bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mortality Rate and Clinical Profiles of Patients with Spine Disorders Admitted in a Tertiary Government Hospital: A 7-year Epidemiology Study
Authors: Cocjin Hansel Gould , Chiu Jan Melburgo , Tan Gladys , Valdevieso Ma. Ella Muriel 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aims to have a thorough understanding of the epidemiology of patients with spine disorders in our region. Specifically, to determine the demographic profiles, level of spinal disorders, type of management, and mortality rate.
Methods
This study utilized a descriptive retrospective cohort study design. The hospital database was utilized and included all patients with spine disorders from January 1, 2016-December 31, 2022. Patient records were reviewed, and data collected according to the objectives of the study.
Results
The demographic profile of 474 patients were primarily young and older adults at 31.4% and 36.3%, respectively. Majority were males at 70.3%. Traumatic spinal disorders are more common at 66.2%. The infectious type is the most common among non-traumatic disorders at 56.9%. The cervical spine is the most affected level with traumatic etiology at 56.1%. The thoracic spine is the most affected by non-traumatic etiologies at 57.5%. Among non-traumatic categories, infectious causes have the majority number of cases followed by degenerative causes and tumors at 74.7%, 70.0%, and 25.8%, respectively. Surgical management was done mostly on the traumatic spinal disorders while non-traumatic spinal disorders underwent conservative treatment at 55.1% and 72.5%, respectively. There has been a steady decrease in mortality for spinal disorders for the past 7 years. Among non-traumatic etiologies, mortality rates have a normal distribution for tumors and infections at 29.0% and 20.9%, respectively.
Conclusion
Traumatic cases show a steady decrease in mortality rate, which may indicate an improvement in the hospital’s orthopaedic spine service.
Level of Evidence:III
Endobronchial silicone stenting through tracheostomy is a life - saving technique for advanced esophageal cancer patients who present with tracheal stenosis: An institution’s experience
Authors: Van Dang Nguyen , Tien Hung Nguyen , Trung Dung Tran , Duy Manh Pham , Thi Tien Kim 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Patients with advanced esophageal cancer often present with airway obstruction symptoms requiring emergency intervention. At the Vietnam National Cancer Hospital (VNCH), silicone stents, typically inserted via rigid bronchoscopy, were instead effectively placed through tracheostomy, yielding positive outcomes.
Methods: From June 2019 to December 2023, 40 esophageal cancer patients with dyspnea due to tracheal blockage received airway silicone stenting by tracheostomy at the ENT Department at the VNCH.
Results: The mean age was 57.4± 9.0 years, ranging from 36 to 79 years. All patients were male (100%). Most patients had a 2-6 cm narrowing segment (87.5%). Most patients had airway stenosis due to compression (77.5%). Approximately one-third of all patients had grade I, II, or III airway stenosis, according to the Cotton-Myers classification. Intraoperatively, only 3 patients experienced hemorrhage (7.5%), which was controlled well by using bipolar coagulation forceps. Noneof the patients had serious complications, such as pneumomediastinum, actelasia, or acute respiratory failure. The only complication that occurred was mucus plugging inthe stent (30%), which was quickly resolved by draining through the tracheostomy. Most patients (92.5%) had SpO2 lower than 95% before surgery. After the procedure, all the patients had a normal SpO2 (SpO2 ≥ 95%).
Conclusion: Silicone stenting through tracheostomy in respiratory distress patients is safe, cost-effective, and valuable for the management of airway involvement in esophageal cancer patients. Our approach could be a good option for other centers to apply, especially in countries with healthcare resource constraints.
Advantages of CT Imaging in the Evaluation and Management of Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Zhang Xin , Xu Xiaoping , Shao Weirong , Yin Yong , Zhang Yingqi , Fan Jian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate the importance of computed tomography (CT) in the assessment of distal radius fractures.
Methods Fifty distal radius fractures were randomly included in this study. In the first part, preoperative CT images were reconstructed for all patients. After reconstructing the bony structures, 50 fracture lines were plotted on standardized bony structures of the distal radius using 3-matic software. A heat map was created based on the frequency of fracture lines to investigate the overall distribution of distal radius fractures through CT image superimposition. In the second part, all patients' imaging data, including preoperative and postoperative X-rays, were compared with preoperative and postoperative CT scans. Two independent observers analyzed the data to compare the disclosure of important details and to investigate the significance of CT for individual distal radius fractures.
