bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A machine learning-based model for assessing the risk of new-onset liver injury following cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Zheng Zhuo , Luo Jiawei , Yang Liren , Wang Yishun , Yang Xiaoyan , Zhou Xiaobo , Guo Yingqiang , Du Lei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective:
This study aimed to develop and validate a predictive model for assessing the risk of new-onset liver injury following cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), using non-redundant and informative features extracted from electronic health records.
Materials and Methods:
We employed machine learning algorithms including Generalized Additive Model (GAM), Random Forest, XGBoost, LightGBM, and Fully Convolutional Network (FCN) to construct the models using data from 5,364 patients at a large medical center in China, and validated these models with an independent dataset of 1,207 patients from another center. A three-stage feature selection process was used to refine the input variables.
Results:
The GAM model displayed the best performance with good predictive accuracy in both internal and external validations, despite a noticeable performance decline in the external dataset potentially due to differences in feature distributions. The most impactful factors included CPB time, cryo time, and preoperative bilirubin levels.
Conclusion:
The predictive model developed provides a valuable tool for early identification of patients at risk of postoperative liver injury, potentially aiding in preventive treatment planning. However, the model requires further prospective validation and optimization for broader application across different medical centers. The model's robustness against clinical practice variations highlights its potential utility in improving patient safety and reducing healthcare costs.
Surgical risk assessment tool for unplanned readmissions (STUR)
Authors: Snyders Pieter , Swart Oostewalt , Lubbe Jeanne 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
There are multiple readmission prediction models available in high-income countries (HIC) aimed at predicting the risk of readmission within 30 days of discharge after surgical intervention. The accurate prediction of a patient’s individual readmission risk allows for targeted outpatient follow-up and early recognition and management to decrease morbidity, mortality, and cost. There are limited risk prediction models available for low-middle income countries (LMIC).
Methods:
This is a weighted prediction model development study, using prospective electronically captured data including all patients undergoing surgical intervention at a large regional hospital in South Africa, from January 2014 to December 2017. The discriminative performance of the predictive model was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis based on multivariate logistic analysis of previously identified risk factors for readmission, with temporal validation performed on the 2018 surgical patient cohort.
Results:
In total 5588 patients were included with 200 (3.6%) readmitted within 30 days. Univariate analysis identified the following risk factors for readmission: major operative magnitude, emergency operation, higher operative wound classification, and unplanned reoperation. Multivariate analysis revealed that operative wound classification III and IV (OR = 2.5, p < 0.001), unplanned reoperation (OR = 17.4, p < 0.001) and malignancy (OR = 1.9, p = 0.04) were significant predictors of readmission within 30 days. Comparing weighted multivariate analysis findings, a cut-off score of 25 demonstrated optimal sensitivity (>0.75) and 1-specificity (<0.25) for predicting readmission within 30 days. Findings using ROC analysis revealed that the derivation group had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.82 compared to 0.78 in the temporal validation group.
Conclusion:
The predictive model named theSurgical Risk Assessment Tool for Unplanned Readmissions (STUR) has been developed and internally validated in a LMIC and can be easily applied at discharge.It enables accurate risk stratification and potential targeted follow up.
Sialadenitis Associated with Sialolith in the Parotid Duct - minimal intervention with 3D printed drain - Case Report
Authors: Neto Sebastião Orestes Pereira , Rozendo Daiana Moreira Mendes , Pernambuco Caroline Miranda , Oliveira Carine Ervolino , Hanemann João Adolfo Costa , Reis Leonardo Amaral 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

A woman, 67-year-old, leucoderma was referred by a dentist to the Stomatology Clinic of the School of Dentistry at UNIFAL, presenting complaints of pain and facial swelling persisting for approximately 60 days. Extraoral physical examination, swelling and redness were observed on the right side of the face. Intraoral palpation revealed purulent exudate discharge from Stensen's duct. A panoramic radiograph depicted a radiopaque entity. Clinical and imaging findings suggested intraductal parotid sialolithiasis. Surgical removal, accompanied by duct milking, and placement of a 3D-printed drain in the glandular duct, was performed. Histological examination revealed a calcified material not only basophilic but also eosinophilic, consistent with the clinical diagnosis of sialolith. The patient returned after 7 days for drain removal, demonstrating complete healing, and remains under clinical and radiographic surveillance without signs or symptoms of inflammation.
