bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High confidence Artificial Intelligence (AI) predictions in glaucoma detection: A RIM ONE database study
Authors: Ly-Yang Fernando , Chou Munazzah , Van-Lancker Lauren , Santos-Bueso Enrique , Saénz-Francés Federico , Jañez-Escalada Luis , Panos Chris 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study explores the application of deep learning to diagnose glaucoma using retinal fundus images, addressing the increasing global prevalence of this condition. Utilizing the EfficientNetV2B0 neural network model, trained on the RIM One dataset of 485 optic disc images, the study achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 96%, with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 91%, 99%, 98%, and 95%, respectively. A novel approach in this research involves the use of a 95% prediction probability threshold to enhance clinical relevance. For images with high predictive confidence, the AUC improved to 100%, with perfect sensitivity and specificity. This method aligns with clinical practices, ensuring further investigation only when high confidence in diagnosis is achieved. The DeLong t-test indicated statistically significant improvements in AUC, sensitivity, and negative predictive value for high-confidence predictions compared to the broader test set. This study is the first to incorporate prediction probability into AI models for glaucoma diagnosis, suggesting a practical tool for efficient and accurate screening in clinical settings.
“Three Lines One Permit” environmental control policy and follow-up assessment: a case study of Sichuan Province
Authors: Liu Yanguo , Wang Li , Yang Ye , Li Jingji , Pei Xiangjun , Wang Ziqin , He Yu , Liu Huandie , Chen An , Yin Sijie 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Integrated environmental management provides important support for global sustainable development. China’s “Three Lines One Permit” (TLOP) generates data relating to an ecological red line, a lower-limit line for environmental quality, an upper-limit line for resource use, and a list of environmental permits for human activities by establishing three types of spatial control units: priority protection units, critical control units, and general control units. It promotes an integrated, multifactorial continuum of regional soil, plant, hydrological, and atmospheric elements within spatial control units. A follow-up assessment is an important means to improve the implementation and effectiveness of the TLOP. This study demonstrated the achievements of the TLOP policy in Sichuan Province, China. The results showed that (1) a total of 1,025 integrated environmental spatial control units have been established through the intersection and merging of the three “lines.” They comprise 402 priority protection units, 468 critical control units, and 155 general control units, each with its own ecological-environmental protection and natural resource development regimes for regulating human activities through a list of environmental access permits. (2) To guarantee the effective implementation of the TLOP, we established three primary indicators covering implementation updating, implementation applications, and implementation guarantees, as well as 15 secondary indicators for the follow-up assessment index system for provinces and cities. The follow-up assessment index system for critical control units included three primary indicators for environmental access, environmental management, and implementation effectiveness, as well as 14 secondary indicators.
Study protocol for a one-year, randomized, single-blind, clinical trial of stand-alone indoor air filtration in the homes of U.S. military Veterans with moderate to severe COPD in metropolitan Chicago
Authors: Stephens Brent , Kang Insung , Jagota Kaveeta , Elfessi Zane , Karpen Nancy , Heidarinejad Mohammad , Rubinstein Israel 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background Exposure to air pollutants is associated with adverse chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) outcomes. Although indoor air filtration can improve outcomes, few studies have investigated indoor air filtration for improving health-related outcomes in distinct patient populations with COPD.Methods This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of stand-alone air filtration for reducing residential indoor particulate matter concentrations and improving health-related outcomes in a high-risk urban cohort of U.S. military Veterans with COPD in metropolitan Chicago using a long-term (1-year), randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, case-control trial. Participants are randomized to receive a placebo/sham unit or a normally functioning filtration unit containing HEPA, activated carbon, and zeolite media. Low-cost sensors measure particulate matter concentrations and plug load data loggers measure air cleaner operation in each home throughout the study duration. The primary outcome is physician-diagnosed exacerbations of acute COPD over the study duration. Secondary