bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Collecting routine and timely cancer stage at diagnosis by implementing a cancer staging tiered framework: The Western Australian Cancer Registry experience
Authors: Smith Shantelle J , Moorin Rachael , Taylor Karen , Newton Jade , Smith Stephanie 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background Current processes collecting cancer stage data in population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) lack standardisation, resulting in difficulty utilising diverse data sources and incomplete, low-quality data. Implementing a cancer staging tiered framework aims to improve stage collection and facilitate inter-PBCR benchmarking.
ObjectiveDemonstrate the application of a cancer staging tiered framework in the Western Australian Cancer Staging Project to establish a standardised method for collecting cancer stage at diagnosis data in PBCRs.
Methods The tiered framework, developed in collaboration with a Project Advisory Group and based on breast, colorectal, and melanoma cancers, provides business rules for stage collection. Tier 1 represents the highest staging level, involving complete American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) tumour–node–metastasis (TNM) data collection and other critical staging information. Tier 2 (registry-derived stage) relies on supplementary data, including hospital admission data, to make assumptions based on data availability. Tier 3 (pathology stage) solely uses pathology reports.
Findings The tiered framework promotes flexible utilisation of staging data, recognising various levels of data completeness. While Tier 1 is suitable for all purposes, including clinical and epidemiological applications, Tiers 2 and 3 are recommended for epidemiological analysis alone. Lower tiers provide valuable insights into disease patterns, risk factors, and overall disease burden for public health planning and policy decisions. Capture of staging at each tier depends on data availability, with potential shifts to higher tiers as new data sources are acquired.
ConclusionsThe tiered framework offers a dynamic approach for PBCRs to record stage at diagnosis, promoting consistency in population-level staging data and enabling practical use for benchmarking across jurisdictions, public health planning, policy development, epidemiological analyses, and assessing cancer outcomes. Evolution with staging classifications and data variable changes will futureproof the tiered framework. Its adaptability fosters continuous refinement of data collection processes and encourages improvements in data quality.
Virtual reality cue exposure as an add-on to smoking cessation group therapy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kroczek Agnes , Schröder Benedikt , Rosenbaum David , Mühleck Axel , Diemer Julia , Mühlberger Andreas , Ehlis Ann-Christine , Batra Anil 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: Cue exposure (CE) is used for relapse prevention as part of smoking cessation therapy to reduce the automatized response to smoking-related cues. Using CET in virtual reality (VR) is an approach to increase its efficacy by creating cost-efficient high-risk situations. The efficacy of VR-based CETs was compared to that of an unspecific relaxation intervention as an add-on to an established cognitive-behaviorally oriented smoking cessation group therapy (G-CBT).
Methods: N=246 abstinence-motivated smokers were included in a two-armed randomized controlled trial (G-CBT with VR-CET vs. G-CBT with progressive muscle relaxation/PMR) with 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups (measurements in 2018-2020). All smokers joined a well-established G-CBT smoking cessation program with six sessions of two additional therapies: four sessions of VR-based smoking cue exposure therapy (VR-CET) and four sessions of group-based PMR. The primary outcome was abstinence after 6 months according to the Russell Standard; secondary outcomes were the number of smoked cigarettes, craving (assessed by the Questionnaire of Smoking Urges/QSU), and self-efficacy (assessed by the Smoking Abstinence Self-Efficacy Scale/SES).
Results:Primary outcome: Six months after G-CBT, 24% of the participants were abstinent, and there was no significant difference between the PMR (n=34/124) and VR-CET (n=24/122) groups (odds ratio (PMR)/VR = 0.64). Secondary measures: SES increased, and QSU and the number of smoked cigarettes decreased over time. Baseline craving ratings predicted abstinence only in the VR-CET group.
Discussion:Compared with G-CBT combined with PMR, G-CBT combined with VR-CET did not improve smoking cessation rates. This result is possibly related to an insufficient amount of training in the subgroup of smokers with intense initial cravings.
