bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deep learning-based detection of coronary artery calcification in non-contrast and contrast-enhanced CT scans
Authors: Mohammadi Salman , Mikhael Shadia , Goatman Keith , Dahdouh Sonia , Jaubert Olivier , Voisey Jeremy , Hughes Rebecca , Bradley Conor , Good Richard 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) assessed using computed tomography (CT) scans is a clinically-validated biomarker that is highly prognostic for coronary heart disease (CHD) and adverse cardiac events. Clinical assessment of CAC relies on a dedicated coronary electrocardiogram (ECG)-synchronised non-contrast CT scan. However, millions of CT scans are acquired every year for various indications that include the heart in the field-of-view yet visible CAC is often not reported in these scans. This is a significant missed opportunity for incidental detection of a powerful cardiac risk factor. Our study was conducted on a set of 295 unselected, consecutive CT scans from the National Health Service (NHS) Golden Jubilee Hospital. These were annotated for CAC and used for model training and testing. We developed and validated a deep learning model to accurately quantify CAC on any CT scan including the heart, regardless of the presence or phase of contrast agent, reason for the scan, or use of ECG-synchronisation. The model achieved substantial agreement with the manual human assessment (Cohen’s Kappa=0.61, Bland-Altman mean difference=-40.8mm3). Additionally, we found no correlation between arterial brightness (a surrogate metric for the level of contrast agent present) and agreement between manual and automated measurements (Spearman correlation R=-0.005). Early intervention is vital to improve patient outcomes. The automated CAC scoring method demonstrated here could be applied to all chest CT scans that include the heart, greatly expanding the opportunities for early detection of subclinical cardiovascular disease when preventative interventions have more impact. The promising accuracy achieved here by our deep learning model on a set of unselected sequential CT scans shows the potential for large-scale implementation to reduce the burden of coronary heart disease through systematic, opportunistic CAC screening.
Clinical characteristics and logistic regression analysis of 227 cases of children with macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia
Authors: Yan Mengzhen , Tao Ran , Li Shigang , Xiong Jinwen , Xiang Jinbo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To investigate macrolide-resistant Mycobacterium pneumoniae (MRMP) pneumonia in children and construct a logistic regression model for mutations in the Mycoplasma pneumoniae drug-resistant gene.
Methods
Clinical data of 281 children were analyzed. Sequencing confirmed a mutation at the A2063G locus of the 23S rRNA gene in 227 children (A2063G group); 54 children showed no mutations (non-MRMP [NMRMP] group). We compared clinical features, laboratory tests, imaging, and bronchoscopy results and constructed a multifactorial logistic regression model to analyze risk and protective factors.
Results
The A2063G group had longer durations of fever and hospitalization before admission, a higher proportion of glucocorticosteroid treatment, longer time to discontinue hormones, and higher probability of combined infections. Monocyte percentage was significantly higher in the A2063G group. Imaging suggested a higher incidence of infections in the right lung compared to both lungs. Univariate analysis revealed fever duration before admission, hormone dose and duration, monocyte percentage, and mixed infections as risk factors for Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection with the A2063G mutation. The logistic regression model showed that mixed infections were an independent risk factor for the A2063G locus mutation, whereas hormone dose was a protective factor.
Conclusion
Detection rate was high; all children showed the A2063G mutation in the bacterial drug-resistant gene, longer fever duration and hospitalization before admission, a significantly higher percentage of monocytes, higher glucocorticoid use, and longer to cease medication. The presence of other respiratory infections was an independent risk factor for the emergence of resistant genes, while hormone dose use was a protective factor.
Sulfated N-glycan Upregulation in Sera Predicts Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Feleke Dereje G. , Montalban Bryan M. , Gizaw Solomon T. , Hinou Hiroshi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Breast cancer (BC) is a significant global health concern among women, and early detection plays a pivotal role in enhancing patient survival rates. Alterations in the structure and abundance of sulfated glycans have been linked to various diseases including cancer. However, due to their low abundance, analyzing sulfated glycans poses challenges, making the investigation of sulfated glycan profiles a topic of significant interest in the search for novel biomarkers for early BC detection.
