bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic impact of hyperreflective foci in nonsyndromic retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Félix Raquel , Gouveia Nuno , Bernardes João , Silva Rufino , Murta Joaquim , Marques João Pedro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the prognostic impact of hyperreflective foci (HRF) on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in nonsyndromic retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

Methods
Retrospective, single-center cohort study including genetically-tested RP patients with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Clinical data including demographics, genetic results and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at baseline and follow-up were collected. Horizontal and vertical SD-OCT scans were analyzed by 2 independent graders. Outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness and ellipsoid zone (EZ) width were manually measured in horizontal and vertical scans. HRF were classified according to location: outer retinal layers within the central 3mm (central-HRF), outer retinal layers beyond the central 3mm (perifoveal-HRF), and choroid (choroidal-HRF). Central macular thickness (CMT), central point thickness (CPT) and choroidal thickness (CT) at baseline and follow-up were also recorded.

Results
A total of 175 eyes from 94 RP patients (47.9% female, mean age 50.7±15.5 years) were included, with a mean follow-up of 29.24±7.17 months. Mean ETDRS (early treatment diabetic retinopathy study) BCVA decreased from 61.09±23.54 to 56.09±26.65 (p=0.082). At baseline, 72 eyes (41.1%) showed central-HRF, 110 eyes (62.9%) had perifoveal-HRF and 149 eyes (85.1%) exhibited choroidal-HRF. Central-HRF and perifoveal-HRF were associated with worse final BCVA, as well as greater BCVA deterioration (all p<0.0029). Only central-HRF were associated with a worse final CMT (p<0.001). Shorter EZ widths were associated with all types of HRF (p<0.05). Perifoveal and choroidal-HRF predicted smaller final EZ areas (p<0.01).

Conclusion
HRF are highly prevalent in RP patients and appear to have a negative prognostic impact in visual function and EZ area.
Dyke to sill deflection in the shallow heterogeneous crust during glacier retreat: part II
Authors: Drymoni Kyriaki , Tibaldi Alessandro , Bonali Fabio Luca , Mariotto Federico Pasquarè 
Published: April 2024

AbstractChanges from dyke to sill propagation in the shallow crust are often caused by dissimilar layer properties. However, most previous studies have not considered the influence of glacial loading and unloading on dyke and sill deflection processes. Here, we attempt to collectively explore mechanical (layer stiffness) and geometrical (dyke dip, layer thickness) realistic parameters subject to two different magma overpressure values (namely 5 MPa and 10 MPa) that promote dyke-sill transitions in both non-glacial and glacial settings. To do this, we use as a field example, the Stardalur laccolith: a multiple stacked-sill intrusion located in SW Iceland. The laccolith lies near the retreating Langjökull glacier and was emplaced at the contact between a stiff lava layer and a soft hyaloclastite layer. We initially model two different stratigraphic crustal segments (stratigraphy a and b) and perform sensitivity analyses to investigate the likely contact opening due to the Cook-Gordon debonding and delamination mechanism under different loading conditions: magma overpressure, regional horizontal extension, glacial vertical load and a thin elastic layer at the stratigraphic contact. Our results show that contact opening (delamination) occurs in both non-glacial and glacial settings when the dissimilar mechanical contact is weak (low shear and tensile stress, zero tensile strength). In non-glacial settings, stiff layers (e.g., lavas) concentrate more tensile stress than soft layers (e.g., hyaloclastites/breccia) but accommodate less total (x–y) displacement than the surrounding host rock (e.g., soft hyaloclastites) in the vicinity of a dyke tip. Yet, a thicker hyaloclastite layer in the stratigraphy, subject to higher magma overpressure (Po = 10 MPa), may encourage dyke-sill transitions. Instead, in glacial domains, the stress conditions imposed by the variable vertical pressure of the ice cap result in higher tensile stress accumulation and displacement in stiff layers which they primarily control sill emplacement.
