bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developmental and Validation of Machine Learning Model for Prediction Complication After Cervical Spine Metastases Surgery
Authors: Santipas Borriwat , Suvithayasiri Siravich , Trathitephun Warayos , Wilartratsami Sirichai , Luksanapruksa Panya 
Published: August 2024

Study Design:
This is a retrospective cohort study utilizing machine learning to predict postoperative complications in cervical spine metastases surgery.

Objectives:
The main objective is to develop a machine learning model that accurately predicts complications following cervical spine metastases surgery.

Summary of Background Data:
Cervical spine metastases surgery can enhance quality of life but carries a risk of complications influenced by various factors. Existing scoring systems may not include all predictive factors. Machine learning offers the potential for a more accurate predictive model by analyzing a broader range of variables.

Methods:
Data from January 2012 to December 2020 were retrospectively collected from medical databases. Predictive models were developed using Gradient Boosting, Logistic Regression, and Decision Tree Classifier algorithms. Variables included patient demographics, disease characteristics, and laboratory investigations. SMOTE was used to balance the dataset, and the models were assessed using AUC, F1-score, precision, recall, and SHAP values.

Results:
The study included 72 patients, with a 29.17% postoperative complication rate. The Gradient Boosting model had the best performance with an AUC of 0.94, indicating excellent predictive capability. Albumin level, platelet count, and tumor histology were identified as top predictors of complications.

Conclusions:
The Gradient Boosting machine learning model showed superior performance in predicting postoperative complications in cervical spine metastases surgery. With continuous data updating and model training, machine learning can become a vital tool in clinical decision-making, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Level of Evidence:
Level III.
Experimental Study of Ultra-Pulsed CO2 Fractional Laser Combined With Recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor Gel in the Treatment of Eyelid Keloid
Authors: Qu Yixin , Gao Wuyou , Huang Danping , Li Xingyi , Chen Rongxin , Mao Zhen , Lin Xianchai 
Published: August 2024

Objective:Keloid (KD) and hypertrophic scars are prevalent and result from excessive growth of dermal tissue after skin damage. This review focused on the clinical application of the ultra-pulsed CO2fractional laser combined with recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rHEGF) gel in patients with eyelid KD.Methods:Patients (N = 98) with KD who underwent surgery were randomly divided into a study group (ultra-pulsed CO2fractional laser combined with rHEGF gel therapy, N = 49) and a control group (ultra-pulsed CO2fractional laser therapy, N = 49). Besides, 5 cases dropped out of the study, including 2 cases in the study group and 3 cases in the control group. Finally, 47 cases of the study group and 46 cases of the study group were included in the analysis. The clinical baseline data such as sex, age, body mass index, scar area, etiology, Vancouver Scar Scale score, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale score, four-item itch questionnaire score, serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α level expression were recorded in the study group (N = 47) and the control group (N = 46).Results:There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, scar area, etiology, Vancouver Scar Scale score, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale score, 4-item itch questionnaire score, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels between the patients treated with ultra-pulse CO2fractional laser + rHEGF gel and those only treated with ultra-pulse CO2fractional laser (p> 0.05). Vancouver Scar Scale scores, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale scores, and four-item itch questionnaire scores of patients with eyelid KD decreased to a greater extent than those treated with ultra-pulsed CO2fractional laser combined with rHEGF gel (p<0.01). Compared with ultra-pulsed CO2fractional laser treatment, ultra-pulsed CO2fractional laser combined with rHEGF gel was more efficacious in treating patients with eyelid KD, with a lower incidence of adverse effects and a 1-year recurrence rate.Conclusions:Ultra-pulsed CO2fractional laser combined with rHEGF gel can significantly improve the scar status and scar itching in patients with eyelid KD, with an obvious therapeutic effect, a low incidence of adverse effects, a 1-year recurrence rate, and high safety, which is worthy of popularization and application.
A Multicenter, Single-Arm, Objective Performance Criteria-Controlled Clinical Study of the Safety and Efficacy of the Double-Lumen Eustachian Tube Balloon Catheter
Authors: Si Yu , Shu Fan , Liu Wei , Jiang Yusong , Xu Yaodong , Ou Yongkang , Yang Haidi , Xiong Hao , Liang Maojin , Deng Cuiping , Lu Zhiyin , Luo Yan , Shen Jun , Zhang Hongzheng , Zhang Zhigang , Chen Suijun 
Published: August 2024

Background
To prospectively evaluate the technical efficacy and safety of the double-lumen eustachian tube (ET) balloon catheter in patients with ET dysfunction.

Methods
Patients who were diagnosed with ET dysfunction and needed balloon eustachian tuboplasty (BET) were prospectively enrolled. A double-lumen ET balloon catheter was used to dilate the ET and inject medicine. Efficacy results were assessed by the injection channel patency (ICP) rate, the injection reached the expected site (IRES) rate, and the improvement in eustachian tube function was evaluated by the seven-item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7) score. Safety results were assessed in terms of adverse events and device defects.