Optimum design of a biodegradable implant for femoral shaft fracture fixation using finite element method.
Authors: Taghipour Sina , Tahami Farid Vakili , Allahverdizadeh Akbar 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Recent developments in biodegradable implant technology have expanded its use in several medical fields, such as orthopedics, cardiology, dentistry, and tissue engineering. Degradable bone-fixing implants have shown favorable results among others. Degradable implants, consisting of a plate and screws, provide the advantage of completely degrading after efficaciously supporting the broken bone for the required duration. They may even provide nutrients that accelerate the healing process while ensuring sufficient mechanical stability. Magnesium alloys are being considered by researchers as promising options for bone implants due to their natural degradability, good biocompatibility, and ability to lower the chances of long-term complications. The rapid corrosion rate and inferior mechanical properties of magnesium relative to non-biodegradable materials are significant challenges in their clinical usage as implant material. This leads to a loss of structural strength before the broken bone completely heals. Hence This article mainly concentrates on the design of a biodegradable implant plate for a femoral shaft fracture in the walking cycle, considering the plate's dimension, number of screws, biodegradation rate, and sufficient mechanical stability. Using the results of the numerical analyses, the safe zone of the implant plate design is determined based on the implant plate stress and the total displacement of the femur bone. Then, the optimum topology of the plate and appropriate number of screws are determined.
NBS for SCID: only early diagnosis will change the overall survival of the disease?
Authors: Goebel Gabriela Assunção , Cunha Luciana Araújo Oliveira , Minafra Fernanda Gontijo , Pinto Jorge Andrade 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a heterogeneous genetic disease characterized by severe T-cell lymphopenia with a profound impairment of T- and B-cells’ function and, in some types, also NK cells. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only curative treatment currently available in Brazil. Late diagnosis and treatment are the main factors affecting the survival of these children. This study aims to describe the demographic, phenotypic, genotypic, and clinical characteristics of twenty SCID patients (including typical SCID, leaky-SCID, and Omenn Syndrome) followed at a Brazilian reference center and correlate this data with their clinical outcome. The children were analyzed into two groups: patients diagnosed early at birth, by newborn screening (NBS) or family history, n=7, and patients with late diagnosis, by clinical presentation, n=13. The 2-year overall survival (OS) of the late group was 29.2%, in contrast to the 2-year OS of the early diagnosis group of 71.4% (p=0.053). Despite the early diagnosis in the first group, the time between diagnosis and HSCT in both groups was similar, with a median of 11 months. The OS after HSCT was not different between the groups (p=0.774). This research shows that early diagnosis alone does not change the prognosis of SCID newborns after HSCT. The reality in developing countries still needs public policies to change the harsh reality of these patients.
Diagnosing Skin Cancer Using Shearlet Transform Multiresolution Computation
Authors: Sikkander Abdul Razak Mohamed , Kolekar Maheshkumar H. , v Vidya Lakshmi , G Theivanathan , K Radhakrishnan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Skin cancer diagnosis relies on the accurate analysis of medical images to identify malignant and benign lesions. The Shearlet transform, a powerful mathematical tool for multiresolution analysis, has shown promise in enhancing the detection and classification of skin cancer. This study investigates the application of Shearlet transform-based multiresolution analysis in skin cancer diagnosis. The Shearlet transform, known for its ability to capture anisotropic features and directional information, provides a comprehensive representation of skin lesion images at multiple scales and orientations. We integrate the Shearlet transform with advanced image processing techniques to extract discriminative features from dermoscopic images. These features are then utilized to train a machine learning classifier, specifically a support vector machine (SVM), to distinguish between malignant and benign skin lesions. The proposed methodology is evaluated on a publicly available dataset, and the results demonstrate significant improvements in diagnostic accuracy compared to traditional methods. Our approach enhances feature extraction capabilities, leading to more reliable and precise skin cancer diagnosis, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes.
