bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved video-based point cloud compression via segmentation
Authors: Tohidi Faranak , Paul Manoranjan , Ulhaq Anwaar , Chakraborty Subrata 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Point cloud is a representation of objects or scenes utilising unordered points comprising 3D positions and attributes. The ability of point clouds to mimic natural forms has gained significant attention from diverse applied fields, such as virtual realityand augmented reality. However, the point cloud, especially the dynamic one, must be compressed efficiently due to its hugedata volume. The latest video-based point cloud compression (V-PCC) standard for dynamic point clouds divides the 3D pointcloud into many patches using computationally expensive normal estimation, segmentation, and refinement. The patches areprojected onto a 2D plane to apply existing video coding techniques. This process often results in losing proximity informationand some original points. This loss induces artefacts that adversely affect user perception. The proposed method segments dynamic point clouds based on shape similarity and occlusion before patch generation. This segmentation strategy helps tomaintain the proximity of the points and retain more original points by exploiting density and occlusion of the points . The experimental results establish that the proposed method significantly outperforms the V-PCC standard and other relevant methods in terms of rate-distortion performance and subjective quality testing for both geometric and texture data of several benchmark video sequences.
High utility of BALF Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing Approach for Etiological Diagnosis of Pneumonia
Authors: Jiang Lingyu , Zhong Yonglong , Xiang Shulin , Han Lin , Zhang Meng , Li Jianliang , Rao Guanhua 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: For patients with pneumonia, rapid detection of pathogens is still a major global problem in clinical practice because traditional diagnostic techniques for infection are time-consuming and insensitive. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is a novel technique that has the potential to improve pathogen diagnosis. In this study, we aimed to explore the microbiological diagnostic ability of mNGS compared with that of conventional culture in pneumonia patients and to explore the best opportunityto test.
Methods: A prospective study from June 2020 to June 2021 was performed at a tertiary teaching hospital in China, and 56 pneumonia patients were included among all adult patients with a clinical diagnosis of pneumonia. Blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were taken for simultaneous mNGS and conventional culture testing.
Results: All 56 patients underwent both conventional culture and mNGS, 37 of whom were diagnosed with severe pneumonia and 17 of whom were diagnosed with nonsevere pneumonia. The top three pathogenic bacteria detected by mNGS were Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Enterococcus faecium was detected more frequently in the non-severepneumonia group (4 vs. 0, p<0.05). The findings revealed that the detection rate of mNGS (84%) was superior to that of conventional culture methods (48%). Notably, the percentage of mNGS-positive BALF samples (46/56, 82.14%) was significantly greater than that ofblood samples (27/56, 48.21%). The etiological comparison demonstrated that mNGS-positive samples for which clinical approval was obtained tended to be associated with a more normalized temperature, lower PCO2 levels, and a higher SOFA score thanmNGS-negative samples (p= 0.022, p = 0.0.028, and p = 0.038, respectively).
Conclusions: In this study, we discovered that the etiology of lung infections frequently involves multiple pathogens. mNGS of BALF is instrumental for detecting nonviral pathogens associated with lung infections. Although the rate of positive blood NGS results is significantly influenced by various clinical factors, for patients suspected of having viral, Legionella, or tsutsugamushi infections, plasma mNGS could serve as a complementary diagnostic tool.
