bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A practical guide to estimating treatment effects in patients with rheumatic diseases using real-world data
Authors: Pripp Are Hugo , Łosińska Katarzyna , Korkosz Mariusz , Haugeberg Glenn 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objective
Randomized controlled trials are considered the gold standard in study methodology. However, due to their study design and inclusion criteria, these studies may not capture the heterogeneity of real-world patient populations. In contrast, the lack of randomization and the presence of both measured and unmeasured confounding factors could bias the estimated treatment effect when using observational data. While causal inference methods allow for the estimation of treatment effects, their mathematical complexity may hinder their application in clinical research.

Methods
We present a practical, nontechnical guide using a common statistical package (Stata) and a motivational simulated dataset that mirrors real-world observational data from patients with rheumatic diseases. We demonstrate regression analysis, regression adjustment, inverse-probability weighting, propensity score (PS) matching and two robust estimation methods.

Results
Although the methods applied to control for confounding factors produced similar results, the commonly used one-to-one PS matching method could yield biased results if not thoroughly assessed.

Conclusion
The guide we propose aims to facilitate the use of readily available methods in a common statistical package. It may contribute to robust and transparent epidemiological and statistical methods, thereby enhancing effectiveness research using observational data in rheumatology.
Biparametric MRI in prostate cancer during active surveillance: is it safe?
Authors: Caglic Iztok , Sushentsev Nikita , Syer Tom , Lee Kang-Lung , Barrett Tristan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Active surveillance (AS) is the preferred option for patients presenting with low-intermediate-risk prostate cancer. MRI now plays a crucial role for baseline assessment and ongoing monitoring of AS. The Prostate Cancer Radiological Estimation of Change in Sequential Evaluation (PRECISE) recommendations aid radiological assessment of progression; however, current guidelines do not advise on MRI protocols nor on frequency. Biparametric (bp) imaging without contrast administration offers advantages such as reduced costs and increased throughput, with similar outcomes to multiparametric (mp) MRI shown in the biopsy naïve setting. In AS follow-up, the paradigm shifts from MRI lesion detection to assessment of progression, and patients have the further safety net of continuing clinical surveillance. As such, bpMRI may be appropriate in clinically stable patients on routine AS follow-up pathways; however, there is currently limited published evidence for this approach. It should be noted that mpMRI may be mandated in certain patients and potentially offers additional advantages, including improving image quality, new lesion detection, and staging accuracy. Recently developed AI solutions have enabled higher quality and faster scanning protocols, which may help mitigate against disadvantages of bpMRI. In this article, we explore the current role of MRI in AS and address the need for contrast-enhanced sequences.

Clinical relevance statement
Active surveillance is the preferred plan for patients with lower-risk prostate cancer, and MRI plays a crucial role in patient selection and monitoring; however, current guidelines do not currently recommend how or when to perform MRI in follow-up.

Key Points

Noncontrast biparametric MRI has reduced costs and increased throughput and may be appropriate for monitoring stable patients.

Multiparametric MRI may be mandated in certain patients, and contrast potentially offers additional advantages.

AI solutions enable higher quality, faster scanning protocols, and could mitigate the disadvantages of biparametric imaging.
Reduced Clique Graphs: A Correction to “Chordal Graphs and Their Clique Graphs”
Authors: Mayhew Dillon , Probert Andrew 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGalinier, Habib, and Paul introduced the reduced clique graph of a chordal graph G. The nodes of the reduced clique graph are the maximal cliques of G, and two nodes are joined by an edge if and only if they form a non-disjoint separating pair of cliques in G. In this case the weight of the edge is the size of the intersection of the two cliques. A clique tree of G is a tree with the maximal cliques of G as its nodes, where for any $$v\in V(G)$$

v
∈
V
(
G
)