Methods
In this study, we utilized a glycoblotting-based sulphoglycomic workflow to examine the presence of sulfated N-glycans in the serum of Ethiopian patients with BC. This approach integrates high-throughput glycoblotting enrichment technology, WAX separation, and MALDI-TOF MS. The sulfated N-glycan profiles in the whole serum of 76 BC patients and 20 age-matched healthy controls were analyzed.
Results
The findings revealed that seven monosulfated glycans were significantly upregulated in the serum of BC patients compared to that in the control group. Each identified glycan showed significant abundance with an AUC ≥ 0.8 and demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy in predicting early-stage BC patients. Sulfated glycans abundantly displayed terminal Lewis-type glycan epitopes, unlike their negligible presence in nonsulfated N-glycans in serum, whose abundance has been strongly associated with BC progression, metastasis, and immune invasion. Importantly, sulfated glycans were analyzed without removing the sialic group, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the sialylation status of the identified sulfated glycans.
Conclusion
To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first quantitative analysis of sulfated N-glycans in patients with BC, identifying novel glyco-biomarkers with discriminatory potential in the early stages of BC.
Evaluation of the implementation process of a new emergency triage system, WEst coast System for Triage (WEST)
Authors: Habbouche Samah , Carlström Eric , Magnusson Carl , Holmqvist Lina 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: The global escalation of Emergency Department (ED) crowding has prompted the development of innovative solutions to alleviate strain and enhance patient prioritization. One such solution is the WEst coast System for Triage (WEST), based on the South African Triage Scale. Initially Introduced at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Western Sweden between 2019 and 2021, WEST has since been adopted by numerous hospital EDs in the region, replacing the established Rapid Emergency Triage and Treatment System (RETTS©). Despite WEST's apparent success in enhancing patient flow and prioritization, reports suggest that challenges arose during its implementation.
Previous descriptions highlight how subcultures within hospital organizations impede new working methods. This study aims to map the implementation process at the initial two EDs adopting WEST and identify hindrances. We focus on the transition from RETTS© to WEST, studying staff experiences during various implementation stages.
Method: Thirty-six triage nurses from two hospitals participated in semi-structured individual interviews, offering insights into their experiences with WEST, challenges faced, and a comparison with RETTS©. The first hospital, ED1, initiated the process earlier than ED2. Roger's diffusion of innovations model guided the deductive analysis, supplemented by quantitative analysis using Likert scales.
Results: Out of the interviewees, 17 were from ED1 and 19 from ED2. ED1 exhibited enthusiasm and perceived WEST as a significant improvement in triage. Conversely, ED2's responses were varied, with some expressing reservations about the implementation process and the new system. Based on Roger's model, ED1 could be categorized as early adopters, while ED2 represented a mix of early and late majority. Despite varying responses, most participants (30 out of 36) agreed on WEST's enhanced accuracy in identifying critically ill patients during triage compared to RETTS©
Conclusion The implementation of WEST faced challenges in both EDs, with ED1 displaying more enthusiasm compared to ED2. However, the majority recognized WEST's effectiveness in prioritizing patients accurately. This study sheds light on the dynamics of implementing new triage systems and underscores the importance of understanding and addressing challenges during the process.
Treatment for ulnar shortening caused by osteochondromatosis
Authors: Wang Sisheng , Zheng Shaoluan , He Anqi , Liu Qi , Su Lianbing , Wang Chengyun , Chen Yongfa , Liu Maosheng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: This study investigates treatments for ulnar shortening caused by osteochondromatosis.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients diagnosed with osteochondromatosis and admitted to Xiamen University Affiliated First Hospital and Fudan Zhongshan Xiamen Hospital from February 2017 to February 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on the dislocation status of the radial head: the dislocation group and the non-dislocation group. The effectiveness of treatments was evaluated by comparing wrist movement, forearm rotation function, elbow movement, length discrepancy between the radius and ulna, presence of radial head dislocation, and carrying angle.
