bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inflammation and Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke With and Without Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Pan Yuesong , Zhang Runhua , Wang Mengxing , Meng Xia , Li Zixiao , Li Hao , Wang Yilong , Zhao Xingquan , Wang Yongjun , Liu Gaifen 
Published: April 2024

Background
Elevated white blood cell count, fibrinogen levels, and lower levels of albumin signify higher systemic inflammatory response, hypercoagulable state, and poorer nutritional status, respectively. However, a consistent conclusion could not be drawn on whether the association between inflammatory markers and cardiovascular disease was affected by the presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to explore the association between inflammation and adverse outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), as well as whether this association differs due to the presence of CKD.

Methods and Results

This research was based on the Third China National Stroke Registry. The main adverse outcomes were poor functional outcome, stroke recurrence, and combined vascular event after 1 year. Inflammation was defined as the worst quartile of at least 2 of the aforementioned 3 markers. Finally, 8493 patients with AIS were enrolled in this study. The adjusted odds ratios/hazard ratios and 95% CIs of inflammation were 1.58 (1.34–1.86) for poor functional outcomes, 1.25 (1.06–1.47) for stroke recurrence, and 1.25 (1.06–1.46) for combined vascular event. The association between inflammation and adverse outcomes existed only in patients with AIS without CKD, although the interaction between CKD and inflammation was not statistically significant. (
P
for interaction >0.05).

Conclusions
Inflammation, which was defined as a combination of fibrinogen, white blood cell count, and albumin, was associated with all 1‐year adverse outcomes among patients with AIS. Routine assessment of these biomarkers could become a potential part of the clinical evaluation for patients with AIS, especially those without CKD, aiding clinicians in risk stratification and treatment decision‐making.
Do Deep Learning Algorithms Accurately Segment Intracerebral Hemorrhages on Noncontrast Computed Tomography? A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zarei Diana , Issaiy Mahbod , Kolahi Shahriar , Liebeskind David S. 
Published: April 2024

Background
Stroke, a major global health issue, is broadly categorized into ischemic and hemorrhagic types. The volume of hemorrhage on noncontrast computed tomography guides the treatment options and hints at prognosis. Conventional approaches to calculate intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) volume, like the ABC/2 method, typically rely on an assumed standard shape and might be inaccurate. Advances in deep learning have significantly improved noncontrast computed tomography's capabilities in ICH volume estimation. This study conducts a comprehensive systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the precision of deep learning algorithms in delineating ICH on noncontrast computed tomography.

Methods
A systematic review and meta‐analysis, adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines, was conducted on literature from 2000 to October 2023. Studies were selected on the basis of strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Performance evaluation was done using the Dice Similarity Coefficient, and the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool was used for quality assessment. Statistical analysis was carried out using Stata 17.0.

Results
The review included 28 studies, mainly retrospective cohorts, with a focus on convolutional neural network architectures, particularly U‐Net variants. A meta‐analysis of 14 studies revealed a combined Dice Similarity Coefficient of 0.85 (95% CI, 0.82–0.88). Performance was consistent across various methodologies but varied on the basis of ICH pathogenesis, with spontaneous ICH having higher accuracy.