, the subgraph induced by the nodes containing v is connected. Galinier et al. prove that a spanning tree of the reduced clique graph is a clique tree if and only if it has maximum weight, but their proof contains an error. We explain and correct this error. In addition, we initiate a study of the structure of reduced clique graphs by proving that they cannot contain any induced cycle of length five (although they may contain induced cycles of length three or any even integer greater than two). We show that no cycle of length four or more is isomorphic to a reduced clique graph. We prove that the class of clique graphs of chordal graphs is not comparable to the class of reduced clique graphs of chordal graphs by providing examples that are in each of these classes without being in the other.
Inoculation and tracking of beneficial microbes reveal they can establish in field-grown potato roots and decrease blemish diseases
Authors: Darbon Geoffrey , Declerck Stéphane , Riot Gaétan , Doubell Marcé , Dupuis Brice 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn a three-year field study, we inoculated two potato varieties with a selection of four beneficial microbial strains (i.e. Rhizophagus irregularis MUCL41833, Trichoderma asperelloides A, Pseudomonas brassicacearum 3Re2-7 and Paraburkholderia phytofirmans PsJN), alone or in combination. Plants were grown under rainfed or irrigated conditions, and potato yield and development of several diseases were evaluated. The microbial inoculants were traced in the root system at different stages of crop development via molecular markers. Whatever the water supply, the inoculants had no effect on yield. Conversely, some of the inoculants were able to lower the incidence and/or severity of several blemish diseases, namely common scab-associated symptoms (CSAS) and silver scurf/black dot-associated symptoms (SSAS). Microbial consortia were more efficient in decreasing symptoms compared to single strain inoculations. The best control was obtained with the combination of R. irregularis and P. brassicacearum, which reduced the incidence of CSAS by 22% and severity of SSAS by 21%. Root tracking revealed that P. brassicacearum and P. phytofirmans PsJN were able to establish in the root system of the potato, while only P. brassicacearum was detected from emergence until flowering of the plants.
Short-term Aronia melanocarpa extract supplementation improves cognitive performance: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study in healthy young adults
Authors: Ahles Sanne , Joris Peter J. , Plat Jogchum 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Evidence on the potential beneficial effects of anthocyanin-rich foods and supplements on cognitive performance is mainly based on acute or long-term studies in older adults. However, short-term studies focusing on a younger population are lacking. Therefore, short-term effects of Aronia melanocarpa extract (AME) supplementation on cognitive performance were investigated in healthy young adults. Potential underlying mechanisms were also addressed.

Methods
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study was performed involving 35 apparently healthy young adults. Participants consumed AME (180 mg anthocyanins/day) or a placebo for 1 week, separated by at least 2 weeks of wash-out. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). Furthermore, arterial stiffness (carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity), retinal microvascular calibers (fundus photography), and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations were measured at baseline and after 1 week.

Results
Participants had a mean age of 25 ± 4 years and an average BMI of 23.4 ± 2.7 kg/m2. Compliance was excellent and the study product was well-tolerated. As compared to placebo, movement time was significantly reduced by 4.8% within the five-choice reaction time test after 1 week of AME supplementation (intervention effect: – 12 ms; p < 0.05). Memory and executive function did however not change. Serum BDNF concentrations were significantly higher after AME supplementation as compared to placebo (+ 5.7%; intervention effect: 1.8 ng/mL; p < 0.05). However, arterial stiffness and retinal microvascular calibers were not affected.

Conclusion
Short-term AME supplementation beneficially affected cognitive performance as attention and psychomotor speed improved. Serum BDNF concentrations were increased, but vascular function markers were not affected.

Clinical trial registration
The study was registered on Clinical Trials under NCT03793777 on January 4th, 2019.
Rituximab in non-systemic vasculitic neuropathy: a single-center experience
Authors: Kohle Felix , Wunderlich Gilbert , Fink Gereon R. , Schroeter Michael , Lehmann Helmar C. , Schneider Christian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objectives
This case series reports clinical features and outcome of four patients with non-systemic vasculitic neuropathy (NSVN) treated with the anti-CD20 agent rituximab.

Methods
Clinical, electrophysiological and biopsy data were retrospectively obtained and evaluated. Only patients with pathological definite or probable NSVN were included. Extensive clinical and laboratory work-up excluded systemic vasculitis. Follow-up data for at least 12 months and up to five years is provided. Outcome of the patients was assessed using the MRC-Sum Score, Prineas Score and Neurological Symptom Score.

Results
Two of four patients treated with rituximab achieved disease remission and one patient remained stable under anti-CD20 therapy after a required treatment switch due to toxic side effects of cyclophosphamide. One patient deteriorated under rituximab induction. Rituximab was well tolerated in all patients.

Discussion
Anti-CD20 therapy might be an alternative in NSVN patients requiring further treatment escalation or treatment switch due to side effects of corticosteroids or cyclophosphamide.
Predictive role of systemic immune-inflammation index and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio values in infants with retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Oruz Oğuzhan , Dervişoğulları Mehmet Serdar , Öktem Müzeyyen Ezgi , İncekaş Caner 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To search the relationship between serum neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) values with the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and the requirement for laser treatment.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study was carried out with 195 preterm infants between 2012 and 2023. The NLR, PLR, LMR, and SII values were calculated on both the first day and at the end of the first month after birth. The association between development of ROP and other risk factors were analyzed using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results
Of patients, 92 infants were diagnosed with ROP. Laser treatment was administered to 36 infants. The postnatal first-day NLR and SII values were higher in infants with ROP than in infants without ROP (p < 0.001 for both). Postnatal first-month NLR, LMR, and SII values were higher in infants with ROP (p < 0.001, p = 0.007, and p < 0.001, respectively). In multivariate analyses, postnatal first-day NLR and first-month LMR values were regarded as independent risk factors for the development of ROP (OR:8.867 and 1.286, p = 0.002 and p = 0.009, respectively). In multivariate analyses performed for laser treatment requirement, postnatal first-month PLR and SII values were determined as independent risk factors (OR:0.951 and 1.011, respectively, p = 0.004 for both).

