bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artificial intelligence – can technology help predict the progression of keratoconus? A systematic review
Authors: Watson Stephanie , Jiang Ivy , Durakovic Emily , Kandel Himal 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Keratoconus in patients can progress at different ages and rates. This creates difficulty in determining optimal timing for follow-up interventions such as corneal cross-linking. Previous studies have shown that artificial intelligence (AI) can accurately diagnose keratoconus. Less is known on AI use in predicting progression of keratoconus.
Methods
A systematic review of peer-reviewed articles was performed in February 2023 using medical databases (Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane) and engineering databases (IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library). Studies were included if they were published in peer-reviewed journals, reported at least one accuracy measure, and investigated keratoconus progression rather than diagnosis or treatment efficacy. The outcome measures included accuracy in predicting keratoconus progression, type of AI method, input details, number of parameters and AI algorithm.
Results
455 records were identified. Following duplicate removal, abstract and full-text screening, six studies (total eyes n = 3 151; patients n = 5 083; mean proportion of males 62.8%±13.4%; mean age 36.9 ± 18.7 years) were included. AI methods used were convolutional neural networks, machine learning, and random forests. Input modalities included Optical Coherence Tomography (OCTs), Anterior-segment OCTs and Pentacam. Overall, the studies reported good utility of AI [Areas under the Curve (AUC, 0.814–0.93), accuracy (71.5–97.5%), sensitivity (70.9–95.5%) and specificity (41.9–82%)] in predicting keratoconus progression.
Conclusion
Emerging evidence indicates that AI may have a role in predicting keratoconus progression. Further high-quality studies are needed to establish the utility of AI in clinical practice.
Preparation and application of methane dehydroaromatization catalyst with hollow shell type zeolite
Authors: Zhang Hua , Li Wei , Wu Xiaoyuan , liu Yaqing , Chen Lin , Chen Jinxia , Mao Jian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

A catalyst for methane dehydroaromatization was prepared by using hollow shell small particle ZSM-5 zeolite as carrier. The catalyst was synthesized by the ball milling impregnation method, and then molded through the binderless spray shape method. The conditions of Mo content, ball milling time, Si/Al atomic ratio and thermostatic bath temperature were investigated. After repeated experiments, the optimum conditions of preparation and molding for catalyst have been successfully obtained. A two-hour long-term experiment was carried out in a fluidized bed reactor. The results demonstrated that the catalyst presents higher strength, better catalytic reaction performance and stability, the conversion of methane reach 21% with the selectivity of C6H6 63% during the entire test period.
Near real-time soybean phenology detection using proximally-sensed hyperspectral canopy reflectance and machine learning methods
Authors: Rigalli Nicolás , Bulacio Enrique Montero , Romagnoli Martín , Enrico Juan M. , Bacigaluppo Silvina , Pozzi Ricardo , Chan Raquel L. , Otegui María E. , Portapila Margarita I. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

To date, most of the research data on the selection of plant types based on crop growth phenology is obtained by expert observations in the field. The extraction of soybean phenology stages/phases from canopy spectral data might provide timing information for optimal field management. In this work a simple high-resolution technique for collecting proximally-sensed hyperspectral data at canopy level was performed and machine learning phenology models based on canopy spectral data plus physical predictors were developed. An empirical study of the effects of parameterization of the machine learning models with physical ancillary predictors is conducted, estimating soybean phenology in datasets collected in a-posteriori time than the interval where the training data were gathered. The accuracy achieved for reproductive single stages from the beginning of seed development to full maturity was 84%, when these stages were grouped into phases, the detection accuracy reached 92%. The ability to identify soybean phe-nology in near real-time allows extrapolation of this study to a regional scale by employing UAVs outfitted with the same instruments used in this work.
Constrained Optimization with Qualitative Preferences
Authors: Ahmed Sultan , Mouhoub Malek 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The Conditional Preference Network (CP-net) graphically represents the user's qualitative and conditional preference statements under the \emph{ceteris paribus} interpretation. The constrained CP-net is an extension of the CP-net to a set of constraints. Existing algorithms for solving the constrained CP-net require expensive dominance testing operations. We propose three approaches to tackle this challenge. In our first solution, we alter the constrained CP-net by eliciting additional relative importance statements between variables to have a total order over the outcomes. We call this new model the constrained Relative Importance Network (constrained CPR-net). Consequently, we show that the constrained CPR-net has one optimal outcome (assuming the constrained CPR-net is consistent) that we can obtain without dominance testing. In our second solution, we extend the Lexicographic Preference Tree (LP-tree) to a set of constraints. Then, we propose a recursive backtrack search algorithm called Search-LP to find the most preferable outcome. We prove that the first feasible outcome returned by Search-LP (without dominance testing) is also preferable to any other feasible outcome. Finally, in our third solution, we preserve the semantics of the CP-net and propose a divide-and-conquer algorithm that compares outcomes according to dominance testing.