Conclusion
Deep learning models are highly effective in segmenting ICH on noncontrast computed tomography, demonstrating potential improvements in clinical neuroimaging. Despite their efficacy, challenges in segmenting smaller hemorrhages remain. The findings suggest that deep learning could reduce health care professional workloads and enhance patient care, although further research is needed to address limitations and extend clinical utility.
Arrival of crocodilians to São Tomé Island, Gulf of Guinea, Western Africa, highlights the role of sea currents to the natural colonization of islands
Authors: Ceríaco Luis M.P. , Barbosa Matheus R. , Sousa Ana Carolina A. , Santos Bruna S. , Perestrelo Sofia , Marques Mariana P. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Historical and recent arrivals of crocodilians to the Gulf of Guinean Oceanic Island of São Tomé have intrigued naturalists for several centuries. Here we present the revision of the historical records, and present data regarding the recent arrival of a single specimen in 2021. After being killed by the local authorities, the specimen was preserved and studied both through morphological and molecular methods. Our findings suggest that the specimen was a sub-adult Nile crocodile, Crocodylus niloticus Laurenti, 1768, which most likely drifted from the Congo or Ogooué river mouths in West Africa by the oceanic current acting on the Gulf of Guinea. The story of this individual highlights the dispersion paths that have contributed by the past biological colonization of São Tomé Island.
Perceived Audio-Visual Simultaneity Is Recalibrated by the Visual Intensity of the Preceding Trial
Authors: Horsfall Ryan , Harrison Neil , Meyer Georg , Wuerger Sophie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
A vital heuristic used when making judgements on whether audio-visual signals arise from the same event, is the temporal coincidence of the respective signals. Previous research has highlighted a process, whereby the perception of simultaneity rapidly recalibrates to account for differences in the physical temporal offsets of stimuli. The current paper investigated whether rapid recalibration also occurs in response to differences in central arrival latencies, driven by visual-intensity-dependent processing times. In a behavioural experiment, observers completed a temporal-order judgement (TOJ), simultaneity judgement (SJ) and simple reaction-time (RT) task and responded to audio-visual trials that were preceded by other audio-visual trials with either a bright or dim visual stimulus. It was found that the point of subjective simultaneity shifted, due to the visual intensity of the preceding stimulus, in the TOJ, but not SJ task, while the RT data revealed no effect of preceding intensity. Our data therefore provide some evidence that the perception of simultaneity rapidly recalibrates based on stimulus intensity.
Deep Learning of a 200-Member Ensemble with a Limited Historical Training to Improve the Prediction of Extreme Precipitation Events
Authors: Ghazvinian Mohammadvaghef , Delle Monache Luca , Afzali Gorooh Vesta , Steinhoff Daniel , Sengupta Agniv , Hu Weiming , Simpson Matthew , Weihs Rachel , Papadopoulos Caroline , Mulrooney Patrick , Kawzenuk Brian , Mascioli Nora , Ralph Fred Martin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This study introduces a deep learning (DL) scheme to generate reliable and skillful probabilistic quantitative precipitation forecasts (PQPFs) in a postprocessing framework. Enhanced machine learning model architecture and training mechanisms are proposed to improve the reliability and skill of PQPFs while permitting computationally efficient model fitting using a short training dataset. The methodology is applied to postprocessing of 24-h accumulated PQPFs from an ensemble forecast system recently introduced by the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) and for lead times from 1 to 6 days. The ensemble system was designed based on a high-resolution version of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model, named West-WRF, to produce a 200-member ensemble in near–real time (NRT) over the western United States during the boreal cool seasons to support Forecast-Informdayed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) and studies of prediction of heavy-to-extreme events. Postprocessed PQPFs are compared with those from the raw West-WRF ensemble, the operational Global Ensemble Forecast System version 12 (GEFSv12), and the ensemble from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). As an additional baseline, we provide PQPF verification metrics from a recently developed neural network postprocessing scheme. The results demonstrate that the skill of postprocessed forecasts significantly outperforms PQPFs and deterministic forecasts from raw ensembles and the recently developed algorithm. The resulting PQPFs broadly improve upon the reliability and skill of baselines in predicting heavy-to-extreme precipitation (e.g., >75 mm) across all lead times while maintaining the spatial structure of the high-resolution raw ensemble.
Is Routine Intraoperative Cholangiogram Necessary in Patients With Mild Acute Biliary Pancreatitis Undergoing Index Admission Cholecystectomy?
Authors: Quarmby Natalie M. , Vo Minh Tu , Gananadha Sivakumar 
Published: April 2024

