bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of aortic stiffness during atrial fibrillation: solutions and considerations
Authors: Lundwall Kristina , Al Nouh Maria , Kahan Thomas , Spaak Jonas 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundMethods to assess aortic stiffness are not validated during ongoing atrial fibrillation (AF) We aimed to determine whether aortic stiffness can be assessed reliably in patients during AF.Methods and resultsCarotid-to-femoral and aortic pulse wave velocity (cf/aoPWV), central blood pressure (BP), and augmentation index (AIx) were assessed by a two-site applanation method and a one-site cuff-based oscillometric method in 40 patients with persistent AF and repeated after cardioversion to SR. Mean age was 63 ± 8 years, 73% male, 50% hypertensive. For the two-site method, cfPWV values were slightly higher in AF than in SR (9.3 ± 1.8 vs. 8.5 ± 1.6 m/s, p &lt; 0.001), whereas the one-site method provided similar values in AF and SR (10.1 ± 1.5 vs. 10.0 ± 1.8 m/s).The variability indices from the device was higher in AF for the two-site method (SD 2.5 ± 1.7 vs. 1.0 ± 0.5 m/s, p &lt; 0.001) but similar in AF and SR with the one-site method (SD 0.7 ± 0.2 vs. 0.6 ± 0.2 m/s). Both methods yielded higher central BP (+4.8/+6.6 and +4.1/+5.7 mm Hg) and lower Aix (−6.8 and −9.1 mm Hg) in AF.ConclusionsAortic stiffness can be assessed during AF. Both methods yielded higher central BP and lower AIx in AF, but similar results for PWV in AF and SR, also when adjusted for BP changes. The two-site method showed high variability necessitating repeated measurements. The one-site method showed lower device-calculated variability and needed fewer repeated measurements.
AI in higher education: a systematic literature review
Authors: Castillo-Martínez Isolda Margarita , Flores-Bueno Daniel , Gómez-Puente Sonia M. , Vite-León Victor O. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe increasing reliance on technology within higher education necessitates a thorough examination of artificial intelligence’s (AI) application in academic research. This analysis aims to elucidate both the advantages and challenges associated with AI utilization, thereby paving the way for future inquiries. Such studies will be instrumental in delineating strategies for the effective integration of AI tools in scholarly research, ensuring their optimal use in advancing the field.ObjectiveThe purpose of this research is to identify the benefits and challenges of the use of AI in the field of scientific research by analyzing experiences that have implemented AI in scientific research carried out at the university level through a systematic literature review.MethodThe research questions that guided the systematic literature review were as follows: (1) What are the benefits of using AI in research? (2) What are the challenges of using AI in research? (3) What are the use and benefits of AI in scientific writing including limitations? (4) What are the main lines of research identified in studies that address scientific practice with artificial intelligence in the university context? The articles analyzed were published in 2023. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 85 articles were analyzed.ResultsThe analysis allowed findings such as the usefulness of ChatGPT in different disciplinary areas, challenges such as being able to identify artificial intelligence resources limitations and benefits such as being able to make processes of different kinds more efficient.DiscussionIt was possible to establish that although the studies analyzed identified advantages in the application of AI in scientific research, it was also detected that it is necessary to have a critical and creative look to make use of AI resources, such as ChatGPT, in order to use them only as support tools and thus be able to take care of the rigor and quality in the elaboration of scientific texts.
Alkaline hydrogen peroxide pretreatment of bamboo residues and its influence on physiochemical properties and enzymatic digestibility for bioethanol production
Authors: Ummalyma Sabeela Beevi , Herojit Ningthoujam , Sukumaran Rajeev K. 
