodal external beam radiation and I131 therapies.
Analysis of the association between hemoglobin and hyperuricemia by NHANES database and Mendel randomization
Authors: Wang Yajiao , Zheng Haoran , Xu Xia , Shi Shuqing , Li Yumeng , Zhang Bingxuan , Wu Huaqin , Song Qingqiao 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background The relationship between hemoglobin and hyperuricemia is still unclear. Objective To explore the association between hemoglobin and hyperuricemia. Methods The data for our cross-sectional study were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2020. Weighted multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine the association between hemoglobin and hyperuricemia. Inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted-median, weighted-mode and MR-Egger were used in MR analyses to assess the causal relationship between hemoglobin and hyperuricemia. Heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy were evaluated using Cochrane Q-test and MR Egger intercept test, respectively. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using Leave one out to evaluate the bias of individual SNPs in MR analysis. All analyses were carried out using IBM SPSS 24.0 and R version 4.3.1. Results A total of 21,855 NHANES participants were included in this study. After adjusting for all covariates, the association between hemoglobin and hyperuricemia was signifcant (P < 0.05). IVW estimates revealed that hemoglobin had signifcant efect on the risk of hyperuricemia (OR = 1.0329487, 95% CI = 1.005145–1.061521, P < 0.05). Findings of MR Egger regression, weighted median method and weighted mode were consistent with those from IVW (weighted median: OR = 1.056927, 95% CI = 1.029481–1.085105; P < 0.05; MR-Egger: OR = 1.0776376, 95% CI = 1.022953–1.135246, P < 0.05; Weighted mode: OR = 1.047532, 95% CI = 1.02109–1.074639, P < 0.05). The results of three MR Analyses methods also showed causal association between hemoglobin and hyperuricemia. Conclusions Our findings support a causal association between hemoglobin and hyperuricemia. This suggests that monitoring hemoglobin levels is equally important in preventing the occurrence of hyperuricemia.
Molecular characterisation and histopathological analysis of canine distemper virus in a Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni)
Authors: Sadali Muhammad Farris Mohd , Razak Mariatulqabtiah Abdul , Salleh Annas , Zahli Nurul Izzati Uda , Azizan Tengku Rinalfi Putra Tengku , Ahmad Hafandi , Kaderi Mohd Arifin , Khor Kuan Hua , Wahab Ridhwan Abdul , Abdullah Lutfi , Gani Millawati , Mustaffa-Kamal Farina 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Canine distemper virus (CDV) has a broad host range, spanning carnivorous and non-carnivorous animals, often proving fatal. The detection of CDV in a Malayan tiger in Malaysia in 2019 marks the first such case in Malayan tigers, highlighting the potential domestic animal or wildlife circulation of the virus. Our study aimed to describe histological manifestations and characterise the CDV strain in the tiger to determine its molecular epidemiology and postulate viral pathogenicity.
Results
Notable histopathological changes were observed primarily in the central nervous system, lung, liver, kidney, spleen, and stomach, with viral antigens localised in the lung, liver, kidney, and stomach tissues. CDV-induced cell cytopathic effects with viral quantification yielding 4.27 x 106 TCID50/mL were observed at 48 h post-inoculation in CHO-SLAM cells. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the virus originated from the Asia-1 region. Notably, 549H and 519I mutation combinations in the hemagglutinin protein were observed, indicating adaptation to a non-canid wildlife species.
Conclusion
This study delved into the molecular characterisation of CDV in the Malayan tiger, with information on the dynamics of virus transmission among wildlife in the case of future outbreaks. Such results underscore the need for a prevalence study to assess the spread of the virus. This can serve as a benchmark for developing effective preventative measures to protect Malayan tigers and mitigate their risk of extinction.