Background: There is controversy about whether intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) should be performed routinely during laparoscopic cholecystectomy for patients with acute biliary pancreatitis, given significant false positive and negative rates and increased resource utilization. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of IOC in cases of mild biliary pancreatitis in patients undergoing index admission cholecystectomy, its impact on patient outcomes, and the impact of blood tests, imaging, and preoperative intervention on the detection of choledocholithiasis. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients presenting with acute mild biliary pancreatitis between January 2006 and December 2019 was conducted. Data collected included patient demographics, serum chemistry, IOC, and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) findings, imaging findings, length of stay, operative length, and long-term follow-up outcomes. Results: 284 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. The overall false positive IOC rate was 7.4%. Worsening bilirubin trend was a positive predictive value (PPV) for positive IOC and ERCP outcomes with a relative risk of 2.93 ( P < .01) and 2.32 ( P = .013), respectively. Improving preoperative bilirubin trend had a significant negative predictive value in IOC with a relative risk of .59 ( P = .02). Positive IOC was shown to significantly increase operative length with a relative risk of 2.03 ( P < .001). Discussion: A rising preoperative bilirubin is a predictor of a positive IOC and patients with normalizing bilirubin levels or a preoperative ERCP are less likely to have choledocholithiasis. These features may be used to select patients that would benefit from an IOC for index admission cholecystectomy.
Research on the performance of three-dimensional-braided-glass fiber reinforced in-situ polymerized TPU
Authors: Jiang Lin , Zhang Run , Xue Ping , Jia Mingyin , Cai JianChen 
Published: April 2024

In this study, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is prepared by using 4,4′-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (4,4′-MDI), poly (1,4-butylene adipate) (PBA), and butane-1,4-diol (BDO). PBA as soft segment for TPU. 4,4′- MDI and BDO as hard segment for TPU. The effects of isocyanate index, hard segment content, and soft segment molecular weight on TPU micro-phase separation, molecular weight, and thermal performance are investigated. 3D-Braided-Glass Fiber (GF) reinforced TPU composites are prepared by in-situ polymerized TPU as the matrix resin. Investigation is conducted into how the mechanical properties and microstructure of the composites are affected by the matrix resin TPU’s structural parameters. As the isocyanate index increases, the mechanical properties of the composites first enhance and then weaken, and the interface bonding between TPU and GF gradually deteriorates. Increasing the molecular weight of soft segments has the same trend of change. With the increase of hard segment content, the mechanical properties of the composites are enhanced. The results demonstrate that the mechanical properties of the TPU/GF composites are at their best when the isocyanate index is 1.01, the hard segment content is 43%, and the PBA molecular weight is 2000, with the stretching strength being 289.6 MPa, the impact strength being 141.8 KJ/mm2, the bending strength being 183.2 MPa, and the flexural modulus being 10.7 GPa.
The influence of neonatal BCG vaccination on in vitro cytokine responses to Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Messina NL , Wang M , Forbes EK , Freyne B , Hasang WP , Germano S , Bonnici R , Summons F , Gardiner K , Donath S , Gordon R , Rogerson SJ , Curtis N 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination has off-target protective effects against infections unrelated to tuberculosis. Among these, murine and human studies suggest that BCG vaccination may protect against malaria. We investigated whether BCG vaccination influences neonatal in vitro cytokine responses to Plasmodium falciparum. Blood samples were collected from 108 participants in the Melbourne Infant Study BCG for Allergy and Infection Reduction (MIS BAIR) randomised controlled trial (Clinical trials registration NCT01906853, registered July 2013), seven days after randomisation to neonatal BCG (n = 66) or no BCG vaccination (BCG-naïve, n = 42). In vitro cytokine responses were measured following stimulation with P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes (PfIE) or E. coli.

Results
No difference in the measured cytokines were observed between BCG-vaccinated and BCG-naïve neonates following stimulation with PfIE or E. coli. However, age at which blood was sampled was independently associated with altered cytokine responses to PfIE. Being male was also independently associated with increased TNF-a responses to both PfIE and E. coli.

Conclusion
These findings do not support a role for BCG vaccination in influencing in vitro neonatal cytokine responses to P. falciparum. Older neonates are more likely to develop P. falciparum-induced IFN-γ and IFN-γ-inducible chemokine responses implicated in early protection against malaria and malaria pathogenesis.
Establishment and validation of a nomogram for predicting overall survival of upper-tract urothelial carcinoma with bone metastasis: a population-based study
Authors: Hu Jiasheng , Gu Haowen , Zhang Dongxu , Wen Min , Yan Zejun , Song Baiyang , Xie Chengxin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Bone metastasis (BM) carries a poor prognosis for patients with upper-tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). This study aims to identify survival predictors and develop a prognostic nomogram for overall survival (OS) in UTUC patients with BM.

