bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between sugar-sweetened beverages intake and myopia: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2008
Authors: Hao Zhuang , Jiang Mengqi , Ma Jiyuan , Wu Tong , Liu Yan , Zhou Jian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between sugar-sweetened beverages （SSBs）intake and myopia in a large population-based sample.
Study design: A cross-sectional study.
Methods: The data from population under 40 years were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2001 and 2008. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between the SSBs intake and myopia. Additionally, the relationship between SSBs intake and myopia was further explored using propensity score matching (PSM). The generalized variance inflation factor (GVIF) was calculated to detect the potential for multicollinearity. Furthermore, restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was conducted to assess any potential non-linear relationship between SSBs intake and myopia.
Results: Of 11,851 participants under 40 years of age, 3,769 had myopia. The average consumption of SSBs was 664.28±18.43 grams/d in the emmetropia group and 605.35±20.01 grams/d in the myopia group before PSM, but no significant difference was detected after PSM(emmetropia group: 623.83±17.99 grams/d; myopia group:605.35±20.01 grams/d; P = 0.43). Multivariable logistics regression analysis showed SSBs intake was not associated with the risk of myopia before and after PSM, and the presence of multicollinearity was unlikely among all covariates. RCS analysis revealed a nonlinear relationship between SSBs intake and the risk of myopia before PSM (P for non-linear = 0.0244). However, after matching, no significant nonlinear associations were observed between SSBs intake and the risk of myopia (P for non-linear = 0.2434).
Conclusion: Our study provides initial evidence that consuming SSBs may not be a risk factor for myopia in a large-scale population. Future longitudinal and experimental studies can shed more light on the relationship between dietary factors and myopia, which can inform public health recommendations and interventions.
Automatic infant 2D pose estimation from videos: comparing seven deep neural network methods
Authors: Gama Filipe , Mísař Matěj , Navara Lukáš , Popescu Sergiu T. , Hoffmann Matej 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Automatic markerless estimation of infant posture and motion from ordinary videos carries great potential for movement studies “in the wild”, facilitating understanding of motor development and massively increasing the chances of early diagnosis of disorders. There is rapid development of human pose estimation methods in computer vision thanks to advances in deep learning and machine learning. However, these methods are trained on datasets featuring adults in different contexts. This work tests and compares seven popular methods (AlphaPose, DeepLabCut/DeeperCut, Detectron2, HRNet, MediaPipe/BlazePose, OpenPose, and ViTPose) on videos of infants in supine position. Surprisingly, all methods except DeepLabCut and MediaPipe have competitive performance without additional finetuning, with ViTPose performing best. Next to standard performance metrics (object keypoint similarity, average precision and recall), we introduce errors expressed in the neck-mid-hip ratio and additionally study missed and redundant detections and the reliability of the internal confidence ratings of the different methods, which are relevant for downstream tasks. Among the networks with competitive performance, only AlphaPose could run close to real time (27 fps) on our machine. We provide documented Docker containers or instructions for all the methods we used, our analysis scripts, and processed data at https://hub.docker.com/u/humanoidsctu and https://osf.io/x465b/.
Modified trochanteric flip osteotomy in varus intertrochanteric osteotomy for treatment of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Authors: Laufer Andrea , Antfang Carina , Gosheger Georg , Frommer Adrien , Toporowski Gregor , Tretow Henning , Roedl Robert , Vogt Bjoern 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) presents challenges in treatment due to its varied course and unclear etiology. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combining proximal femoral varus osteotomy (PFVO) with a modified trochanteric flip osteotomy to address biomechanical consequences and improve hip abductor muscle strength.
Methods
We present a modified approach combining PFVO with a trochanteric flip osteotomy. In this technique the greater trochanter in compound with its muscular insertions is separated from the femur and attached distally using a varization blade plate. Eight patients (nine hips) with LCPD were treated using this technique. Clinical examination findings and radiographic evaluations were retrospectively analyzed. The median follow-up was 28 months.