Results The overall pattern of fracture lines in distal radius fractures is clearly demonstrated by CT. In the distal radial epiphyseal region, an annular band with a width of 4.52 mm is located in the area of primitive epiphyseal cartilage development below the watershed. Fractures below this annular band were rare. The distribution of volar fracture lines above the annular band was significantly less than that of dorsal fracture lines, which were more concentrated around Lister's tubercle and more frequently involved the distal radial joint. For individuals, preoperative CT and reconstruction techniques revealed 100% of the fracture details, especially in assessing articular surfaces. Postoperative CT provided a more accurate assessment of distal radius fracture repositioning and fixation, such as screw implantation and penetration, and articular surface flattening. However, overall fracture parameters (radial styloid height, radial inclination, palmar tilt) were measured more clearly by X-ray than by CT.
Conclusions CT and X-rays are essential for both preoperative and postoperative evaluations of distal radius fractures. However, CT offers a more detailed understanding of fracture characteristics and serves as a more effective guide for preoperative assessment and postoperative monitoring. Therefore, CT should be used as a routine examination.
Association between Physical Health and Academic Performance in University Students
Authors: Wang Feng , Da Yingjuan , Zhou Jilan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between physical health and academic performance among 4374 first-year students at the China University of Petroleum. Utilizing the 'National Student Physical Fitness Standard 2014 criteria, students underwent tests measuring lung capacity, sprint, long-distance run, sit and reach, standing long jump, and sit-ups. Academic performance was assessed through GPA and specific course grades. Results indicated a significant correlation between BMI, lung capacity, and long-distance running with higher academic performance (p < 0.01). Female students demonstrated better physical health scores (mean BMI: 20.79, mean GPA: 78.98) compared to males (mean BMI: 21.83, mean GPA: 77.61). Regression analysis revealed that physical fitness scores significantly impacted GPA, with a notable linear relationship (p < 0.01). These findings suggest that key physical health indicators are closely linked to academic success, highlighting the importance of integrating physical education into university curricula to enhance student performance.
A novel algorithm developed using machine learning and a J-ACCESS database can estimate defect scores from myocardial perfusion single-photon emission tomography images
Authors: Kiso Keisuke , Nakajima Kenichi , Nimura Yukitaka , Nishimura Tsunehiko 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Stress myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging (MPI) has been used to diagnose and predict the prognoses of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). An ongoing multicenter collaboration established a Japanese database (J-ACCESS) in 2001 that includes a risk model and expert interpretations. The present study aimed to develop a novel algorithm using machine learning (ML) and resources from the J-ACCESS database to aid SPECT image interpretation.
Methods
We analyzed data from 1,288 patients in J-ACCESS 3 and four databases. Three-dimensional (3D) stereoscopic images of left ventricular myocardial perfusion were reconstructed with linear transformation from the original short-axis data. Segments were extracted from U-Net, then features were extracted from each segment during the ML process. We estimated segmental scores based on weighted features obtained from fully connected layers. Correlations between segment scores interpreted by nuclear cardiology experts and estimated by ML were evaluated using a 17-segment model, summed stress (SSS), summed rest (SRS), and summed difference (SDS) scores, and ratios (%) of summed different scores (%SDS).
Results
The complete concordance rate of scores assessed by the experts and estimated by ML was 79.6%. The underestimated and overestimated rates were 10.3% and 10.0%, respectively. Associations between defect scores assessed by experts and ML were close, with correlation coefficients (r) of 0.923, 0.917, 0.842 and 0.853 for SSS% SRS, SDS, SDS, respectively (p < 0.0001 for all).
Conclusions
We created a new algorithm to estimate MPI scores using ML and the J-ACCESS database. This algorithm should provide accurate MPI interpretation even in facilities without specialist nuclear cardiologists, and might facilitate therapeutic decision-making and predict prognoses.
Risk Factor Analysis for the Formation of Postoperative Lower Limb Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients with Traumatic Spinal Fracture
Authors: Yang Diao , Chen Shiwen , Zhuo Can , Chen Haidan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective To analyze the independent risk factors for Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) in the lower limbs of patients after traumatic spinal fractures.
Methods The clinical data of 205 patients who underwent surgical treatment for traumatic spinal fracture due to high-energy injury in our hospital from September 2021 to February 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Included patients were treated with low molecular weight heparin and mechanical prevention of DVT. Patients underwent ultrasound examination within 1 week after surgery and were divided into DVT group and non-DVT group.
Results The overall incidence of postoperative DVT was 26.9% (55/205). Proximal thrombus occurred in 3 patients (1.5%) and distal thrombus in 52 patients (25.4%). No patients developed pulmonary embolism. Binary Logistic analysis showed that age (OR= 1.120, P<0.001), D-dimer (OR=1.347, P=0.002), bed time (OR=1.313, P<0.001), hypoproteinemia (OR=14.380, P<0.001), Blood transfusion (OR=5.707, P=0.003) was an independent risk factor for postoperative DVT in patients with traumatic spinal fractures. The value of different risk factors in the diagnosis of postoperative DVT was analyzed by ROC curve. The AUC values of age, bed time, blood transfusion and hypoproteinemia were 0.734, 0.822, 0.760 and 0.777, respectively. The diagnostic value of D-dimer (AUC value =0.884) was the highest among these risk factors. The diagnostic cut-off value of postoperative D-dimer was determined by Jorden index to be 3.185mg/L.