Methods
The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was used to select patients with UTUC between 2010 and 2019. The chi-square test was used to assess the baseline differences between the groups. Kaplan–Meier analysis was employed to assess OS. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify prognostic factors for nomogram establishment. An independent cohort was used for external validation of the nomogram. The discrimination and calibration of the nomogram were evaluated using concordance index (C-index), area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 23.0 and R software 4.2.2.

Results
The mean OS for UTUC patients with BM was 10 months (95% CI: 8.17 to 11.84), with 6-month OS, 1-year OS, and 3-year OS rates of 41%, 21%, and 3%, respectively. Multi-organ metastases (HR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.66 to 2.95, P < 0.001), surgery (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.56 to 0.91, P = 0.007), and chemotherapy (HR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.3 to 0.46, P < 0.001) were identified as independent prognostic factors. The C-index was 0.725 for the training cohort and 0.854 for the validation cohort, and all AUC values were > 0.679. The calibration curve and DCA curve showed the accuracy and practicality of the nomogram.

Conclusions
The OS of UTUC patients with BM was poor. Multi-organ metastases was a risk factor for OS, while surgery and chemotherapy were protective factors. Our nomogram was developed and validated to assist clinicians in evaluating the OS of UTUC patients with BM.
The association between dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome among Iranian adults, a cross-sectional population-based study (findings from Bandare-Kong non-communicable disease cohort study)
Authors: Kheirandish Masoumeh , Dastsouz Farideh , Azarbad Abnoos , Mohsenpour Mohammad Ali , Javdan Gholamali , Razmpour Farkhondeh , Davoodi Seyed Hossein , Ramezani-Jolfaie Nahid , Mohammadi Mohammad 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic disorders increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Dietary patterns are supposed to be important and controllable factors in developing metabolic syndrome. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of dietary patterns with metabolic syndrome and its components.

Subjects/Methods
Cross-sectional data were extracted from the Bandare-Kong cohort study conducted on 4063 people aged 35 to 70. Dietary patterns were extracted using principal component analysis based on thirty-eight pre-defined food groups. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to investigate the association between metabolic syndrome and its components with quintiles of dietary patterns in crude and adjusted models.

Results
Three major dietary patterns were identified (healthy, western, and traditional) in the final analysis of 2823 eligible individuals. After adjusting for covariates, the odds of metabolic syndrome were significantly decreased by 46% in subjects with the highest adherence to the healthy dietary pattern compared to those with the lowest adherence quintile. Results from fully adjusted models on individual metabolic syndrome components showed an inverse association between higher adherence to the healthy dietary pattern and the odds of increased blood glucose, high waist circumference, and elevated blood pressure. However, in fully adjusted models, no significant association was observed between the western and traditional dietary patterns with odds of metabolic syndrome and its components.

Conclusions
Adherence to a healthy dietary pattern containing high amounts of fruits, vegetables, nuts, low-fat dairy products, and legumes, could be recommended to prevent and control metabolic syndrome.
Access to quality-assured artemisinin-based combination therapy and associated factors among clients of selected private drug outlets in Uganda
Authors: Ocan Moses , Nakalembe Loyce , Otike Caroline , Mordecai Tayebwa , Birungi Joan , Nsobya Sam 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Malaria treatment in sub-Saharan Africa is faced with challenges including unreliable supply of efficacious agents, substandard medicines coupled with high price of artemisinin-based combinations. This affects access to effective treatment increasing risk of malaria parasite resistance development and adverse drug events. This study investigated access to quality-assured artemisinin-based combination therapy (QAACT) medicines among clients of selected private drug-outlets in Uganda.

