bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automated contouring of gross tumor volume lymph nodes in lung cancer by deep learning
Authors: Huang Yuling , Yuan Xingxing , Xu Longfei , Jian Junming , Gong Changfei , Zhang Yun , Zheng Wenheng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The precise contouring of gross tumor volume lymph nodes (GTVnd) is an essential step in clinical target volume delineation. However, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no autosegmentation studies on the GTVnd in lung cancer. This study aims to propose and evaluate a deep learning model for segmenting GTVnd in lung cancer.
Method
Ninety computed tomography (CT) scans of patients with lymph node metastasis in lung cancer were collected, of which 75 patients were assembled into a training dataset and 15 were used in a testing dataset. A new segmentation model was constructed to enable the automatic and accurate delineation of the GTVnd in lung cancer. This model integrates a contextual cue enhancement module and an edge-guided feature enhancement decoder. The contextual cues enhancement module was used to enforce the consistency of the contextual cues encoded in the deepest feature, and the edge-guided feature enhancement decoder was used to obtain edge-aware and edge-preserving segmentation predictions. The model was quantitatively evaluated using the three-dimensional Dice Similarity Coefficient (3D DSC) and the 95th Hausdorff Distance (95HD).
Results
The mean 3D DSC value of the ECENet was approximately 0.72 ± 0.09, and that of the 95HD was approximately 12.65 ± 5.82 mm. The performance of ECENet was significantly improved, compared with UNet (0.46 ± 0.19 and 12.76 ± 13.12 mm, respectively). There were statistically significant differences in terms of the 3D DSC and 95HD values between from ECENet and UNet.
Conclusion
The proposed model could achieve the automatic delineation of the GTVnd in the thoracic region of lung cancer and showed certain advantages, making it a potential choice for the automatic delineation of the GTVnd in lung cancer, particularly for young radiation oncologists.
Associated factors of dietary diversity among schoolchildren in Plateau Central region of Burkina Faso
Authors: OUEDRAOGO Daniel Somwaoga , COMPAORE Ella W. R. , OUEDRAOGO Ousmane , DICKO Mamoudou H. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Context: School age is a dynamic period of growth and development for good health and a productive adult life. Adequate dietary intake provides the nutrients essential for growth, health and cognition. The practice of adequate nutrition is still not a given in school-age children. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with dietary diversity in public elementary school children.
Method: Multi-stage sampling was used to select schoolchildren for the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on food consumption at home and at school using a 24-hour dietary recall method. Binary logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with students' dietary diversity scores at statistical significance at p < 0.05 after performing the Ki-square test of independence to identify candidate variables at p < 0.25.
Results: The study involved 560 pupils aged 5 to 14, including 296 (52.9%) girls and 264 (47.9%) boys. The dietary diversity score (DDS) was low (DDS≤ 3), medium (DDS=4) and high (DDS ≥ 5) in 13.4%; 48.9% and 37.7% of pupils respectively. Students in Ganzourgou province were twice as likely to have a low SDA (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.00-4.04) compared to those in Oubritenga province. Household drinking water source, pupil status and father's occupation were significantly associated with pupils' dietary diversity intake.
Conclusion: Primary school children in the Plateau Central region do not have good dietary practices. Promoting dietary diversification in households and balanced meals in school canteens would be necessary to improve the dietary diversity score of school-age children.
Pre-, Peri-, and Neonatal Risk Factors Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Results of a Case-control Study in Armenia
Authors: Mkhitaryan Meri , Avetisyan Tamara , Mkhoyan Anna , Avetisyan Larisa , Yenkoyan Konstantin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective We aimed to investigate the role of pre-, peri- and neonatal risk factors in the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among Armenian children with the goal of detecting and addressing modifiable risk factors to reduce ASD incidence.Design We conducted a retrospective case-control study using a random proportional sample of Armenian children with ASD to assess associations between various factors and ASD. The study was approved by the local ethical committee, and parental written consent was obtained.Results A total of 168 children with ASD and 329 controls were included in the analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that male gender, maternal weight gain, use of MgB6, self-reported stress during the pregnancy, pregnancy with complications, as well as use of labor-inducing drugs were associated with a significant increase in the odds of ASD, whereas Duphaston use during pregnancy, the longer interpregnancy interval and birth height were associated with decreased odds of ASD.Conclusion These findings are pertinent as many identified factors may be preventable or modifiable, underscoring the importance of timely and appropriate public health strategies aimed at disease prevention in pregnant women to reduce ASD incidence.
