bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Etiological changes of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma‐complicated liver cirrhosis in Japan: Updated nationwide survey from 2018 to 2021
Authors: Enomoto Hirayuki , Akuta Norio , Hikita Hayato , Suda Goki , Inoue Jun , Tamaki Nobuharu , Ito Kiyoaki , Akahane Takemi , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Morishita Asahiro , Ogawa Eiichi , Tateishi Ryosuke , Yoshiji Hitoshi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimA nationwide survey in 2018 showed decreasing involvement of viral hepatitis and increasing involvement of nonviral liver diseases in the etiology of liver cirrhosis (LC) in Japan. An updated nationwide survey was undertaken in 2023.MethodsCases of LC diagnosed between 2018 and 2021 were collected from 75 institutions, and the etiologies of LC were investigated. In addition, the data obtained were compared with the results of previous studies.ResultsAmong the 15 517 cases, alcohol‐related liver disease (ALD)‐associated LC was the most frequent cause (n = 5,487, 35.4%). Hepatitis C virus‐associated LC, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)‐associated LC, and hepatitis B virus‐associated LC were ranked as second, third, and fourth, respectively. In comparison to the previous survey, the ratios of viral hepatitis‐associated LC decreased (HBV: from 11.5% to 8.1%; HCV: from 48.2% to 23.4%), while the ratios of ALD‐associated LC and NASH‐associated LC increased (from 19.9% to 35.4% and from 6.3% to 14.6%, respectively). Regarding cases of LC with hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 5906), HCV‐associated LC (1986 cases, 33.6%) was the most frequent cause. Alcohol‐related liver disease‐associated LC, NASH‐associated LC, and HBV‐associated LC were the second‐, third‐, and fourth‐ranked causes, respectively. In comparison to the previous survey, as the cause of hepatocellular carcinoma‐complicated LC, HCV‐associated LC decreased from 60.3% to 33.6%, while the ratios of ALD‐associated LC and NASH‐associated LC increased from 14.2% to 28.6% and from 4.2% to 14.0%, respectively.ConclusionsThe major causes of LC in Japan are suggested to have been shifting from viral hepatitis to nonviral chronic liver diseases.
Preparation of high‐purity α‐Si3N4 powder via multifunctional synergistic catalysis and pretreatment method
Authors: Yuan Zhuang , Zhao Xinqi , Sun Xiaohong , Gong Zhiyou , Zheng Chaoyi , Ren Junbo , Wang Jiawei , Zheng Chunming 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAt present, the Si3N4 powder prepared is not pure enough. Therefore, this work introduces a novel method of preparing high‐purity α‐Si3N4 powder. Si3N4 powder with high α phase content was prepared via a unique two‐stage temperature‐rise (TSTR) process, using KCl and metal Co as dual catalysts through low‐temperature pretreatment for silicon powder and subsequent high‐temperature nitriding reaction. Molten KCl insulates silicon particles in three contact modes during low‐temperature pretreatment, promoting complete and uniform nitriding and absorbing the heat released during the reaction. In addition, Co forms a Co–Si liquid phase, causing the reaction to transition into a gas–liquid–solid reaction with lower potential energy, thereby reducing the reaction temperature. Through the synergistic effect of the two catalysts and optimized unique TSTR process, Si3N4 powder can be obtained at 1250°C, boasting a remarkably high α phase content of 99.1%, distinguished by its layered, needle‐like, and spherical structures. The detailed experiments first provide a comprehensive explanation of the growth mechanism of α‐Si3N4. This innovative method for preparing Si3N4 powder offers a new approach to the facile production of high‐purity phase ceramic powder.
