bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictive model for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease based on multicenter data
Authors: wang yaqin , ying yuanyuan , Ni Kaiwen , Zhong Jiayan , Meng Xiang , yang yu , wang Zhen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide and is currently a prominent public health and medical concern in China. This study incorporates data from patients with COPD across multiple regions and hospitals to develop a prediction model for COPD and to conduct risk stratification analysis for key indicators not previously included.
Methods
We collected data on both inpatients and outpatients with COPD who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi Chinese Medical University, and the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Chinese Medical University from January 2018 to December 2022. Non-COPD populations during the same period were also included. The data were divided into training and internal validation sets to establish and internally validate the COPD prediction model. External validation of the model was performed using data from patients with COPD who attended the physical examination center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University and the Taozhuang Health Centre in Jiashan from November 2019 to June 2022.
Results
A total of 1,056 retrospective cases were included in the study, of which 740 and 316 were in the training and internal validation sets, respectively. The external validation set comprised 408 cases. After multifactorial logistic regression analysis, six risk factors were utilized to establish a prediction model for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: age (OR = 1.05, 95%CI: 1.02–1.08), history of exposure to second-hand smoke (OR = 8.27, 95%CI: 2.70–25.34), cough (OR = 23.52, 95%CI: 12.64–43.77), “occasional episodes of wheezing that are mild and do not interfere with sleep or activity” (OR = 6.06, 95%CI: 2.59–14.19), “bouts of wheezing that worsen with movement” (OR = 21.40, 95%CI: 10.32–44.37), and “persistent episodes of wheezing, occurring at rest, unable to lie down” (OR = 10.97, 95%CI: 1.02–118.28). A clinical prediction model was developed. The final prediction model equation was: y = -5.920 + 0.047 (age) + 2.113 (history of second-hand smoke exposure) + 3.158 (presence of cough) + 1.801 (wheezing symptom 1) + 3.063(wheezing symptom 2) + 2.396 (wheezing symptom 3), logit(p) =\(\:\frac{{e}^{y}}{1+{e}^{y}}\). The model’s accuracy was 94.1%, sensitivity was 98.5%, and specificity was 89.2%. The AUC for the internal validation set was 0.976 (95% CI: 0.962–0.990), and for the external validation set, it was 0.691 (95% CI: 0.638–0.744). The critical cut-off value of the prediction model was determined to be 0.258.
Conclusion
Age, history of second-hand smoke exposure, and the severity of wheezing symptoms were identified as key factors for COPD diagnosis.
The impact of an online support group on patients’ awareness of pregnancy-and lactation-induced osteoporosis
Authors: Tuzun Sansin , Aygun Eren 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy and lactation-induced osteoporosis (PLO) is a serious and rare condition, which causes substantial physical and emotional distress. The rarity of PLO highlights the importance of alternative information sources such as online patient groups. This study aims to explore the experiences of pregnancy and lactation-induced osteoporosis among members of a WhatsApp patient group, and to analyze how participation in the group impacts members' knowledge about their condition, psychological well-being, and healthcare decisions.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included forty-six members of the "Smile Please" WhatsApp patient group, diagnosed with PLO. A 9-item survey assessed membership duration, sources of group awareness, knowledge improvement, changes in fears and concerns, and impacts on treatment decisions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis for qualitative responses.
Results: The average age of participants was 33.8±4.8 years, with a mean BMI of 23.2. Their
membership duration was 15.3 ± 16.8 months. Increased knowledge was reported by 46.3% regarding symptoms and diagnostic tools, 75.6% on treatment options, and 41.5% on side effects. Half of the participants experienced decreased fear of the disease, and 41.9% reported reduced concerns about treatment side effects. Qualitative analysis highlighted themes of emotional support, information sharing, and coping with the condition.
Conclusions: Online patient groups provide a unique platform where members can openly share their knowledge and experiences, thereby influencing their emotional well-being and healthcare decisions. These groups should be encouraged, especially for chronic and rare diseases like PLO.
Enhancing Precision in 3D Printing for Printing Environment Change and Additional Printing With High-Speed Vision and Robotics Integration
Authors: Taohan Wang , Yamakawa Yuji 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

3D printing has revolutionized product design and manufacturing across various industries by enabling the creation of complex geometries with minimal waste. Despite its advancements, 3D printing still faces significant challenges, including spatial constraints and process control limitations. This paper proposes innovative methods to enhance the functionality and precision of material extrusion 3D printers, especially for additional printing tasks on a given object. We introduce a compensation system integrating a high-speed vision system for robot arms to address these challenges. Our system employs a three-step pose estimation process—FPFH-based, corner-based, and sub-pixel edge-based methods—to ensure high accuracy in restoring the position of printed pieces for additional printing tasks on a given object. Experimental results demonstrate substantial improvements in printing precision, with the system achieving sub-millimeter and sub-pixel accuracy. These advancements not only eliminate work area constraints but also enhance the adaptability and reliability of 3D printing processes.