Published: August 2024

Bamboo is a perennial rapid-growing plant that is given preference for renewable biosources for biofuels and bio-based chemical conversion. Bamboos are rich in cellulose and have highly recalcitrant biomass due to high lignin. Bamboo is abundantly available in Northeastern India and can be utilized as a feedstock biofuels. Here, we evaluated the pretreatment of bamboo residues Dendrocalamus strictus with different concentrations of alkali, hydrogen peroxide, and alkaline hydrogen peroxide and its influence on biomass digestibility for enhancement of sugar recovery with Celic C cellulase enzyme blend. Enzymatic hydrolysis data indicated untreated raw biomass showed a digestibility of 40% after 48 h of incubation. The biomass pretreated with alkali showed a maximum digestibility of 61% obtained from 10% loaded with 0.5% w/v NaOH. Pretreatment of the bamboo with H2O2 shows a maximum digestibility of 75% from biomass loaded with 1% w/v of H2O2. Combinational pretreatment of alkaline hydrogen peroxide showed a maximum efficiency of biomass digestibility of 83% attained from biomass loaded with 1% w/v NaOH-H2O2. Crystallinity index (CrI) analysis showed that CrI increased from 64% to 70.75% in pretreated biomass. FTIR and SEM analysis show changes in functional groups, morphology, and surface of biomass in pretreated biomass. Compositional analysis shows that 68% of lignin removal is obtained from alkaline hydrogen peroxide pretreatment. Cellulose content increased from 52% to 65%, and hemicellulose decreased from 18.6% to 8.6%. Results indicated that the potential possibility of bamboo waste biomass as feedstock for biorefinery products and alkaline hydrogen peroxide pretreatment methods is an efficient strategy for sugar recovery for bioethanol production.
Prediction of machine learning-based hardness for the polycarbonate using additive manufacturing
Authors: A. Mahmoud Haitham , Shanmugasundar G. , Vyavahare Swapnil , Kumar Rakesh , Cep Robert , Salunkhe Sachin , Gawade Sharad , Abouel Nasr Emad S. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionAdditive manufacturing (AM) is a revolutionary technology transforming traditional production processes by providing exceptional mechanical characteristics.MethodsThe present study aims explicitly to predict the hardness of Polycarbonate (PC) parts produced using AM. The objectives of this study are: (1) To investigate the process parameters that impact the ability to estimate the hardness of PC materials accurately, and (2) To develop a best-performing ML model from a range of models that can reliably predict the hardness of additively manufactured PC parts. Initially, fused filament fabrication (FFF), the most affordable AM technique, was used for the manufacturing of parts. Four process parameters, infill density, print direction, raster angle, and layer thickness, are selected for investigation. A heatmap is generated to obtain the influence of process parameters on hardness. Then, machine learning (ML) techniques create a range of predictive models that can predict hardness value considering the level of process parameters.ResultsThe developed ML models include Linear Regression, Decision Tree, Random Forest, K-nearest neighbor, Support Vector Regression, AdaBoost, and Artificial Neural Network. Further, an investigation has been done that includes choosing and improving ML algorithms and assessing the models’ performance.DiscussionPrediction plots, residual plots, and evaluation metrics plots are prepared to gauge the performance of the developed models. Thus, the research enhances AM capabilities by applying predictive modeling to process parameters and improving the quality and reliability of fabricated components.
