bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
It is all about location: the performance of urgent care centers by proximity to a general hospital
Authors: Saman Fadi Abu , Lerner-Geva Liat , Mor Zohar 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: The gradual increase of referrals to the busy emergency departments (ED) raises concerns regarding the potential negative effect on the quality of medical treatment and level of patients' satisfaction. Urgent care centers (UCC) provide an alternative to the ED for non-life saving medical conditions.
This study aimed to compare the rate of admissions, reasons for referrals and patient’s satisfaction between UCC by distance from the nearest ED.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included all medical records of four UCCs between 2017 and 2020. Rates of admission, reasons for referrals, and patients' satisfaction were compared between UCCs that were close to ED and UCCs far from ED.
Results: The study included 216,903 patients in an average age 32.4 ±24.4 years. Most of the referrals were independent, with 37.7% of the referrals being on weekends. The average time for triage and time spent in UCC were approximately 5.3 minutes and 62.8 minutes, respectively.
The proportion of residents arriving at UCC in cities with ED was 14.4% with a level of satisfaction of 91.5%, compared with UCC in cities without ED which were 23.7% and 84.4%, respectively. UCC in northern Israel treated more patients with trauma/injury (33.0%) than UCC in southern Israel (28.2%).
Conclusions:UCCs in cities without ED receive higher volume of patients, while their level of satisfaction was lower. UCC provide an alternative to ED in non-lifesaving medical conditions.
Peskas: Automated analytics for small-scale, data-deficient fisheries
Authors: Longobardi Lorenzo , Altarturi Hamza , Cagua E. Fernando , Sozinho Villiam , Tilley Alexander 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Small-scale fisheries account for almost 90 percent of global fisheries employment and are responsible for landing more than 40% of the world’s fish catch. Yet their importance to livelihoods and food and nutrition security in Least Developed Countries are only recently emerging due to the logistical, financial, and capacity challenges of gathering and interpreting data in this diverse, dispersed and informal sector. Peskas was designed as a low-cost solution to tackle this problem, providing a template workflow for ingestion and analysis to a decision dashboard, which can be adapted to different contexts and needs.
Statistical analysis plan for the ARtificially Intelligent image fusion system versus standard treatment to guide endovascular Aortic aneurysm repair (ARIA): a multi-centre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wafa Hatem A , Budge James , Carrell Tom , Yaqub Medeah , Waltham Matt , Pilecka Izabela , Kelly Joanna , Murphy Caroline , Palmer Stephen , Clough Rachel E , Wang Yanzhong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Aortic aneurysms, a significant cause of mortality, particularly in individuals aged 55 years and older, have witnessed a transformative shift in treatment strategies with the advent of endovascular surgery. Cydar-EV is an innovative image fusion technology that can augment preoperative planning and surgical guidance of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The ARIA trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of using Cydar-EV with EVAR procedures to reduce operating time while enhancing procedural precision, patient outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. This paper describes the statistical analysis plan for the study.
Methods/Design: The ARIA trial, a phase III, multi-centre, open-label, two-armed, parallel groups randomized controlled surgical trial, seeks to recruit 340 patients diagnosed with abdominal or thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either standard endovascular repair or an endovascular repair assisted by Cydar-EV for planning and surgical guidance. Primary and secondary outcomes are assessed at baseline, 4-12 weeks, and 52 weeks. The primary outcome measure is procedure duration at baseline, while additional secondary outcomes are recorded at various time points and include indicators for technical effectiveness, patient outcomes, procedure efficiency and cost-effectiveness. We plan to analyse the patient outcome data according to the treatment they received regardless of initial allocation. The statistical analysis plan outlines methods for handling missing data, covariates for adjusted analyses, and planned sensitivity analyses to ensure robust evaluation of treatment effects.
Trial registration: The trial was registered with the ISRCTN register on 03/12/2021, number ISRCTN13832085.