Improving I-ELM Structure through Optimal Addition of Hidden Nodes: Compact I-ELM
Authors: Seo Sunghyo , Jo Jongkwon , Muhammad Hamza , Kim Youngsoon 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Incremental extreme learning machines (I-ELMs) can automatically determine the structure of neural networks and achieve high learning speeds. However, during the process of adding hidden nodes, unnecessary hidden nodes that have little relevance to the target may be added. Several studies have proposed methods to overcome this problem by measuring the relevance between hidden nodes and outputs and adding or removing hidden nodes accordingly. Random hidden nodes have the advantage of creating diverse patterns, but they encounter a problem in which hidden nodes that generate patterns with little or no relevance to the target can be added, thereby increasing the number of hidden nodes. Unlike in existing I-ELMs, which use random hidden nodes, we propose a compact I-ELM algorithm that initially adds linear regression nodes and subsequently applies a method to ensure that the hidden nodes have patterns differing from the existing ones. Based on benchmark data, we confirmed that the proposed method constructs a compact neural network structure with fewer hidden nodes compared to the existing I-ELM systems.
Psychometrics evaluation of the Persian version of Attitudes toward patient safety Questionnaire (APSQ-III) in nursing students
Authors: kaveh Omolhoda , nia Hamid sharif , hosseini zeinab , Kaur Harpaljit , shafipour Vida 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: The topic of patient safety and attitudes toward patient safety among health professionals is a main priority of healthcare systems globally. This study aims to investigate the psychometric properties of APSQ-III among Iranian nursing students.
Methods: There were 307 Undergraduate nursing students who participated in the cross-sectional methodological study, from December 2022 to January 2023. Construct validity and reliability of the APSQ-III was evaluated.
Results: The confirmatory factor analysis indices confirmed the model fit (CFIscl= 0/966, NFIscl=0/944, TLIscl=0/951, RMR=0.025, RMSEA=0.681, n=307). The values indicate reliability evidence for the APSQ-III measures among nursing students.
Conclusion: The results of this study support the valid and reliable APSQ-III with 11 items and 3 factors. This questionnaire can be used to assess patient safety culture among nursing students.
The Effects Of Application Chlorhexidine Gel And Tranexamic Acid After Tooth Extraction On The Risk Of Alveolar Osteitis Formation: A Double Blind Clinical Study
Authors: GÜMRÜKÇÜ Zeynep , KARABAĞ Mert , GÜVEN Şamil Esad 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Alveolar osteitis(AO), one of the most common complications occurring in 1–10% of cases following tooth extraction, occurs due to the disruption of clot formation in the extraction socket. This study aims to evaluate the effect of using absorbable gelatin sponge, chlorhexidine gel, and tranexamic acid agents on the development of AO following extraction.
Methods
Between March and October 2023, the teeth of 98 healthy patients (average age: 38, range: 19–62) with extraction indications were extracted at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 113 extraction sockets(85 molars and 28 premolars) were randomly treated with absorbable gelatin sponge(AGS), chlorhexidine gel with AGS, and tranexamic acid with AGS. Pain and edema levels were recorded using visual analog scale(VAS) ranging from 0 to 10 by the patients. Additionally, presence of halitosis, trismus and exposed bone was noted on forms on 3rd and 7th days (recorded as present or absent). The study prospectively aimed to prevent AO using 3 different dental agents in the extraction sockets. Statistical analyses of the study were conducted using the SPSS software package.
Results
Alveolitis was observed in 12 out of 113 tooth extractions(%10.6). Pain and edema scores significantly decreased in absorbable gelatin sponge group on the 7th day (p < 0.05). Pain score on the 7th day in chlorhexidine group and age, edema score on the 7th day in tranexamic acid group, were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Incidence of AO, can be reduced by placing agents in the extraction socket, preventing post-extraction pain experienced by patients.
Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte burden in a Tanzanian low transmission setting
Authors: Mulamba Charles , Williams Chris , Odufuwa Olukayode G. , Kweyamba Prisca A. , Lazaro Linda O. , Chabo Muhamed S. , Kamage Janeth J. , Kreppel Katharina , Olotu Ally I. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Malaria transmission depends on the presence of gametocytes in the peripheral blood of infected human hosts. Understanding malaria infectious reservoirs enables transmission-blocking interventions to target the most important hosts for the disease. This study characterized the distribution of gametocyte carriage as a baseline for clinical evaluation of a Pfs25-based transmission-blocking vaccine candidate in Bagamoyo, Tanzania.