Automated Classification of Atmospheric Circulation Types for Compound Flood Risk Assessment: CMIP6 Model Analysis Utilising a Deep Learning Ensemble
Authors: Heinrich Philipp , Hagemann Stefan , Weisse Ralf 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The simultaneous occurrence of high river discharges and storm surges represent a substantial hazard for many low-lying coastal areas. Potential future changes in the frequency or intensity of such compound flood events is therefore of utmost importance. To assess such changes large and consistent ensembles with storm surge and hydrological models are needed that are hardly available. Often the occurrence of compound flood events is linked to the presence of certain atmospheric circulation types. Future changes in the frequency of such patterns can be directly inferred from available climate simulations. A frequently used classification of atmospheric circulation types are the so-called "Großwetterlagen" by Hess and Brezowsky. Here possible future changes in the occurrence of these "Großwetterlagen" were analysed using data from 31 realisations of CMIP6 climate simulations for the emission scenarios SSP1-2.6, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5. As the classification is subjective, a deep learning ensemble for the automatic classification was developed and applied. In winter, a higher frequency of the atmospheric pattern Cyclonic Westerly towards 2100 could be inferred as a robust result among all models and scenarios. As this circulation type is potentially associated with compound flooding in some parts of the European coasts, this points towards potentially increasing risks from compound flooding in the future.
Associations between Life’s Essential 8 and cancer among US adults
Authors: He Hairong , Zhang Xiaoyu , Jiang AiMin , Li Yimen , Cui Shuwen , Fu Xiao , Yao Yu , Liang Xuan , Tian Tao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Cancer is closely associated with both cardiovascular disease and lifestyle. We aimed to determine the relationship of the Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) score, which is an updated measure of cardiovascular health (CVH), with the presence of cancer among US adults.
Methods
This population-based cross-sectional study analyzed data on adults aged ≥ 20 years from the NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) program obtained during 2005–2018. LE8 scores range from 0 to 100, and they were obtained from measurements based on definitions reported by the American Heart Association. The scores were subdivided into health behaviors and health factors scores, and further categorized into low (0–49), moderate (50–79), and high (80–100) scores, which corresponded to poor, moderate, and optimal CVH, respectively. Multivariable logistic and restricted cubic-spline models were used to assess the association between the LE8 score and cancer. The correlation between the LE8 score and cancer among different populations was analyzed in different subgroups.
Results
The 24,969 participants (weighted mean age = 47.63 years, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 47–48 years) included 13,025 females (weighted percentage [WP] = 52%, 95% CI = 52–53%) and 2,403 patients diagnosed with cancer (WP = 10%). The weighted mean LE8 score of the study population was 67.84 (95% CI = 67–68). After adjusting for potential confounders, the LE8 score was not associated with the cancer risk, and there was no nonlinear dose–response relationship. In the subgroup analyses, the negative correlation between LE8 score and cancer was significantly stronger among those aged 20–49 years. The blood glucose and nicotine exposure score components of LE8 had significant negative correlations with the cancer risk.
Conclusions
CVH was strongly negatively correlated with the risk of early-onset cancer. Encouraging optimal CVH and a healthy lifestyle may be effective in reducing the risk of early-onset cancer.
Formation and saturation of β-phase of PVDF in DMF solvent: a comprehensive study
Authors: Dowarah Satyasadhan , Kalita Parswajit , Singh Divya , Kumar Sanjeev 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In the present work, we report the effect of solvent content on the β-phase fraction in PVDF (poly(vinylidene fluoride)) films synthesized by the facile wet chemical route using DMF (N,N-Dimethylformamide) as the solvent. The amount of PVDF powder was kept fixed while the amount of DMF was varied. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the transformation of the α-phase in the PVDF powder to β-phase in the synthesized PVDF films which was further confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measurements. Deconvolution of the XRD profiles of the films showed the increase of the β-phase content (viz. β/α ratio) with initial increase of the DMF volume. However, a surprising and previously unreported result emerged, i.e. the saturation of the β-phase beyond a certain volume of the solvent. The plausible mechanism for the formation and saturation of the β-phase in the PVDF films is discussed.
Deformation analysis by a rigorous similarity transformation
Authors: Mahobub Vahid 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In this contribution, deformation analysis is rigorously performed by a non-linear 3-D similarity transformation. In contrast to traditional methods based on linear least-squares (LS), here we solve a non-linear problem without any linearization. To achieve this goal, an extended weighted total least-squares (WTLS) approach is implemented to deformation analysis problem. Although some researchers have been trying to solve deformation analysis using TLS approaches, these attempts require modification since they used to apply unstructured TLS techniques such as Generalized TLS (GTLS) to similarity transformation which requires structured TLS (STLS) techniques while the WTLS approach preserves the structure of the functional model when based on the perfect description of the variance-covariance matrix. Also Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) confirms that the WTLS method provides the most accurate results among the linear LS, GTLS and WTLS approaches in a landslide area which is located in Turkey as a case study for deformation analysis.