Developing novel Lin28 inhibitors by computer aided drug design
Authors: Dong Xuesen , Barrios Victor , Radaeva Mariia , Rosellinny Graciella , Jia Qiongqiong , Xie Ning , Smith Jason , Gleave Martin , Lallous Nada , Cherkasov Artem , Ibrahim Hanadi , Villanueva Monica , Straus Suzana 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Lin28 is a key regulator of the cancer stem cell gene network that promotes therapy-resistant tumor progression in various tumors. However, no Lin28 inhibitor has been approved to treat cancer patients, urging the exploration of novel compounds as candidates to be tested for clinical trials. In this contribution, we applied computer-aided drug design (CADD) in combination with quantitative biochemical and biological assays. These efforts led to the discovery of Ln268 as a drug candidate that can block Lin28 from binding to its RNA substrates and inhibit Lin28 activities. Ln268 suppressed Lin28-mediated cancer cell proliferation and spheroid growth. Results from nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed that Ln268 perturbs the conformation of the zinc knuckle domain of Lin28, validating the rational drug design by CADD. The inhibitory effects of Ln268 are dependent on Lin28 protein expression in cancer cells, highlighting limited off-target effects of Ln268. Moreover, Ln268 synergizes with several chemotherapy drugs to suppress tumor cell growth. In summary, Ln268 is a promising drug candidate to target Lin28, warranting further investigations for cancer therapy.
Single-stage versus two-stage resection for large anterior midline skull base meningiomas with bihemispheric peritumoral edema
Authors: Qasem Lina-Elisabeth , Al-Hilou Ali , Oros Jan , Weber Katharina J. , Jussen Daniel , Prinz Vincent , Baumgarten Peter , Seifert Volker , Marquardt Gerhard , Czabanka Marcus 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Resection of large anterior midline skull base meningiomas with extensive peritumoral edema poses high risks due to postoperative edema decompensation leading to increased intracranial pressure. Initial craniectomy prevents intracranial pressure decompensation but requires secondary cranioplasty. This study compares single-stage osteoplastic craniotomy with tumor resection to a two-stage approach using bifrontal craniectomy, tumor resection and subsequent cranioplasty after edema recovery in a second surgical step. Patients with large anterior midline skull base meningiomas (> 50 mm) and peritumoral edema greater than the tumor diameter were included. Group 1 underwent single-stage resection (historical control), while Group 2 had a two-stage approach (prospective series). The primary outcome was the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) at three months post-surgery. Secondary outcomes included preoperative KPS, KPS at discharge and last follow-up, ICU stay, hospital stay length, and complication rates. At three months post-surgery, KPS significantly improved in Group 2 (75% vs. 50%; p = 0.0288), with a non-significant reduction in ICU stay (10 vs. 8 days; p = 0.9001). Complication rates were similar between groups (Group 1: 67% vs. Group 2: 56%; p = 0.6274). Two-stage surgery for large anterior midline skull base meningiomas with extensive peritumoral edema yields better clinical outcomes compared to single-stage surgery in a highly selected patient population.
Use of a Soft Guiding Template and Laser Device Improves the Success Rate of Computed Tomography-Guided Bone Biopsies and Reduces Radiation Exposure
Authors: Wang Xiaoliang , Sun Zhenye , Ji Zhilin , Zhang Jingyu , Xiong Guangyi , Liu Jinwei , Wang Wei , Dong Shuhui , Meng Xianghong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Considering the need for precision and operator expertise in performing bone tumour biopsies, this study aimed to investigate the impact of combining a soft guiding template with a laser device on the success rate of computed tomography (CT)-guided bone biopsies and the associated radiation dose.
Methods
A cohort of 114 patients with bone tumours who required CT-guided biopsies were assigned to the auxiliary device group, utilizing a soft guiding template and a laser device. Another 197 patients, constituting the control group, underwent CT-guided biopsies with conventional guiding templates. The χ2 test was employed to compare the biopsy success rates and concordance rates between biopsy findings and surgical outcomes in both groups. Additionally, biopsy success rates for limb bones, limb girdles, and axial bones were compared. Independent sample t-tests were used to analyse differences in age, volume CT dose index (CTDIvol), dose-length product (DLP), and effective dose (ED) between groups, as well as the CTDIvol, DLP, and ED for limb bones, limb girdles, and axial bones individually.