Results
BET was successfully attempted in 87 patients from April 2022 to August 2022 at two academic medical centers in China (01, 02). The ICP rate was 100%, and the IRES rate was 88.51%. The overall ETDQ-7 score was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) postsurgically at both centers. There were no major complications or device defects.

Conclusion
The double-lumen ET balloon catheter is technically effective and safe for the treatment of ET dysfunction.
Ectopic Cushing Syndrome Localized by 68Ga-DOTA-LM3 PET/CT
Authors: Bastian Moritz B. , Rosar Florian , Burgard Caroline , Blickle Arne , Ezziddin Samer 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
A 53-year-old woman presented with signs of Cushing syndrome with challenges in diagnosis and localization. A novel somatostatin receptor (SSTR)–targeted PET/CT with 68Ga-DOTA-LM3, an SSTR antagonist, revealed a suspicious focal finding in the pancreatic head, proven to be ectopic Cushing syndrome after surgical resection. This interesting image clearly shows the potential of PET imaging with SSTR antagonists as 68Ga-DOTA-LM3 in the diagnosis of ectopic Cushing syndrome.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Attitudes to Organ Donation in Central Australia: A Qualitative Pilot Study
Authors: Secombe Paul , Lankin Emslie , Beadle Rosalind , McAnulty Greg , Brown Alex , Bailey Michael , Schultz Rebecca , Pilcher David 
Published: August 2024

Background.Organ transplantation is a well-established intervention but is reliant on the donation of organs and tissues, mostly from deceased donors. The proportion of Australians proceeding to organ donation (OD) has increased, but the proportion of Indigenous Australians proceeding remains two-thirds that of non-Indigenous Australians. We sought to explore perceived barriers and enablers for the involvement of Indigenous peoples in the OD process.Methods.Qualitative methodology centered around focus groups was used to capture the experiences and perspectives of Indigenous people regarding OD. A purposively sampled group of Aboriginal Liaison Officers working within the Alice Springs Hospital Intensive Care Unit (ASH ICU) participated in up to 6 focus groups during 2021 with subsequent thematic analysis of the enablers and barriers to Indigenous participation in the OD process. The ASH ICU is the only ICU servicing Central Australia, and 70% of admissions are Indigenous patients.Results.Four primary themes emerged: OD is a new and culturally taboo topic; conversations related to OD are confronting; education is needed (both about OD and cultural education for clinicians); and lack of trust in the healthcare system.Conclusions.There are cultural barriers to engaging in the OD process and clinicians need more training on the delivery of culturally safe communication is needed. Despite this, there was a recognition that OD is important. Education about OD needs to be place based, culturally and linguistically appropriate, informed by local knowledge, delivered in community, and occur before a family member is admitted to ICU.
Metabolic Choreography of Energy Substrates During DCD Heart Perfusion
Authors: Trimigno Alessia , Zhao Jifang , Michaud William A. , Paneitz Dane C. , Chukwudi Chijioke , D’Alessandro David A. , Lewis Greg D. , Minie Nathan F. , Catricala Joseph P. , Vincent Douglas E. , Lopera Higuita Manuela , Bolger-Chen Maya , Tessier Shannon N. , Li Selena , O’Day Elizabeth M. , Osho Asishana A. , Rabi S. Alireza 
Published: August 2024

Background.
The number of patients waiting for heart transplant far exceeds the number of hearts available. Donation after circulatory death (DCD) combined with machine perfusion can increase the number of transplantable hearts by as much as 48%. Emerging studies also suggest machine perfusion could enable allograft “reconditioning” to optimize outcomes. However, a detailed understanding of the energetic substrates and metabolic changes during perfusion is lacking.

Methods.
Metabolites were analyzed using 1-dimensional 1H and 2-dimensional 13C-1H heteronuclear spectrum quantum correlation nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy on serial perfusate samples (N = 98) from 32 DCD hearts that were successfully transplanted. Wilcoxon signed-rank and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to test for significant differences in metabolite resonances during perfusion and network analysis was used to uncover altered metabolic pathways.

Results.
Metabolite differences were observed comparing baseline perfusate to samples from hearts at time points 1–2, 3–4, and 5–6 h of perfusion and all pairwise combinations. Among the most significant changes observed were a steady decrease in fatty acids and succinate and an increase in amino acids, especially alanine, glutamine, and glycine. This core set of metabolites was also altered in a DCD porcine model perfused with a nonblood-based perfusate.