Diversity &amp; Distribution of Avian Species in Rural Area of Tehsil Sahiwal, Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Sial Muhammad Amir 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This research was carried out to determine avian diversity in the rural areas of Tehsile Sahiwal from September to November 2023. A total of 783 birds were observed; these birds belonged to 29 different species from 10 orders, and 26 families were found at the study site. The observed avian species that belong to the Corvidae family had the greatest number of species, while Ciconiidae had the lowest number of species. The highest numbers of the order Passeriformes were recorded, followed by Ciconiiformes which had the lowest numbers. Among the bird species observed, 634 were residents, 16 were winter visitors, and 133 were summer breeders. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List, 753 birds were least concerned, 18 were vulnerable, and 12 were near threatened. The species diversity, richness, and evenness indices were 3.062913, 4.202228, and 0.909606, respectively. According to the index results, the rural area of the Sahiwal tehsil is a diverse area, but some of the threats observed during the study are at very low levels, such as habitat destruction and unawareness, which may disrupt species diversity and evennes in the future if they are not controlled in a timely manner.
Amino acids exchange obtained from CKD patients via Exome Sequencing differ radically from those of natural variants 1000 genome and genomAD databases
Authors: Nuglozeh Edem , Fazaludeen Mohammad Feroze , Sağlam Fatih 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Nonsynonymous mutations in the coding regions of human genes are responsible for phenotypic differences between humans and for their susceptibility to genetic disease.
Methods: We performed Exome sequencing on CKD patients’ genomic DNA and put the focus in understanding the role played by the amino-acid mutation spectrum (PAM) in human chronic kidney disease CKD patients. More specifically, using SIFT algorithm, we generated the amino acids substitution on proteins and compared the PAM matrix derived from CKD patients representing the amino-acid mutational spectrum to non-disease PAM matrices representing spectra of mutual amino-acid mutation frequencies derived from 1000 genome and genomAD database.
Results: We found a strong and positive correlation in term of mutabilities of amino acids distribution in human proteome and the average distribution of amino acid mutability remains higher in genomAD dataset as compared CKD and 1000 genome. The results also show a strong correlation of mutability between the three datasets, the coefficient of correlation being: (rCKD vs 1kg = 0.9225, rCKD vs genomAD = 0.9431 and rgenomAD vs 1kg = 0.9486) as well probabilistic distribution of amino acids in human proteome between the three datasets.
Conclusion: The amino acids mutability index in CKD dataset was statistically different as compared with those in 1000 genome and genomAD datasets. There is strong positive correlation in mutabilities of amino acids distribution in human proteome and the average distribution of mutability is higher in genomAD dataset as compared CKD and 1000 genome. In the CKD dataset, Arginine remains a common product of mutability from four amino acids like: Tryptophan, Histidine, Glycine and Lysine and the spike of Arginine in blood samples should be an element to trace in diagnostic profile of CKD. The data paved a way for clinical use for amino acids exchanges in chronic kidney disease using Illumina platform.
Establishment and validation of diagnostic and prognostic prediction models for liver metastasis in patients with rectal cancer: a SEER based study.
Authors: Wang huimin , Zheng ya , Chen zhaofeng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Rectal cancer is one of the most common gastrointestinal tumors, among which the liver is the most common site of distant metastasis and liver metastasis leads to poor prognosis. We aimed to develop and validate a diagnostic nomogram to predict the occurrence of rectal cancer with liver metastasis (RCLM) and a prognostic nomogram to predict the cancer-specific survival (CSS) in RCML patients. Data on patients with rectal cancer diagnosed between 2010 and 2013 were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Univariate logistic regression, the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine the independent risk factors of RCLM. Univariate Cox proportional hazards regression and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression were used to identify independent prognostic factors for RCLM. We then developed two novel nomograms, and the results were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). A total of 29367 patients with rectal cancer were included, with an average age of 66.71 ± 12.47 years old. Among them, 3403 patients (11.59%) had liver metastases at the time of diagnosis. The independent risk factors of RCLM included AJCC N, chemotherapy, CEA, DX-lung (Distant metastasis to the lung) and surgical sites. Age, chemotherapy, total number (from the primary tumors), surgery sites, histological type were independent prognostic factors of patients with RCLM. The results of ROC curves, calibration curves, DCA, C-indexes and Kaplan–Meier (K-M) survival curves in the development, validation and testing sets confirmed that two nomograms can precisely predict occurrence and prognosis of RCLM. Two nomograms are expected to be effective tools for predicting the risk of liver metastasis for patients with rectal cancer and personalized prognosis prediction for patients with RCLM, which may benefit clinical decision-making.