Primary anastomosis with diverting loop ileostomy vs. Hartmann’s procedure for acute diverticulitis: what happens after discharge? Results of a nationwide analysis
Authors: Rios Diaz Arturo J. , Bevilacqua Lisa A. , Habarth-Morales Theodore E. , Zalewski Alicja , Metcalfe David , Costanzo Caitlyn , Yeo Charles J. , Palazzo Francesco 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Current guidelines recommend resection with primary anastomosis with diverting loop ileostomy over Hartmann’s procedure if deemed safe for acute diverticulitis. The primary objective of the current study was to compare the utilization of these strategies and describe nationwide ostomy closure patterns and readmission outcomes within 1 year of discharge.

Methods
This was a retrospective, population-based, cohort study of United States Hospitals reporting to the Nationwide Readmissions Database from January 2011 to December 2019. There were 35,774 patients identified undergoing non-elective primary anastomosis with diverting loop ileostomy or Hartmann’s procedure for acute diverticulitis. Rates of ostomy closure, unplanned readmissions, and complications were compared. Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models were used to control for patient and hospital-level confounders as well as severity of disease.

Results
Of the 35,774 patients identified, 93.5% underwent Hartmann’s procedure. Half (47.2%) were aged 46–65 years, 50.8% female, 41.2% publicly insured, and 91.7% underwent open surgery. Primary anastomosis was associated with higher rates of 1-year ostomy closure (83.6% vs. 53.4%, p < 0.001) and shorter time-to-closure [median 72 days (Interquartile range 49–103) vs. 115 (86–160); p < 0.001]. Primary anastomosis was associated with increased unplanned readmissions [Hazard Ratio = 2.83 (95% Confidence Interval 2.83–3.37); p < 0.001], but fewer complications upon stoma closure [Odds Ratio 0.51 (95% 0.42–0.63); p < 0.001]. There were no differences in complications between primary anastomosis and Hartmann’s procedure during index admission [Odds Ratio = 1.13 (95% Confidence Interval 0.96–1.33); p = 0.137].

Conclusion
Patients who undergo primary anastomosis for acute diverticulitis are more likely to undergo ostomy reversal and experience fewer postoperative complications upon stoma reversal. These data support the current national guidelines that recommend primary anastomosis in appropriate cases of acute diverticulitis requiring operative treatment.

Graphical abstract
High caffeine levels in old sewer system waters reveal domestic wastewater leakage
Authors: Ozaki Noriatsu , Kindaichi Tomonori , Ohashi Akiyoshi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractInfrastructure deterioration is a threat to developed countries, emphasizing the need for effective management techniques. In particular, the leakage of aged domestic sewer pipeline is a major health issue, yet there is a lack of markers to identify domestic leakage. We studied the pollution in urban waters resulting from domestic sewage leakage into storm drainages. We monitored caffeine, fragrance substances and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the storm discharge points in five urban districts having separate sewer systems aged from 10 to over 40 years. Results show that caffeine and fragrance concentrations tended to increase with sewer system age. For instance, caffeine concentrations in the areas of sewer systems over 40 years old were at least two orders of magnitude higher than in 10-year-old sewer systems, and were as high as 1–10% of domestic sewage, strongly suggesting the leakage of domestic sewer pipelines. PAHs exhibited consistent patterns across the districts. Overall, we observe that sewer leaking processes can be distinguished by analyzing the levels of organic pollutants.