Conclusion: This randomized controlled trial did not show increased abstinence rates related to smoking cue exposure in virtual reality. However, maximum baseline cravings revealed a predictive value for abstinence in the VR group. This may indicate that the amount of training was insufficient and should be intensified. Individualization, e.g., adaptive, individualized approaches, is required to improve the effects of the VR-CET on smoking cessation in future studies.
Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03707106
Effect of differentiated service delivery models for HIV treatment on healthcare providers’ job satisfaction and workloads in sub-Saharan Africa: a mixed methods study from Malawi, Zambia, and South Africa
Authors: Ntjikelane Vinolia , Phiri Bevis , Kaiser Jeanette L. , Rosen Sydney , Morgan Allison J , Huber Amy , Mokhele Idah , Tchereni Timothy , Ngoma Stanley , Mulenga Priscilla Lumano , Pascoe Sophie , Scott Nancy 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Introduction: Differentiated service delivery (DSD) models for HIV treatment aim to improve healthcare providers’ quality of professional life by reducing the patient/provider ratio and allowing for more time with recipients-of-care in need. We investigate current job satisfaction and perceived changes in job satisfaction among HIV treatment providers in Malawi, South Africa, and Zambia after the adoption of DSD models of care in each country.
Methods: We conducted a concurrent, cross-sectional mixed-methods survey with clinical and non-clinical HIV care providers between April 2021 and January 2022 at public sector clinics in Malawi (n-12), South Africa (n=21), and Zambia (n=12). Questions investigated the effect of DSD models on provider responsibilities, work burden, time allocation, and job satisfaction. We conducted a principal components analysis using questions with responses to create an index score for job satisfaction and estimated odds ratios using logistic regression for associations between key variables and low reported job satisfaction. We reported emerging qualitative themes. We use Herzberg’s two-factor theory to organize and interpret the results of the study, identifying motivating factors (which lead to job satisfaction) and hygiene factors (which we refer to as maintenance factors and which lead to dissatisfaction if lacking).
Results: Providers had generally high job satisfaction. Providers from Malawi were more likely to report lower job satisfaction than those from South Africa or Zambia. (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) [2.12, 9.80]) ). Providers who believed their jobs became harder after the introduction of the DSD models (2.82[1.14-6.96]) or did not change (6.50[2.50-16.89]) were more likely to report lower job satisfaction. Qualitatively, providers felt DSD models improved their working conditions by decongesting the clinics and allowed them to spend more time on other tasks. Providers were particularly motivated when they could spend more time with patients.
Conclusion: Findings highlight the importance of DSD models in maintaining or improving healthcare providers' quality of professional life and underscore the need for continued monitoring of the impact of these models on job satisfaction among HIV treatment providers in resource constrained settings.
Real-Time Prediction of Strata Conditions in Front of EPB Shield based on Bayesian Algorithms
Authors: Wu Huaina , Wu Yanwen , Chen Hongzhan , Fu Xiangshen , Yang Zihan , Wang Kewei , Chen Renpeng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Prediction of strata conditions is one of the essential tasks in shield tunneling. the variability of strata and the uncertainty of construction bring greater challenges to prediction. The uncertainty was introduced to improve the accuracy and reliability of results. By combining the Bayesian algorithms with machine learning method, the prediction of strata conditions in front of shield machine was performed in this paper, based on the shield parameters. According to the engineering operation logic and correlation analysis, six main shield parameters are selected as input parameters. Thereafter, the Bayesian SoftMax Regression and Bayesian Neural Network with Markov Monte Carlo and Variational inference are adopted for the prediction. Accuracy index (Acc) and uncertainty validity index (Acc-prob) are proposed to evaluate the performance of Bayesian models. As the conclusion, Bayesian algorithms can effectively improve the prediction accuracy and provide reliable guidance for prediction of strata conditions in EPB shield. Simultaneously, it is crucial to select appropriate Bayesian models and inference methods tailored to the dataset's scale.