Electronic Medical Record System user satisfaction and its implication on individual work performance: A case of a University Teaching Hospital in Rwanda
Authors: UWAMUNGU Evode , Marara Alpha Arsene , Munyaneza Emmanuel , Pinney Joel 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The Information system user satisfaction has been extensively documented as a key component and a surrogate of success, and a determinant of individual and organizational performance. However, most of researches focused on measuring user satisfaction and its impact through mathematical models which might not capture exhaustively the issues affecting user satisfaction and performance. This study was conducted at the “Centre Hospitalier Universtaire de Kigali” one of the two tertiary public and university teaching hospitals in Rwanda. This hospital has been implementing OpenClinic as an Electronic Medical Record system since 2007 and there has been few studies focused on its evaluation. In addition, there is no study yet conducted focused on understanding the implication of user satisfaction on his individual work performance. This study was cross-sectional mixed research using explanatory embedded design. The data was collected on a convenient sample of OpenClinic users through the questionnaires including closed and open ended questions in order to capture both quantitative and qualitative data. The OpenClinic user satisfaction was found to be high (91%) as well as the proportion of users who perceived it as having positive impact on their work performance (94%). The relationship between user satisfaction and perceived impact was statistically significant, and satisfied users were 20 times more likely to perceive it having positive impact than no satisfied users. Important concerns were expressed by users and the main ones are the poor functionality of the system due to unstable internet, the limited capacity of use and the scarcity of computers. Therefore, the Electronic Medical Record system implementation at the hospital has been successful and its user satisfaction led to perceived positive impact, but it needs further improvements for optimal success. The inclusion of qualitative component in future researches is recommended for a better understanding of IS success.
Interleukin-35 impairs human NK cell effector functions and induces their ILC1-like conversion with tissue residency features
Authors: Bendriss-Vermare Nathalie , Picant Valentin , Revol-Bauz Lara , Tonon Laurie , POUJOL Dominique , Picard Emilie , Rodriguez Céline , Degletagne Cyril , Ferrari Anthony , CAUX Christophe 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells lose their effector functions towards dangerous cells in chronic inflammatory diseases through still elusive mechanisms. Here, we demonstrate that Interleukin 35 (IL-35), an immunosuppressive member of the IL-12 family, inhibits human NK cell proliferation, pro-inflammatory, and cytotoxic functions, while promoting their secretion of TGF-β and proangiogenic factors. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to IL-35 converts NK cells into ILC1-like cells with tissue residency features (CD9+CD103+CD49a+) and low effector functions, that was dependent on autocrine TGF-β. Single cell RNAseq analysis also revealed an ILC1-like heterogeneity associated to the initial NK subpopulation, conventional or adaptive, undergoing the conversion. Overall, our findings identify a new role of IL-35 as a key driver of NK cell plasticity leading to the acquisition of tissue residency features and weakened effector functions that might play a role in physiopathological contexts and represent an attractive target for future immunotherapies to improve NK cell clinical activity.
Prevalence and Inequality of Childhood Underweight in Bangladesh over Time
Authors: Hassan Sakib Al , Jafrin Tanzina , Islam Tanjirul , Anni Tayeeba Tabussum , Habiba Umme , Jui Mahmuda Akter , Islam Md Amirul , Rahman Md. Ashfikur 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
In Bangladesh, the percentage of children found moderately and severely underweighted are respectively 16.4% and 3.6% all over the country in 2018. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of and factors affecting childhood underweight < 5 years old and to identify socioeconomic inequalities contributing to childhood underweight in Bangladesh.
Methods
Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey Data (2007, 2011, 2014 & 2017–2018) of 30,940 pairs were used for analysis. Chi-square tests were used to estimate the relationship between the independent variables chosen and underweight, and binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate potential risk factors and decomposition analysis was conducted to assess the inequality.
Results
Binary logistic regression demonstrated that the children’s age, mother’s BMI, mother’s education level, father’s educational status, child delivery procedure, birth order of the child, recent diarrhea affectedness before the survey, sanitation, and wealth index were discovered to be important variables affecting childhood underweight of children under 5 years old in Bangladesh.
Conclusion
Associated factors with underweight in this study should be taken into consideration when designing policies and programs making it more effective to eradicate the underweight problem among children in Bangladesh.