Is systematic biopsy mandatory in all MRI guided fusion prostate biopsies? A machine learning prediction model
Authors: Longo Omer , Neheman Amos , Raviv Gil , Miki Haifler 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose During MRI/US fusion biopsy targeted and systematic sampling is performed. Systematic sampling adds up to 14% to the cancer detection rate but increases the complication rates. Since, only the highest risk prostate cancer determines the treatment course, systematic sampling with lower risk cancer compared to the targeted sampling is redundant. Our aim is to develop a prediction model to predict which patient will harbor higher risk prostate cancer in the systematic compared to the targeted biopsy in prostate fusion biopsy.Methods We included all patients who underwent fusion biopsy. Clinical and radiographic variables were collected from patients records. The outcome of the model was higher risk prostate cancer in the systematic compared with targeted biopsies. Extreme Gradient boosting model was trained and tested. We evaluated variable importance and clinical benefit.Results Five hundred and twenty-nine patients were included. 82 (15.5%) patients had higher risk prostate cancer in the systematic biopsies. The area under the ROC curve and negative predictive value were 0.82 and 0.92, respectively. The 4 most important features for outcome prediction were prostate volume, PSAD, patient's age and PSA. The decision curve showed increased clinical benefit of our model at threshold probabilities of 0-0.5. Limitations include the retrospective design of the study and lack of external validation of the model.Conclusions We developed a prediction model able to accurately predict which patient must undergo systematic and targeted biopsy. This prediction model has the potential to help in the decision whether to perform SB and thus may lower adverse event rate while keeping high detection rate.
Awareness of Radiation Dose and Related Hazards Among Palestinian Physicians Requesting Radiologic Examinations for Pediatric and Potentially Pregnant Patients
Authors: Daraghmeh Dala N , Ghanim Rania , Awwad Dalia , Jamous Safia , ALMasri Hussein 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Diagnostic imaging techniques are vital for diagnosing diseases. While the demand for these images is rising globally, it is essential that physicians in Palestine exercise caution, especially when requesting radiological exams for pediatric and possibly pregnant patients. This study aims at assessing physicians' understanding of radiation levels, doses, and risks to determine any changes amid advancements.
Methods
A cross-sectional descriptive study questionnaire was distributed to general physicians, residents, specialists, and internships, who are working in Palestinian hospitals and clinics. The questionnaire consisted of 6 sections: socio-demographic section, level of training and source of education, general radiation knowledge, pediatric radiation knowledge, pregnant radiation knowledge, and radiation risk. The data were presented through descriptive analysis and multivariate regression analysis. The assessment of general knowledge and pediatric radiation knowledge utilized a scoring system in which correct answers were assigned a score of one, while incorrect answers or omissions received a score of zero. Those scoring ≤ 50% were deemed to have poor knowledge, 51–69% were considered fair, and those achieving ≥ 70% were classified as knowledgeable.
Results
A total of 211 physicians participated in the study. 63.5% of them were males, 43.1% of the study sample were specialists. 51.2% confirmed receiving a specific education in the field of diagnostic radiation. The questionnaire results showed an average score of 3.5 out of 10 for general radiation knowledge, 2.1 out of 12 for pediatric knowledge, and 2.3 out of 5 for radiation risk, which was deemed poor.
Conclusion
The study findings align with prior studies indicating a widespread poor level of general knowledge in radiation, pediatric radiation, pregnant radiation, and radiation risk among physicians. This emphasizes the necessity for Palestinian physicians to be updated in the field of radiation dosimetry in medical imaging and to actively engage in official training courses about radiation risks and protection measures.