Genomic Surveillance of a Canadian Airport Wastewater Samples Allows Early Detection of Emerging SARS-CoV-2 Lineages
Authors: Overton Alyssa K. , Knapp Jennifer J. , Lawal Opeyemi U. , Gibson Richard , Fedynak Anastasia A. , Adebiyi Adebowale I. , Maxwell Brittany , Cheng Lydia , Bee Carina , Qasim Asim , Atanas Kyle , Payne Mark , Stuart Rebecca , Fleury Manon D. , Knox Natalie C. , Nash Delaney , Hungwe Yemurayi C. , Prasla Samran R. , Ho Hannifer , Agboola Simininuoluwa O. , Kwon Su-Hyun , Naik Shiv , Parreira Valeria R. , Rizvi Fozia , Precious Melinda J. , Thomas Steven , Zambrano Marcos , Fang Vixey , Gilliand Elaine , Varia Monali , Horn Maureen , Landgraff Chrystal , Arts Eric J. , Goodridge Lawrence , Charles Trevor C. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has shown that wastewater (WW) surveillance is an effective means of tracking the emergence of viral lineages in communities, arriving by many routes including via transportation hubs. In Ontario, numerous municipal WWTPs participate in WW surveillance of infectious disease targets such as SARS-CoV-2 by qPCR and whole genome sequencing (WGS). The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport (Toronto Pearson), has been participating in WW surveillance since January 2022. As a major international airport in Canada and the largest national hub, this airport is an ideal location for tracking globally emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs). In this study, WW collected from Toronto Pearson’s two terminals and pooled aircraft sewage was processed for WGS using a tiled-amplicon approach targeting the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Data generated was analyzed to monitor trends SARS-CoV-2 lineage frequencies. Initial detections of emerging lineages were compared between Toronto Pearson WW samples, municipal WW samples collected from the surrounding regions, and Ontario clinical data as published by Public Health Ontario. Results enabled the early detection of VOCs and individual mutations emerging in Ontario. On average, emergence of novel lineages at the airport ahead of clinical detections was 1–4 weeks, and up to 16 weeks. This project illustrates the efficacy of WW surveillance at transitory transportation hubs and sets an example that could be applied to other viruses as part of a pandemic preparedness strategy and to provide monitoring on a mass scale.
Evaluation of potential drug-drug interactions and associated factors among hospitalized pediatric patients in Adigrat general hospital, Tigrai, north Ethiopia: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Hailesilase Gebretekle Gebremichael , Kidane Abrahaley Mulu , Gebrezgabiher Haylay Araya 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are associated with increased adverse and decreased therapeutic effects. Hospitalized pediatric patients are exposed to a number of potential DDIs (pDDIs). There are limited studies on pDDIs among pediatric patients in Ethiopia. This study was carried out to evaluate the pDDIs and associated factors among hospitalized pediatric patients in Adigrat general hospital, Tigrai, northern Ethiopia.
Methods
A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out among hospitalized pediatric patients in Adigrat general hospital from 01 July to 31 August 2020. A simple random sampling technique was used to select medical charts. Micromedex 2.0 database was used to screen pDDIs. Data was analyzed using statistical package for social science version 21 and a P-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
Of the total 146 patients studied, 100 (68.5%) were exposed for at least one pDDI. A total of 158 pDDIs consisting of 33 distinct interacting drug pairs were identified, with a mean number of 4.79 (1\(-\)6) pDDIs per patient in this subpopulation. About 19.3% of the patients had at least one major pDDI, 6.7% at least one moderate and 68.9% at least one minor pDDIs; 63.3% were minor and 25.9% major while 3. 8% were contraindicated pDDIs with 15.2% fair and 81.6% good level of documentation. On the other hand, majority (62.0%) of the pDDIs were of delayed onset. The overall mean duration of pDDIs exposure was about 4.9 (1\(-\)23) days. Infant/toddler age group (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 31.961, 95% CI: 1.117\(-\)914.528), number of diseases (AOR = 0.255, 95% CI: 0.069\(-\)0.939) and polypharmacy (AOR = 0.276, 95% CI: 0.091\(-\)0.838) were associated with the occurrence of pDDIs.
Conclusions
A substantial number of the pediatric patients were exposed to a various pDDIs. Age, number of diseases and polypharmacy predicted for the occurrence of pDDIs. Clinicians should remain vigilant to the pDDIs in order to prevent the potential clinical consequences of pDDIs. Moreover, computerized drug interaction screening programs should be practiced to improve patients’ safety and outcomes of therapy.
Chinese visceral adipose index is more closely associated with risk of arterial stiffness than traditional obesity indicators: a cohort study
Authors: Sun Huayu , Tian Yan , Wu Hao , Zhu Chenrui , Lin Liming , Chen Shuohua , Wu Shouling , Wu Yuntao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI) was a new index to evaluate visceral adipose tissue in the Chinese population. Arterial stiffness (AS) is a kind of degeneration of the large arteries, and obesity is an essential contributing factor to AS. Our study aimed to explore the longitudinal association between CVAI and the risk of AS and to compare the predictive power of CVAI, Body Mass Index (BMI), and Waist Circumference (WC) for AS.