Conclusions
Postnatal first-day NLR and first-month LMR values were determined as independent risk factors for the development of ROP. For the requirement of laser treatment, the postnatal first-month PLR and SII values were determined as independent risk factors.
Elastic prolate spheroidal inclusion in an infinite elastic solid—an exact analysis of the inclusion stress by an engineering treatment of the problem based on the corresponding cavity solutions
Authors: Amstutz Hans , Vormwald Michael 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe paper demonstrates the analysis of the stress and strain states of an inhomogeneous structure with an axial symmetrical spheroidal inclusion in an infinite solid under a remote uniform tension load derived from the conditions of the theory of elasticity. With respect to the inhomogeneous structure, the deformations produce constraints that require a complete 3-dimensional analysis in the z, r-coordinate system. The solution generates the stress state of the inclusion and at the interface of the matrix. Spheroidal inclusions in an uniform outer tension stress field deform self-similarly to a rather elongated spheroid. With respect to the compatibility condition and depending on the different elastic moduli and Poisson’s ratios in the inclusion and matrix, the solution procedure leads to a system of two linear equations with the magnitudes of the two tractions as unknowns. In this way, the solution is shortened to a twofold statically indeterminate system. The analysis performed leads to an exact solution of the general spheroidal problem in a formulation of stress concentration factors considering the different stiffness parameters of inclusion and matrix.
Selection of waste receiving companies for sustainable industrial symbiosis network: an application a case in Ankara for foundry industry waste
Authors: Yazıcı Emre , Alakaş Hacı Mehmet , Eren Tamer 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn the past twenty years, besides the technological and innovative efforts for production processes, there have been activities for the recovery and quality improvement of waste based on the development of sustainable solutions. These activities bring us closer to zero waste by protecting natural resources and reducing the environmental impact of production facilities. One of the essential approaches in this process is the industrial symbiosis (IS) approach. Efforts to implement the industrial symbiosis approach in an industrial park constitute the motivation of the study. The study aims to identify alternative enterprises that can evaluate the wastes generated in the main production process of the foundry industry with industrial symbiosis and rank them to establish a symbiotic relationship. First, the Pythagorean Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (PF-AHP) model has been developed to evaluate organizational factors, waste-specific factors, and economic and environmental sustainability criteria for establishing an IS network among alternative businesses. Then, alternative businesses were ranked to establish a symbiosis network with the PF-TOPSIS method. The proposed method contributes to the solution of a real-life problem that may arise when there are multiple alternatives to cooperate in the field of industrial symbiosis. By contributing this framework to the literature, the robustness of the results has been demonstrated through sensitivity analysis and comparative analysis. According to the results obtained, it was seen that the importance levels of economic factors came to the fore. Furthermore, among the alternatives, enterprises with high waste exchange potential, such as cement, took first place in the ranking.
Development of a Web-Based Oxygenation Dashboard for Preterm Neonates: A Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Poppe J. A. , Smorenburg R. S. , Goos T. G. , Taal H. R. , Reiss I. K. M. , Simons S. H. P. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background: Preterm neonates are extensively monitored to require strict oxygen target attainment for optimal outcomes. In daily practice, detailed oxygenation data are hardly used and crucial patterns may be missed due to the snapshot presentations and subjective observations. This study aimed to develop a web-based dashboard with both detailed and summarized oxygenation data in real-time and to test its feasibility to support clinical decision making. Methods: Data from pulse oximeters and ventilators were synchronized and stored to enable real-time and retrospective trend visualizations in a web-based viewer. The dashboard was designed based on interviews with clinicians. A preliminary version was evaluated during daily clinical rounds. The routine evaluation of the respiratory condition of neonates (gestational age < 32 weeks) with respiratory support at the NICU was compared to an assessment with the assistance of the dashboard. Results: The web-based dashboard included data on the oxygen saturation (SpO2), fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), SpO2/FiO2 ratio, and area < 80% and > 95% SpO2 curve during time intervals that could be varied. The distribution of SpO2 values was visualized as histograms. In 65% of the patient evaluations (n = 86) the level of hypoxia was assessed differently with the use of the dashboard. In 75% of the patients the dashboard was judged to provide added value for the clinicians in supporting clinical decisions. Conclusions: A web-based customized oxygenation dashboard for preterm neonates at the NICU was developed and found feasible during evaluation. More clear and objective information was found supportive for clinicians during the daily rounds in tailoring treatment strategies.
Building semi-supervised decision trees with semi-cart algorithm
