bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MSCFF-Net : Multi-scale context feature fusion network for polyp segmentation
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Zhang Lei , Yin Songlin , Zhang Ge 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Accurate segmentation of polyps in colonoscopic images is a key step in computer-aided diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Although the current segmentation algorithm has some achievements in the field of polyp segmentation, there are still some challenges. The size and shape of the polyp area are different, and the boundary with the background is not obvious. In order to solve the above problems, we propose a new multi-scale context information fusion network(MSCFF-Net). Specifically, the network first uses pyramid transformer (PVTv2) as the encoder, and designs a feature interactive decoder (FID) to obtain a rough location map of the polyp area. Then, four multi-stage feature fusion modules (MSFF) are designed to realize the interaction of multi-stage feature information and enrich the scale diversity of polyp features. Finally, multi-scale attention (MSA) is introduced behind the multi-stage fusion module to improve the attention of the model to polyp features. Experiments on two public polyp datasets show that MSCFF-Net is superior to other advanced polyp segmentation methods.
Surgical outcomes of Baerveldt glaucoma implant versus Ahmed glaucoma valve in neovascular glaucoma: A multicenter study
Authors: Iwasaki Kentaro , Kojima Sachi , Wajima Ryotaro , Matsuda Akira , Yoshida Koki , Tsutsui Aika , Kono Michihiro , Nozaki Miho , Namiguchi Koji , Nitta Keisuke , Miura Yusaku , Inoue Toshihiro , Higashide Tomomi , Ishida Kyoko , Tanito Masaki , Inatani Masaru 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This multicenter retrospective study compared the surgical outcomes of Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) surgery with those of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) surgery in patients with neovascular glaucoma (NVG). This study included patients with NVG aged ≥ 20 years who had undergone BGI (223 eyes) or AGV (146 eyes) surgery between April 1, 2012, and December 31, 2021, across 10 clinical centers in Japan. Surgical success or failure was the primary outcome measure of this study. We defined surgical failure as a reduction of < 20% in the pre-operative intraocular pressure (IOP) or criterion A (IOP > 21 mmHg), criterion B (IOP > 17 mmHg), or criterion C (IOP > 14 mmHg). In addition, we considered a requirement for reoperation, loss of light perception, and hypotony as surgical failure. The surgical success rate of the BGI surgery group was significantly higher than that of the AGV group for criteria A (P = 0.01) and B (P = 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that AGV surgery showed significant associations with surgical failure for criteria A (hazard ratio, 1.74), B (hazard ratio, 1.72), and C (hazard ratio, 1.33). The overall incidence of postoperative complications was comparable between the two groups. The requirement for reoperation in the AGV surgery group was significantly higher than that in the BGI surgery group (12.3% vs. 5.8%, P = 0.03). BGI surgery yielded a higher success rate than AGV surgery in patients with NVG for a target IOP of < 21 or < 17 mmHg. No significant differences were observed between the two procedures in terms of the incidence of postoperative complications. Additional glaucoma surgery was required more frequently following AGV surgery.
Effect of kynurenic acid on enzymatic activity of the DNA base excision repair pathway in specific areas of the sheep brain
Authors: Młotkowska Patrycja , Misztal Tomasz , Kowalczyk Paweł , Marciniak Elżbieta 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Relatively low levels of antioxidant enzymes coupled with high oxygen metabolism result in the formation of numerous oxidative DNA damages in the tissues of the central nervous system. Recently, kynurenic acid (KYNA), knowns for its neuroprotective properties, has gained increasing attention in this context. Therefore, the present study tested the hypothesis that increased KYNA levels in the brain would be able to positively influence mRNA expression of selected enzymes of the base excision repair pathway as well as enhance their efficiency in excising damaged nucleobases in specific areas of the sheep brain. The results revealed a significant increase in the relative mRNA abundance of N-methylpurine DNA glycosylase (MPG) following administration of both dose of KYNA across all examined tissues. The transcription of thymine-DNA glycosylase (TDG) increased significantly in all tissues in response to the lower KYNA dose compared to the control group. In addition, 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) DNA glycosylase (OGG1) mRNA levels were higher in both animal groups. Moreover, in the hypothalamus, hippocampus and amygdala, AP endonuclease 1 (APE1) mRNA expression increased under both doses of KYNA. In summary, the potential neuroprotective effects of KYNA in brain tissues may involve stimulation of BER pathways enzymes.