Estimates of Seasonal Influenza Burden That Could Be Averted by Improved Influenza Vaccines in the Australian Population Aged Under 65 Years, 2015–2019
Authors: Stein Alicia N. , Pendrey Catherine G. A. , Muscatello David J. , Van Buynder Paul G. , Fielding James E. , Menche Jason C. , Sullivan Sheena G. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe interpretation of relative vaccine effectiveness (rVE) of improved influenza vaccines is complex. Estimation of burden averted is useful to contextualise their potential impact across different seasons. For the population aged under 65 years in Australia, this study estimated the additional morbidity and mortality that could be averted using improved influenza vaccines.MethodsWe used observed, season‐specific (2015–2019) influenza notification and influenza‐coded hospitalisation frequencies and published modelled estimates of influenza‐associated hospitalisations and deaths that occurred under the prevailing influenza vaccination coverage scenario. After back‐calculating to the estimated burden in the population without vaccination, we applied published standard influenza vaccine effectiveness and coverage estimates to calculate the burden potentially averted by standard and improved influenza vaccines. A plausible range of rVE values were used, assuming 50% coverage.ResultsThe percentage point difference in absolute vaccine effectiveness (VE) of an improved vaccine compared to a standard vaccine is directly proportional to its rVE and inversely proportional to the effectiveness of the standard vaccine. The incremental burden averted by an improved vaccine is a function of both its difference in absolute VE and the severity of the influenza season. Assuming an rVE of 15% with 50% coverage, the improved vaccine was estimated to additionally avert 1517 to 12,641 influenza notifications, 287 to 1311 influenza‐coded hospitalisations and 9 to 33 modelled all‐cause influenza deaths per year compared to the standard vaccine.ConclusionsImproved vaccines can have substantial clinical and population impact, particularly when the effectiveness of standard vaccines is low, and burden is high.
A systematic review of large language models and their implications in medical education
Authors: Lucas Harrison C. , Upperman Jeffrey S. , Robinson Jamie R. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionIn the past year, the use of large language models (LLMs) has generated significant interest and excitement because of their potential to revolutionise various fields, including medical education for aspiring physicians. Although medical students undergo a demanding educational process to become competent health care professionals, the emergence of LLMs presents a promising solution to challenges like information overload, time constraints and pressure on clinical educators. However, integrating LLMs into medical education raises critical concerns and challenges for educators, professionals and students. This systematic review aims to explore LLM applications in medical education, specifically their impact on medical students' learning experiences.MethodsA systematic search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science and Embase for articles discussing the applications of LLMs in medical education using selected keywords related to LLMs and medical education, from the time of ChatGPT's debut until February 2024. Only articles available in full text or English were reviewed. The credibility of each study was critically appraised by two independent reviewers.ResultsThe systematic review identified 166 studies, of which 40 were found by review to be relevant to the study. Among the 40 relevant studies, key themes included LLM capabilities, benefits such as personalised learning and challenges regarding content accuracy. Importantly, 42.5% of these studies specifically evaluated LLMs in a novel way, including ChatGPT, in contexts such as medical exams and clinical/biomedical information, highlighting their potential in replicating human‐level performance in medical knowledge. The remaining studies broadly discussed the prospective role of LLMs in medical education, reflecting a keen interest in their future potential despite current constraints.ConclusionsThe responsible implementation of LLMs in medical education offers a promising opportunity to enhance learning experiences. However, ensuring information accuracy, emphasising skill‐building and maintaining ethical safeguards are crucial. Continuous critical evaluation and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential for the appropriate integration of LLMs in medical education.