Results
The biopsy success rate in the auxiliary device group (85.09%) was significantly higher compared to that in the control group (74.62%; P < 0.05). Notably, no statistically significant difference was observed in the biopsy success rates for limb girdles and axial bones between both groups (P > 0.05). In contrast, the biopsy success rate for limb bones was significantly higher in the auxiliary device group (85.51%) than in the control group (70.87%; P < 0.05). However, the concordance rate between biopsy findings and surgical outcomes did not differ significantly between the groups (P = 1.00). There was no significant difference in the CTDIvol between the two groups for limb girdles, limb bones, and axial bones (P > 0.05). While DLP and ED showed no significant differences for limb girdles (P > 0.05), they were significantly lower for limb bones and axial bones in the auxiliary device group compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Overall, the combination of a soft guiding template and laser device significantly increased the success rate of CT-guided bone biopsies and reduced the associated radiation dose.
Effect of autologous serum eye drops on symptom improvement, adverse reactions and prognosis of dry eye patients with poor efficacy of artificial tears
Authors: Jiang Lei , Deng Zhen , Wu Yifeng , Shu Xupeng , Yu Guoxiao , Opara Chimaroke 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

A reduction in tear production and abnormal tear film function can cause discomfort, such as visual fatigue, dry eyes, redness, foreign body sensation, and poor night vision. Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine effect of autologous serum eye drops on symptom improvement, adverse reactions and prognosis of dry eye patients with poor efficacy of artificial tears. This study employed an experimental design whereby forty-eight patients with xerophthalmia from January 2022 to January 2023 were randomly divided into observation group (n = 48) and control group (n = 48). Basic tear secretion test, tear film rupture time, corneal fluorescein staining score and ocular surface disease index were compared. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 20.0. Findings revealed that combination of artificial tears and AS eye drops can significantly enhance the clinical symptoms of dry eyes patients with poor efficacy of artificial tears and increase the comfort of patients during treatment. Hence, improving the condition of the patients. The results obtained affirm important theoretical basis for AS as the main component of self-made metaphase corneal preservation solution. Hence, the study highly recommends the popularization and implementation of treatment schemes like artificial tears and AS eye drops in today’s clinics.
Neutrophil-related genes predict prognosis and contribute to immunosuppression in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Zhang Di , Li Yongjian , Liu Tingting , Liu Xiaomin , Zhang Jingru 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Neutrophils, the predominant myeloid cells in human blood, have been implicated as pivotal contributors to cancer development. However, the relationship between neutrophils and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) prognosis remains unclear due to their great plasticity and diversity. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of gene expression data and clinical records from AML patients sourced from TCGA, GEO, and OHSU databases. We established a neutrophil-based prognostic model incorporating five neutrophil-related genes (CSF3R、BRAF、FFAR2、CD300A and CD37) and the predictive value of the model was validated in both internal and external validation cohorts. Univariate and Multivariate Cox regression analyses further demonstrated that the model remained an independent prognostic factor for overall survival, and a nomogram was constructed to facilitate its clinical application. Notably, CD37 was identified as a crucial neutrophil-related gene associated with adverse AML prognosis. Elevated CD37 expression was indicative of dysregulated cell proliferation, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and T cell dysfunction. Overexpression of CD37 was also correlated with increased expression of PD1, CTLA4, CD86, and LAG3. Furthermore, CD37 could serve as a valuable predictor for immunotherapy and represents a druggable target in AML. In summary, our study advances a novel prognostic model based on neutrophil-related gene expression, with CD37 emerging as a promising biomarker for anti-leukemic response prediction. This insight holds promise for personalized prognosis estimation and informed clinical decision-making in AML management.