outcomes include changes in health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), assessed at recruitment and after 12-months of intervention using the COPD-specific version of the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ-C) and Veterans RAND 36-Item Health Survey (VR-36), and clinical outcomes (e.g., emergency room and unscheduled medical visits, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), oxygen saturation) assessed at baseline, endline, and throughout the study. Housing condition assessments are also conducted to characterize participant homes and housing-related factors that may contribute to COPD exacerbation or influence the effectiveness of the intervention. Our goal is to recruit 80 participants. The study population is expected to be predominantly African American, with a significant proportion living in historically underserved, low socioeconomic status neighborhoods.Discussion Outcomes from this pragmatic, real-world trial have the potential to inform policy and practice in both healthy housing and patient medical care by evaluating the impacts of long-term use of stand-alone portable air filtration in homes of high-risk COPD patients on indoor pollutant concentrations and COPD outcomes and providing novel data on associations between housing conditions and COPD outcomes in a high-risk cohort, as well as novel insight into air cleaner operation, in this vulnerable study population.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05913765 (retrospectively registered, June 22, 2023)
Selinexor combined bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma with extramedullary disease: a multicenter study
Authors: Yin Junjing , Zhou Xia , Li Xuemei , Yuan Chenglu , Chu Xiaoxia , Hao Lumei , Wu Hongying , Zhong Yuping 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to explored the efficacy and safety of XVRD protocol in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma with extramedullary disease.
Methods: This is a single-arm, open, observational clinical study. For induction/consolidation(21-day cycles), patients (pts) received 8 cycles of XVRd (Selinexor 60 mg PO weekly, Bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2 SC days1, 4, 8, 11, Lenalidomide 25 mg PO days 1-14, and Dexamethasone 40 mg PO weekly). In maintenance (28-day cycles), pts received XR (Selinexor+Lenalidomide) at least 2 years until disease progression, death or withdrawal. The primary endpoint was overall response rates and minimal residual disease negative rates.
Results: The median age of the 10 pts was 62 (range 55-81) years. R-ISS stage 3 was present in 2 (20%) pts. 3 pts had high risk cytogenetic and 1 patient with plasma cell leukocyte. According to IMWG criteria, the ORR of 10 pts with NDMM was 100%, including 2 stringent complete response (sCR), 2 complete remission (CR), 4 very good partial response (VGPR) and 2 partial response (PR). Median progression-free survival and overall survival were not achieved. The most common grade 3-4 treatment-emergent adverse events (occurring in 10% of pts) were thrombocytopenia. The most common non-hematological adverse events were grade 1 or 2, including nausea (30%), fatigue (40%), and anorexia (20%). Overall, the severe toxicities are manageable.
Conclusion: The XVRd regimen has good efficacy and tolerance in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma with extramedullary disease.
Multifactorial Inspiratory Muscle Training in Diabetic Population: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Sheraz Suman , Malik Arshad Nawaz , Ferraro Francesco Vincenzo , Siddiqi Furqan Ahmed 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The aim of this descriptive qualitative study was to explore the patient’s perspective of multifactorial home-based Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) combined with group-based Otago Exercise Program (OEP) to bridge the gap of the experiences and perceptions of diabetes polyneuropathy patients regarding home-based multifactorial IMT intervention. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 patients using thematic analysis. The patients’ interviews were transcribed verbatim in Urdu, translated into English, and then coded into relevant themes. Three key themes emerged, including perception regarding quality of life, facilitators, and barriers to intervention. The patients reported improvement in their quality of life perceived through improvement in their physical and mental health as well as their functional independence. While improvement in shortness of breath and walking capacity, discomfort, initial difficulty in usage and distraction in the home environment were the key barriers. A multifactorial IMT intervention was perceived to have positive effects on the physical, mental, and emotional health of diabetes patients. These findings highlight the importance of multifactorial IMT interventions and suggest tailoring interventions and physical therapies to address the barriers and facilitators to enhance the likelihood of successful training outcomes.