Effect of early mobilization on the development of pneumonia in patients with traumatic brain injury in the neurosurgical intensive care unit: A historical controls study
Authors: Wu Dan , Geng Xin , Wu Hao , Liu Xiaohong , Liu Xiaobin , Ma Lina , Li Yang , Liang Xiu , Lan Qingping , Wang Yuxia , Wang Xiangyu , Wang Yonghong , Shi Shufang , Zhang Xiaohong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundPneumonia has a high incidence in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients and lacks effective treatments. Early mobilization (EM) may be a potentially effective treatment.AimTo explore the impact of EM on TBI‐related pneumonia in the neurosurgical intensive care unit (NICU).Study DesignThis study was a historical control study. 100 TBI patients who received EM intervention were prospectively included as the experimental group (EM cohort), and 250 TBI patients were retrospectively included as the control group. The propensity score matching (PSM) method was employed to balance baseline and minimize potential bias. The relationship between EM and TBI‐related pneumonia was investigated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression, then further determined by subgroup analysis. The influence of other variables was excluded by interaction analyses. Finally, the effect of EM on the prognosis of TBI patients was analysed by comparing the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and the hospital stay.ResultsAfter screening, 86 patients were included in the EM cohort and 199 patients were included in the control cohort. There were obvious differences between the two cohorts at baseline, and these differences were eliminated after PSM, when the incidence of pneumonia was significantly lower in the EM cohort than in the control cohort (35.0% vs. 61.9%, p < .001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that EM was an independent risk factor for TBI‐related pneumonia and was significantly associated with a decreased incidence of pneumonia. This correlation was present in most subgroups and was not affected by other variables (p for interaction >.05). Patients in the EM cohort had shorter length of ICU stay (6 vs. 7 days, p = .017) and higher GCS at discharge (12 vs. 11, p = .010).ConclusionEM is a safe and effective treatment for TBI patients in NICU, which can reduce the incidence of pneumonia, help to improve prognosis and shorten the length of ICU stay.Relevance to Clinical PracticeAlthough the utilization rate of EM is low in TBI patients for various reasons, EM is still an effective method to prevent complications. Our study confirms that a scientific and detailed EM strategy can effectively reduce the incidence of pneumonia while ensuring the safety of TBI patients, which is worthy of further research and clinical application.
Risk Factors for Surgical Treatment of Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease in Middle‐aged and Older Women: A Prospective Case–Control Study of 2370 Subjects
Authors: Zhang Yuchen , Yuan Suomao , Chen Xing , Zhang Zhaoqing , Yang Xiaorong , Wang Shuo , Tian Yonghao , Wang Lianlei , Liu Xinyu 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveGiven the distinct physiological and societal traits between women and men, we propose that there are distinct risk factors for lumbar degenerative disc disease surgeries, including lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), in middle‐aged and older populations. However, few studies have focused on middle‐aged and older women. This study aims to identify these risk factors specifically in this population.MethodsIn this case–control study, the study group comprised 1202 women aged ≥ 45 years who underwent operative treatment of lumbar degenerative disc disease (LDH, n = 825; LSS, n = 377), and the control group comprised 1168 women without lumbar disease who visited a health examination clinic during the same period. The study factors included demographics (age, body mass index [BMI], smoking, labor intensity, and genetic history), female‐specific factors (menopausal status, number of deliveries, cesarean section, and simple hysterectomy), surgical history (number of abdominal surgeries, hip joint surgery, knee joint surgery, and thyroidectomy), and systemic diseases (hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyper‐low‐density lipoprotein cholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of associated factors.ResultsThe risk factors for surgical treatment of LDH in middle‐aged and older women included BMI (OR = 1.603), labor intensity (OR = 1.189), genetic history (OR = 2.212), number of deliveries (OR = 1.736), simple hysterectomy (OR = 2.511), hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 1.932), and hyper‐low‐density lipoprotein cholesterolemia (OR = 2.662). For surgical treatment of LSS, the risk factors were age (OR = 1.889), BMI (OR = 1.671), genetic history (OR = 2.134), number of deliveries (OR = 2.962), simple hysterectomy (OR = 1.968), knee joint surgery (OR = 2.527), hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 1.476), hyper‐low‐density lipoprotein cholesterolemia (OR = 2.413), and diabetes (OR = 1.643). Cerebrovascular disease was a protective factor against surgery for LDH (OR = 0.267).ConclusionsBMI, genetic history, number of deliveries, simple hysterectomy, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyper‐low‐density lipoprotein cholesterolemia were independent risk factors for surgical treatment of both LDH and LSS in middle‐aged and older women. Two disparities were found: labor intensity was a risk factor for LDH patients, and knee joint surgery and diabetes were risk factors for LSS patients.