The First cross-sectional comparative observational study of sexual dysfunction in Emirati and non-Emirati Parkinson’s disease Patients (EmPark-SD) in the UAE?
Authors: Metta Vinod , Ibrahim Huzaifa , Dhamija Rajinder K. , Popławska-Domaszewicz Karolina , Benamer Hani T. S. , Loney Tom , Mrudula Rukmini , Falup‑Pecurariu Cristian , Rodriguez‑Blazquez Carmen , Dafsari Haidar S. , Goyal Vinay , Borgohain Rupam , Chaudhuri Kallol Ray 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is common non-motor symptom in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) yet underreported and undertreated specifically in many ethnic PD groups because of religious, social and personal perceptions. We conducted the first single-centre cross-sectional study in the United Arab Emirates of SD in 513 consecutive patients who agreed to complete the survey questionnaires. Data was collected on SD using the nonmotor symptoms Scale (NMSS), Index of Erectile Function, and Female Sexual Function Index. Our results show the non-Emirati group as having higher NMSS-SD scores than the Emirati group (p=0.038). SD was reported independent of ethnicity, race and disease stage (p<0.001). SD correlated with worsening quality of life (p<0.001), anxiety domain especially in young PD patients (p<0.001). Our data concludes no significant difference in SD between different ethnicity groups contrary to common perception. SD appears to be underreported in this population and needs addressed using culturally sensitive bespoke counselling.
AL365181.3 as a novel prognostic biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Xiaoying , Liu Jinlong , Zeng Yingou , Qiao Di , Wang Qiang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

As a lncRNA, AL365181.3 is aberrantly expressed in multiple cancer types, including lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, the biological process underlying the ability of AL365181.3 to promote the progression of LUAD is unclear. Here, the pancancer expression level of AL365181.3 was analyzed using the TCGA and GTEx databases, as well as its clinical characteristics and prognostic value. Finally, the in vitro and in vivo biological functions of AL365181.3 in LUAD were revealed by using various functional assays. We found that AL365181.3 was significantly more highly expressed in many types of cancer tissues, including LUAD tissues, than in adjacent normal tissues. LUAD patients with high AL365181.3 expression had poor prognoses. Functional enrichment analyses indicated that AL365181.3 is involved in the regulation of metabolism, MAPK signaling and other tumor regulatory signaling pathways. Finally, we found that knockdown of AL365181.3 reduced the proliferation and migratory capacity of LUAD cells, and knockdown of AL365181.3 resulted in a reduced in vivo tumorigenic capacity of LUAD cells. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of AL365181.3 in LUAD.
Investigating the Impact of Background Noise on Group Decision-Making Using an Individual-Weighted Voting Model
Authors: Örnólfsson Ingvi , Ahrens Axel , May Tobias , Dau Torsten 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Conceptualizing and measuring communication success is crucial for evaluating hearing interventions, as many hearing-impaired individuals struggle in interactive communication settings. However, no established methods exist to directly assess communication success in the context of hearing impairment and intervention. This study introduces a new perspective on communication success, defining it as the effective exchange of information between interlocutors. Experiments were conducted with ten triads (N = 30) to examine the impact of loud background noise on decision-making using a general-knowledge decision-making task in triadic groups. Participants answered questions twice, both before and after group discussions, under noise conditions of 78 dB and 48 dB SPL. A group decision model was applied to quantify the relative influence of group members on each other’s post-discussion decisions, formalized as a set of model weights. Four statistics were used to summarize the results across groups: overall weight change, self-weighting, weight equality, and weight similarity. Results showed that background noise significantly altered the overall weight participants gave to each other’s prior decisions, but self-weighting, weight equality, and weight similarity were not affected by the noise condition. This methodology offers a new tool for assessing the communicative consequences of hearing loss, providing insights beyond traditional hearing tests.