Transforming Lives: Evaluating Quality of Life Enhancement in Hemifacial Spasm Patients through Microvascular Decompression - A HFS-5 Grading Questionnaire Study
Authors: Zhao Puyuan , Sun Chongjing , Xu Jin , Li Chen , Zhang Xiaobiao , Zhang Yu , Zhu Wei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Hemifacial spasm (HFS), a neuromuscular disorder affecting facial muscles, is commonly treated with microvascular decompression (MVD). This study aims to validate the HFS-5 grading questionnaire in assessing health-related quality of life improvements post-MVD.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 147 out of 239 HFS patients treated with MVD from January 2018 to December 2021. The HFS-5 questionnaire was used to evaluate the patients' health-related quality of life before and after surgery. Statistical analyses included paired sample t-tests, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Cronbach’s α, and Bland-Altman plot.
Results
The study group comprised 34.7% males and 65.3% females, with an average age of 55.5 years. Most patients exhibited grade 3 or 4 severity. Severity of HFS was reduced significantly post-treatment, with the majority of patients (81.6%) reporting complete or significant symptom relief. The AICA was the most common compressing vessel identified. Statistically significant improvements were observed in all five items of the HFS-5 questionnaire after the surgery. The questionnaire demonstrated high reliability and validity, with ICC values between 0.799–0.851 and Cronbach’s α ranging from 0.745–0.776. A significant correlation was found between preoperative scores and HFS severity, as well as between postoperative score reduction and improvement in severity. Furthermore, a strong agreement between the HFS-5 and HFS-8 evaluation methods was observed, affirming the consistency and reliability of these tools in assessing the quality of life in HFS patients.
Conclusion
MVD significantly enhances the quality of life for patients suffering from HFS, as evidenced by the improved HFS-5 scores post-surgery. The reliability and consistency of the HFS-5 questionnaire make it an effective tool for evaluating patient outcomes following MVD. These findings support the continued use of MVD as a treatment option for HFS, emphasizing its role in improving patient well-being and functionality.
The Modified CG Iterative Method for Solving the General Sylvester Matrix Equation *
Authors: Ma Changfeng , Xie Yajun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In this paper, a modified conjugate gradient (MCG) iterative algorithm is proposed for solving the general Sylvester matrix equation. Some numerical examples are given to compare the accuracy and efficiency of the MCG iterative method with CG method in the literature. The numerical results suggest that the MCG method is efficient, especially for some problems that can’t be solved using CG method.
BrainPixGAN: Generating Intraoperative MR with Mask-Based Generative Networks
Authors: Eker Ayse Gul , Pehlivanoglu Meltem Kurt , Duru Nevcihan , Dundar Tolga Turan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a significant focus on enhancing precision in brain tumor surgical treatments by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. This involves integrating AI algorithms with medical imaging. In this study, Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) were used to establish a relationship between preoperative MRI and resection cavity segmentation masks obtained from intraoperative ultrasound, aiming to generate a new intraoperative MR image free from the tumor. U-Net and U-Net with transfer learning were employed for resection cavity segmentations. The most successful model, U-Net + EfficientNetB7, achieved high scores. The resection cavity mask was applied to preoperative MRI using Pix2Pix, SPADE GAN, and BrainPixGAN. BrainPixGAN, incorporating transfer learning, outperformed the others. This innovative approach represents a pioneering effort in generating GAN models for intraoperative MR images, leveraging intraoperative ultrasound data, despite the challenges in setup and cost associated with intraoperative MR imaging.
