bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Analysis of Recurrence Factors in Cryoballoon AF Ablation: Integrating Clinical, Biomarkers, and Echocardiographic Parameters
Authors: SOYSAL Ali Ugur , GULFIDAN Asli , RAIMOGLOU Damla , ATICI Adem , YALMAN Hakan , Kucur Mine , ONDER Sukriye Ebru , DURMAZ Eser , IKITIMUR Baris , YALIN Kivanc 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) poses substantial challenges in cardiovascular diseases, impacting patient health and economic burden. Understanding the mechanical effects of AF on the left atrium (LA) and assessing the influence of treatment modalities on LA functions are critical. This study aims to assess the efficacy of echocardiographic and biochemical parameters in predicting AF recurrence following second generation cryoballoon ablation (CB-2).
Methods:
Ninety-two patients with symptomatic AF, treated with CB-2 at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology, were prospectively examined from January 2021 to July 2023. The study endeavors to develop a predictive model for AF recurrence, investigating the relationship between echocardiographic measurements and serum biomarkers with recurrence. The follow-up duration for echocardiographic assessments and biochemical analyses was systematically documented.
Results:
The study revealed a significant enhancement in LA mechanical functions during echocardiographic follow-ups three months post-procedure. Specifically, LA strain parameters emerged as significant predictors of recurrence (LAsr: 95%CI 1.004–1.246, p=0.047; LAsct: 95%CI 1.040–1.750, p=0.024). Biochemical analyses demonstrated a correlation between elevated PRO-BNP levels and an increased risk of recurrence (95%CI 1.000–1.003, p=0.012). Moreover, specific biomarkers such as MYBPHL, which demonstrated increased levels post-procedure, were deemed indicative of atrial damage, suggesting potential additional atrial substrate modification beyond PVI. Consequently, improvements in LA function post-cryoballoon ablation and biochemical markers have surfaced as potential indicators for predicting AF recurrence.
Conclusion:
This study elucidates the effectiveness of CB-2 in treating AF and its impact on LA functions. Notably, LA strain measurements and PRO-BNP levels have emerged as reliable indicators for predicting recurrence. Beyond clinical implications, our research establishes a foundation for a deeper understanding of the role of CB-2 in AF management and factors associated with recurrence.
Enablers and Barriers to Preconception Diet: A Mixed Method Study with Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Kandel Pragya , Lim Siew , Dever Michelle , Lamichhane Prabhat , Skouteris Helen , Currie Sinead , Hill Briony 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: A healthy diet before conception (preconception) diet is associated with enhanced maternal health, improved cardiometabolic outcomes, reduced risk of pregnancy complications, and effective weight management. Yet, women of reproductive age frequently exhibit suboptimal dietary behaviours before conception. We aimed to investigate the enablers and barriers related to preconception diet among women of reproductive age.
Methods: Using sequential explanatory mixed methods, an online cross-sectional quantitative survey was followed by online qualitative interviews with women of reproductive age (18-45 years). Survey measures included the Healthy Eating Quiz (HEQ), and a pilot-tested new measure, the Preconception Diet Enablers and Barriers Scale (PDEBS) to evaluate barriers and enablers to diet. Linear logistic regression analysed the relationship between Australian Recommended Food Score
(AFRS) and barriers/enablers. Qualitative interviews were conducted to understand the reasons behind women’s (non)engagement in healthy dietary habits. A weaving approach, use of joint-display, and the Capability Opportunity Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) model were used to integrate and present the data.
Results: Seven hundred and eighty-eight non-pregnant women (mean [M] age 32.08 years, SD = 7.31) residing in Australia, India, and the US completed the survey. Qualitative interviews (M duration = 30 mins) were conducted with 13 women based in Australia. Women's capability to maintain a healthy preconception diet was influenced by their level of knowledge and awareness of its significance. Opportunities for a healthy preconception diet were shaped by social support, time availability, financial resources, and accessibility. Additionally, motivation to adhere to a healthful preconception diet was influenced by beliefs regarding its potential outcomes, alignment with personal goals, and emotional state.
Conclusion: Our findings advance understanding of the determinants influencing preconception dietary behaviours and provide valuable insights for designing effective interventions to promote healthy preconception dietary habits. By addressing the identified enablers and barriers comprehensively, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and researchers can work together to support women in adopting and maintaining healthy preconception dietary behaviours, ultimately improving maternal and child health outcomes.
A Case of Kabuki Syndrome Caused by a Novel Mutation in KMT2D and a Literature Review of Ocular Abnormalities
Authors: Zhang Yongxin , Chen Xiaona , Ye Lin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective: By summarizing the clinical characteristics and genetic variations, this study aims to report a case of one child with type I Kabuki syndrome (KS), and to analyze the features and frequency of ocular abnormalities in KS through a retrospective literature review.