Results
At the last follow-up, two patients exhibited Trendelenburg gait, but hip abduction was improved in all patients. Radiographically, consolidation at the osteotomy site was observed in all cases, with no delayed union or non-union. The mean CE angle improved by 7.6°, while the mean CCD decreased by 19.5°. The mean MPFA decreased by 17.5° resulting in a mean of 81°.
Conclusion
Combining PFVO with a modified trochanteric flip osteotomy addresses biomechanical issues associated with PFVO, potentially improving hip containment and abductor muscle strength. This approach may offer advantages over traditional osteotomy techniques in treating LCPD. Despite satisfactory radiological outcomes in most cases, further research is needed to assess long-term effectiveness and address challenges such as femoral head enlargement and persistent gait abnormalities.
Zero-inflation in the Multivariate Poisson Lognormal Family
Authors: Chiquet Julien , Gindraud François , Mariadassou Mahendra , Batardière Bastien 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Analyzing high-dimensional count data is a challenge and statistical model-based approaches provide an adequate and efficient framework thatpreserves explainability. The (multivariate) Poisson-Log-Normal (PLN) modelis one such model: it assumes count data are driven by an underlying structuredlatent Gaussian variable, so that the dependencies between counts solely stems from the latent dependencies.However PLN doesn't account for zero-inflation, a feature frequentlyobserved in real-world datasets. Here we introducethe Zero-Inflated PLN (ZIPLN) model, adding a multivariate zero-inflated component to themodel, as an additional Bernoulli latent variable. The Zero-Inflation can befixed, site-specific, feature-specific or depends on covariates. We estimatemodel parameters using variational inference that scales up to datasets with a few thousands variables and compare two approximations:(i) independent Gaussian and Bernoulli variational distributions or (ii)Gaussian variational distribution conditioned on the Bernoulli one. The method is assessedon synthetic data and the efficiency of ZIPLN is established even when zero-inflation concerns up to 90\% of the observed counts.We then apply both ZIPLN and PLN to a cow microbiome dataset, containing 90.6\% ofzeroes. Accounting for zero-inflation significantly increases log-likelihood and reduces dispersion in the latent space, thus leading to improved group discrimination.
Biohydrogen production potential from the organic fraction of municipal solid waste in co- digestion with sewage sludge through high-solids dark fermentation
Authors: Silva-Martínez Rodolfo Daniel , Aguilar-Juárez Oscar , Díaz-Jiménez Lourdes , Valdez-Guzmán Blanca Estela , Aranda-Jaramillo Brenda , Carlos-Hernández Salvador 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Biohydrogen production from the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) in co-digestion with sewage sludge (SS) through dark fermentation (DF) is emerging as an alternative route for efficient waste treatment and biofuel production. Notwithstanding, there is little experience with a high-solid approach, where practical conditions are created to further develop feasible industrial-scale projects. This study conducted a biochemical hydrogen potential test using a 7L batch reactor at 35°C for 39 days. Parameters such as pH, redox potential, temperature, alkalinity, total solids, and substrate/inoculum ratio were adjusted and monitored. Biogas composition was analyzed by gas chromatography. The microbial characterization of SS and post-reaction percolate liquids was determined through metagenomics analyses.
Results
Results demonstrate an initial biohydrogen yield of 38.4 Nml/gVS OFMSW, which forms ~ 60% of the produced biogas. Aeration was proven as an efficient inoculum pretreatment method, mainly to decrease the levels of methanogenic archaea and metabolic competition, and at the same time maintain the required total solid (TS) contents for high-solid conditions. The microbial community analysis shows that the biohydrogen production was carried out by specific anaerobic and aerobic bacteria and dominated by the phylum Firmicutes such as the genus Bacillus, Clostridium, Romboutsia; and the phylum Proteobacteria with the genus Proteus.