Transarterial Embolization of Type 2 Endoleak Using Coils and N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate: The Importance of Treating the Nidus and Sac Branches
Authors: Okumura Kenichiro , Ogi Takahiro , Matsumoto Junichi , Asato Nobuyuki , Sugiura Takumi , Yokka Akira , Kozaka Kazuto , Kobayashi Satoshi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Transarterial embolization (TAE) of the nidus and branches prevents aneurysm sac growth due to Type 2 endoleaks (T2EL). Embolization materials include coils and liquid embolic substances such as N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) glue, a type of liquid embolic glue. However, when the nidus is characterized by heterogeneous perigraft opacity on CT imaging with an ill-defined boundary within the sac, it becomes challenging to embolize the nidus directly, often resulting in the embolization of only the branches connected to it. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the efficacy of TAE for the endoleak nidus and side branches versus embolizing the side branches alone in preventing aneurysm sac enlargement after T2EL, comparing mid-term follow-up results.
Materials and Methods
In a single-center retrospective cohort study, we reviewed consecutive 59 patients who underwent TAE for T2EL from September 2017 to August 2022. After excluding cases with less than 6 months follow-up or without abdominal aortic aneurysm, 40 patients were included in the analysis. Initial treatment for all patients included attempts at direct embolization of the endoleak nidus and side branches using coils and NBCA glue. Even if the nidus was reached, if embolization of the nidus proved difficult, the directly connected branches were embolized instead. Data were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier curve for estimating sac enlargement freedom, with the primary outcome being aneurysm sac diameter change post-T2EL embolization.
Results
No visible endoleak nidus was detected in any patient after TAE. Of all patients (n = 40), 60% (n = 24) underwent embolization via direct cannulation to the nidus. Direct TAE involving the nidus and main branches with coils, supplemented with NBCA glue, considerably hindered sac enlargement (p < 0.0001). Of 14 patients with sac enlargement, 72% (10 patients) had unsuccessful direct TAE, resulting in a significant association (p = 0.006). On the other hand, 77% (20 of 26 patients) without sac enlargement experienced successful direct TAE. Three patients displayed sac enlargement even after successful direct TAE using only NBCA glue (p = 0.04).
Conclusions
Direct TAE of the endoleak nidus, using coils and supplemented with NBCA glue as necessary, is effective in preventing sac enlargement after T2EL embolization.
Hemodynamics of short-duration light-intensity physical exercise in the prefrontal cortex of children: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Naito Takashi , Oka Koichiro , Ishii Kaori 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Identifying the types of exercise that enhance cerebral blood flow is crucial for developing exercise programs that enhance cognitive function. Nevertheless, few studies have explored the amount of light-intensity, short-duration exercises that individuals can easily perform on cerebral blood flow, particularly in children. We examined the effects of these exercises on the hemodynamics of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Participants comprised 41 children (aged 12.1 ± 1.5 years, 37% females) who engaged in seven light-intensity exercises, with each movement performed in two patterns lasting 10 or 20 s. Changes in oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) levels at rest and during exercise were compared using analysis of covariance, with sex and age as covariates. Significant increases in oxy-Hb were observed in multiple regions of the PFC during all forms of exercise (including dynamic and twist stretching [66.6%, 8/12 regions, η2 = 0.07–0.27], hand and finger movements [75.0%, 9/12 regions, η2 = 0.07–0.16], and balance exercises (100.0%, 6/6 regions, η2 = 0.13–0.25]), except for static stretching with monotonic movements. This study implies that short-duration, light-intensity exercises, provided that they entail a certain degree of cognitive and/or physical demand, can activate the PFC and increase blood flow.