Comparative carbonization study of pyrolyzed biomass: New insights into the structure and composition evolution of biochar
Authors: Wei Tao , Hong Haoqun , Zhang Haiyan , Wu Fangji 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Biomass, as a renewable resource, has attracted much attention due to its abundant reserves and wide range of applications. In this study, three different biomass feedstocks, eucalyptus wood powder, rice bran and bagasse, were selected, and their structural and morphological evolutions and resistivity changes were analyzed in detail under three pyrolysis conditions, namely, 500℃, 700, ℃ and 900℃. The results showed that with the increase of pyrolysis temperature, the number of microporous structures of biomass charcoal firstly increased and then collapsed and blocked, and some functional groups on the surface weakened and decreased with the increase of pyrolysis temperature, all of which formed stable aromatic compounds with C = C and C = O as the main structures. From the XRD and Raman spectroscopy analysis, It can be seen that the degree of graphitization of biochar increases gradually with the rise of pyrolysis temperature, and the ball milling treatment to a certain extent can change the crystal structure of the charcoal material. meanwhile, the resistivity of the biochar material decreases gradually with the increase of pyrolysis temperature. 900℃pyrolysis of the eucalyptus biochar could reach a resistivity of 0.0196 Ω/cm at 27.3 MPa, which is much better than that of the biochar prepared at low temperature, and the smaller particle size can be obtained under the same ball milling conditions. The current research provides a guidance to facile method to prepare biochar and sustainable utilization of biomass.
Probabilistic tephra fallout hazard maps for Sangay volcano, Ecuador
Authors: Tadini Alessandro , Pardini Federica , Bevilacqua Andrea , Bernard Benjamin , Samaniego Pablo , Vitturi Mattia de’ Michieli , Aravena Alvaro , Hidalgo Silvana , Roche Olivier , Azzaoui Nourddine , Neri Augusto , Aguilar Jorge 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We present a tephra fallout hazard assessment of Sangay volcano, Ecuador. This volcano is under semi-permanent activity at least since the 17th century, and has produced several eruptions whose products have affected towns and cities at considerable distance (up to > 170 km). For this reason, despite its remote location, recent efforts have been aimed at reviewing its volcanic history; quantifying the occurrence probability of various eruptive scenarios and the associated uncertainty; and, for each eruptive scenario, estimating the probability distribution of key eruptive source parameters (fallout volume, average plume height and eruption duration). In this study, we use this information to produce probabilistic hazard maps by using the coupled models PLUME-MOM-TSM and HYSPLIT, with the application of a novel workflow for running an ensemble of thousands of simulations following a stochastic sampling of input parameters. Probabilistic hazard maps have been produced for four scenarios of different magnitudes. For each scenario, we considered four ground load thresholds (0.1, 1, 10 and 100 kg/m2) and two types of model initialization strategies (based on the elicited total deposit volume and on the elicited plume height respectively), which produced non-negligible differences. Hazard curves have also been produced for nine sites of interest from a risk perspective, corresponding to towns/cities potentially affected by tephra accumulation. Combined maps have also been produced by merging maps of single scenarios with their probability of occurrence. Results indicate that in case of a future eruption, even for a moderate-scale eruption (Violent Strombolian), probability of tephra accumulation larger than 1 kg/m2 is relatively high (up to 20–25%) in the town of Guamote, i.e. the most severely affected site among those tested (43 km W of Sangay). For larger-scale events (Sub Plinian) the impact of tephra accumulation could be significant even for the city of Guayaquil (176 km W of Sangay), with probability of tephra accumulation larger than 1 kg/m2 up to 22%.