Predicting haemoglobin deferral using machine learning models: Can we use the same prediction model across countries?
Authors: Meulenbeld Amber , Toivonen Jarkko , Vinkenoog Marieke , Brits Tinus , Swanevelder Ronel , de Clippel Dorien , Compernolle Veerle , Karki Surendra , Welvaert Marijke , van den Hurk Katja , van Rosmalen Joost , Lesaffre Emmanuel , Janssen Mart , Arvas Mikko 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPersonalized donation strategies based on haemoglobin (Hb) prediction models may reduce Hb deferrals and hence costs of donation, meanwhile improving commitment of donors. We previously found that prediction models perform better in validation data with a high Hb deferral rate. We therefore investigate how Hb deferral prediction models perform when exchanged with other blood establishments.Materials and MethodsDonation data from the past 5 years from random samples of 10,000 donors from Australia, Belgium, Finland, the Netherlands and South Africa were used to fit random forest models for Hb deferral prediction. Trained models were exchanged between blood establishments. Model performance was evaluated using the area under the precision–recall curve (AUPR). Variable importance was assessed using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values.ResultsAcross the validation datasets and exchanged models, the AUPR ranged from 0.05 to 0.43. Exchanged models performed similarly within validation datasets, irrespective of the origin of the training data. Apart from subtle differences, the importance of most predictor variables was similar in all trained models.ConclusionOur results suggest that Hb deferral prediction models trained in different blood establishments perform similarly within different validation datasets, regardless of the deferral rate of their training data. Models learn similar associations in different blood establishments.
Novel hydrazone compounds with broad-spectrum antiplasmodial activity and synergistic interactions with antimalarial drugs
Authors: Rosado-Quiñones Angélica M. , Colón-Lorenzo Emilee E. , Pala Zarna Rajeshkumar , Bosch Jürgen , Kudyba Karl , Kudyba Heather , Leed Susan E. , Roncal Norma , Baerga-Ortiz Abel , Roche-Lima Abiel , Gerena Yamil , Fidock David A. , Roth Alison , Vega-Rodríguez Joel , Serrano Adelfa E. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

The development of novel antiplasmodial compounds with broad-spectrum activity against different stages of
Plasmodium
parasites is crucial to prevent malaria disease and parasite transmission. This study evaluated the antiplasmodial activity of seven novel hydrazone compounds (referred to as CB compounds: CB-27, CB-41, CB-50, CB-53, CB-58, CB-59, and CB-61) against multiple stages of
Plasmodium
parasites. All CB compounds inhibited blood stage proliferation of drug-resistant or sensitive strains of
Plasmodium falciparum
in the low micromolar to nanomolar range. Interestingly, CB-41 exhibited prophylactic activity against hypnozoites and liver schizonts in
Plasmodium cynomolgi
, a primate model for
Plasmodium vivax
. Four CB compounds (CB-27, CB-41, CB-53, and CB-61) inhibited
P. falciparum
oocyst formation in mosquitoes
,
and five CB compounds (CB-27, CB-41, CB-53, CB-58, and CB-61) hindered the
in vitro
development of
Plasmodium berghei
ookinetes. The CB compounds did not inhibit the activation of
P. berghei
female and male gametocytes
in vitro
. Isobologram assays demonstrated synergistic interactions between CB-61 and the FDA-approved antimalarial drugs, clindamycin and halofantrine. Testing of six CB compounds showed no inhibition of
Plasmodium
glutathione S-transferase as a putative target and no cytotoxicity in HepG2 liver cells. CB compounds are promising candidates for further development as antimalarial drugs against multidrug-resistant parasites, which could also prevent malaria transmission.