Conclusion
These results aid in setting the base ground to further develop the technology and design a larger bioreactor for DF of OFMSW in co-digestion with SS, considering diverse parameters, the manufacturing process, and instrumentation. Thus, this research provides an alternative solution for OFMSW treatment and biohydrogen production and expects to serve as a basis for future research, which may intend to improve biochemical conditions to increase the amount of hydrogen produced, optimize biodegradation and, at the same time, develop an industrial high-solid dark fermentation system that is technically and economically viable.
Impact of diabetes mellitus on oncologic outcomes in patients receiving robot- assisted radical cystectomy for bladder cancer
Authors: Tuderti Gabriele , Chiacchio Giuseppe , Mastroianni Riccardo , Anceschi Umberto , Bove Alfredo Maria , Brassetti Aldo , D'Annunzio Simone , Ferriero Mariaconsiglia , Misuraca Leonardo , Proietti Flavia , Flammia Rocco Simone , Guaglianone Salvatore , Lombardo Riccardo , Anselmi Marianna , Zampa Ashanti , Nunzio CosimoDe , Pastore Antonio Luigi , Galosi⁴ Andrea Benedetto , Leonardo Costantino , Gallucci Michele , Simone Giuseppe 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Aim of this study is to investigate the association between DM and oncological outcomes among patients with muscle-invasive (MI) or high-risk non-muscle invasive (NMI) bladder cancer (BC) who underwent robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion (RARC)
Methods
An IRB approved multi-institutional BC database was queried, including patients underwent RARC between January 2013 and June 2023. Patients were divided into two groups according to DM status. Baseline, clinical, perioperative, pathologic data were compared. Chi-square and Student t tests were performed to compare categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the association between DM and oncologic outcomes.
Results
Out of 547 consecutive patients, 97 (17.7%) had DM. The two cohorts showed similar preoperative features, except for ASA score (p=0.01) and Hypertension rates (p<0.001). No differences were detected for perioperative complications, pT stage, pN stages and surgical margins status (all p>0.12). DM patients displayed significantly lower 5-yr disease-free survival (DFS) (44.6% vs 63.3%, p=0.007), 5-yr cancer-specific survival (CSS) (45.1% vs 70.1%, p=0.001) and 5-yr Overall survival (OS) (39.9% vs 63.8%, p=0.001). At Multivariable Cox-regression analyses DM status was identified as independent predictor of worse cancer-specific survival (CSS) (HR 2.1; p=0.001) and overall survival (OS) (HR 2.05; p<0.001).
Conclusion
Among BC patients who underwent RARC, DM patients showed worse oncologic outcomes than the non-DM patients, with DM status playing an independent negative predicting role in CSS and OS. Future prospective studies are awaited, stimulating basic and translational research to identify possible mechanisms of interaction between DM and BC.
Atypical left-ventricular hypertrophy with apical aneurysm in Leopard Syndrome.
Authors: Fernandez-Sanchez Jose Antonio , Cobarro-Galvez Lucia , Bermudez-Jimenez Francisco Jose , Macias-Ruiz Rosa , Oyonarte-Ramirez Jose Manuel , Jimenez-Jaimez Juan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Noonan Syndrome with Multiple Lentigines (NSML-formerly known as LEOPARD syndrome) is a rare autosomal dominant condition that usually exhibits cardiac involvement with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Here we present a case of a NSML patient with an unusual and patchy cardiac hypertrophy distribution.
Pro-MA: Progressively Margin-based Attribution in Pre-trained Vision-Language Models
Authors: You Sisi , Li Jiachang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Knowledge attribution is focused on analyzing the internal knowledge architecture of neural networks, aiming to accurately identify the factual knowledge stored within a model. Existing knowledge attribution methods concentrate on Pre-trained Language Models (PLMs), with limited exploration in Pre-trained Vision-Language Models (VLMs). However, the knowledge attribution methods of PLMs cannot be directly utilized on VLMs due to different decision-making processes and unstable integral gradients. Specifically, VLMs involve extra knowledge-irrelevant steps like localization and show high variance in gradient distributions along the attribution paths. To address the above challenges, we propose Progressive Margin-based Attribution (Pro-MA) to achieve more accurate attribute knowledge attribution in VLMs. Firstly, we employ cross-attribute comparison to identify and eliminate irrelevant knowledge by constructing high-similarity negative samples. Secondly, we utilize progressive attribution scoring that quantifies the contribution of neurons to the output by the margin of the attribute-value loss function along the path of active neurons. Evaluation on the OVAD and VAW datasets shows that Pro-MA outperforms the state-of-the-art knowledge attribution methods.