Forecasting trending jobs based on a Saudi's technological mega-corporation: STC Group
Authors: Louati Ali , Louati Hassen , Alharbi Meshal , KARIRI ELHAM , Alkhonain Abdulaziz 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In a rapidly changing world, recognizing change early enables successful adaptation. COVID-19 has challenged public and private sectors to shift towards a contactless environment, necessitating significant investment in technology and digital transformation. Wise countries and corporations have proactively launched digitization initiatives. This shift will inevitably alter job titles, positions, and required skills in the near future. To explore the relationship between labor markets and technological demands, we studied employment at STC Group in Saudi Arabia, the largest telecommunications corporation in the Middle East according to Bloomberg. Analyzing STC's current job positions offers insights into future technological job market needs. This work gathers data on STC employees from LinkedIn and analyzes it to identify gaps, impacts, and forecast job trends for the next eight years. We believe this analysis provides a clear view of Saudi Arabia’s labor market trends, with implications for global trends. Additionally, this work develops a generic framework for data scientists using techniques like data engineering, preparation, and modeling. Two clustering algorithms were developed: K-Means with the Elbow method and Latent Dirichlet Allocation for Topic Modeling. Forecasting algorithms include ARIMA and Regression Prediction based on Time Series. Detailed, promising results reflect current and future market needs.
Design and development of nanoprobes radiolabelled with 99mTc for the diagnosis and monitoring of therapeutic interventions in oncology preclinical research.
Authors: Salgueiro María Jimena , Portillo Mariano , Tesán Fiorella , Nicoud Melisa , Medina Vanina , Moretton Marcela , Chiappetta Diego , Zubillaga Marcela 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Previous studies with polymeric micelles using molecular imaging for the in vivo study and nanosystem characterization leads us to develop radionanoprobes for the diagnosis and monitoring of interventions in preclinical research with animal models of breast and colon cancer. Considering the possibility of translation to the clinic, the choice of 99mTc to label the nanoprobes is its availability and the widespread SPECT distribution in the region. From the radiochemical point of view, using a direct labeling technique analogous to the cold reagent sets widely used in the clinic would help its translation. Soluplus® is an attractive polymer for synthesizing micelles that also allows their functionalization. With all the above, the objective of this work was to design, develop and characterize nanoprobes based on polymeric micelles and radiolabeled with 99mTc for the characterization of biological processes linked to the diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of oncological pathologies in preclinical research using molecular images.
Results
4 radionanoprobes ([99mTc]Tc-Soluplus®, [99mTc]Tc-Soluplus®+TPGS, [99mTc]Tc-Soluplus®+glucose and [99mTc]Tc-Soluplus®+bevacizumab) were obtained with high radiochemical purity (> 95% in all cases) and with stability in murine serum up to 3 hours of incubation. The systems maintained the 100 nm size of the Soluplus® polymeric micelles even when they were functionalized and labeled with 99mTc. The image acquisition protocol allowed the visualization of tumor uptake in two cancer experimental models with the radionanoprobes assigned by group where the signal/background ratio found in the in vivo biological characterization showed values of 1.7 for [99mTc]Tc-Soluplus®+TPGS; 1.8 for [99mTc]Tc-Soluplus®; 2.3 for [99mTc]Tc-Soluplus®+glucose in the breast cancer model and 1.8 for [99mTc]Tc-Soluplus® and 3.3 for [99mTc]Tc-Soluplus®+bevacizumab in the colon cancer model. The results were validated through ex vivo biodistribution, observing that the uptake of the tumors, regardless of the model, is moderate while the concentration of activity in the blood is higher, suggesting that the enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR) would be one of the mechanisms involved in imaging tumors in addition to the active targeting of radionanoprobes.
Conclusions
the polymeric micelles synthesized with Soluplus® constitute an attractive nanotechnological platform for the development of radionanoprobes that allow the monitoring of experimentation in animal models in oncology.