The comprehensive role of cuproptosis-related genes in rectum adenocarcinoma: value for precise prognosis and treatment
Authors: Ma Jun , He Jiaxin , Zhou Jingwan , Wang Ying , Zhang Yaming , Zhou Chaoping , Tang Daibin , Gu Zhengyu , Cao Yue , Jiang Guoqin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The incidence of cancers in the digestive system has witnessed a surge in recent years. With the refinement of related research, rectum adenocarcinoma (READ) has been discovered to have inimitable role among digestive tumors, especially when compared with colon adenocarcinoma. Cuproptosis is a recently identified form of non-apoptotic programmed cell death, exhibiting distinct characteristics with implications in tumorigenesis. In this article, we delved into the relationship between cuproptosis related genes and the categorization and prognosis of READ. Based on consensus clustering, READ samples are divided into three clusters with variant survival status and enriched biological pathways. To better evaluate the risk of patients, a cuproptosis-related gene score is established to precisely describe the correlation of cuproptosis subtypes and patient prognosis. Moreover, multiple immune infiltration deconvolution algorisms are utilized to discover the immune status of different cuproptosis subtypes. Generally, cuproptosis had great clinical implications in READ and a cuproptosis related prognostic score was established using the principal component analysis (PCA) method. Further investigation defined lipoic acid synthetase (LIAS) as a favorable gene for the prognosis of READ patients. This study provided unprecedented insight into the role of cuproptosis in READ, presenting it as a promising target for cancer therapy.
The relationship between postoperative delirium and plasma amyloid beta oligomer
Authors: Yang YoungSoon , Jung Ki Jin , Kwak Yong Tae 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Postoperative delirium (POD) is a frequent complication in elderly patients undergoing general anesthesia surgery. While the hypothesis linking POD to Alzheimer's disease (AD) has existed for a long time, research findings have been inconsistent. To investigate this hypothesis, we compared plasma amyloid-beta oligomer levels using the multimer detection system-oligomeric Aβ (MDS-OAβ) in patients who POD after general anesthesia surgery with those who did not.
Methods: A total of 1,872 patients underwent general anesthesia surgery during the research period. Of these, 104 were included in the study as the target group. Since the patients were not randomly assigned based on the ApoE4 allele, propensity score matching was employed. As a result, 31 patients with POD and 31 patients without POD were finally included in the final analysis. Following surgery, if a patient in the ICU exhibits delirium, the Korean version of the Delirium Rating Scale-98 (K-DRS-98) and plasma MDS-OAβ values are immediately assessed. For the control group without delirium, these values are tested on the third postoperative day and subsequently these were compared to the values obtained from patients with POD.
Results: Patients with POD demonstrated significantly higher MDS-OAβ values compared to those without POD. Within the POD group, a positive correlation was observed between MDS-OAβ values and K-DRS-98 scores(severity and total scores).
Conclusions: These findings suggest an association between POD in elderly patients undergoing general anesthesia surgery and elevated plasma amyloid oligomer levels. To definitively establish causality, further prospective studies are necessary.
An mHealth technology to strengthen adverse event management of Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis in Vietnam: Protocol for a process evaluation of the V-SMART trial
Authors: Nguyen Binh Hoa , Dang Tho T.H. , Hoang Duy Trinh , Do Thu Thuong , Dinh Luong Van , Nguyen Viet Nhung , Vu Dinh Hoa , Drabarek Dorothy , Nguyen Tram N.B. , Vu Dang , Nguyen Thu Anh , Marks Guy B. , Negin Joel , Fox Greg J. , Bernays Sarah , Yapa H. Manisha 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Drug-related adverse events cause poorer treatment outcomes among people with multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB), exacerbating a major global public health problem. The V-SMART trial tests whether a mobile health application (app) can optimise management of drug-related adverse events, within routine health services in Vietnam. Implementation of digital health within routine services is complex and driven by behaviour change as well as a range of health system factors. Understanding implementation is key to informing the evidence base for digital health prior to scale up, despite its potential appeal.
Methods
Through a process evaluation of the V-SMART trial, we aim to describe implementation of a digital health intervention within routine MDR/RR-TB health services at different levels of the health system. We will describe determinants of app uptake, adverse event management pathways for people on MDR/RR-TB treatment, and suggestions for future person-centred app design. To achieve this, we will conduct process maps (patient flow maps) and a total of up to 45 semi-structured interviews in seven provinces, with people with MDR/RR-TB, health workers, and policymakers. Interview topic guides are informed by the Theoretical Framework for Acceptability, Normalisation Process Theory, and the Tailored Implementation of Chronic Diseases framework respectively.
Discussion
The process evaluation will strongly complement the parent trial impact evaluation, and the economic evaluation. Moreover, it will inform future tailored approaches to scaling up digital health as part of broader health system strengthening initiatives.