The role of vasculature and angiogenesis in respiratory diseases
Authors: Ackermann Maximilian , Werlein Christopher , Plucinski Edith , Leypold Sophie , Kühnel Mark P. , Verleden Stijn E. , Khalil Hassan A. , Länger Florian , Welte Tobias , Mentzer Steven J. , Jonigk Danny D. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn European countries, nearly 10% of all hospital admissions are related to respiratory diseases, mainly chronic life-threatening diseases such as COPD, pulmonary hypertension, IPF or lung cancer. The contribution of blood vessels and angiogenesis to lung regeneration, remodeling and disease progression has been increasingly appreciated. The vascular supply of the lung shows the peculiarity of dual perfusion of the pulmonary circulation (vasa publica), which maintains a functional blood-gas barrier, and the bronchial circulation (vasa privata), which reveals a profiled capacity for angiogenesis (namely intussusceptive and sprouting angiogenesis) and alveolar-vascular remodeling by the recruitment of endothelial precursor cells. The aim of this review is to outline the importance of vascular remodeling and angiogenesis in a variety of non-neoplastic and neoplastic acute and chronic respiratory diseases such as lung infection, COPD, lung fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension and lung cancer.
Adoption of smart farm networks: a translational process to inform digital agricultural technologies
Authors: Bekee Barituka , Segovia Michelle S. , Valdivia Corinne 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDue to natural phenomena like global warming and climate change, agricultural production is increasingly faced with threats that transcend farm boundaries. Management practices at the landscape or community level are often required to adequately respond to these new challenges (e.g., pest migration). Such decision-making at a community or beyond-farm level—i.e., practices that are jointly developed by farmers within a community—can be aided by computing and communications technology. In this study, we employ a translational research process to examine the social and behavioral drivers of adoption of smart and connected farm networks among commodity crop farmers in the United States. We implement focus groups and questionnaires to bring to the fore views on the use of digital technologies in collaborative contexts. We find that participating farmers are concerned with several issues about the potential features of the network (e.g., the ability to ensure data validity while maintaining data privacy) and the nature of their interactions with the various stakeholders involved in the network management. The participatory approach we adopt helps provide insights into the process of developing technologies that are both actionable and trusted by potential end users.
A comprehensive review of artificial intelligence models for screening major retinal diseases
Authors: Hassan Bilal , Raja Hina , Hassan Taimur , Akram Muhammad Usman , Raja Hira , Abd-alrazaq Alaa A. , Yousefi Siamak , Werghi Naoufel 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper provides a systematic survey of artificial intelligence (AI) models that have been proposed over the past decade to screen retinal diseases, which can cause severe visual impairments or even blindness. The paper covers both the clinical and technical perspectives of using AI models in hosipitals to aid ophthalmologists in promptly identifying retinal diseases in their early stages. Moreover, this paper also evaluates various methods for identifying structural abnormalities and diagnosing retinal diseases, and it identifies future research directions based on a critical analysis of the existing literature. This comprehensive study, which reviews both the conventional and state-of-the-art methods to screen retinopathy across different modalities, is unique in its scope. Additionally, this paper serves as a helpful guide for researchers who want to work in the field of retinal image analysis in the future.
Risk factors affecting the feeding site predilection of ticks on cattle in Ghana
Authors: Addo Seth Offei , Bentil Ronald Essah , Mosore Mba-tihssommah , Behene Eric , Adinkrah Julian , Tagoe Janice , Yeboah Clara , Baako Bernice Olivia Ama , Atibila Dorcas , Kwarteng Sandra Abankwa , Poku-Asante Kwaku , Owusu-Darbo Ellis , Asoala Victor , Mingle Daniel Lartei , Nyarko Edward Owusu , Fox Anne T. , Letizia Andrew G. , William Joseph Diclaro , Nimo-Paintsil Shirley , Harwood James F. , Dadzie Samuel Kweku 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTicks are important disease vectors affecting animal health and causing substantial economic loss, especially in the tropics and subtropics. To examine the tick burden of cattle and associated risk factors for tick infestation, ticks were collected from 388 cattle within five regions in Ghana. Most of the cattle were males (50.3%) and generally older than 3 years (65%). Of the animals sampled, 2187 ticks were collected with a mean tick burden of 5.6 ticks per cattle, and the average tick burden on the udder/scrotum being significantly higher than in the anal region (Generalized Linear Mix Model [GLMM], p = 0.01197). The tick species identified were predominantly Amblyomma variegatum (42.6%) and Hyalomma rufipes (26.2%). High proportions of cattle examined were found to have A. variegatum infesting the udder/scrotum. Furthermore, H. rufipes infested mostly the anal region compared to other examined body parts (OR 14.8, 95% CI 8.6–25.4, p < 0.001). Using the GLMM, tick abundance was found to be significantly higher in cattle older than 3 years. The tick burden in the udder/scrotum was higher than that from the chest and leg/thigh of the cattle (GLMM, p < 0.05). The tick burden at the anal region was also significantly higher than the leg/thigh and chest. This study indicates that the preferred attachment sites of ticks on cattle are species-dependent and effective treatment with acaricides should take into consideration the udder/scrotum and anal regions as well as prioritizing older cattle.