Results: A statistically significant difference was observed in the annual length discrepancy between the radius and ulna before and after surgery, in both the dislocation and non-dislocation groups (P < 0.05). A similar statistically significant difference was also observed in the carrying angle between the groups (P < 0.05). However, no statistically significant difference in elbow and wrist function was observed before and after surgery in either of the groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: Resection of osteochondroma can reduce further aggravation of ulnar deformity. Ulnar shortening contributes to secondary radial head dislocation, and ulnar lengthening can effectively treat this condition.
First molecular and phylogenetic analysis of Physaloptera clausa parasitizing long-eared hedgehogs (Hemiechinus auritus) in Iran
Authors: Eslahi Aida Vafae , Pirestani Majid , Karami Moslem , Khazaei Sasan , Badri Milad 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose Physalopteridae nematodes pose a threat to a broad spectrum of animals, including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The current study is the first molecular and phylogenetic analysis of Physaloptera clausa parasitizing long-eared hedgehogs (Hemiechinus auritus) in Iran.
Methods A male road-killed H. auritus was collected from Shahriar City, Tehran province in May 2022 and it was subjected to necropsy. After isolating parasites, they underwent morphological analysis using a light microscope and based on an identification key. For molecular analysis, the genomic DNA was isolated using the FavorPrepTM Tissue Genomic DNA Extraction Mini Kit. The PCR products were sequenced, the sequence data were analyzed and multiple alignments were conducted using the Clustal Omega. For phylogenetic analysis, these nucleotide sequences were aligned in MEGA 11 based on the lowest Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) score.
Results A cluster of parasites found on the mucosa of the hedgehog's stomach. All the nematodes were identified as P. clausa. The sequence obtained in this study has been submitted to GenBank with the accession number OR088573. The phylogeny analysis revealed that the genus Physalopteraformed a major clade where P. clausa was clustered with various Physalopteraspecies, closely related to Turgida, Physalopteroides, and Skrjabinopteragenera.
Conclusion Our study specified the necessity for additional taxonomic and phylogenetic research on Physalopteraspecies and related genera to fully understand the evolutionary dynamics and ecological significance of these parasites.
Assessing the impact of COVID-19 inactivated vaccination doses on male fertility i n assisted insemination with husband's sperm (AIH) cycle
Authors: Sun Yating , Zhang Luyun , Jia Yao , Wang Jia , Zhu Aizhen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to assess the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) inactivated vaccination doses on male fertility.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 595 assisted insemination with husband's sperm (AIH) cycles involving 438 couples. Participants were categorized into three groups: the unvaccinated group, the 1 or 2 doses group, and the 3 doses group based on their vaccination status before insemination. Reproductive outcomes such as biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, and live birth were assessed across the different groups.
Results
The analysis revealed no significant differences in reproductive outcomes among the three groups. The rates of biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, and live birth were comparable among the unvaccinated group, the 1 or 2 doses group, and the 3 doses group (P = 0.433, P = 0.637, P = 0.583, and P = 0.539, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the doses of COVID-19 inactivated vaccine did not independently impact the reproductive outcomes of AIH cycles.
Conclusion
The administration of COVID-19 inactivated vaccine doses did not adversely affect male fertility in AIH cycles.
Nomogram for predicting the probability of rectal anastomotic re-leakage after diverting stoma: A retrospective study
Authors: Li Yuegang , Hu Gang , Zhang Jinzhu , Qiu Wenlong , Mei Shiwen , Wang Xishan , Tang Jianqiang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: In this study, we aimed to identify the risk factors in patients with rectal anastomotic re-leakage and develop a prediction model to predict the probability of rectal anastomotic re-leakage after diverting stoma.
Methods: This was a retrospective study of a prospective database. Among 3225 patients who underwent rectal cancer surgery, 129 who experienced anastomotic leakage following stoma closure were enrolled. Risk factors for rectal anastomotic re-leakage were analyzed, and a prediction model was established for rectal anastomotic re-leakage.