Methods
Between 2010 and 2020, a total of 14,877 participants participating in at least two brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurements from the Kailuan study were included. The Cox proportional hazard regression models were performed to evaluate the longitudinal association between CVAI and the risk of AS. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated to compare the predictive power of CVAI, BMI, and WC for AS.
Results
After adjusting for potential confounding factors, CVAI was significantly associated with the risk of AS. Compared with the first CVAI quartile, the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CI of the second, third, and fourth quartiles were 1.30 (1.09–1.56), 1.37 (1.15–1.63), and 1.49 (1.24–1.78), respectively. The area under ROC curve of CVAI was 0.661, significantly higher than BMI (AUC: 0.582) and WC (AUC: 0.606).
Conclusion
CVAI may be a reliable indicator to identify high-risk groups of AS in the Chinese general population, and the predictive power of CVAI for AS was better than BMI and WC.
Ilizarov technique used for humeral lengthening in adults：a case report
Authors: Tang Ziyi , Kang Liheng , Shi Wei , Zhang Dawei , Huang Wantong , Qin Yunzhi , Zhang Chengqi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Rationale: This study presents a case with humerus shortening deformity, which was eventually treated with humeral lengthening. Subsequently, a comprehensive analysis and integration were conducted.
Patient concerns: A 24-year-old female patient gradually exhibited with shortening of the humerus as a result of a childhood injury to her right shoulder. The patient presented with the complaint of the deformity of the right upper limb affecting daily life and work, and was accompanied by serious psychological and emotional challenges such as low self-worth. Therefore, a surgical intervention of using an Ilizarov external fixator was conducted to lengthen the humerus.
Diagnoses: The patient experienced a childhood injury to the right shoulder and did not have any specialized medical intervention subsequent to the incident. Following this, there was a steady development of shortening in the humerus of the right upper limb. Full-length X-ray examination of both upper limbs showed that the right humerus was about 13.6 centimeters shorter than the left humerus.
Outcomes: The patient had humeral lengthening with the Ilizarov external fixator, resulting in a cumulative extension of 10.8 cm. The disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score of patient’s right upper limb shown a decrease from 23.03 points prior to the surgery to 12.5 points throughout the 5-year follow-up period. The function experienced a substantial enhancement, resulting in a high level of patient satisfaction.
Lessons: This case demonstrated that the Ilizarov technique holds promising potential for upper limb lengthening in adult patients.
Identification of Glycerol 3-phosphate acyltransferase as a potent modifier of α-Synuclein-induced toxicity
Authors: Lim Kah Leong , Ren Mengda , Lim Gui Yin Grace , Tang Willcyn 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Although multiple cellular pathways have been implicated in a-Synuclein (a-syn)-associated Parkinson’s disease (PD), the role of lipid metabolism remains elusive. Using the Drosophila system as a genetic screening tool, we identified mino, which encodes the mitochondrial isoform of the lipid synthesis enzyme glycerol 3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT), as a potent modifier of a-syn. Silencing the expression of mino significantly suppresses a-syn-induced PD phenotypes in Drosophila, including dopaminergic neuronal loss and locomotion defects as well as circadian rhythm-related activities, whereas mino overexpression yields opposite effects. Mechanistically, we found that mino modulates the levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen speciesand lipid peroxidation. Importantly, treatment of a-syn-expressing flies with FSG67, a GPAT inhibitor, reproduces the benefits of mino knockdown. FSG67 also inhibited a-syn aggregation and lipid peroxidation in mouse primary neurons transfected with a-syn preformed fibrils. Our study elucidates an important factor contributing to a-syn toxicity and offers a novel therapeutic direction for PD.