Trial registration: ACTRN12620000681954
Multicenter evaluation of Multi-Incision Technique (MIT) with Malleable Prosthesis in Peyronie's Disease in patients with or without preoperative Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Martínez-Salamanca Juan Ignacio , Maiolino Giuseppe , Fernández-Pascual Esaú , Palacios Manuel Hevia , Poblador Agustín Fraile 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Penile length loss is a significant concern for Peyronie's Disease (PD) patients. Our main goal is to evaluate the use of the multi-incision corporal technique (MIT) with a malleable prosthesis and collagen sealant matrix graft in PD patients experiencing a severe penile length loss, regardless of preoperative erectile dysfunction (ED). We conducted a multicenter retrospective analysis in three centers from October 2015 to November 2021. Patients were divided into two groups: with or without preoperative ED. Data from 50 patients were collected, with 15 (30%) having preoperative normal erectile function. At a median follow-up of 17.6 months, 44/44 (100%) patients reported the ability to achieve penetration during sexual intercourse and no significant postoperative residual curvature. The mean increase in erectile penile length was 2.76 ± 0.63, with 85% of patients reporting a “very much” or “much better” improvement. Six grade IIIb postoperative complications were recorded. No significant differences in postoperative outcomes and global satisfaction scores were found between the two groups. MIT with malleable prosthesis and collagen sealant matrix graft is an effective long-term lengthening strategy with high global satisfaction rates in PD patients with complaints of penile length loss, even in those with preoperative normal erectile function.
Incidence and patterns of split thickness skin graft failure at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital in Uganda
Authors: Wabuna David Percy , Kiswezi Ahmed , Abraha Demoz , Alenyo Rose , Wambi David Silver , Kyomukama Lauben , Eilu Emmanuel , Molen Selamo fabrice , Muhumuza Joshua 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Graft failure results in delayed wound healing, increased hospital stays, repeat surgery, further donor sites and increased scar formation. There is limited information specifically about difficulties at the graft site after split skin grafting in the lower limbs. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and patterns of split thickness skin graft failure at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital (KNRH) in Uganda.
Methods
This was a prospective longitudinal study in which patients who had split skin graft on the lower limbs were followed up till the 10th day to assess the graft failure rates. Graft failure was defined as any take less than 80% on the 10th post-operative day. Culture and sensitivity was done for the patients that had graft failure. Using SPSS version 26, the incidence and failure patterns were computed.
Results
We enrolled 160 study participants, majority of whom were female 84(52.5%) with a mean age of 32.5 years (SD = 19.4). In this study, 59 participants had graft failure representing an incidence ratio of 36.9% (369 graft failures per 1000 grafts done). All failures were partial. The main direct cause of failure was infection, seen in 51(86.4%) of all the failures. The commonest causative organism was Pseudomonas aeruginosa seen in 41.2% of the patients that had infection as the cause of failure. Other organisms included Staphylococcus hemolyticus 12(23.5%), Proteus mirabilis 10(19.6%) and Staphylococcus aureus 8(15.7%). Amikacin had the highest sensitivity against all the organisms isolated in this study. All organisms were resistant to ampicillin, cotrimoxazole and ceftriaxone.
Conclusion
The failure rate was high. More attention to reduce the risk of graft failure should be focused on minimizing graft infection since this was the main cause of failure. Amikacin should be considered for empiric treatment in patients that experience infection following grafting in KNRH before the culture results are available.
A novel recombinant adenovirus expressing apoptin and MEL genes kills hepatocellular carcinoma cells and inhibits the growth and metastasis of ectopic tumors
Authors: Wu Jingqiao , Lan Zhaoyu , Li Xin , He Jinling , Zhang Dongchao , Jin Tianming 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

HCC is the most common fatal malignancy. Although surgical resection is the primary treatment strategy, most patients are not eligible for resection due to tumor heterogeneity, underlying liver disease, or comorbidities. Therefore, this study explores the possibility of multi-molecular targeted drug delivery in treating HCC. In this study, we constructed the recombinant adenovirus co-expressing apoptin and melittin (MEL) genes. The inhibitory effect of recombinant adenovirus on hepatocellular carcinoma cells was detected through experiments on cell apoptosis, migration, invasion, and other factors. The tumor inhibitory effect in vivo was assessed using subcutaneous HCC mice. Results showed that recombinant adenovirus co-expressing anti-tumor genes TAT and apoptin, RGD and MEL can significantly inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells by inducing an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, upregulation of apoptotic proteins such as Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9, and downregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2. In subcutaneous HCC mice, recombinant adenovirus induced significant apoptosis in tumor cells, inhibited tumor growth. In conclusion, recombinant adenovirus co-expressing apoptin and MEL can inhibit the growth and proliferation of tumor cells both in vivo and in vitro.