Methods: (1) The study focused on a child with KS, collecting clinical data and conducting whole-exome sequencing of the child and the parents' blood DNA, followed by family verification through Sanger sequencing of candidate variants. (2) A literature search was performed using PubMed, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases to summarize and analyze cases of KS with ocular abnormalities reported before January 2024.
Results: (1) Genetic testing revealed the patient carried a heterozygous mutation c.11779del (p.Q3927Sfs*52) in the KMT2D gene (NM_003482.3), confirming the diagnosis of autosomal dominant KS type 1. This mutation is reported for the first time as a pathogenic mutation site for KS and is classified as a pathogenic mutation (PVS1+PM2+PM6) according to ACMG standards. (2) Ocular abnormalities are generally present in nearly all KS patients, with long palpebral fissures or ectropion of the outer third of the lower eyelid being characteristic facial manifestations. High-incidence abnormalities include strabismus, blue sclera, ptosis, epicanthal folds, and refractive errors, with prevalence ranging from 10-30%. Other reported ocular abnormalities include eye tissue defects, corneal abnormalities, nystagmus, extraocular muscle cranial nerve paralysis, cataract, optic nerve hypoplasia, abnormal optic disc, Duane syndrome, Marcus Gunn phenomenon, retinal disorders, eyeball atrophy, and tear duct obstruction.
Conclusion: The heterozygous mutation c.11779del (p.Q3927Sfs*52) in the KMT2D gene has been identified as the pathogenic genetic mutation for this child's KS, previously unreported. This study expands the spectrum of genetic mutations and clinical presentations of KS, particularly regarding ocular abnormalities, providing a valuable reference for the diagnosis and genetic counseling of the disease.
A method to assess the quality of additive manufacturing metal powders using the triboelectric charging concept
Authors: Galindo E. , Espiritu E. Ross L. , Gutierrez C. , Alagha A. , Hudon P. , Brochu M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

A new method to assess the quality of additive manufacturing (AM) metal powders using the triboelectric charging concept is demonstrated using CpTi, Ti6Al4V, AlSi10Mg, IN 738, and SS 316L powders. For each powder tested, the surface chemical composition was first analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to determine the composition of the passivation layer. Some modifications to the current GranuCharge™ setup, developed by GranuTools™, were then performed by incorporating a flow rate measuring tool to assess how tribocharging is affected as a function of flow rate. Variations in the tribocharging response have been found with the flow rate of CpTi, AlSi10Mg and SS 316L powders. Moreover, results suggest that the tribocharging behavior might not be the same even with powders fabricated with the same passivation process. Finally, the compressed exponential model of Trachenko and Zaccone was used to reproduce the tribocharging behavior of the powders. The models were found to work best when the stretch constant β = 1.5, which is identical to the value found in other systems such as structural glasses, colloidal gels, entangled polymers, and supercooled liquids, which experience jamming when motion of individual particles become restricted, causing their motion to slow down.
Potential hematological biosignatures as screening tools for tuberculosis co- infection among people living with HIV
Authors: J Nancy Hilda , Gopalan Narendran , VV Banu Rekha , Luke Elizabeth Hanna , C Ponnuraja , M Thamizhselvan , Nair Dina , S Ramesh Kumar , N Poorana Ganga Devi , Cheedarla Narayaniah , Babu Hemalatha , Sathyamurthy Aarti Nandala , Nithyanandham Logeshwaran , Muthuramalingam Kannan , G Mangalambal , R Manimegalai , Chokusamy Kavidha 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: A routine laboratory test like complete blood count is a common practise during any hospital visit. It doesn’t provoke social stigma, especially when diagnosis of infectious diseases like tuberculosis and Human immuno deficiency virus (HIV) infection are to be done. Thus if tested for its potential to diagnose or screen tuberculosis co-infection among people living with HIV, it will serve as a valuable laboratory evidence to start treatment in such vulnerable population. We hereby address the plausibility of using haematological parameters as screening tools to identify TB among PLHIV.
Methods: Our retrospective analysis included four cohorts of people - 259 healthy volunteers, 299 newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients, 135 PLHIV and 255 HIV-TB co-infected patients, wherein we tried to identify haematological variables with higher potential to distinguish among these groups.