Clinical Characteristics, and Outcomes of Severe Neonatal Thrombocytopenia: a Retrospective Cohort Study in China
Authors: Shan Yuanyuan , Peng Ting , Zhang Peng , Cheng Guoqiang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Severe neonatal thrombocytopenia, as a rare but life-threatening disease with multiple etiologies, has limited relevant reports in China. The single-center study was performed in a severe thrombocytopenic cohort to improve the prognosis of this disease.
Methods: We included all the patients diagnosed with severe thrombocytopenia (platelet counts £ 50×103/μL) in our institution between October 2016 and February 2021, and retrospectively reviewed their electronic records. Comparisons were made according to etiology and outcome.
Results: Among the 5819 inpatients, 194 with severe thrombocytopenia were included in this study, with 64.4% of the cases occurring within 72 hours of life. The highest incidence was recorded among extremely low birth weight neonates (6.5%). The main etiologies included sepsis (22.2%), genetic syndromes (14.4%), perinatal asphyxia (9.8%), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC; 8.8%), and cytomegalovirus infection (6.7%). The mean (SD) platelet nadir was 26.0 (14.0) × 103/μL, and 112 patients developed very severe thrombocytopenia (platelet counts £ 30×103/μL), of which 21.4% were caused by late-onset sepsis. In 45 culture-positive cases, the gram-negative group had a lower level of platelets (mean [SD]: 28 [11]×103/μL) as compared to the gram-positive group (mean [SD]: 39 [12]×103/μL). A total of 120 cases (61.9%) exhibited evidence of hemorrhage, with patients diagnosed with NEC demonstrating the highest incidence of hemorrhage at 58.8%. The platelet counts took a median of 10 days to recover: 11 and 7 days for early and late-onset cases; 15 days without and 21 days with platelet transfusions, respectively. The overall mortality rate was 26.8%. The causes of severe thrombocytopenia in 32.7%, 19.2%, and 17.3% of patients who died were identified as sepsis, birth asphyxia, and NEC, respectively. The levels of PT (P = 0.025), APTT (P = 0.046), and lactate (P = 0.028) were lower among surviving patients.
Conclusions:
Sepsis, genetic syndromes, and perinatal asphyxia are the predominant etiologies of severe neonatal thrombocytopenia in China. The overall prognosis of severe neonatal thrombocytopenia is poor, but its severity and short-term prognosis can be determined by relevant laboratory tests and the etiology.
In-vitro accuracy of full arch scans with a systematic review of nine different scanning patterns
Authors: Schlögl Kerstin , Güth Jan-Frederik , Graf Tobias , Keul Christine 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
Evaluation of the accuracy of direct digitization of maxillary scans depending on the scanning strategy.
Materials and Method
A maxillary model with a metal bar fixed between the second molars as a reference structure was digitized using the CEREC Primescan AC scanner (N = 225 scans). Nine scanning strategies were selected (n = 25 scans per strategy), differing in scan area segmentation (F = full jaw, H = half jaw, S = sextant) and scan movement pattern (L = linear, Z = zig-zag, C = combined). Accuracy was assessed by evaluating linear differences in the X, Y, and Z axes and angular deviations (α axial, α coronal, α total) compared to a reference dataset. Differences in accuracy were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Precision was analyzed by the standard deviation of linear and angular aberrations (ISO 5725-1) (p < 0.05).
Results
Strategy FL showed significantly higher trueness and precision than FZ for VE (p = 0.009), VE(y) (p = 0.010), αoverall (p = 0.004), and αaxial (p = 0.002). Strategy FC demonstrated significantly better trueness than FZ for VE (p = 0.007), αoverall (p = 0.010), and αcoronal (p = 0.013). For scan segmentation, FL showed better accuracy for VE(y) (p = 0.001) and αaxial (p < 0.001) than HL. Strategy HL showed better trueness for VE(z) than FL and SL (p = 0.001, p = 0.002). The scanning patterns FL, FC, and HL exhibited the best performance for trueness and precision.
Conclusions
Scanning motion and segmentation significantly impact the accuracy and precision of full-arch scans.
Clinical relevance:
The scanning strategy is decisive for improving clinical workflow and accuracy of full-arch scans.