Conclusions.
Temporal metabolic changes were identified during ex vivo perfusion of DCD hearts. Fatty acids, which are normally the predominant myocardial energy source, are rapidly depleted, while amino acids such as alanine, glutamine, and glycine increase. We also noted depletion of ketone, β-hydroxybutyric acid, which is known to have cardioprotective properties. Collectively, these results suggest a shift in energy substrates and provide a basis to design optimal preservation techniques during perfusion.
E-cigarettes increase the risk of adenoma formation in murine colorectal cancer model
Authors: Sayed Ibrahim M , Chakraborty Anirban , Inouye Kaili , Dugan Leanne , Tocci Stefania , Advani Ira , Park Kenneth , Hazra Tapas K , Das Soumita , Crotty Alexander Laura E. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundE-cigarettes (E.cigs) cause inflammation and damage to human organs, including the lungs and heart. In the gut, E.cig vaping promotes inflammation and gut leakiness. Further, E.cig vaping increases tumorigenesis in oral and lung epithelial cells by inducing mutations and suppressing host DNA repair enzymes. It is well known that cigarette (cig) smoking increases the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). To date, it is unknown whether E.cig vaping impacts CRC development.MethodsA mouse model of human familial adenomatous polyposis (CPC-APC) was utilized wherein a mutation in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, CDX2-Cre-APCMin/+, leads to the development of colon adenomas within 16 weeks. Mice were exposed to air (controls), E.cig vaping, cig, or both (dual exposure). After 4 weeks of 2-hour exposures per day (1 hour of each for dual exposures), the colon was collected and assessed for polyp number and pathology scores by microscopy. Expression of inflammatory cytokines and cancer stem cell markers were quantified. DNA damage such as double-strand DNA breaks was evaluated by immunofluorescence, western blot and gene-specific long amplicon qPCR. DNA repair enzyme levels (NEIL-2, NEIL-1, NTH1, and OGG1) were quantified by western blot. Proliferation markers were assessed by RT-qPCR and ELISA.ResultsCPC-APC mice exposed to E.cig, cig, and dual exposure developed a higher number of polyps compared to controls. Inflammatory proteins, DNA damage, and cancer stemness markers were higher in E-cig, cig, and dual-exposed mice as well. DNA damage was found to be associated with the suppression of DNA glycosylases, particularly with NEIL-2 and NTH1. E.cig and dual exposure both stimulated cancer cell stem markers (CD44, Lgr-5, DCLK1, and Ki67).The effect of E.cigs on polyp formation and CRC development was less than that of cigs, while dual exposure was more tumorigenic than either of the inhalants alone.ConclusionE.cig vaping promotes CRC by stimulating inflammatory pathways, mediating DNA damage, and upregulating transcription of cancer stem cell markers. Critically, combining E.cig vaping with cig smoking leads to higher levels of tumorigenesis. Thus, while the chemical composition of these two inhalants, E.cigs and cigs, is highly disparate, they both drive the development of cancer and when combined, a highly common pattern of use, they can have additive or synergistic effects.
NeuroAtlas: An Artificial Intelligence-based Framework for Annotation, Segmentation and Registration of Large Scale Biomedical Imaging Data
Authors: Mahmood Hassan , Nawar Farah , Islam Syed Mohammed Shamsul , Iqbal Asim 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWith increasing neuroimaging modalities and data diversity, mapping brain regions to a standard atlas template has become a challenging problem. Machine learning in general and deep learning, in particular, have been providing robust solutions for several neuroimaging tasks, including brain image registration and segmentation. However, these methods require a large amount of data for groundtruth labels, annotated by human experts, which is time-consuming. In this work, we introduce NeuroAtlas, an AI-based framework for atlas generation and brain region segmentation. We showcase an end-to-end solution for brain registration and segmentation by providing i) a deep learning modeling suite with a variety of high-performing model architectures to map a brain atlas onto the input brain section and ii) a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based plugin for large-scale data annotation with a feature of modifying the predicted labels for active learning. We demonstrate a robust performance of our framework on the human brains, captured through various imaging modalities and age groups, and demonstrate its application for mouse brains as well. NeuroAtlas tool will be open-sourced and entirely compatible with both local as well as cloud-based computing so that users can easily adapt to their neuroimaging custom datasets.
Phenotypes and Electrophysiological Features of Hereditary Neuropathy with Liability to Pressure Palsies (HNPP) According to Physical Activities: A Single Military Hospital Experience