A post-COVID syndrome curriculum for continuing medical education (CME): in-person versus livestream
Authors: Mueller Michael , Ganesh Ravindra , Schroeder Darrell , Beckman Thomas J. 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundNearly 30% of patients with COVID-19 infection develop post-COVID Syndrome. Knowledge of post-COVID Syndrome is evolving, creating the need for adaptable curricula. Flipped classrooms (FC) are flexible and dynamic with demonstrated utility in continuing medical education (CME), yet there has been no research on application of FCs, or comparisons between livestream and in-person learning, in post-COVID CME.MethodsWe implemented a novel post-COVID curriculum using FCs for in-person and livestream participants at four Mayo Clinic CME conferences. Outcomes were validated measures of knowledge; perceptions of FCs and CME teacher effectiveness; and learner engagement. Pre-conferences surveys were a post-COVID knowledge test and the Flipped Classroom Perception Inventory (FCPI). Post-conference surveys were a post-COVID knowledge test, the FCPI, the CME Teaching Effectiveness Instrument (CMETE), and the Learner Engagement Inventory (LEI). Pre-post knowledge and FCPI scores were analyzed using linear mixed models. CMETE and LEI were compared for in-person versus livestream participants using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test.ResultsOverall, 59 participants completed the pre-test, and 72 participants completed the post-test, surveys. Participants were predominantly female (58%), were in nonacademic group practices (65%), and lacked prior experience with flipped classrooms (83%). Following the presentations, participants showed significant improvements in post-COVID knowledge (47% correct precourse to 54% correct postcourse, p-value = 0.004), and a trend toward improved FCPI scores. Teaching effectiveness, learner engagement, and pre-post change in COVID knowledge did not differ significantly between participants of in-person versus livestream sessions.ConclusionThis post-COVID FC curriculum was feasible and associated with improved knowledge scores among a diverse population of physician learners in CME, without any apparent compromise in learner engagement, or in perceptions of teaching effectiveness and FCs, among livestream versus in-person participants.
Worldwide burden of liver cancer due to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis from 1990 to 2019: insights from the Global Burden of Disease study
Authors: Huang Minshan , Chen Hang , Wang Hui , Wang Xianmei , Wang Da , Li Yu , Zhou Qingqing , Zhang Dan , Li Mengwei , Ma Lanqing 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionMetabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is increasingly becoming a prevalent cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our study examines the burden of MASH-related HCC globally, regionally, and nationally, along with associated risk factors from 1990 to 2019, considering variables such as age, sex, and socioeconomic status.ObjectiveWe aimed to report the global, regional, and national burden of liver cancer due to MASH and its attributable risk factors between 1990 and 2019, by age, sex, and sociodemographic index (SDI).MethodsUtilizing the Global Burden of Disease 2019 project, we analyzed data on prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for liver cancer attributable to MASH across 204 countries. We provided counts and rates per 100,000 population, including 95% uncertainty intervals.ResultsIn 2019, there were 46.8 thousand cases of MASH-related HCC, leading to 34.7 thousand deaths, and 795.8 thousand DALYs globally. While the prevalence increased by 19.8% since 1990, the death and DALY rates decreased by 5.3% and 15.1%, respectively. The highest prevalence was in High-income Asia Pacific, with the greatest increases observed in Australasia, Central Asia, and High-income North America. Southern Sub-Saharan Africa reported the highest death rate, while the lowest rates were in parts of Latin America, Central Sub-Saharan Africa, and Eastern Europe. DALY rates were the highest in Southern Sub-Saharan Africa and the lowest in Tropical Latin America.DiscussionThe burden of MASH-related HCC is expected to rise slightly over the next decade. This disease, which is not associated with the SDI, remains a major public health problem. In addition, the escalating rates of obesity, demographic shifts, and an aging population could position MASH as a leading factor in liver cancer cases, surpassing viral hepatitis. It is imperative, therefore, that the forthcoming years see the implementation of strategic interventions aimed at the early detection and prevention of liver cancer associated with MASH.