The challenges and solutions of providing health services to people with disabilities in mass gatherings
Authors: Dehghani Arezoo , Bahmanshpour Fateme , Anami Sajjad , Masoumi Gholamreza , Eskandari Zahra 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Despite being more susceptible and exposed to more injuries in such situations, people with disabilities have not received as much research attention as they should. Their health could be jeopardized if the restrictions on these people's ability to receive healthcare during mass gatherings are not addressed. The purpose of this study was to determine the difficulties this vulnerable population faces in accessing healthcare during mass gatherings.
Methods: A qualitative investigation was carried out from May 6, 2023, to August 22, 2023. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with a group of 26 participants, comprising individuals with disabilities, managers and staff involved in policymaking, and specialists in disaster management. The gathered data was analyzed using both traditional content analysis and the Graneheim and Lundman method.
Results: According to the findings, theextracted challenges were placed in seven main categories: planning, support, coordination, providing care, support services, providing infrastructure, and health service management.
Conclusion: It is imperative to examine the various factors influencing the equitable access of individuals with disabilities to health services, as policymakers prioritize the establishment of health justice and convenient access to healthcare. The findings of this study may offer fresh approaches to management and policymaking to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equitable access to healthcare during mass gatherings, particularly the Arbaeen pilgrimage.
Facile Universal Strategy of Presenting Multifunctional Short Peptides for Customizing Desired Surfaces
Authors: Lu Ruofei , Zhao Bingyang , Huo Kaiyuan , Liu Hao , Wang Yang , Zan Xingjie , Hu Siwang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Interfacial properties determine biomaterial performances, such as cell adhesion, signal exchange, and biomineralization, which affect the tissue repair cycle and efficiency of clinical applications. Peptides, as short protein sequences that have defined functionalities, are highly stable and easy to synthesize and have enormous potential to reshape interfacial properties. However, the lack of a universal strategy for presenting peptides on various substrates substantially hinders the application of peptides. In this study, we report a facile and universal strategy for customizing desired interfacial functionalities by a well-known layer-by-layer (LbL) technique through the assembly polyphenols with positively charged short peptide-coupling functional sequences. Polyphenol–peptide interactions were elucidated in detail by assembling polyphenols and peptides possessing different characteristics (charged, uncharged, hydrophobic, and sequence length) in combination with molecular dynamics simulations, and isothermal titration calorimetry further revealed the favorable enthalpy change due to electrostatic interactions is the main driving force for assembling peptides with polyphenols. LbL coatings assembled from polyphenols and positively charged peptides exhibited good substrate generalization, stability, cell proliferation, and antioxidant properties, when prepared as hollow capsules by sacrificing the template, exhibited significant pH and ultrasound stimulation responses, which could be suitable candidates for drug carriers. Most importantly, the LbL assembly strategy of positively charged peptides could be utilized to present various functional molecules (such as arginyl–glycyl–aspartic acid (RGD), a cell adhesion motif; CM15, an antibacterial peptide; and PEG, an antifouling surface) on various substrates for customizing desired surfaces. This study not only provides new insights into the understanding and regulation of interactions between proteins/peptides and polyphenols but also paves the way toward the interfacial functionalization of biomaterials.
Clinical outcomes following total hip arthroplasty for bony ankylosed hips: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Kii Sakumo , Takamatsu Ryo , Sonohata Motoki , Ueno Masaya , Nonaka Toshihiro , Kitajima Masaru , Mawatari Masaaki 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most effective treatments for hip arthritis. However, postoperative outcomes of THA in patients with bony ankylosed hips remain inconclusive. We aimed to examine the postoperative results of THAs for bony ankylosed hips using propensity score matching.
Methods
A propensity score was calculated using logistic regression analysis for a bony-ankylosed group (40 hips, 38 patients) and a non-ankylosed (control) group (829 hips, 729 patients). Patients were followed up for more than 10 years after primary THA. The propensity score used five covariates: age, sex, height, weight, and body mass index. Propensity matching was performed, with each bony ankylosed hip being matched to a non-ankylosed control hip. The clinical outcomes of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) hip scores and complications were investigated.
Results
The propensity-matched population consisted of 40 bony ankylosed hips (38 patients) and 40 hips (40 patients) of matched controls. In both groups, the postoperative JOA hip scores at the last follow-up significantly improved compared to the preoperative scores. The JOA hip scores at the last follow-up for all components in the bony-ankylosed group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The number of hips with postoperative complications was significantly higher in the bony-ankylosed group than that in the control group.
Conclusions
THA for patients with bony ankylosed hips achieved positive results, including improved JOA hip scores; however, these scores were inferior to those observed in patients with non-ankylosed hips. This should be preoperatively communicated to patients with bony ankylosed hips who undergo THA.