Human Dental Mesenchymal Stem Cells Restorate Immune Response in Sera of Pemphigus Vulgaris Patients
Authors: Ozgen Zuleyha , Duran Yazgul , Ergun Tulin , Göker Kamil , Senem Sabriye , AKKOÇ Tunç 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Pemphigus is an IgG-mediated autoimmune condition characterized by autoantibodies targeting desmogleins, leading to acantholysis. Current treatments, including systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs, are associated with significant adverse effects. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer a promising alternative due to their immunomodulatory properties and low immunogenicity. This study evaluates the immunomodulatory effects of Dental Follicle Mesenchymal Stem Cells (DF-MSCs) on Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV) patients and healthy controls by examining T-cell proliferation, apoptosis, cytokine levels, and anti-desmoglein 1/3 IgG profiles. Twenty-one symptomatic PV patients and eleven healthy volunteers were included. DF-MSCs were isolated, characterized, and differentiated into osteocytes, adipocytes, and chondrocytes. Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) were co-cultured with DF-MSCs, and various assays were conducted to evaluate T-cell proliferation, apoptosis, regulatory T cells, cytokine expression, and autoantibody levels. Results showed that DF-MSC co-cultures significantly reduced lymphocyte proliferation (43.58–16.27%), IL-4 (38.06 ng/L to 32.26 ng/L), TNF-α (32.45 ng/L to 29.41 ng/L), and DSG1 (3.29 ng/ml to 3.00 ng/ml) and DSG3 (262.40 ng/ml to 245.08 ng/ml) levels in PV patients. An increase in regulatory T cells (1.22–3.75%), IL-10 (47.46 pg/ml to 54.94 pg/ml), and IFN-γ (12.39 ng/ml to 19.70 ng/ml) was also observed. No significant changes were noted in healthy controls. These findings suggest that DF-MSCs could potentially offer a curative approach for treating pemphigus by restoring immune balance. However, further clinical trials are necessary to confirm their efficacy.
Inferring causal associations in hydrological systems: A comparison of methods
Authors: Liang Hanxu , Wang Wensheng , Chen Bin , Guo Li , Liu Hu , Yu Siyi , Zhang Dan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Many research issues in hydrological systems are intrinsically causal, aiming to determine whether and how one factor affects another. Although causal inference methods have been applied more or less in hydrology, there still remains a lack of systematic comparison between different methods. Here, four popular methods in the causal inference community, including the cross-correlation function (CCF), convergent cross mapping (CCM), transfer entropy (TE), and a causal network learning algorithm (PCMCI+) were selected, with a detailed explanation of their basic principles and underlying assumptions. Next, the performances of these methods were evaluated in large sample tests and sensitivity analysis using synthetic time series generated by a conceptual hydrological model with two predesigned causal structures. Then, the four methods were applied in two real-world cases to further understand their characteristics. The findings show the superior performance of the PCMCI + method in synthetic cases and a commendable level of interpretability in real cases, thus warranting its broader application in hydrological systems. The limitations of the other three methods, especially in effectively addressing confounding and mediating factors, led to several unreasonable causal links. Furthermore, the emergence of conflicting results among different methods in real-world applications underscores the necessity for a multifaceted understanding based on their particular assumptions and constraints. A comprehensive application of diverse methods according to the specific issue is encouraged for the robustness of conclusions, with their assumptions clearly stated in advance. Overall, our research reveals the potential and limitations of different causal inference methods in comprehension of complex interactions within hydrological systems, serving as a useful guide for their further prosperity in hydrology.