Authors: Kim Eun Jin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe typical symptom of HNPP is focal nerve palsy with complete or near complete recovery, and it often occurs during military service with upper extremity weakness due to a brachial plexus involvement. This study aimed to analyze the clinical features and neurophysiological examination results of HNPP occurring in the Korean military to determine whether the clinical presentations and electrodiagnostic patterns differ according to the trigger activity and to obtain useful information for the early diagnosis of HNPP.MethodsSixty-four patients with HNPP were included over an 11-year period, and medical records and electrophysiological tests were analyzed.ResultsThirty-five patients presented with isolated compressive neuropathy and 18 patients presented with brachial plexopathy. Analysis of phenotypes according to triggering activity revealed that 13 of 16 patients with symptom onset after military training showed a type of isolated compressive neuropathy and that 11 of 20 patients with symptom onset after push-ups or after backpack carriages showed a type of brachial plexopathy. Six patients experienced symptoms following sleep, while four reported symptoms after trauma. Atypical features were observed in 11 cases (17.2%), including 3 lower lumbosacral radiculopathy-like presentation. Abnormal findings were observed in 91.2% of distal latency of the peroneal motor nerve.ConclusionsThe phenotype varied according to the physical activity that triggered HNPP onset in soldiers. These results are expected to help in the early diagnosis of HNPP in soldiers or those who develop it after physical activity.key messagesThis study underscores the importance of recognizing clinical manifestation of HNPP in military personnel, particularly those involved in physically demanding activities, to facilitate timely diagnosis and intervention.The phenotypes of HNPP in soldiers vary depending on the triggering activity, with isolated compressive neuropathy and brachial plexopathy being the most common presentations.Atypical clinical manifestations were observed, including presentations resembling Guillain–Barré syndrome and lumbosacral radiculopathy.Regardless of the location of symptoms, a peroneal motor conduction study can be valuable in diagnosing HNPP.These findings could significantly contribute to the early diagnosis of HNPP in soldiers.
Variations and predictability of epistasis on an intragenic fitness landscape
Authors: Baheti Sarvesh , Raj Namratha , Saini Supreet 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHow epistasis hinders or facilitates movement on fitness landscapes has been a longstanding question of interest. Several high throughput experiments have demonstrated that despite its idiosyncrasy, epistatic effects exhibit global statistical patterns. Recently, Papkou et. al. constructed a fitness landscape for a 9-base region in thefolAgene, which encodes for dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), inE. coli, and demonstrated that despite being highly rugged, the landscape is highly navigable. In this work, using thefolAlandscape, we ask two questions: (1) How does the nature of epistatic interactions change as a function of the genomic background? (2) How predictable is epistasis within a gene? Our results show that epistasis is “fluid” - the nature of epistasis exhibited by a pair of mutations is strongly contingent on the genetic background. Mutations exhibit one of two binary “states”: a small fraction of mutations exhibit extremely strong patterns of global epistasis, while most do not. Despite these observations, we observe that the distribution of fitness effects (DFE) of a genotype is highly predictable based on its fitness. These results offer a new perspective on how epistasis operates within a gene, and how it can be predicted.Significance Statement.How a mutation changes organismal fitness is dependent on the genome in which it occurs. This phenomenon is known as epistasis and makes evolution unpredictable. Recent efforts to understand epistasis have led to the identification of statistical patterns in its manifestations. To study how epistasis operates in protein evolution, we analyze a recently reported landscape which quantifies fitness of ∼260000 sequences of anE. coligene. We show two previously unknown properties of epistasis: “fluid” (epistasis between mutations is controlled via other epistatic interactions) and “binary” (only a few mutations exhibit statistical patterns; most do not). This work sheds new light on how epistasis manifests in gene sequences. Our results have important consequences for protein & organismal evolution.
Disruption of ultrasonic vocalization with systemic administration of the non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist MK-801 in adult male mice
Authors: Tamura Ryuto , Ujihara Yusuke , Yamamoto Mizuki , Matsushima Shuntaro , Kasahara Haruki , Nasukawa Daiki , Hayashi Kazuko , Yamada Kota , Tanaka Masashi , Toda Koji 
Published: August 2024

AbstractVocal communication is essential for survival in many animals, including humans. Mice produce ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in various social contexts. N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are widely distributed in the central nervous system and play essential roles in synaptic plasticity, learning, and behavior. However, the role of NMDA receptors in USVs remains unclear. Here, we examined the effects of systemic administration of a noncompetitive NMDA antagonist, MK-801, on USVs during courtship and in other social and nonsocial behaviors. First, we investigated the USVs emitted by male mice. After the successful classification of USVs into 11 categories using VocalMat, an open-source computational vision and machine-learning technique, we analyzed the relationship between USV properties and approaching behavior toward female mice. Male mice produced USVs when they were close to female mice, which confirmed that USVs were associated with social signals. Second, we examined the effects of intraperitoneal injection of MK-801 on USVs and approach behavior. Intraperitoneal injection of MK-801 dose-dependently decreased the number of USVs and increased locomotor activity, but did not affect the time spent with female mice. In additional experiments, we confirmed that the injection of MK- 801 decreased the time spent with a novel same-sex individual in the social preference task, increased locomotor activity, and inhibited excretion in the open-field task. Taken together, these results demonstrate that NMDA receptors play important roles in vocal communication and social behavior.