PINK1 deficiency rewires early immune responses in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease triggered by intestinal infection
Authors: Stratton Jo Anne , Recinto Sherilyn Junelle , Kazanova Alexandra , Bessaiah Hicham , Cordeiro Brendan , Mukherjee Sriparna , Premachandran Shobina , MacDonald Adam , Pei Jessica , Allot Alexis , Afanasiev Elia , Yaqubi Moein , McBride Heidi M , Trudeau Louis-Eric , Gruenheid Samantha 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by a protracted period of non-motor symptoms, including gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction, which can precede the development of the cardinal motor deficits by decades. This long prodrome of disease is highly suggestive of immune cell involvement in the initiation of disease, but currently the field lacks robust model systems to study such mechanisms. It has been hypothesized that pathology may be first initiated in the periphery due to environmental triggers, such as pathogens that enter the GI tract. We further speculate that the impact of such pathogens on the immune system could be exacerbated in genetically predisposed individuals. Our group has developed a GI-targeted pathogen-induced PD mouse model system in PINK1 KO mice with Gram-negative bacterial infections and found that T cells are a major player in driving PD-like motor symptoms at late stages following infection. Herein, we now map the initiating immune events at the site of infection at the earliest stages with the goal of shedding light on the earliest mechanisms triggering immune-mediated pathological processes relevant to PD. Using unbiased single cell sequencing, we demonstrate that myeloid cells are the earliest dysregulated immune cell type in PINK1 KO infected mice at 1-week post-infection, followed by a dysregulated T cell response shortly after, at 2 weeks post-infection. We find that these myeloid cells have an enhanced proinflammatory profile, are more mature, and develop enhanced capacity for antigen presentation. Using unbiased prediction analysis, our data suggest that cytotoxic T cells and myeloid cells are particularly poised for interacting with each other, and we identify possible direct cell-cell interaction pathways that might be implicated. Taken together, deciphering the earliest immune mechanisms in the periphery underpinning PD autoimmunity will be instrumental in the development of effective therapeutic targeting strategies before irrevocable neuronal damage ensues.
Clinical Outcomes of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Combined with Sartorius muscle Iliac Bone Flap Transplantation for Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures in Middle- Aged and Young Adults: A Retrospective Analysis of 24 Cases
Authors: Chen Hongfen , Wu Gen , Cao Shenglu , Ma Sushang , Huang Feng , yan pengfei , Zhong Hua , Li Yihan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
To assess the clinical outcomes and complications of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) combined with sartorius muscle iliac bone flap transplantation (SIBFT) in the treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures in middle-aged and young adults.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 26 patients under 60 years of age with displaced femoral neck fractures (Pauwels III or Garden III-IV) treated at our institution from April 2019 to July 2022. All patients underwent ORIF via the S-P approach combined with sartorius muscle iliac bone flap transplantation, with the fractures fixed using three cannulated screws or three cannulated screws combined with a medial support steel plate. Follow-up was conducted at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, recording fracture healing time, complications, and Harris scores.
Results
Two patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 24 patients who completed the follow-up with an average duration of 25.7 months. Bone healing was achieved in 95.8% (23/24) of the patients, with an average healing time of 5.0 months. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head occurred in 8.3% (2/24) of the patients after fracture healing. Harris scores indicated that 95.8% (23 cases) of the patients obtained excellent or good outcomes.
Conclusion
Our preliminary results suggest that ORIF combined with sartorius muscle iliac bone flap transplantation for the treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures in middle-aged and young adults can improve fracture healing rates, reduce the incidence of avascular necrosis of the femoral head, and achieve favorable hip joint function.
Negative Oxygen Ion Therapy for Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis
Authors: Zhang Yingfang , Wang Lei , Zhang Lijuan , Pang Nan , Wang Qian , Bai Yuping , Wang Lanying , Yao Sanqiao , Cao Yanhua 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

China is a major coal-producing country, and coal worker pneumoconiosis (CWP) is the most prevalent and severe occupational disease annually. As the disease progresses, patients experience varying degrees of lung damage for which there is no effective treatment. Even after symptomatic treatment, issues such as poor respiratory function and sleep quality persist. This study focused on CWP patients who were administered artificial negative oxygen ion therapy to analyze changes in lung function, serum cytokine levels, and sleep quality before the intervention and at 1 month and 3 months postintervention. Our aim was to investigate the impact of artificial negative oxygen ions on the respiratory function and sleep quality of CWP patients.