Not just surviving, but flourishing – insights into student coping, anxiety and motivation
Authors: Gibbons Chris 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The aims explored the associations between distress and eustress ratings and coping influences (support, hardiness, personality and cognitive and emotional strategies), on anxiety and learning motivation. Undergraduate students in a UK university, (N = 184), were surveyed on stress demands and coping influences against anxiety and learning motivation. Hardiness-commitment and extraversion were associated with lower anxiety; neuroticism and defensive pessimism with higher scores and neuroticism mediated between stress demands and anxiety. Optimism did not help. Extraversion did and was associated with better cognitive and emotional coping and it mediated between hassle ratings given to support and anxiety. Defensive pessimism was used to good effect by those anxious-prone – there was no difference in learning motivation between those high in defensive pessimism and those high in extraversion. Eustress experiences of the course were associated with higher motivation, as was hardiness-commitment. Course hassle ratings lowered motivation. This might indicate course shortcomings and/or the stress associated with learning. The results suggested extraversion, defensive pessimism, support and hardiness offer effective coping, along with key cognitive and emotional strategies. All are adaptable qualities, even extraversion can be feigned. Students should look to emulate the strategies and ingredients of good copers and, educators, with little imagination in course design, could help cascade good student-coping.
A Cervical Cancer Detection System Using Genetic Algorithm Enhanced Context-Aware Feature Selection
Authors: Iqbal Anam , Qureshi Shaima , Chishti Mohammad Ahsan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Cervical cancer is the fourth highest cause of death among women, but in its early stages, it shows no symptoms. A lack of effective early diagnosis is the fundamental cause of the disease's prevalence and poses the greatest obstacle to researchers. Pap smears, human papillomavirus tests, colposcopy, and biopsies are all invasive procedures that necessitate the assistance of medical professionals; they are time-consuming and do not identify cancer until a later stage. Thus, the absence of early symptoms and lack of invasive diagnostics, highlight the need for utilizing machine learning and deep learning approaches to revolutionize cervical cancer detection. To address this, we propose GCFS-CC(Genetic Algorithm based Context-aware Feature Selection for Cervical Cancer), which is a framework to detect cervical cancer from Pap smear images of cervical cells and classify these using a deep learning method. In our work, we use a genetic algorithm which is a bio-inspired algorithm, to select the best features from the acquired images. For feature selection, we incorporate the context-aware entropy gain method. We evaluated our model on one data set which combined a total of 917 normal and cancerous images, divided into seven classes.

Using the selected features we build a deep learning model to validate our proposed framework. The results showed that after feature selection, the performance metrics(accuracy, precision, and recall), all improved. These results pave the way for GCFS-CC to be a valuable tool for early cervical cancer detection. This, however, comes with certain challenges, availability of high-quality images and proper parameter tuning for the genetic algorithm required for feature selection.

To successfully implement machine learning-based cervical cancer detection into clinical practice, it will be necessary to address these challenges. Furthermore, any ethical and privacy concerns associated with the use of machine learning algorithms in healthcare settings must be addressed.
Correlation of meibomian gland architecture and indicators of dry eye disease, BMI, weight and age in pediatric population of China
Authors: Xu Zhen , Bao Lulu , Wang Xiaomin , Ying Haihang , Mao Jianbo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
AIM To explore the factors causing structural abnormalities of meibomian gland in the pediatric population.METHODS Two-hundred children were enrolled to evaluate the morphology of meibomian gland. Demographic and clinical information were collected. Symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) were assessed with the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire. Meibography was performed and grading of images was performed by a 5-point meiboscale (0–4) for gland atrophy and a 3-point score (0–2) for gland tortuosity.RESULTS 200 eyes of 200 participants aged 10–18 years (13.10 ± 2.39 years) were imaged. Most patients had a score of 1, 130 (65%) in meiboscore and 138 (69%) in gland tortuosity. The meiboscore and BMI category showed significant difference with the increase of weight, BMI, OSDI and BUT. The gland tortuosity showed significant difference with the increase of age and BMI. Gender had no significant effect on gland meiboscore, tortuosity and BMI category. Besides, BUT was affected by weight, BMI and OSDI. The gland meiboscore was significantly correlated with weight, BMI, OSDI score and BMI percentile. The gland tortuosity was significantly correlated with weight, BMI and BMI percentile.CONCLUSION In this pediatric population, the meiboscore become higher with the increase of weight, BMI, OSDI and the decrease of BUT, and gland tortuosity became more serious with the increase of age and BMI. Therefore, we should pay more attention to the effect of overweight on the meibomian gland tructure to reduce the risk of meibomain gland dysfunction (MGD).
Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) in patients with severe encephalitis as a useful prognostic indicator:a multivariate analysis
Authors: Hui Bo , Zhao Di , Du Fang , Zhang Xiao , Shi Xiaodan , Yang Fang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The prognostic impact of poor nutritional status in severe encephalitis is not clearly understood. We aim to investigate the relationship between the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and poor outcomes of severe encephalitis.
Method
We conducted a retrospective study involving patients with severe encephalitis to determine whether the nutritional and inflammatory biomarker is linearly related to the prognosis of encephalitis. The PNI was calculated as follows: 10×serum albumin (g/L) + 5×total lymphocyte count (109/L). The PNI scores were analyzed as continuous variables and categorical variables divided by quartiles from top to bottom. Restricted cubic splines and logistic regression were applied.
Result
In this study, 307 patients were enrolled. We found that the advanced age(＜0.001), respiratory failure(＜0.001), status epilepticus(＜0.001) and GCS<8(＜0.001) were significantly higher in the poor-prognosis group. The relationship between PNI score and poor prognosis of severe encephalitis was linear. According to a logistic regression model, a lower PNI score had a poorer prognosis for encephalitis. [per 1-point decrement; adjusted OR=1.10; 95% CI, 1.05-1.14; compared with Quartile 1 (PNI ≥ 50.36), Quartile 4 (PNI < 40.15), unadjusted OR =3.60, 95% CI:1.67-7.74; and adjusted OR=3.33, 95% CI:1.46-7.62 ]
Conclusion According to our study, lower PNI score was correlated with poorer outcome in severe encephalitis patients. It suggested that PNI is a useful prognostic indicator in patients with severe encephalitis.
A Novel Nomogram based on Hemodynamic Monitoring for Predicting Survival of Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: An Analysis Based on the MIMIC-III
Authors: Xu Shuwan , Li Junping , Yao Jiyi , Li Zhaolin , Zheng Jianming , Mai Peibiao , Luo Niansang , Zhang Huanji , Zhang Kun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a common cause of mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, which is often accompanied by hemodynamic instability. We aimed to develop a nomogram integrated hemodynamic parameters to predict both short-term and long-term overall survival of patients with AMI.
Methods: 1606 AMI patients from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database were retrospectively enrolled, all of whom underwent hemodynamic measurement within 24 h of ICU admission. In the primary cohort, a predictive nomogram based on least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis was constructed to identify prognostic factors for the overall survival of AMI patients.
Results: LASSO and Cox regression analysis showed that systolic blood pressure, central venous pressure, systemic vascular resistance index, left ventricular stroke work, heart rate and oxygen saturation were satisfied to establish the prediction nomogram. The AUC of the model was 0.710 (95% CI: 0.664 to 0.755) for the primary cohort and 0.704 (95% CI: 0.637 to 0.771) for the validation cohort. The time-dependent AUC did not decrease significantly over time within 1 year (fluctuates around 0.7). Moreover, calibration curves, decision curve and survival curves for 7 days, 14 days, 30 days and 1 year demonstrated that this validated nomogram could provide a good predictive value for patients with AMI by combining multiple hemodynamic parameters.
Conclusions: Our nomogram based on multiple hemodynamic parameters has a good predict value for the survival of AMI patients.