Establishing Benchmarks for Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of sustainability criteria’s for performance assessment of group housing projects: in India
Authors: bhyan Parul , Shrivastava Bhavna , Kumar Nand 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The construction industry needs a systematic, apparent sustainability assessment methodology that provides methodical, unambiguous direction on the way to sustainable development. The current sustainability rating systems' shortcomings include the exclusion of post-occupancy assessments, the absence of life-cycle assessments, and the imposition of certification additional costs. Focusing on constructions in India, the goal of the current study is to set benchmarks to investigate the influence of each criterion on sustainability across the building life cycle phases for qualitative and quantitative assessment, and min-max scores for significant sustainability criteria's. Benchmarking standards include the criteria’s importance and appraisal to assess the best and worst sustainable performance of high rise group housing projects (proposed and existing) within building life cycle stages. The sustainability criteria’s and associated score system are established after an exhaustive assessment of the existing literature review and existing Green Building Rating Systems specific to high-rise group housing projects. Subsequently, the methodology includes the Life cycle thinking approach for sustainability assessment in group housing projects, and establishing scoring system, ensuring viability for practitioners and non-practitioners. The findings demonstrate the importance of taking into account existing byelaws, standards, and guidelines and the inclusion of stakeholder participation (users) in sustainability assessment frameworks in India.
Use of carbon sorbents to extract manganese from solutions
Authors: Dudarev V. I. , Minaeva L. A. 
Published: March 2024

One of the most common elements present in naturally occurring waters, manganese is an essential trace element, whose daily intake requirement by the human body is around 5–7 mg. While a lack of manganese in drinking water can lead to negative health consequences, a high manganese content in water and increased daily intake leads to the blocking of enzymes used in the conversion of inorganic iodine to organic, additionally changing inactive diiodothyronine into the active hormone thyroxine. The study investigates the possibility of using carbon sorbents having a microporous structure to change the manganese content in aqueous solutions. The adsorption capacity of One of the most common elements present in naturally occurring waters, manganese is an essential trace element, whose daily intake requirement by the human body is around 5–7 mg. While a lack of manganese in drinking water can lead to negative health consequences, a high manganese content in water and increased daily intake leads to the blocking of enzymes used in the conversion of inorganic iodine to organic, additionally changing inactive diiodothyronine into the active hormone thyroxine. The study investigates the possibility of using carbon sorbents having a microporous structure to change the manganese content in aqueous solutions. The adsorption capacity of manganese significantly depends on the acidity of the medium. The highest adsorption value of manganese (II) cations is observed in a weakly alkaline medium (pH 7.5). Kinetic studies demonstrated the possibility of describing the interaction using a pseudo first-order equation. The reaction rate constant as calculated by graphical and computational variants was 0.067 s-1. A functional assessment of the adsorption process can be represented by monomolecular adsorption isotherms, which are described by the classical Langmuir equation. The characteristic adsorption constant parameters were as follows: limiting adsorption value – 1.68 mmol/g; adsorption equilibrium constant – 0.979×103 at a temperature of 298 K. Gibbs energy at 298 K is equal to – 7.41 kJ/mol. The study of the process at elevated temperatures of 308, 318 and 328 K indicates its exothermic nature. With heating, the limiting adsorption decreases.
Amino acid composition of pollen <i>Pinus sylvestris</i> L. and <i>Pinus sibirica</i> Du Tour growing in the Baikal region
Authors: Shiretorova V. G. , Erdyneeva S. A. , Radnaeva L. D. 
Published: March 2024

The purpose of the study was to determine the qualitative and quantitative amino acid composition of pollen Pinus sylvestris L. and Pinus sibirica Du Tour. Pine pollen was collected in June 2021 at natural sites on the southeastern coast of Lake Baikal. The mass fraction of crude protein was determined by the Kjeldahl method; the protein composition and individual amino acid content were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with post-column modification of ninhydrin on an LA8080 automatic analyser (Hitachi, Japan). The crude protein content of the pollen was 14.38–15.94%. Pine pollen protein is shown to contain 17 amino acids, including 9 essential amino acids: valine, isoleucine, leucine, threonine, methionine, phenylalanine, lysine, histidine, and arginine. The content of the sum of amino acids was 141.4–156.5 mg/g, including essential amino acids 45.9-48.4%. The following amino acids are dominant in Pinus sylvestris and Pinus sibirica pollens (mg/g): monoaminodicarboxylic acids – glutamic (21.3–24.2) and aspartic (13.0–14.2), diaminocarboxylic acid arginine (17.0–17.4) and heterocyclic amino acid proline (14.7–16.2). The obtained results can be useful in the development of drugs and biologically active additives based on pollen Pinus sylvestris and Pinus sibirica, which, due to the presence of the above amino acids, have a nootropic, immunomodulatory, cardiac stimulating, and detoxifying effect.