Women’s Empowerment and the Use of Insecticide-treated Nets for Malaria Prevention in Six sub-Saharan African Countries
Authors: Kwansa Benjamin Kobina , Atobrah Deborah , Adumbire David , Badasu Delali Margaret , Kretchy Irene Akwo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Past studies have revealed significant relationships between gender and health outcomes, including malaria prevention. Women tend to exhibit more positive health-seeking behaviours than men. Thus, gender dynamics can influence the adoption of measures to prevent infections, including malaria. This study investigated the role of women’s empowerment indicators in adopting insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) to control malaria in six sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries.
Methods
The data for the study were based on the demographic and health survey (DHS) datasets for the respective countries: Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria, Cameroon, Togo and Burkina Faso. The six countries' datasets were merged, cleaned, harmonized and recoded where necessary. The Pearson chi-square independence test was used to examine the association between ITN use and six women’s empowerment indicators: (1) employment or earning (economic), (2) household decision-making, (3) absence of domestic violence, (4) ownership of property, (5) educational attainment and (6) financial inclusion. Binary logistic regression was employed to examine factors associated with ITN use. SPSSsoftware was used for managing and analysing the data.
Results
Among the 116,088 women surveyed, 60,605 (52.2%) had slept under ITNs the night before the survey. Controlling for individual characteristics and the adoption of ITNs in malaria prevention, the odds of using ITNs improved among women who had high decision-making autonomy (AOR = 1.21; CI = 1.07–1.35; P < 0.05), financial inclusion (AOR = 1.16; CI = 1.08–1.23; P < 0.05), who earned the same as their husbands or partners (AOR = 1.07; CI = 0.98–1.17; P < 0.05), and who had a primary education (AOR = 1.31; CI = 1.17–1.47). The results show that women’s empowerment indicators significantly influenced ITN use. Women’s decision-making autonomy, education, financial inclusion and freedom from domestic violence were positively associated with the uptake of ITNs.
Conclusion
Women’s empowerment is an important element in adopting measures to control malaria infection. Improved women’s empowerment was associated with increased use of ITNs. Efforts to address the challenges associated with malaria elimination and prevention in SSA countries should consider an intentional focus on women’s empowerment indicators for more successful outcomes.
Breaking down healthcare hurdles: understanding the barriers to readiness to seek medical care in the event of illness among residents in Ghana: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Asare Micheal Nii , Salu Samuel , Nyame Charlene Makafui , Charles-Unadike Veronica Okwuchi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Optimal health plays a significant role in enhancing one's quality of life, empowering individuals to actively engage in productive endeavors for wealth generation. Recently, the unhealthy lifestyles of individuals resulting from their healthcare-seeking behavior have gained significant attention in research circles, both at the national and international levels, as his issue has become a central concern for healthcare stakeholders worldwide. This study evaluated the barriers to readiness to seek medical care in the event of illness among residents in Ghana.
Methodology:
We employed a community-based cross-sectional study design in this study. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to sample 400 study participants. Data were collected with a paper-based questionnaire, coded and entered into Epi-Data version 4.6.0.2. Data analysis was carried out in STATA V.16.0.
Result
Overall, only 193 (48.2%) out of the 400 participants expressed readiness to seek medical care in the event of illness. Further analysis revealed that participants who were educated to the tertiary level were 4.2 times more likely to seek medical care than those with secondary and primary/JHS levels of education [AOR = 4.2 (95% CI: 1.73–10.25), p = 0.002]. Participants who reported having no form of family support in the event of illness were 0.2 times less likely to seek medical care [AOR = 0.2 (95% CI: 0.11–0.34), p = 0.001]. More specifically, participants who lacked financial support from their family/relatives were 0.4 times less likely to seek medical care in the event of illness [AOR = 0.4 (95% CI: 0.23–0.80), p = 0.008]. Furthermore, participants who were not escorted by their family/relatives to the health facility were also 0.4 times less likely to seek medical care in the event of illness [AOR = 0.4 (95% CI: 0.24–0.74), p = 0.003].