Methods
A malaria survey was conducted in five villages, between 2022 and 2023. A total of 467 asymptomatic participants; 192 children (5–12 years), 65 adolescents (13–17 years) and 210 adults (18–45 years), were enrolled. Malaria was detected using three methods; Rapid Diagnostic Tests, Light Microscopy, and Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction. Geometric mean of the gametocyte density, and weighted arithmetic mean of gametocytes sex ratio were estimated.
Results
Overall, 23.5% (110/467) of the participants tested positive for malaria parasites, with majority positives (> 92%) being Plasmodium falciparum. The overall gametocytaemia was 5.6%, with percentage positivity of 6.8% (13/192), 6.2% (4/65) 4.3% and (9/210), in children, adolescents and adults, respectively. The geometric mean gametocyte density (gametocytes/µL) was higher in adults (124.6) than in children (71.7) and adolescents (50.5). Regression analysis showed that gametocytes were more likely to be present among male participants than female participants [ORa: 2.79 (95% CI: 1.19–6.59) p = 0.019]. The gametocyte sex ratio in children and adult gametocyte carriers was similar but higher than in adolescents.
Conclusion
The observed gametocyte densities and distribution across age groups suggest the need for malaria transmission-blocking interventions to target all population, particularly in low transmission settings. The implication of targeting only children may leave residual malaria transmission and re-infection from the left-out groups.
Anterior Intercostal Heterotopic Ossification: A Rare Cadaveric Case Study with Multimodal Analysis
Authors: Hur Subin , Cho Young-Suk , Cho Hye Jung , Go Gab Gyeong , Nam Kwang Il 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a pathological condition characterized by ectopic bone formation in soft tissues. This study presents a rare case of anterior intercostal HO discovered in a 62-year-old Korean male cadaver during an educational dissection. The HO structure, which connected multiple ribs, underwent radiological examination (X-ray and CT scans) and histological analysis. Radiographic findings revealed that mature bone had formed adjacent to the ribs, surrounded by fibrous tissue. Histological analysis demonstrated a progression from fibrous tissue to mature bone, indicative of endochondral ossification, with no proliferative activity detected in the Ki-67 immunostaining. This case provides valuable insights into intercostal HO's morphological, radiological, and histological characteristics, providing significant information in anatomy and pathology for educational purposes.
Feasibility of meat juice as an alternative to serum on commercial ELISA for surveillance of exemplar viruses; Pestivirus and BoHV-1, in cattle and wild deer
Authors: Lyons Maggie , Lahuerta-Marin Angela , Clarke Joe , McConville James , Porter Siobhán , Campbell Emma , Collins Patrick-John , Guelbenzu Maria , Morgan Eric. R 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Serology is a vital tool for disease surveillance but relies on obtaining blood samples, which can be difficult especially from wildlife species. Meat Juice Serology (MJS) presents an alternative but requires validation before being more confidently and widely applied. Here, MJS was performed on cattle and wild deer samples from Northern Ireland, to detect antibodies to the viruses that cause Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) and Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) (Pestivirus A/B and Bovine Herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1), respectively). Greater mean volumes of meat juice were obtained from cattle tissue frozen at -20⁰C than those at -80⁰C (p < 0.05). Antibodies to Pestivirus (unspeciated), were detected in three (2.6%) deer serum samples (n = 116), and one paired meat juice sample from deer neck muscle. No antibodies to IBR were detected in any deer (n = 116). In cattle, p80 ELISA performed at recommended dilution (1:9) (n = 40) and showed high correlation between serum and meat juice (r = 0.64, p < 0.05), but poor correlation at adjusted dilution (1:1) (n = 37, r = 0.18, p = 0.28). In deer, meat juice tested at adjusted dilution (1:1) (n = 94) showed moderate correlation with serum tested at recommended dilution (r = 0.49, p < 0.05). For IBR, cattle were tested on gE ELISA (n = 40). High correlation was found between serum and meat juice, tested to manufacturer’s recommended dilution (rho = 0.57, p < 0.05). Deer samples were tested on gB ELISA, and meat juice correlated poorly to serum (n = 113) at both recommended (1:1) (n = 113, r = 0.13, p = 0.25) and adjusted (9:1) dilution (n = 113, r = 0.08, p = 0.52). Meat juice serology may represent an appropriate alternative to serum for Pestivirus and BoHV-1 in cattle, without the need to modify dilution. In deer, this study indicates that meat juice may be used to monitor for Pestivirus, but cannot be recommended for BoHV-1, without further evaluation and quality control.