Results: We report for the first time, a three analyte haematological signature (anemic- decreased CD4- increased MLR) which has higher capacity to serve as HIV-TB screening tool among PLHIV population (sensitivity-88.9%, specificity-91.7%, AUC-0.965). Another three analyte signature comprising increased MLR- Neutrophilic- Thrombocytic- nature has a sensitivity of 90.1 %, specificity of 91.3 % and AUC 0.957 in differentiating healthy people from pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Followed by this, lymphocyte percentage and Monocyte Lymphocyte Ratio as single haematological markers have a sensitivity, specificity, AUC of 90.2%, 83.6%, 0.92 and 88.3%, 88 %, 0.931 respectively in differentiating healthy from pulmonary tuberculosis population.
Conclusion: Further studies supporting this three analyte panel as biosignature for easy and effective screening of HIV-TB among the vulnerable PLHIV cohort is warranted, which is the need of the hour to prevent mortality caused by this co-infection.
Clinical trial registration: Two studies were registered with the Clinical Trial Registry (CTRI 2008/091/000024 & NCT00933790).
Management of wheat stem rut (Puccinia graminis f.Sp. Tritici) through variety and nitrogen fertilizer application rate in the west Shoa zone
Authors: Gemechu Nigatu , Chala Alemayehu , Tola Jemal , Shifaraw Garome 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Wheat stem rust (Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici) is a common fungal disease that causes significant yield reductions and grain quality deterioration. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the efficacy of integrating different management strategies against stem rust (Sr) of wheat in the West Shoa zone during the main growing season of 2022. A split-split plot field experiment was conducted using wheat varieties, the frequency of application of fungicides, and nitrogen fertilizer rates. The results of the field experiment revealed a significant interaction effect of wheat variety, nitrogen fertilizer rate, and frequency of application of fungicides on disease intensity and wheat grain yield. The Wane wheat variety was found to be more resistant to stem rust, followed by Kingbird. In general, the pressure of the disease increased with increasing nitrogen fertilizer rate from 100 to 200 kg/ha. On the other hand, increasing the frequency of spraying of fungicides from 0 to two resulted in a lower disease pressure in all varieties. However, the results were more pronounced on the susceptible wheat variety. Current findings confirmed the role that integrated disease management may play in controlling stem rust epidemics. However, results should be verified through additional trials across agroecologies and years.
An intelligent construction model in whole process for shield tunnelling
Authors: Lu Dechun , Liu Yihan , Kong Fanchao , Ma Yiding , Du Xiuli 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Predicting shield tunnelling parameters in the whole construction process is of great importance, which can effectively control ground stability and improve tunnelling efficiency. A novel deep learning method is developed considering transfer learning, incremental learning and Bi-LSTM fusing with available data of the next ring to be excavated (ADNRE) to predict shield tunnelling parameters in the whole process. Before construction, transfer learning uses data from similar projects to determine initial network parameters, then solve the insufficient data in the prophase of the project. As the shield machine begins to excavate, incremental learning is used to continuously accept new data and adjust model parameters in real time during the whole process. A feature fusion module in Bi-LSTM is proposed to integrate ADNRE and data of the adjacent excavated rings. The proposed Bi-LSTM method can consider the mutation of stratum conditions during tunnelling. The applicability of the proposed method is explored by predicting the shield cutter head torque of a tunnel project in Qingdao, China. The influence of fine-tuning epochs and project similarity on model performance is further discussed. Overall, the proposed method can provide reasonable whole process prediction for shield tunnelling parameters, which improves construction safety and efficiency.
Kalman Filter Method for Time-to-Event Safety Analysis
Authors: Silva Sajith , Li Hal , Wang William 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The analysis of adverse event data is a pivotal aspect in ascertaining the safety of vaccines and drugs. While a multitude of statistical techniques are available, there is an ongoing need to cultivate innovative methodologies for robustly assessing vaccine and drug safety. This article introduces a novel approach that augments the Kaplan-Meier estimator through the incorporation of the Kalman filter algorithm. The method entails initially modeling the data through a generalized state-space model, in which the Kalman filter algorithm is employed to estimate failure probabilities. Subsequently, the Kaplan-Meier estimator is derived using these estimated failure probabilities. To demonstrate the application of this approach, we employ it in the analysis of the opiate dependence treatment study, offering a comparative evaluation against the conventional approach.
High molecular weight DNA extraction from mucilage rich zygnematophycean green algae for long read DNA sequencing
Authors: Feng Xuehuan , Permann Charlotte , Holzinger Andreas , Yin Yanbin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Zygnematophyceae green algae represent the closest living relatives of land plants. Adaptions to hydro-terrestrial environments are evident through the production of mucilage carbohydrates, which are secreted outside algal cell walls to retain water. However, the mucilage poses significant challenges for the extraction of high molecular weight (HMW) DNA. To address this, we have developed an efficient extraction method optimized for HMW DNA, facilitating the use of third-generation long read sequencing technologies, e.g., PacBio or Oxford Nanopore. Furthermore, we have benchmarked the performance of our method against eight established DNA extraction methods or commercial kits.