Cost-effectiveness of RefluxStop compared to proton pump inhibitors and Nissen fundoplication for management of persistent gastroesophageal reflux disease in Norway
Authors: Harper Sam , Kartha Muralikrishnan , Mealing Stuart , Eftang Lars , Gaupset Robin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background Heartburn, chest pain, and regurgitation are characteristics of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The standard treatment in Norway is proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), but surgical alternatives such as Nissen fundoplication are pursued when medical management proves ineffective. RefluxStop is an implantable device presenting a new approach to restoration of the antireflux barrier. The aim of this study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of RefluxStop, Nissen fundoplication, and PPI-based medical management (MM) in Norway.Methods A Markov model was adapted from a published cost-effectiveness analysis developed for the UK NHS assessing the cost-effectiveness of RefluxStop in comparison with PPI-based MM and Nissen fundoplication. The perspective of the Norwegian healthcare payer, lifetime horizon, one-month cycle length, and a 4% annual discount rate for costs and health-benefits were used. Health states included in the model were initial MM, MM relapse, follow-on surgery, reoperations, MM with a higher dose, Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal cancer, and death. Adverse events related to MM and surgeries were included with benefits measured in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Norwegian diagnostic-related group tariffs and literature were used as sources for unit costs. Clinical efficacy data for RefluxStop was based on an ongoing clinical study and comparator treatments were informed by published studies. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were used to address uncertainty of the parameter estimates.Results Compared to PPI-based MM and Nissen fundoplication, the base case incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of RefluxStop were NOK 68,262 and NOK 79,543 per QALY gained, respectively. The results of the model were robust to variation in individual inputs with exception of monthly failure rate of RefluxStop relative to Nissen fundoplication. RefluxStop demonstrated a significantly high probability of cost-effectiveness at the cost-effectiveness threshold of NOK 275,000 per QALY gained, with probabilities of 100% and 92% against PPI-based MM and Nissen fundoplication, respectively.Conclusion The RefluxStop device is highly likely to be cost-effective compared to PPI-based MM and Nissen fundoplication in Norway. Further study is required to assess the real-world long-term safety and efficacy of this novel device.
Exploring the Prevalence and Determinants of Substance Use Among Drug Addicts in Pakistan
Authors: Siddiqui Sonia , Khalid Farhia , Khalid Muhammad Farooq , Towheed Aetesam , Ahmed Shoaib , Paracha Hafsa , Naqvi Talheen Ali , Hassan Tania , Owais Ayesha 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate the underlying causes that lead to the initiation of drug usage among drug addicts in Pakistan and to assess the prevalence of drug abuse and its association with influential factors.
Methods
This cross-sectional study involved 598 adult males and 2 females. Participants were recruited from different psychiatric rehabilitation centres using the standard scoring scale of substance use according to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria. An additional questionnaire was used to assess the socio-demographic details.
Results
The mean age of participants was 29.54 ± 6.76 years. The mean score of DSM-5 level 2 was 16.55. The logistic regression analysis shows a significant association between peer pressure (OR = 24.98, 95% CI: 14.208–43.945; p < 0.0005) and curiosity (OR = 0.027, 95% CI: 0.11 − 0.068; p < 0.0005) with the severity of substance use. Sex (6.7%), relationship problems (6.7%), stress (5.3%), and strict family (6.7%) were also significantly associated with the severity of substance use. All polydrug users in this study were significantly associated with the severity of the drug. Marijuana (69%) was the most commonly used by the participants followed by heroin (56.9%) and methamphetamine (52.5%). It was found that substance use was significantly associated with memory impairment and violence. The majority of the participants (95%) have tried to stop using drugs. Age, marital status, and education are not associated with the severity of drug use.
Conclusion
The findings emphasize the urgency of tailored interventions and support strategies to combat substance addiction effectively.