Risk of Asian hornet invasion in Mexico: a proposal for invasive species risk assessment from a spatial perspective
Authors: Ruiz-Utrilla Zenia P. , del-Val Ek , Equihua Julián , Cuervo-Robayo Ángela P. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBiological invasions need to be assessed as spatial processes, incorporating information on introduction sites, environmental suitability, dispersal parameters and negative impacts. The above allows us to develop risk maps, which are an important tool to determine the probability and consequences of an invasion in each area. In this study, we developed species niche-based distribution models for Vespa mandarinia and V. velutina, exotic species recently discovered in North America, being V. velutina a recognized invasive alien species that has caused enormous economic impacts in Europe. Species niche-based distribution models were used as a base map to determine the risk of establishment in conjunction with information related to the introduction, economic and biodiversity risk. The models developed in this study show environmental suitability for the establishment of these species in tropical and subtropical locations of North America. In Mexico, more than 50% of the ports are at high risk especially those located in the Gulf of Mexico. The biodiversity impact risk map for V. mandarinia shows that 57 protected areas are in regions with some risk of invasion and the V. velutina analysis shows 49 protected areas at potential risk. By implementing comprehensive surveillance and monitoring programs, integrating early detection and rapid response strategy and leveraging geographic information systems, Mexico can take proactive measures to mitigate the potential impacts of invasive species. These efforts will be crucial in protecting biodiversity, preserving ecosystems and safeguarding the country’s economy from the negative consequences associated with invasive species.
Analysis of the hyperparameter optimisation of four machine learning satellite imagery classification methods
Authors: Alonso-Sarría Francisco , Valdivieso-Ros Carmen , Gomariz-Castillo Francisco 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe classification of land use and land cover (LULC) from remotely sensed imagery in semi-arid Mediterranean areas is a challenging task due to the fragmentation of the landscape and the diversity of spatial patterns. Recently, the use of deep learning (DL) for image analysis has increased compared to commonly used machine learning (ML) methods. This paper compares the performance of four algorithms, Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) and Convolutional Network (CNN), using multi-source data, applying an exhaustive optimisation process of the hyperparameters. The usual approach in the optimisation process of a LULC classification model is to keep the best model in terms of accuracy without analysing the rest of the results. In this study, we have analysed such results, discovering noteworthy patterns in a space defined by the mean and standard deviation of the validation accuracy estimated in a 10-fold cross validation (CV). The point distributions in such a space do not appear to be completely random, but show clusters of points that facilitate the discovery of hyperparameter values that tend to increase the mean accuracy and decrease its standard deviation. RF is not the most accurate model, but it is the less sensitive to changes in hyperparameters. Neural Networks, tend to increase commission and omission errors of the less represented classes because their optimisation lead the model to learn better the most frequent classes. On the other hand, RF and MLP prediction layers are the most accurate from a general qualitative point of view.