Results: Of the eight existing DNA extraction methods assessed, the PowerPlant DNeasy Kit, prominent for its use in plant DNA extraction, was the only protocol to successfully isolate DNA from Zygnema circumcarinatum algae. However, the DNA quality was insufficient for applications in PacBio or Oxford Nanopore sequencing. In contrast, our novel method not only yielded a high DNA concentration but also high purity with optimal A260/A230 and A260/A280 ratios suitable for long read DNA sequencing. Notably, the integrity of algal DNA obtained via our method surpassed that from commercial kits, demonstrating a significant increase in the length of extracted DNA, with a peak at 55.7 kb compared to 17.6 kb for the PowerPlant DNeasy Kit. Additionally, our method substantially reduced the organellar DNA, lowering it from 72.5% in the commercial kits to 9.6%, thereby enhancing the yield of nuclear genomic DNA.
Conclusions: Our method represents a significant advancement in the extraction of DNA from challenging plants and algae characterized by high extracellular mucilage contents. Our protocol removes most organellar DNA, and thus substantially increases the proportion of nuclear DNA reads in the sequencing data to lower the cost for nuclear genome sequencing. Our cost-efficient method will facilitate the whole genome sequencing of mucilage-rich algae and plants.
A survey of the frequency of polycystic ovary morphology in infertile patients with uterine abnormalities
Authors: Irani Shohreh , Najafi Atiyeh , Vesali Samira , Mashayekhi Mehri , Niknejad Fatemeh , Ahmadi Firoozeh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Several studies have shown an association between PCOS and mullerian anomalies. The study aims to evaluate the prevalence of polycystic ovary morphology (PCOM) in infertile patients with uterine anomalies (septate and arcuate uterine) who attended the Royan Research Institute in Tehran (Iran) between January 2021 and December 2022.
Methods:
The current cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 884 women who were experiencing infertility and referred to our Institute for 3D-hysterosonography. These women were divided into two groups: the first group consisted of 127 infertile women with uterine anomalies, while the second group included 757 infertile women without uterine anomalies. The employed sampling method was convenience and available. The necessary data were acquired from the patients' files. Subsequently, the frequency of polycystic ovary morphology (PCOM) was assessed and compared between the two groups.
Result:
Of the 884 patients with infertility who were evaluated, a total of 127 women (14.4%) were found to have uterine anomalies (septate and arcuate anomalies), while the remaining 757 women (85.6%) did not exhibit any such abnormalities. In the subgroup of patients with uterine anomalies, 112 women (88.1%) exhibited arcuate uterine, and 15 women (11.9%) presented with septate uterine. Our study demonstrated that the frequency of PCOM in patients with uterine anomalies was 40.9% (52 women) and in those without such anomalies was 14/7% (111 women) (p=0.0001).
Conclusion:
According to the study's findings, the prevalence of polycystic ovary morphology in women who have uterine anomalies is higher than in women without these anomalies.
Research on small objects detection algorithm of UAV photography based on improved YOLOv7
Authors: Duan XuLiang , Zhang BuYuan , Deng QinWen , Ma HongYang , Yang Bing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) capture aerial photographs with a wide viewing angle, variable backgrounds, and high-speed motion imaging. Object detection in UAV aerial images is challenging due to significant changes in object scale, small and mutually occluded objects, and lack of feature information. Conventional object detection algorithms have poor real-time performance and accuracy in this field. The YOLO algorithm is prone to high false detection and omission rates for small objects in complex scenes, leading to poor detection accuracy. To address these issues, we propose the PCSM-YOLOv7 algorithm, which is an improvement on the YOLOv7 model. To address the challenge of locating small objects with low resolution, we have incorporated a higher resolution small object detection feature layer at the Neck of this model. Additionally, we have added a detection head P2 that targets a feature map of 160×160 pixels. This expands the detection range of the model and enhances the semantic information. To achieve high throughput and low latency on GPUs for model detection, the P4 and P5 modules of the Backbone now use partial convolution (PConv) instead of convolution (Conv). Furthermore, the Backbone includes the coordinate attention (CA) mechanism to improve the model's detection to small objects and reduce the error detection rate. To address the issue of slow convergence of loss functions, we propose a novel similarity comparative metric, the Minimum Point Distance Intersection over Union (MPDIoU) loss function, for boundary box regression (BBR). We tested our algorithm on the VisDrone2019 public dataset for UAV photography. The experimental results demonstrate that our improved model has an mAP@0.5 value of 52.3%, which is 3.4 percentage points higher than the benchmark model's mAP@0.5 of 48.9%. This improvement enhances the accuracy of detecting small objects in UAV photography.