Conclusions Despite chemical and mechanical prevention of DVT, the incidence of postoperative DVT remains high, with D-dimer>3.185mg/l on the first day after surgery, bed time, age, blood transfusion, and hypoproteinemia being independent risk factors for postoperative DVT in patients with traumatic spinal fractures.
Hydrochemical characteristics analysis and human health assessment in the upper reaches of Zhang Wei River alluvial plain
Authors: Meng Yang , Zhang Zhaoji , Zhang Yuanjing , Liu Yaci , Jiao Mengqing , Li Yasong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Groundwater is the critical resource for agricultural, industrial, and urban-rural water supplies in arid and semi-arid regions, especially in North China Plain. In this study, 64 groundwater samples were collected to assess the potential for groundwater development and utilization in the upper reaches of the Zhang Wei river. The hydrochemical analysis revealed that the groundwater is primarily composed of HCO3-Ca and HCO3-Na·Ca. The hydrochemical type is influenced by natural water-rock interactions, including evaporite dissolution, silicate weathering, and ion exchange processes. Isotope data for hydrogen and oxygen, characterized by positive deviations from the global meteoric water line, underscore the significant impact of evaporation in the region. An entropy weight index method was employed for water quality evaluation, revealing that over 89% of the samples complied with Class II standards for household use. Furthermore, more than 85% of the area’s groundwater exhibited Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) concentrations below 1,000 mg/L, indicating a predominance of soft water. However, toxic elements such as fluorine (F), iodine (I), and chromium (Cr) were found to exceed drinking water standards, posing a health risk. Particularly, the intake level of fluorine was above the permissible value, potentially causing non-carcinogenic risks to children and infants. In conclusion, while the overall groundwater quality is favorable for the region, the presence of geochemically derived toxic substances necessitates careful consideration of its suitability for drinking purposes.
The signature of the gut bacterial and fungal flora structure in Chinese children with Down’s syndrome
Authors: Mu Qing , Yu Weidong , Li Minghui , Wang Xinjuan , Ren Shimeng , Hou Xueyu , Na Wu , Guo Jingzhu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The gut flora is thought to be critical to the development of the brain, and the role of the “gut-brain axis” in cognition has been gradually confirmed in recent years. Our previous studies have shown that there are significant differences in gut bacteria flora between children with Down syndrome (DS) and normal children. Compared with the gut bacteria flora, there are few studies on the gut fungi flora in DS. Although the abundance of fungi in the gut is relatively low, the imbalance of fungal flora also plays a very important role in the occurrence and development of diseases, changing before the appearance of early symptoms of diseases, through direct action or interaction with gut bacteria. In this study, the characterization of gut fungal and bacterial flora of children with DS from different provinces of China were simultaneously conducted via 16S and ITS sequencing. The results clearly showed dysbiosis of the gut flora in DS, andthere were differences in the gut flora related to the nervous system, such as Faecalibacterium, Prevotella, Clostridiales and Candida, which could ultimately affect cognitive function. In addition, this study further indicated changes in interactions between Candida and other gut flora in children with DS, which has proved to be a main pathogen of nerve damage in the brain. This work revealed the dysbiosis in DS gut flora and the relationship of them was analyzed, which may provide a new theoretical support for the pathogenesis of DS and other related cognitive disorders.
Design and Static and Dynamic Analysis of Floor Vibration Isolators for High-speed Train
Authors: Wan Shuaishuai , Song Leiming , Hu Xiaojun , Lin Hao , Zhang Hu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

With the increasing speed of high-speed train, it is more and more difficult to reduce the vibration and noise inside the train. The floor of the train, as a carriage component in direct contact with passengers, is of great significance to improve its vibration and sound isolation performance to ensure the comfort of passengers. In this paper, a floor vibration isolator with quasi-zero stiffness is designed based on the dimensional parameters of the traditional floor vibration isolator, and the vibration isolation performance is analyzed by the finite element model of the floor vibration isolator from the static and dynamics aspects respectively. The load-displacement curves of the floor vibration isolator are obtained through static simulation calculations, and the dynamic analysis of the floor vibration isolator is carried out by simulation methods, which verifies the low-frequency vibration isolation performance of the floor vibration isolator under different working conditions, and the vibration isolator has a good prospect for development.