Clinical analysis of atlanto-occipital decompression in the management of chiari malformation with multi-segmental syringomyelia
Authors: Sun Yaning , Fang Jiangshun , Wang Shengjuan , Luan Jimei , Wang Na , Lv Lige , Xin Chaojun , Luo Pengyuan , Yue Yanke , Cheng Zhenghai , Yang Zhiguo , Chen Liuyin 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundChiari malformation type I with syringomyelia (CM-I-S) is a very common disease in neurosurgery. There are also various surgical methods. But it is controversial. There are few reports about children, especially the treatment of multi-segmental beaded syringomyelia. The purpose of this study was to explore the clinical effects of atlanto-occipital decompression (AOD) in the management of Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) with multi-segmental beaded syringomyelia (MSBS) in pediatric patients.MethodsThis retrospective study were pediatric patients with CM-I combined with MSBS who were treated in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2023. The patients who received the AOD treatment were screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Outcomes were assessed by comparison of pre- and postoperative clinical, Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale (CCOS), the diameter and volume of the syringomyelia, morphological parameters of posterior cranial fossa (cervical spinal cord angle of medulla oblongata, CSC-MO) and complications in the enrolled children.ResultsThis study ultimately included 21 eligible pediatric patients with CM-I and MSBS. All the patients successfully completed the operation, which consists of atlanto-occipital decompression, partial resection of the posterior arch of the atlas, electrocoagulation of the cerebellar tonsil, pseudomembrane resection of the central canal orifice (latch) of the spinal cord, and artificial dura mater expansion repair. No death, no relapses, no serious neurological dysfunction and other complications. At the last follow-up, the clinical symptoms of all patients basically disappeared. The results of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that the average preoperative cerebellar tonsillar hernia was 12.4 ± 4.6 mm, and the postoperative were all above the foramen magnum. The average preoperative syringomyelia volume was 11.7 ± 3.7 cm2, and the syringomyelia disappeared or significantly shrunk after operation, with the volume unable to be accurately measured. The median preoperative CSC-MO was 132.5°, and the median postoperative CSC-MO was 150°, with a significant difference. The median preoperative pain and non-pain score of CCOS was 4 and 3 respectively. The symptoms disappeared after operation, and the score was 4. Only 5 children had cerebrospinal fluid leakage.ConclusionThe AOD is safe and effective in CM-I with MSBS in pediatric patients. Pseudomembrane resection of the central canal orifice (latch) of the spinal cord is crucial for the treatment of syringomyelia.
Predictors of CPAP failure after less-invasive surfactant administration in preterm infants
Authors: Alsina-Casanova Miguel , Brito Nerea , Balcells-Esponera Carla , Herranz-Barbero Ana , Teresa-Palacio Marta , Soler-García Aleix , Agustí Carmen , Brullas Guillem , Clotet Jordi , Carrasco Cristina , Salvia Dolors , Aldecoa-Bilbao Victoria 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionLess-invasive surfactant administration (LISA) is associated with better respiratory outcomes in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome. However, mechanical ventilation (MV) shortly after the LISA procedure has been related to lower survival. This study aimed to analyze the trends and main predictors of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) failure after LISA.Material and methodsPreterm infants born between 230 and 336 weeks gestational age (GA) in two level III neonatal units who received surfactant were included (2017–2022). Demographic data, lung ultrasound (LUS) scores, the saturation/fraction of inspired oxygen (SF) ratio, technique, time to surfactant administration, and the main neonatal outcomes were collected.ResultsOver the study period, 289 inborn preterm infants received surfactant, 174 with the LISA method (60.2%). Patients who received surfactant after intubation in the delivery room (n = 56) were more immature and exhibited worse outcomes. Patients who received surfactant via an endotracheal tube in the neonatal intensive care unit (n = 59) had higher LUS scores and a lower SF ratio than those treated with LISA. The LISA method was associated with less death or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.37 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.18–0.74, p = 0.006]. CPAP failure after LISA (defined as the need for intubation and MV in the first 72 h of life) occurred in 38 patients (21.8%), inversely proportional to GA (38.7% at 23–26 weeks, 26.3% at 27–30 weeks, and 7.9% at 30–33 weeks (p &lt; 0.001). CPAP failure after LISA was significantly related to death, with an aOR = 12.0 (95% CI, 3.0–47.8, p &lt; 0.001), and moderate to severe BPD, with an aOR = 2.9 (95% CI, 1.1–8.0, p = 0.035), when adjusting for GA. The best predictors of CPAP failure after LISA were GA, intrauterine growth restriction, temperature at admission, the SF ratio, and the LUS score, with a Nagelkerke's R2 = 0.458 (p &lt; 0.001). The predictive model showed an area under the curve = 0.84 (95% CI, 0.75–0.93, p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsCPAP failure after LISA is still common in extremely preterm infants, leading to an increase in death or disability. Clinicians must acknowledge the main risk factors of CPAP failure to choose wisely the right patient and the best technique. LUS and the SF ratio at admission can be useful when making these decisions.