Results: Anastomotic re-leakage after stoma closure developed in 13.2% (17/129) of patients. Multivariable analysis revealed that neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (odds ratio, 4.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.17–14.21; p = 0.03), blood loss >50 ml (odds ratio, 4.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.31–15.63; p = 0.02), and intersphincteric resection (intersphincteric resection vs. low anterior resection: odds ratio, 6.85; 95% confidence interval, 2.01–23.36; p = 0.002) were independent risk factors for anastomotic re-leakage. A nomogram was constructed to predict the probability of anastomotic re-leakage, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.828 in the cohort. Predictive results correlated with the actual results according to the calibration curve.
Conclusions: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, blood loss >50 ml, and intersphincteric resection are independent risk factors for anastomotic re-leakage following stoma closure. The nomogram can help surgeons identify patients at a higher risk of rectal anastomotic re-leakage.
Preparation of new nanofiber conducting scaffold-based polyaniline and polypyrrole grafted on chitosan with antibacterial properties
Authors: Hosseini Sama Sadat , Hosseini Seyed Hossein , Rasoulinasab M. , Dehghani S. A 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We intend to produce a new conducting scaffold based on conducting polymers. First, aniline and pyrrole as monomers were grown on activated chitosan (Cs) by interfacial polymerization, and polyaniline (PANI) and polypyrrole (PPy) nanofibers (NF) were formed on chitosan, Poly (Cs-g-PANI-g-PPy). Then, new conducting scaffold Cs-g-PANI-g-PPy nanofiber using a solution of phytic acid was prepared. This scaffold was characterized using FT-IR and UV-Visible. Its surface morphology was studied by FTSEM imaging. Its electrical conductivity and percentage of grafting were measured by the four-point method and the corresponding equations, respectively. This composite biopolymer has many good antibacterial properties. These properties were investigated on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia as gram-negative and Staphylococcus aureus as gram-positive as a common bacterium in skin and bone by two methods, disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Cs-g-PANI-g-PPy nanofiber scaffold in concentrations of about 50 µg had a significant antimicrobial effect against all tested bacteria. The results show the higher antimicrobial activity of polymer against the gram-negative rather than gram-positive bacteria.
Benthic macroinvertebrates as indicators of water quality in aquaculture in Lake Guamuez, Nariño, Colombia.
Authors: Legarda Edgar Andrés González , Duque Guillermo , Cogua Pilar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Global aquaculture continues to grow, displacing capture fishing, a behavior that is reflected in Colombia through the cultivation of species such as red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), generating good quality protein for human consumption. However, production generates environmental impacts on water and lake ecosystems. This study determined water contamination in three rainbow trout farming companies in floating cages in the upper, middle and lower part of the RAMSAR Lago Guamuez wetland. Sampling was carried out in high and low rainfall, in six areas (three companies and three control points). Benthic macroinvertebrates were taxonomically identified, being used as bioindicators, calculating biological diversity indices such as Shannon diversity, Pielou evenness, Berger-Parker dominance and Margalef richness. In cultivation areas A, B and C, species tolerant to a certain degree of contamination such as Chironomidae, Thiaridae, Ampullariidae and Planaridae were found, while in control points A1, B1 and C1, species such as Libellulidae, hydrobiosidae and Hydrachnidae were found, which are less tolerant, indicating better water quality. The indices showed that there is an environmental impact caused by the productions, however, the presence-absence of species tolerant to a certain degree of pollution may be due to aquaculture productions and other anthropogenic activities such as tourism, wastewater, agricultural crops and oil spills. fuel of. Although it is true that the Lake is classified as oligotrophic, alarms must be raised to allow for its good management and preservation.
Title: Evaluating Nasobiliary and Stent Drainage in Acute Cholecystitis and Cholangitis: Insights from a National Inpatient Survey
Authors: Poudel Ayusha , Adhikari Anurag , Poudel Aayush , Montminy Eric 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:
Acute cholecystitis is typically managed with cholecystectomy. However, in patients with underlying co-morbidities who are not suitable for surgery, drainage procedures are recommended. Traditionally, these procedures have been performed percutaneously, but endoscopic techniques have gained popularity in recent years due to their physiological approach and lower complication rates.