THE ROLE OF FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT ON THE SHARE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN JAPAN: A COMPREHENSIVE TIME-SERIES ANALYSIS
Authors: GÖK ADEM , DEMIR CANER 
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of financial development (FD) on the share of renewable energy (RE) usage in Japan. The existing theoretical literature and empirical analyses covering different country cases reveal that FD might have positive, negative, or insignificant effect on RE use. Since there is no empirical investigation of the issue for Japan, the study aims to contribute to the literature. To that end, we used several time-series techniques to detect the association between RE usage and FD in Japan over the 1970–2020 period. The results obtained from the ARDL, Hatemi-J, Maki, Tsong et al. and NARDL cointegration tests showed that there is a significant cointegrated relationship between the share of RE use, FD, GDP per capita and trade openness. As for the long-run coefficients obtained from the ARDL, FMOLS, CCR and NARDL estimators revealed that increases in FD and trade openness raise the share of RE usage while increases in GDP per capita reduce it. Briefly, for the Japan case, we may suggest that improving the financial market structure of the country will bear fruit in terms of the share of cleaner and sustainable energy usage.
Bekenstein–Hawking entropy products for NUT class of black holes in AdS space
Authors: Pradhan Parthapratim 
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we derive the entropy product rule for Taub–Newman–Unti–Tamburino (Taub–NUT)–de Sitter black hole (BH) and Taub–NUT–anti-de Sitter BH. We show that the entropy products in terms of both the physical horizons are mass-independent. Both perturbative approximation and direct method have been considered. By introducing the cosmological horizon, we show that for Taub–NUT–de Sitter BH, there exists a mass-independent entropy functional relation in terms of three horizons namely event horizon (EH), Cauchy horizon (CH) and cosmological horizon (CHH) which depends on cosmological parameter ([Formula: see text]) and the NUT parameter (N). For Taub–NUT–anti-de Sitter BHs, we determine the mass-independent entropy functional relations in terms of two physical horizons (namely EH and CH) which depends on only NUT parameter. Sometimes some complicated functions of EH entropy and CH entropy are also strictly mass-independent. This is plausible only due to the new formalism developed in [S. Wu and D. Wu, Phys. Rev. D 100, 101501(R) (2019)] for NUT class of BHs. The formalism states that a generic four dimensional Taub–NUT spacetime should be described completely in terms of three or four different types of thermodynamic hairs. They could be defined as the Komar mass ([Formula: see text]), the angular momentum ([Formula: see text]), the gravitomagnetic charge ([Formula: see text]), the dual (magnetic) mass [Formula: see text]. Finally, we could say that this universality is mainly due to the presence of new conserved charges [Formula: see text] which is closely analogue to the Kerr-like angular momentum [Formula: see text].
A novel method addressing NGS-based mappability bias for sensitive detection of DNA alterations
Authors: Sinha Rituparna , Pal Rajat Kumar , De Rajat Kumar 
Published: April 2024

A turning point in cancer research is the introduction of massively parallel sequencing technology which greatly reduced the cost and time for genome sequencing. This enhanced the scope for detecting and analyzing the role of structural alterations in cancer. However, certain bias exists in NGS-based approaches, which badly affects the CNV identification process. Moreover, DNA repeats existing in CNV regions need special attention as they will degrade the performance of majority of the existing CNV detection tools, even after applying generalized bias correction method. This motivated this work, where a novel method has been designed to address the issue of DNA repeats and thereby mappability bias existing in regions of CNV. The method consists of three phases, where the first phase computes the alignment information of uniquely mapped DNA reads, considering the base quality and base mismatch parameters at nucleotide level precision. The second and the third phase use a novel approach to allocate the non-uniquely mapped reads to an optimal region of the DNA repeats based on a probabilistic membership model. The proposed method is capable of identifying CNVs present in coding, as well as non-coding region of the DNA, and is also capable of detecting CNVs existing in DNA repeat regions. The methodology achieves a sensitivity greater than [Formula: see text] during the performed simulations, and on real data, the detected variants are validated with the database of genomic variants, where the percentage overlap is also greater than 95%, and has achieved much better breakpoint prediction, as compared with other popular bias correction CNV detection methods.