Association Between Allergic Rhinitis and Serum Lead in American Adults
Authors: Wang Jinchao , Zhou Xingqiang , Huang Ankun , Ye Shijie , Luo Zhengzheng , Cai Miaoting , He Fang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Studies have shown a link between allergic rhinitis (AR) and serum lead, but large population-based studies are currently lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between AR and serum lead levels in adult samples from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1993 adults aged 20-85 years with complete inhalation allergen testing, serum heavy metal detection and model covariate information in the National Health and Nutrition Survey from 2005 to 2006. Participants were categorized into AR group and non-AR group based on self-reported allergy questionnaire and inhalation allergen-specific IgE level. The analysis was conducted using R ( http://www.R-project.org) and EmpowerStats software (www.empowerstats.com, X & Y solution.Inc.Boston MA ).
Results: The mean age of the study population was 48.75 years; 43.50% of the subjects were males, and 56.50% were females. Compared to individuals with low serum lead levels, those with high serum lead levels had a 36% higher odds ratio for AR (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.36, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.06-1.75), P = 0.0171). After adjusting for all other confounding factors, the association between serum lead levels and AR remained statistically significant (OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.02-2.54, P = 0.0411).
Conclusions: The present cross-sectional study identified a significant correlation between AR and serum lead levels, indicating that adults with elevated serum lead concentrations are at an increased risk of developing AR. Further research is needed to confirm the validity of this association.
Effectiveness of a Co-management Program With Internal Medicine on Hip Fracture Patients at a Regional Hospital in Northwest Spain. Co-inter-Monf Study
Authors: Álvarez Ana Rodríguez , Castro José López , Cotelo Javier Cambón , Vila Víctor Quevedo , López Álvaro Marchán 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Hip fractures represent a serious public health problem with a high burden of mortality, morbidity, and resource use. Co-management has proven to enhance the clinical outcomes of hip fracture patients hospitalized in various settings.
Aim
This study aims to evaluate whether the previously observed benefits of co-management can be achieved when such a program is implemented in a rural-based district hospital.
Methods
A prospective, single-center observational study was conducted on hip fracture patients hospitalized for hip fracture. Patients were either co-managed by an internal medicine specialist with part-time dedication or not co-managed. The study was conducted in a rural hospital located in Galicia, Northwestern Spain, which serves a population of 45,000.
Results
A total of 207 patients were included in the study, of whom 97 received co-management. The majority of the patients who were co-managed were female (69.1%) and had a median age of 88 years (interquartile range 83–92). The study showed a high burden of comorbidity with a median Charlson index of 6 points, along with high prevalence rates of dementia (46%), functional disability (50%), and chronic anticoagulant therapy (25%). Despite no differences in age, sex, or preadmission cognitive or functional status, the study found lower 30-day postdischarge mortality in co-managed patients (9.3%) compared with the 110 controls (20.0%). The prevalence of osteoporosis treatment, both calcium/vitamin D (87.8% vs. 60.7%) and bisphosphonates/denosumab/teriparatide (42.4% vs. 15.7%), was higher in the co-managed patients at 30 days after discharge. No differences were observed between the two groups in terms of in-hospital mortality and length of stay.
Conclusions
the implementation of internal medicine co-management for hip fracture patients resulted in enhanced outcomes, particularly in the reduction of mortality within 30 days of discharge as well as in the prevalence of osteoporosis treatment.
Research and application discussion of cranial bone model preparation method based on three-dimensional reconstruction and 3D printing technology
Authors: Peng Jing , Guo Wenjie , Yang Deqin , Yang Guohui , Shu Yanhong , Li Ying , Rao Libing , Yu Penghui , Li Li 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to find an alternative method to meet traditional human anatomy teaching and clinical needs in order to solve the problem of cranial specimen attrition and specimen resource shortage due to long-term use. Methods We performed a CT scan of a well-preserved male cranial specimen and used Mimics 19.0 software for 3D reconstruction and cranial block separation. Subsequently, we compared the recognition ability of the processed cranial digital model with that of the 3D body digital model and used 3D printing to create the cranial model and compare it with the physical specimen. Results Twenty-two cranial bone block models were obtained, excluding the hyoid bone. Their 3D reconstructed digital models had better bony landmark recognition than the 3D body human digital models, and the differences between the 3D printed models and the physical specimens were minimal. In addition, only one STL file was required to produce the cranial models, which facilitates repetitive printing at any time. Conclusion By isolating cranial bone blocks through 3D reconstruction techniques and preparing high-quality cranial models in combination with 3D printing techniques, this study solves the problem of shortage of cranial teaching specimens for the sustainable development of clinical and medical schools.