Authors: Abedinia Aydin , Seydi Vahid 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDecision trees are a fundamental statistical learning tool for addressing classification and regression problems through a recursive partitioning approach that effectively accommodates numerical and categorical data [1, 2]. The Classification and regression tree (CART) algorithm underlies modern Boosting methodologies such as Gradient boosting machine (GBM), Extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and Light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM). However, the standard CART algorithm may require improvement due to its inability to learn from unlabeled data. This study proposes several modifications to incorporate test data into the training phase. Specifically, we introduce a method based on Graph-based semi-supervised learning called “Distance-based Weighting,” which calculates and removes irrelevant records from the training set to accelerate the training process and improve performance. We present Semi-supervised classification and regression tree (Semi-Cart), a new implementation of CART that constructs a decision tree using weighted training data. We evaluated its performance on thirteen datasets from various domains. Our results demonstrate that Semi-Cart outperforms standard CART methods and contributes to statistical learning.
Image-based microscale rock typing and its application
Authors: Wang Yuzhu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRock typing plays a crucial role in describing the heterogeneity of the reservoir. Most of the conventional rock typing methods are implemented to classify the target reservoir into various rock types based on various petrophysical properties (e.g., porosity and permeability), but fail to provide more critical information that significantly affects the final performance of the reservoir characterization including: (1) the porosity and permeability contribution of each rock type and (2) the geological genesis of each rock type. Along with the universal application of various imaging devices, the image-based microscale rock typing (IMRT) can be directly conducted based on the observed pore structures which fundamentally determine the rock types. The IMRT belongs to the computer vision field which can be divided into pattern recognition-related rock typing (PRRT) and texture segmentation-related rock typing (TSRT). The PRRT is mainly used to identify the category (e.g., lithofacies, reservoir zone, or Dunham textures) of a given rock sample. The TSRT aims to classify a single image into several areas where each area denotes a relatively homogeneous porous structure. In this paper, the popular IMRT methods and their applications are reviewed thoroughly. Many successful applications proved that IMRT is an effective way to quantitatively estimate the porosity and permeability contributions of each rock type in a heterogeneous rock sample with the help of numerical flow simulation. Besides, the IMRT results also can be used to reveal the geological genesis of each rock type when its texture is determined by a special geological process.
A Novel Repair Technique of Pre-damaged T-Beams Failing in Shear Using Eco-Friendly Steel Fibre-Reinforced Geopolymer Concrete
Authors: Khalifa Ashraf J. , El-Thakeb Abo El-Wafa M. , El-Sebai Ahmed M. , Elmannaey Ahmed S. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRepair of reinforced concrete structures is required to preserve the adequate performance of these structures throughout their service life. One of the credible techniques is using fibrous concrete as a repair material. In this paper, the performance of steel fibre-reinforced geopolymer concrete (SFRGPC) in the repair of pre-damaged reinforced concrete T-beams (pre-loaded up to 50% of their shear capacity) failing in shear was investigated. Five T-beam series and a four-point loading test were adopted: one reference beam, three beams were repaired with different fibrous ratios of 1, 2, and 3%, and one was repaired with 2% steel fibre and additional U-steel stirrups. The key test results include crack propagation, crack width, initial stiffness, load deflection, peak loads, and strain associated with web stirrups. A clear enhancement was noticed in the performance of the repaired T-beams; their shear capacity was boosted by as much as 45% compared to the control beam. It was also deduced that the beam went from a brittle to a ductile failure mode at 3% SFRGPC and at 2% SFRGPC with U-stirrups. Finally, an analytical model prediction was proposed to predict the shear capacity of repaired T-beams with the SFRGPC. The model showed a satisfactory correlation with experimental results, with an average ratio of 0.995 and a standard deviation of 0.035.
Scutellarin ameliorates diabetic nephropathy via TGF-β1 signaling pathway
Authors: Huang Bangrui , Han Rui , Tan Hong , Zhu Wenzhuo , Li Yang , Jiang Fakun , Xie Chun , Ren Zundan , Shi Rou 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBreviscapine, a natural flavonoid mixture derived from the traditional Chinese herb Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand-Mazz, has demonstrated a promising potential in improving diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the specific active constituent(s) responsible for its therapeutic effects and the underlying pharmacological mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of scutellarin, a constituent of breviscapine, on streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy and elucidate its pharmacological mechanism(s). Our findings demonstrate that scutellarin effectively ameliorates various features of DN in vivo, including proteinuria, glomerular expansion, mesangial matrix accumulation, renal fibrosis, and podocyte injury. Mechanistically, scutellarin appears to exert its beneficial effects through modulation of the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling pathway, as well as its interaction with the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) and Wnt/β-catenin pathways.
Graphical Abstract