Mechanism Design for Locating Capacitated Facilities with Insufficient Resources
Authors: Auricchio Gennaro , Clough Harry J. , Zhang Jie 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This paper explores the Mechanism Design aspects of the $m$-Capacitated Facility Location Problem where the total facility capacity is less than the number of agents. Following the framework outlined in \cite{aziz2020capacity}, the Social Welfare of the facility location is determined through a First-Come-First-Served (FCFS) game, in which agents compete once the facility positions are established. When the number of facilities is $m > 1$, the Nash Equilibrium (NE) of the FCFS game is not unique, making the utility of the agents and the concept of truthfulness unclear. To tackle these issues, we consider absolutely truthful mechanisms—mechanisms that prevent agents from misreporting regardless of the strategies used during the FCFS game. We combine this stricter truthfulness requirement with the notion of Equilibrium Stable (ES) mechanisms, which are mechanisms whose Social Welfare does not depend on the NE of the FCFS game. We demonstrate that the class of percentile mechanisms is absolutely truthful and identify the conditions under which they are ES. We also show that the approximation ratio of each ES percentile mechanism is bounded and determine its value. Notably, when all the facilities have the same capacity and the number of agents is sufficiently large, it is possible to achieve an approximation ratio smaller than $1+\frac{1}{2m-1}$. Finally, we extend our study to encompass higher-dimensional problems.% Within this framework, we demonstrate that the class of ES percentile mechanisms is even more restricted and characterize the mechanisms that are both ES and absolutely truthful. We further support our findings by empirically evaluating the performance of the mechanisms when the agents are the samples of a distribution.
Several underlying clinical conditions influenced treatment outcomes of severe acute malnutrition among under-five children in South Ethiopia: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Gedamu Tigist Enyew , Fuge Terefe Gone , Wondale Selamawit , Abeme Worku , Teketel Meskerem 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) occurs due to a recent rapid weight loss or failure to gain weight. Despite implementation of comprehensive treatment approaches, mortality attributed to SAM remains high in low-income countries, and little is known about underlying clinical conditions contributing to this in the context of Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess clinical conditions influencing the treatment outcomes of SAM in under-five children in South Ethiopia.
Methods: We conducted an institution-based cross-sectional study by retrospectively reviewing medical records of under-five children admitted with SAM to selected hospitals in South Ethiopia between November, 2017 and November, 2019. Data regarding socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were retrieved from Therapeutic Feeding Unit (TFU) registration logbooks and medical records. Logistic regression was used to determine clinical conditions associated with treatment outcomes of SAM in terms of death and cure. A significant association was determined at a P value of <0.05 with 95% confidence interval. Data were analysed using SPSS version 24.
Results: Of 417 children whose medical records were reviewed, 230 (55%) were male with the majority (66%) of them being in the age group of greater than 24 months. Regarding the outcomes of SAM treatment, 374 (90%) children were cured and 43 (10%) were dead. Admission with hypothermia (AOR: 3.02; CI: 1.33-6.83), tuberculosis infection (AOR: 4.13; CI: 1.78-9.62), anaemia (AOR: 3.25; CI: 1.29-8.20), shock (AOR: 2.88; CI: 1.23-6.72) and dehydration (AOR: 2.93: CI: 1.12-7.69) were independently associated with death due to SAM.
Conclusions: This study revealed the prevalence of SAM associated under-five death above the minimum acceptable standard. Several underlying clinical conditions contributed to the occurrence of death suggesting the need for strengthening management of the conditions.
The Outcomes of Quadruple Procedure Including Phacoemulsification, Intraocular Lens Implantation, Pars Plana Vitrectomy and Scleral Buckling in Cases with Both Dense Cataracts and Inferior Quadrant Retinal Detachment
Authors: Zengin Mehmet Özgür , Güven Yusuf Ziya , Vural Mehmet , Vural Gözde Sahin , Karahan Eyyup 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To reveal the outcomes of combined phacovitrectomy and supplementary scleral buckling (SB) surgery in patients with inferior break retinal detachment (RD) and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) ≥ Stage-C.
Methods
In this retrospective study, 22 eyes of 22 patients who underwent surgery in Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital between 2018 and 2020 were included. The demographic data, follow-up duration, preoperative & postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (Snellen), intraocular pressure (IOP), final anatomic status, and the recurrence rate of RD were recorded from the files of patients.
Results
The mean age of the patients was 56.9 ± 15.2 years, and follow-up duration was 16.6 ± 10.2 months. The internal tamponade was silicone oil (SO) in 16 patients (72.7%), and perfluoropropane (C3F8) in 6 patients (27.2%). The BCVA was improved from 0.0065 ± 0.014 to 0.26 ± 0.17 after surgery (p:0,0001), and IOP changed from 12.3 ± 2.5 mmHg to 15.3 ± 2.4 mmHg. During follow-up period, the recurrent RD was only found in one patient (4.50%) and following to second surgery, anatomical success was achieved in all of the patients (100%) in final visit.
Conclusion
The combined phacovitrectomy and SB is an effective and reliable surgical method in patients with inferior quadrant RD and advanced stage PVR.