Hotel chains and sustainable development: degree of internationalization, SDGs and dynamic capabilities as drivers of successful performance
Authors: Ruiz-Fernández Lorena , Rienda Laura , Marco-Lajara Bartolomé 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNowadays, many researchers are concerned with the study of sustainable business practice and its drivers and business outcomes. In a global and dynamic environment, such as the tourism sector, it is necessary to pay attention to management strategies to maintain a sustainable competitive advantage. In this paper, we focus on the study of hotel chains with different degrees of internationalization and how SDG engagement can serve as an engine to develop dynamic capabilities to improve their business performance. Based on Stakeholders and Dynamic Capabilities theories, we propose a research model. Next, using a variance-based structural equation modelling approach, we corroborate that more internationalized hotel chains are more involved with the SDGs, enabling them to improve business performance and to better adapt to the turbulent environment. Thus, as long as the higher degree of internationalization implies greater awareness and a greater deployment of dynamic capabilities, the performance of hotel chains will increase. These findings allow us to draw important managerial implications and provide a theoretical framework as a reference for scholars in the sustainable management field.
Tisochrysis lutea as a source of omega-3 polar lipids and fucoxanthin: extraction and characterization using green solvents and advanced techniques
Authors: García-García Paz , Ospina Mónica , Señoráns Francisco J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe marine microalga Tisochrysis lutea is a potential and sustainable source of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. In the present work, the extraction of fucoxanthin and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the most abundant omega-3 fatty acid which constitutes polar lipids particularly in the brain, was studied using advanced extraction techniques with green and bio-based solvents compared to traditional extraction techniques with hazardous organic solvents. The experimental design to maximize the lipid extraction yield by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was developed, choosing as experimental factors the percentage of solvent (0, 50 and 100% of 2-methyl-tetrahydrofuran or 2-methyloxolane (2-me-THF) in ethanol), the extraction time (20, 30 and 40 min) and temperature (40, 50 and 60 ºC). The highest lipid extraction yields were obtained using ethanol as solvent. Nevertheless, the most interesting extracts based on their chemical composition were obtained when the presence of 2-me-THF in the extraction mixture was greater than that of ethanol. Through analytical techniques such as HPLC-ELSD/DAD and GC-MS as well as spectrophotometric techniques, the contents of polar lipids, fatty acids, total carotenoids and fucoxanthin were quantified. In addition, the antioxidant capacity of different selected extracts was studied, being once again the most interesting those extracted with different amounts of 2-me-THF due to its selectivity and enriched composition in high-added value bioactives, mainly fucoxanthin and DHA. Therefore, it is shown the importance of choosing an advanced extraction technique together with the use of green solvents not only to develop procedures that are in agreement with Green Chemistry but also to preserve its bioactivity.
Understanding Burnout among Parents of Children with Complex Care Needs: A Scoping Review Followed by a Stakeholder Consultation
Authors: Patty Nathalie J. S. , van Meeteren Karen M. , Willemen Agnes M. , Mol Marijke A. E. , Verdonk Minke , Ketelaar Marjolijn , Schuengel Carlo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe concept of parental burnout has been proposed to be helpful for describing and understanding the impact of parenting children with complex care needs (CCN). The objective of this scoping review was to investigate, among parents of children with CCN (i) how burnout is conceptualized, (ii) differences in burnout scores, (iii) the prevalence of burnout, and (iv) the associated factors related to burnout. A stakeholder consultation including parents of children with CCN, healthcare professionals, and researchers, was conducted to understand their perspectives on important insights and gaps from the literature. A total of 57 studies were eligible for inclusion. Conceptualization of parental burnout varied widely across studies, with few studies investigating the meaning of the concept for parents. Burnout scores were higher among parents of children with CCN and prevalence estimates varied between 20 and 77%, and exceeded burnout among parents of children without CCN. Few studies included associated factors in the context of parenting and caregiving. Stakeholders endorsed the importance of studies into the multifactorial determination of burnout in the context of parenting and caregiving children with CCN. The results highlight the extremes of stress and burden experienced by parents of children with CCN. An important gap remains understanding the complex interplay between personal and contextual factors pertaining to risk and resilience.