Genetic analysis and characterization of reproductive control genes in Belgian and Qinchuan cattle population structure
Authors: Li Xiao-peng , Zhang Lu-lu , Wang Xue-yan , Huang Fei , Niu Peng , Wang Jie-ru , Yang Chenchen , Qu Huimin , Xiang Xin , Li Linlin , Shao Junjie , Han Chun-mei , Gao Qing-hua 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore the genetic structure of Belgian and Qinchuan cattle, with a particular emphasis on identifying genes associated with reproductive functions.A total of 270 Belgian and 286 Qinchuan cattle were genotyped using the Illumina Bovine SNP 50K microarray. Data processing was conducted using PLINK and Beagle 5.1 to calculate linkage disequilibrium (LD) and effective population size (Ne).Candidate SNP loci were identified by selecting the top 5% based on the fixation index (Fst) and nucleotide diversity (PI), followed by gene annotation.The analysis revealed 160 candidate genes in Qinchuan cattle and 98 candidate genes in Belgian Red and Belgian Red and White cattle. Key genes associated with reproductive function, including NFKBIA, PTHLH, UGT2B10, TRPC4, and ALOX5AP, were identified.This study provides valuable molecular markers for the genetic improvement and selective breeding of Belgian cattle, particularly in enhancing their reproductive efficiency.
Effects of assisted tools and learning conditions on L2 vocabulary learning: A study based on large language model
Authors: Fei Long , Yinyan Hu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the effects of assisted input namely gloss and dictionary on L2 incidental vocabulary learning. Furthermore, intentional and incidental learning conditions were also compared while merely utilizing a dictionary. Additionally, the gloss material was provided by large language model (LLM) ChatGPT through prompt engineering. Besides, learning gains were measured not only from knowledge breadth (form-meaning connection) solely but more dimensions regarding knowledge depth (synonym discrimination, derivation production, collocation production). Sixty-four English learners of grade 2 from a senior high school were divided into three treatment groups and one control group. Those two kinds of comparisons were made respectively between every three groups. Results indicated that gloss provided by LLM showed efficiency in collocation retention while dictionary brought better effects in derivations and synonym discrimination. Furthermore, intentional learning may exert a good role in long-term retention of knowledge depth and enhanced synonym discrimination effectively. The results are discussed along with students’ feedback from the questionnaire.
Priority areas and implementation of ecological corridor through forest restoration to safeguard biodiversity
Authors: Beltrão Mayara , Gonçalves Camila Francisco , Brancalion Pedro H. S. , Carmignotto Ana Paula , Silveira Luis Fábio , Galetti Pedro Manoel , Galetti Mauro 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Ecological Corridors (ECs) are proposed as cost-effective solutions to improve ecological connectivity in fragmented landscapes. Planning the implementation of ECs must take into account landscape features as they affect the viability of the endeavor and the ECs associated costs. A novel set of geoprocessing tools were used to analyze i) viability; ii) cost-effectiveness; and iii) to determine priority targets for ECs establishment in a highly fragmented region of Atlantic Forest. Landscape features, land use and cover, and Enhanced Vegetation Index data were obtained from remote sensing. Composition and configuration landscape metrics were estimated by geostatistical methods. Study area was represented by 35,344 forest fragments, of which 94% were composed of fragments smaller ha 10 hectares in size, leading to a landscape characterized by low connectivity. We identified 13 priority fragments for protection and propose five ecological corridors. These five ECs connect six priority fragments, with a total of 283.93 ha of area to restore, on an estimated cost of nearly US$550.000,00. Conserving the biodiversity of one of the most threatened and fragmented tropical rainforest regions could be promoted at modest costs, through the protection of key fragments and their reconnection in the landscape.
Research on Defogging Algorithm for Surveillance Video
Authors: wang guowei , wang yandi , tian qiaoyun , shi xinyue , zhang jinwei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study presents a dehazing algorithm specifically tailored for improving the quality of surveillance images impaired by foggy weather. The core research areas encompass atmospheric light estimation and the dehazing process. First, a perfect white balance method is employed for preprocessing surveillance video frames to remove the color influence caused by fog in the images. Second, based on an in-depth analysis of surveillance scene characteristics, a depth-based atmospheric light estimation method is proposed to accurately obtain crucial atmospheric light information within fog. Subsequently, a cross Bilateral filter is introduced, carefully balancing filtering efficacy and edge preservation to effectively eliminate noise in foggy images. Finally, by subtracting the estimated atmospheric light component from surveillance video frames, clear dehazed surveillance images are obtained. The performance evaluation of the proposed algorithm on six datasets yields the following metrics: the highest Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) is 8.507, the Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) is 0.826, the Universal Image Quality Index (UQI) is 0.732, and the information entropy is 7.663. These quantified performance indicators clearly illustrate the remarkable performance of the proposed algorithm in dehazing tasks, providing solid support for its practical application in the field of surveillance image enhancement.