Methods
This was a cross sectional study where exit interviews were conducted among clients of private drug outlets in low and high malaria transmission settings in Uganda. This study adapted the World Health Organization/Health Action International (WHO/HAI) standardized criteria. Data was collected using a validated questionnaire. Data entry screen with checks was created in Epi-data ver 4.2 software and data entered in duplicate. Data was transferred to STATA ver 14.0 and cleaned prior to analysis. The analysis was done at 95% level of significance.

Results
A total of 1114 exit interviews were conducted among systematically sampled drug outlet clients. Over half, 54.9% (611/1114) of the participants were males. Majority, 97.2% (1083/1114) purchased an artemisinin-based combination anti-malarial. Most, 55.5% (618/1114) of the participants had a laboratory diagnosis of malaria. Majority, 77.9% (868/1114) of the participants obtained anti-malarial agents without a prescription. Less than a third, 27.7% (309/1114) of the participants obtained a QAACT. Of the participants who obtained QAACT, more than half 56.9% (173/309) reported finding the medicine expensive. The predictors of accessing a QAACT anti-malarial among drug outlet clients include type of drug outlet visited (aPR = 0.74; 95%CI 0.6, 0.91), not obtaining full dose (3-day treatment) of ACT (aPR = 0.49; 95%CI 0.33, 0.73), not finding the ACT expensive (aPR = 1.24; 95%CI 1.03, 1.49), post-primary education (aPR = 1.29; 95%CI 1.07,1.56), business occupation (aPR = 1.24; 95%CI 1.02,1.50) and not having a prescription (aPR = 0.76; 95%CI 0.63, 0.92).

Conclusion
Less than a third of the private drug outlet clients obtained a QAACT for management of malaria symptoms. Individuals who did not find artemisinin-based combinations to be expensive were more likely to obtain a QAACT anti-malarial. The Ministry of Health needs to conduct regular surveillance to monitor accessibility of QAACT anti-malarial agents under the current private sector copayment mechanism.
Intensity Score of Vessel Wall Contrast Enhancement in MRI Allows Prediction of Disease Progression in Moyamoya Angiopathy
Authors: Shih-Yüng Wang Sophie , Hauser Till-Karsten , Haas Patrick , Tellermann Jonas , Hurth Helene , Ernemann Ulrike , Tatagiba Marcos , Bender Benjamin , Khan Nadia , Roder Constantin 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
The underlying pathophysiological cause of moyamoya angiopathy (MMA) is still unclear. High-resolution vessel wall imaging has become a useful tool. The aim was to study vessel wall contrast-enhancement (VW-CE) as an imaging marker to predict disease progression in MMA.

METHODS:
Patients with MMA, who had undergone serial contrast-enhanced high-resolution MRI with concomitant and follow-up digital subtraction angiography, were analyzed retrospectively. VW-CE was semiquantified by measurement of the signal intensity of the vessel wall in in contrast-enhanced high-resolution MRI. A comparative quotient with the contrast-intensity of the pituitary stalk was calculated and graded accordingly from grade 1 to 5. VW-CE status was correlated with disease status, stroke, cerebrovascular reactivity in CO2-triggered blood-oxygen level-dependent MRI, angiographic disease progression, revascularization surgery, and follow-up imaging.

RESULTS:
Forty eight patients met the inclusion criteria. N = 56 MRI and digital subtraction angiography time-intervals were evaluated for 12 vessel sections per hemisphere each (N = 1344). N = 38 (79%) patients showed VW-CE and N = 10 (21%) did not. VW-CE was only observed in the terminal internal carotid artery and the proximal circle of Willis (N = 96/1344). Notably, patients with VW-CE significantly more often presented with acute infarction in the concomitant MRI. The incidence of angiographically proven disease progression was significantly associated with the incidence of VW-CE, and time to disease progression was earlier in higher grades of VW-CE compared with lower grades.

CONCLUSION:
VW-CE is a semiquantifiable marker for disease activity in patients with MMA and associated with disease progression and increased risk of stroke. VW-CE analysis can be routinely performed in patients with MMA to estimate the risk for disease progression and stroke.