Integrated management and prognosis analysis of 30 cases of fetal pulmonary valve abnormalities during pregnancy and perinatal period
Authors: Xie Junshu , Yin Xiuju , Pei Qiuyan , Yan Lihuang , Zhang Lin , Liu Jie , Zhang Huili , Zhang Xiaohong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objective

This study aims to investigate prenatal testing, integrated management methods, and the prognosis of fetal pulmonary valve abnormalities (PVA) detected by ultrasound during pregnancy.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the integrated perinatal management and prognosis of 30 fetal PVA cases identified during pregnancy by ultrasound at Peking University People's Hospital from January 2019 to March 2023.

Results

The incidence of fetal PVA diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound during the study period was 0.25% (30/11,923). Among the 30 PVA fetuses, 6 (20.0%) had pulmonary valve atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS), and 24 (80%) had pulmonary valve stenosis (PS). Of the 6 PA/IVS fetuses, 5 (5/6) had no abnormalities detected via prenatal diagnosis, and 1 did not undergo prenatal diagnosis. Four (4/6) PA/IVS patients were delivered by Caesarean section (CS) at an average gestational week of (38.1 ± 1.2) weeks and an average birth weight of (3172.5 ± 265.5) g. All of them received alprostadil intravenous pumping (6.00~13.00 ng/min/kg) after birth, followed by transthoracic balloon (pulmonary) valvuloplasty(TBV) + modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (BT) + ligation of Ductus arteriosus within an average of (4.5 ± 1.7) days. All patients recovered well after follow-up. Among the 24 patients with PS, 4 had severe PS (4/24), 20 had mild PS (20/24), and 1 had SNP abnormalities (1/24). Of the 24 patients, 7 (7/24) opted for pregnancy termination. Among the 17 (17/24) PS patients who delivered, 7 (7/17) had spontaneous labor, 1 (1/17) had forceps, and 9 (9/17) had CS. The average gestational week of delivery was (37.8 ± 1.0) weeks, and the average birth weight of newborns was (3288.8 ± 404.6) g. Three (3/17) severe PS neonates underwent TBV+ modified BT + ligation of Ductus arteriosus within 7 days after birth and recovered well after follow-up. Among 14 mild PS patients (14/17), 1 died within 1 week after birth (1/14). Two cases (2/14) underwent surgical treatment and recovered well. Seven cases (7/14) diagnosed with fetal mild PS did not require surgical treatment after birth. Four cases (4/14) did not detect PS by echocardiography after birth. The positive predictive value of prenatal ultrasound diagnosis for mild PS is 71.4%.

Conclusion

For PVA fetuses identified by ultrasound during pregnancy, it is recommended to conduct chromosomal karyotype analysis and SNP-array, and make an individualized evaluation and management based on the condition of fetal PVA and related abnormalities. The mode of delivery can be selected according to the obstetric situation. When necessary, newborns should be administered alprostadil to keep the ductus arteriosus open and be timely transferred to pediatric cardiac surgery for surgery. If the newborns do not experience any other complications after birth, surgery can achieve a good prognosis.
Charitable Donations and Wealth: Effect of a Legal Reform of Tax Incentives on Regular Donors
Authors: Pittavino Marta , Lideikyte-Huber Giedre 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The present study is the first large-scale analysis of tax incentives for charitable giving in Switzerland for constant donors. Using unique panel data of the entire Geneva taxpayers’ population from 2001 to 2011, which includes the rare information on individual wealth of donors, we analyze tax incentives for charitable giving: income tax deductions, focusing on the frequency of donations and the characteristics of regular donors. The latter are not primarily driven by the ceilings for income tax incentives, even though their donations rise over time. However, we find that wealth is an important variable characterizing the donations’ frequency based on linear regression estimates.