Antifouling and and antibacterial study of PSf/bio-ZnO nanoparticle (bio-ZnO NP) mixed matrix membrane for humic acid separation
Authors: SHOHUR MUHAMAD FIKRI , Harun Zawati , JAMALLUDIN MOHD RIDUAN , HUBADILLAH SITI KHADIJAH , YUNOS MUHAMAD ZAINI 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NP) are well-known for their efficacy as inorganic compounds with antifouling and antibacterial properties in membrane filtration. In this work, bio-zinc oxide nanoparticles (bio-ZnO NP) was synthesized using Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) powder as a green reducing agent and Zinc nitrate as a precursor through the sol-gel method. Subsequently, the bio-ZnO NP powder was incorporated into a polysulfone (PSf) membrane at varying weight percentages (0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 Wt.%). The results indicate that the addition of bio-ZnO NP to PSf enhances the size and complexity of finger-like structures, leading to an increase in tensile strength from 31.9 MPa to 57.6 MPa. However, porosity also increases from 44.1% to 58.2% as the bio-ZnO/NP content rises from 0.1 wt.% to 0.5 wt.%. Notably, the PSf/bio-ZnO NP membrane with 0.5 wt.% concentration demonstrates the highest Pure Water Flux (PWF) at 517.9 LMH with humic acid rejection reaching 99.9%. Furthermore, the incorporation of bio-ZnO NP significantly enhances antibacterial activity, as reflected in the inhibition ring diameter increasing from 24.2 mm to 48.3 mm with higher bio-ZnO/NP concentrations. The PSf/bio-ZnO NP mixed matrix membrane (MMM) with 0.3 wt.% concentration exhibits optimal stability conditions, and superior antifouling properties, making it a promising candidate for membrane applications.
Assessment Of Depression, Anxiety, and Quality Of Life in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Bhattarai Dipesh , Upadhyaya Shreeram , Ojha Saroj Prasad , Poudel Chandra Mani 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most prevalent cardiovascular condition. Individuals with CAD frequently experience depression and anxiety, which correlate with adverse outcomes. Depression and anxiety are important predictors of quality of life (QoL) among CAD patients.
Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depression, and to find the effect of anxiety and depression on the quality of life in patients with CAD visiting cardiology outpatient at Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Center, Tribhuvan University from November 2019 to October 2020.
Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional design comprising a total sample size of 96. Socio-demographic and clinical profiles were obtained using a semi-structured proforma. A validated Nepali version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess anxiety and depression. ICD-10 DCR was further used to categorize anxiety and depressive disorders. Quality of life was assessed using WHOQOL-BREF.
Results: The majority of the participants were of the age group 40-64 years (61.5%) were male (70%) and had a diagnosis of STEMI (57.3%). Anxiety disorder was present in 27.1% and depressive disorder in 20.9% of patients with CAD. The most common anxiety disorder diagnosis was generalized anxiety disorder (11.5%) and the most common depressive disorder diagnosis was a mild depressive episode (12.5%). The WHOQOL-BREF scores were significantly negatively correlated with the HADS A score across domain one (p<0.05) and domain two (p<0.05) and also negatively correlated with the HADS D score across all four domains(p<0.05).
Conclusion: A significant proportion of patients with Coronary Artery Disease suffer from anxiety and depression which adversely impact the QoL.
Anti-diabetes and neuroprotection potential and primary safety studies of Isatis tinctoria L. hydroalcoholic leaf extract
Authors: Nicosia Noemi , Kwiecień Inga , Bednarski Marek , Głuch-Lutwin Monika , Mika Kamil , Hambaryan Rimma , Miller Anthea , Alesci Alessio , Lauriano Eugenia R. , Zammit Paula , Ragusa Salvatore , Trojan Ewa , Sapa Jacek , Miceli Natalizia , Kotańska Magdalena 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Natural plant raw materials, previously underestimated in therapeutics, are becoming the subject of research for new applications in medicine. In our research, the hydroalcoholic extract of Isatis tinctoria leaf, rich in flavonoid compounds such as vicenin-2 and quercetin, was examined as a potential antidiabetic and neuroprotective agent.
Methods
The effect of the extract and its main flavonoid compounds on protein glycation, alpha-glucosidase activity, and acetylcholinesterase activity was tested. In vitro, in the mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line and in vivo, using a mouse model, the safety of the extract was screened for.
Key findings:
Our experiments demonstrated significant inhibition of protein glycation, alpha-glucosidase activity, and acetylcholinesterase activity by the extract, in a concentration dependent manner. The extract had a strong reducing effect, did not exhibit cytotoxicity up to a concentration of 25 mg/mL. Intraperitoneal administration of the extract to mice did not have negative effects on body mass, locomotor activity, coordination, and liver cell integrity.
Conclusions
Our research sheds a new light on this raw material and deepens knowledge of its activity. This may result in the recognition of its therapeutic effects and even in its introduction in the modern treatment of diseases characterized by pathological changes associated with hyperglycemia, oxidation, and inflammation.