A method for detecting ureteral stent encrustations in medical CT images based on Mask-RCNN and 3D morphological analysis
Authors: Hu Hongji , Yan Minbo , Liu Zicheng , Qiu Junliang , Dai Yingbo , Tang Yuxin 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveTo develop and validate a method for detecting ureteral stent encrustations in medical CT images based on Mask-RCNN and 3D morphological analysis.MethodAll 222 cases of ureteral stent data were obtained from the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. Firstly, a neural network was used to detect the region of the ureteral stent, and the results of the coarse detection were completed and connected domain filtered based on the continuity of the ureteral stent in 3D space to obtain a 3D segmentation result. Secondly, the segmentation results were analyzed and detected based on the 3D morphology, and the centerline was obtained through thinning the 3D image, fitting and deriving the ureteral stent, and obtaining radial sections. Finally, the abnormal areas of the radial section were detected through polar coordinate transformation to detect the encrustation area of the ureteral stent.ResultsFor the detection of ureteral stent encrustations in the ureter, the algorithm’s confusion matrix achieved an accuracy of 79.6% in the validation of residual stones/ureteral stent encrustations at 186 locations. Ultimately, the algorithm was validated in 222 cases, achieving a ureteral stent segmentation accuracy of 94.4% and a positive and negative judgment accuracy of 87.3%. The average detection time per case was 12 s.ConclusionThe proposed medical CT image ureteral stent wall stone detection method based on Mask-RCNN and 3D morphological analysis can effectively assist clinical doctors in diagnosing ureteral stent encrustations.
Exploring the sports participation, muscle-strengthening exercise and active commuting with comorbidity of depression and anxiety among Chinese children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Feng Bin , Luo Fuchen , Chen Yu , Zhao Yuhang , Wang Ping , Bao Ran 
Published: August 2024

Prior research has shown that physical activity (PA) is a crucial element for preserving and enhancing health, particularly among children and adolescents, and consistent engagement in PA offers numerous advantages for sustaining typical physical and mental well-being.PurposeHence, the primary objective of this study was to examine the relationship between sport participation, muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE), and active commuting (AC) in the co-occurrence of depression and anxiety in Chinese children and adolescents.MethodThis cross-sectional investigation occurred in various cities across the southeastern region of China between March 2021 and October 2021. A convenient sampling method was utilized. We invited children and adolescents to participate in the questionnaire survey. A total of 1,996 participants completed the questionnaires with the endorsement of their parents or guardians under the supervision of schoolteachers and headmasters. Girls comprised 47.5% of the participants, and the average age of participants was 14.8 ± 2.0 years. We conducted a logistic regression analysis, including 95% confidence intervals, to explore the association between sports participation, MSE, AC, and the co-occurrence of depression and anxiety.ResultsNo significant association was observed between weekday active commuting for travelling to and from school and MSE and the comorbidity of depression and anxiety in children and adolescents. A negative association was only detected for those who engaged in muscle-strengthening exercises 4 days a week (OR = 0.540, 95% CI = 0.345–0.845) compared to those who did not partake in such exercises.ConclusionThe present study has provided evidence of the connection between sports participation and the co-occurrence of depression and anxiety among Chinese children and adolescents. Sports participation is more likely to help adolescents relieve anxiety and depression than AC, MSE. In forthcoming research, it is imperative to delve deeper into strategies that enhance the impact of sports on the mental well-being of children and young individuals. Furthermore, optimizing the magnitude of this effect may be achievable by focusing on neurobiological, behavioral, and psychosocial mechanisms.