Conclusion
In conclusion, our findings emphasize the complex interrelationship between individual, cultural, and structural factors in shaping healthcare-seeking behavior. Resolving these factors through targeted interventions and policies can enhance healthcare utilization, reduce health disparities, and ultimately contribute to the overall well-being and socio-economic development of the community and the country at large.
A novel prognostic model for colorectal cancer based on epithelial cell marker genes identified and validated by combining Single-Cell and Bulk RNA- Sequencing
Authors: Cai Liyang , Guo Xin , Zhang Yucheng , Xie Huajie , Liu Yongfeng , Zhou Jianlong , Feng Huolun , Zheng Jiabin , Li Yong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignant tumor characterized by high global incidence and mortality rates. Furthermore, it is imperative to comprehend the molecular mechanisms underlying its development and to identify effective prognostic markers. These efforts are crucial for pinpointing potential therapeutic targets and enhancing patient survival rates. Therefore, We develop a novel prognostic model aimed at providing new theoretical support for clinical prognosis evaluation and treatment.
Methods
We downloaded data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. Subsequently, we performed single-cell analysis and developed a prognostic model associated with colorectal cancer.
Results
We divided the scRNA-seq dataset (GSE221575) into 19 cell clusters and classified these clusters into 11 distinct cell types using marker genes. Using univariate Cox regression and LASSO (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator) analyses, we developed a prognostic model consisting of 9 genes. Based on our 9-gene model, we divided patients into high-risk and low-risk groups using the median risk score. The high-risk group demonstrated significant positive correlations with M0 macrophages, CD8 + T cells, and M2 macrophages. The enrichment analyses indicate significant enrichment of immune-related pathways in the high-risk group, including HEDGEHOG_SIGNALING, Wnt signaling pathway, and cell adhesion molecules. Drug sensitivity analysis revealed that the low-risk group was sensitive to 5 chemotherapeutic drugs, while the high-risk group was sensitive to only 1. Additionally, we developed a highly reliable nomogram for clinical application. This suggests that the risk score derived from our modeling analysis is highly effective for stratifying colorectal cancer samples.
Conclusions
This study comprehensively applied bioinformatics methods to construct a risk score model. The model showed good predictive performance, offering potential guidance for individualized treatment of colorectal cancer patients. Furthermore, it may provide valuable insights into the disease's pathogenesis and identify potential therapeutic targets for further research.
Social Development of Kindergarten Children: Teachers Roles in Play Activities in the Nanton District, Ghana
Authors: Mohammed Issah , Sunu Seth 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Play-oriented activities develop young children physically, emotionally, socially and cognitively. The study explored the contribution of play activities to the social development of kindergarten children in the Nanton District. A qualitative approach using a case study design was used for the study. Purposive sampling techniques was used to select thirty (30) pupils and (20) twenty teachers for the study. A semi-structured interview was used to gather information from respondents. Also, observational checklist was used to gather information to triangulate with the interview data. The data was manually analysed thematically. The results were interpreted using inductive reasoning to draw meanings from the data collected. The findings were that; it was emerged that teachers’ role in kindergarten children’s play promote their social development. Also, the study found that the combination of play types promotes the social skills development of kindergarten children. The study concludes that, the teachers’ role during play was very important as it promoted the children social skills development by providing guidance on difficult plays as well as providing security and engaging them in meaningful play. Also, children who engaged in different types of play significantly improved their social skills development. The researcher recommended that the study recommended that kindergarten teachers should always supervise pupils play activities to ensure their safety, guide them, motivate them and also engage them in meaningful play. Also, the study recommended that kindergarten teachers should engage pupils in varieties of play types to accelerate their social development.