A clinical case of carotid-cavernous fistula
Authors: Israfilova G. Z. , Babushkin A. E. , Khismatullin R. R. 
Published: March 2024

We present a case of carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) in a 52-year-old female patient who was urgently referred for surgical treatment of a left-sided orbital phlegmon. On the 62nd day after a traumatic brain injury, the patient revealed a visual impairment of the left eye, which was noticeably red and showed a moderate protrusion. The patient’s left orbit was urgently opened and drained.She was undergoing an anti-inflammatory therapy and showed a positive dynamic of the disease, whilst on the 5th day after the procedure, the patient started feeling pain in the left eye and noise in the head. The data of ultrasound examination of the orbit and duplex scanning were largely consistent with a severe massive inflammatory infiltration of the retrobulbar tissue with hypervascularization (the orbital phlegmon could not be excluded). Only a selective computed tomography with angiography helped establish the final diagnosis: arteriovenous malformation in the projection of the supra-sphenoid section of the left internal carotid artery, with post-traumatic CCF on the left. After surgery (endovascular embolization of the CCF), a positive result was observed: with a positive result — no injection or pain in the left eye, exophthalmos gradually regressed. Yet the visual acuity of the left eye was 0.03 due to an atrophy of the optic nerve.Conclusion. The ophthalmologists must be on the alert in cases of unilateral exophthalmos with a history of blunt head trauma, since neuro-ophthalmic symptoms are crucial in clarifying the indications for a prompt implementation of the only surgical treatment effective for this pathology, i.e. endovascular embolization.
The role of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase — 1 in endogenous uveitis in children
Authors: Khrabrova M. A. , Katargina L. A. , Chesnokova N. B. , Denisova E. V. , Beznos O. V. 
Published: March 2024

Purpose: to determine the content of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases — 1 (TIMP-1) in the tear and blood serum (BS) and to analyze how these parameters correlate with the clinical course of endogenous uveitis in children.Materials and methods. 131 eyes with uveitis of 74 patients aged 3 to 17 (mean age 10.57 ± 3.29 years) were examined. The content of MMP-9 was found in 281 samples of the tear and 48 samples of BS. The dynamics of MMP-9 in the tear was studied in 55 patients (100 eyes), in BS — in 9 children. The content of TIMP-1 was studied in 173 tear samples and 25 BS samples. The dynamics of TIMP-1 was studied in the tear of 31 patients (56 eyes). The concentration of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 was determined by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) using the kits ELISA for MMP-9/ELISA for tissue metalloproteinase inhibitor 1 (Cloud clone corporation, USA).Results. The content of MMP-9 in the tear dropped compared to the control group (p = 0.09). The highest content of MMP-9 in panuveitis was found in the tear as compared to the anterior and intermediate uveitis (p = 0.01). The highest MMP-9 concentration was found in cases of 3rd degree of proliferation, in contrast to the 1st and 2nd degrees (p = 0.16). An increased content of TIMP-1 was found in the tear in subactive/intermediate uveitis in contrast to inactive uveitis (p=0.08). An imbalance of MMP-9 was revealed in relation to TIMP-1 in the tears. In the early postoperative period, an increase in the content of MMP-9 and a decrease in TIMP-1 in the tear returning to the initial level was noted, which corresponds to normal wound healing.Conclusion. An increase in the content of TIMP-1 in the tear is associated with subactive/intermediate uveitis. The content of MMP-9 in the tear correlates with the proliferative process stage. A higher MMP-9 content in the tear in panuveitis, in contrast to the anterior and intermediate uveitis is associated with the involvement of all sections of the choroid of the eye into the inflammatory process. The decrease in the content of MMP-9 in the tears is probably explained by the inhibitory effect of glucocorticosteroid (GCS) therapy.