Aims:
This study aims to compare endoscopic modalities of drainage (nasobiliary and internal drainage with stenting) in patients with acute cholecystitis and acute cholangitis. We also compared percutaneous drainage with endoscopic retrograde drainage procedures.
Methods:
We analyzed the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (2016-2020) to compare outcomes of acute cholecystitis and cholangitis patients undergoing endoscopic nasobiliary drainage and stent placement. Differences in outcomes between percutaneous and various endoscopic drainages were highlighted. Statistical significance was assessed using χ² and t-tests for categorical and continuous data respectively, with P<0.05 considered significant. Multivariate analyses were performed to assess study outcomes and adverse events for each procedure.
Results:
Patients subjected to nasobiliary drainage exhibited a higher mean age compared to those undergoing internal drainage (68.56 +/- 1.84 years vs 64.62 +/- 0.39 years, p-value < 0.05). Both groups shared similar demographic parameters and comorbidities. Internal drainage with stenting correlated with elevated incidences of acute pancreatitis (14.68% vs 13.04%, p-value <0.05) and intestinal perforation (4.24% vs 2.17%, p-value <0.05) compared to nasobiliary drainage. Conversely, nasobiliary drainage was associated with increased occurrences of bleeding (2.17% vs 0.98%, p-value < 0.05) and ileus (10.87% vs 5.22%, p-value < 0.05). Additionally, internal drainage with stenting exhibited a higher rate of subsequent cholecystectomy compared to nasobiliary drainage (3.20% vs 2.17%, p-value < 0.05).
Percutaneous drainage predominated among older individuals (70.36 +/- 0.16 years vs 64.15 +/-0.35, p-value < 0.05). The adjusted odds ratio for mortality for percutaneous drainage versus endoscopic drainage was (5.15 +/- 0.88 vs 0.2 +/- 0.03, p-value < 0.05). Those undergoing endoscopic drainage demonstrated a substantially higher rate of subsequent cholecystectomy (26.50% vs 0.24%, p-value < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Patients undergoing nasobiliary or internal drainage with stent shared similar demographic characteristics and comorbidities. Internal drainage with stenting correlated with a heightened risk of acute pancreatitis and intestinal perforation, whereas bleeding and ileus were more prevalent with nasobiliary drainage. Moreover, internal drainage with stent was associated with a higher incidence of subsequent cholecystectomy.
Pilot Clinical Trial on Supportive Rehabilitation Care in Neonatal Intensive Unit. Influence of Ambient Noise on Premature Infants
Authors: Rita Chiaramonte , Matteo Cioni , Giorgia Fiorenza , Patrizia Finocchiaro , Annunziata Conversano Maria , Loretta Mattia Carmine , MariaCarmela Caracciolo , Chiara Di Marco , Venerando Rapisarda , Maria Betta Pasqua , Michele Vecchio 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To investigate noise’s impact on Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to advance a trial on kangaroo and music therapy, considering noise as potential confounding factor.
Methods
Noise levels were monitored for 30 days, comparing 17 newborns in a noisy environment to 8 in a silent one. Measurements included weight, heart rate, saturation, Parenting Stress Index, General Movement Score (GM), and Hammersmith Neonatal Neurologic Examination (HNNE).
Results
Significant differences in noise levels were observed between a) silent and common room (p = 0.0006), b) silent or common room and cribs within (p < 0.0001), c) cribs in silent and common room (p < 0.0001). After 30 days, in both rooms, infants showed a significant increase in weight (p = 0.0120, p = 0.0296), heart rate (p = 0.0004, p = 0.0155), GM (p = 0.0001, p = 0.0003), and HNNE (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0014).
Conclusion
Despite significant associations between noise and the described changes, these alignments were consistent with expected growth variations. However, precautionary measures will be implemented during supportive care.