bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of preoperative factors and waiting time on post-appendectomy complications: a retrospective study
Authors: Lai Shuo-Lun , Chang Chin-Hao , Lee Po-Chu , Ho Cheng-Maw , Wu Jin-Ming , Lai Hong-Shiee , Lin Been-Ren 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Several factors are associated with increased postoperative complications after appendectomies. However, few studies combined these potential factors for comprehensive prediction of surgical outcomes. Whether high-risk patients benefit from a shorter waiting time for surgery remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the impact of surgical waiting time and potential risk factors on postoperative complications.

Methods
A total of 1343 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis requiring an emergent appendectomy were included from 2013 to 2018. The preoperative risk factors associated with postoperative complications were selected and the probability of postoperative complications was calculated by multivariate logistic regression model. Patients were divided into four groups based on the risk (high & low) and time to surgery (> 12 & ≤12 hours). The odds ratios for complications were evaluated between groups.

Results
The selected risk factors included age, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, systemic inflammatory response syndrome and abdominal pain duration. Compared with low-risk patients with time to surgery ≤12 hours, high-risk patients with time to surgery > 12 hours had significant increased overall postoperative complication rate (16.85% vs. 8.16%, p = 0.002) and a trend toward increased surgical site infection rate (10.99% vs. 6.46%, p = 0.058). When operated within 12 hours, there was no difference in outcomes between high- and low-risk patients. On the other hand, time to surgery > 12 hours did not increase complication rate in low-risk patients.

Conclusions
The surgical outcome may be affected by preoperative factors and time to surgery. It is suggested that high-risk patients receive appendectomy within 12 hours to avoid increased postoperative complications.
Adverse effects of remdesivir for the treatment of acute COVID-19 in the pediatric population: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Schulz Abigail , Huynh Natalie , Heger Margaret , Bakir Mustafa 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Although the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tends to be lower in children, it can still lead to severe illness, particularly among those with chronic medical conditions. While remdesivir (RDV) is one of the few approved antiviral treatments for COVID-19 in children in many countries, the available data on the safety of RDV in this population is limited.

Methods
To address this knowledge gap, a multicenter study involving 65 patients retrospectively analyzed the clinical data from individuals aged <18 who were hospitalized due to severe COVID-19 (defined as SpO2 < 94% or requiring supplemental oxygen) and received at least one dose of RDV. Additionally, the study encompassed 22 patients with mild-moderate COVID-19 who were considered at high risk of developing severe disease.

Results
Nineteen children (29%) experienced mild-to-moderate adverse events (AEs) attributed to RDV, including transaminitis in 20% of children, bradycardia in 8%, and hypotension in 5%. AEs did not require discontinuation of RDV, except in one patient who developed premature ventricular contractions. The rate of AEs did not differ between patients with severe COVID-19 and those with mild-moderate COVID-19 but at high risk for severe disease. All but one patient were discharged within 23 days of admission, and no fatalities were recorded. Among high-risk patients with mild-moderate disease, only 2 (9%) progressed to the point of needing supplemental oxygen.

Conclusions
Our data suggests that RDV is safe in children, with no reported serious AEs. However, the absence of a control group limits the extent to which conclusions can be drawn. RDV may contribute to clinical improvement, particularly in high-risk patients.
Deep learning based approaches from semantic point clouds to semantic BIM models for heritage digital twin
Authors: Pan Xiang , Lin Qing , Ye Siyi , Li Li , Guo Li , Harmon Brendan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study focuses on the application of deep learning for transforming semantic point clouds into semantic Building Information Models (BIM) to create a Heritage Digital Twin, centering on Taoping Village, a site of historical and cultural significance in Sichuan, China. Utilizing advanced technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles and terrestrial laser scanning, we capture detailed point cloud data of the village. A pivotal element of our methodology is the KP-SG neural network, which exhibits outstanding overall performance, particularly excelling in accurately identifying 11 categories. Among those categories, buildings and vegetation, achieves recognition rates of 81% and 83% respectively, and a 2.53% improvement in mIoU compared to KP-FCNN. This accuracy is critical for constructing detailed and accurate semantic BIM models of Taoping Village, facilitating comprehensive architecture and landscape analysis. Additionally, the KP-SG’s superior segmentation capability contributes to the creation of high-fidelity 3D models, enriching virtual reality experiences. We also introduce a digital twin platform that integrates diverse datasets, their semantic information, and visualization tools. This platform is designed to support process automation and decision-making and provide immersive experiences for tourists. Our approach, integrating semantic BIM models and a digital twin platform, marks a significant advancement in preserving and understanding traditional villages like Taoping and demonstrates the transformative potential of deep learning in cultural heritage conservation.
Feasibility study of Glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues for the optimization of Outcomes in obese patients undergoing AbLation for Atrial Fibrillation (GOAL-AF) protocol
Authors: Win Kyaw Z. , Armstrong Matthew , Steeds Richard P. , Kalla Manish 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation is recommended for symptomatic patients after failed medical therapy. Ablation has a higher failure rate in obese patients, and both the prevalence of atrial fibrillation and obesity are increasingly globally. The outcome of ablation can be improved if obese patients can achieve goal-oriented weight reduction prior to ablation. Conventional weight loss strategies, however, can be difficult to access and can delay ablation, thereby risking a lower chance of maintaining sinus rhythm. Effective weight-loss medications, such as the glucagon-like peptide inhibitor-1 drugs, offer the potential for incremental impact on weight loss over a shorter period of time as a bridging therapy. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of using liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide inhibitor-1, in producing weight loss in obese patients before catheter ablation.

Methods
The study is an open-label, uncontrolled, prospective single-centre feasibility study of daily liraglutide injections in the treatment of obese patients for at least 13 weeks before and 52 weeks after AF ablation. Adult patients with symptomatic AF whose body mass index ≥ 30 will be recruited from those planning to undergo ablation. Feasibility will be determined based on the recruitment rate, adherence to the medication, and the amount of weight loss achieved over the study period. Exploratory outcomes include changes in atrial structure, function, and fibrosis with weight loss evaluated by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, electroanatomic mapping, and patient-reported outcome measure.

Discussion
This study will allow us to determine whether the use of liraglutide in obese patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing ablation is feasible with adequate recruitment. The additional information on adherence and average weight loss over the study period will inform the design of a future definitive randomized controlled trial.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05221229). Registered on 2 February 2022.

Trial funding
Metchley Park Medical Society and University of Birmingham Starter Fellowship, British Heart Foundation Accelerator Grant, Abbott Investigator-Initiated Study Grant.
Giant pandas in captivity undergo short-term adaptation in nerve-related pathways
Authors: Li Yan , Xu Wei , Wang Juan , Liu Hong , Liu Jiawen , Zhang Liang , Hou Rong , Shen Fujun , Liu Yuliang , Cai Kailai 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Behaviors in captive animals, including changes in appetite, activity level, and social interaction, are often seen as adaptive responses. However, these behaviors may become progressively maladaptive, leading to stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative reactions in animals.

Results
In this study, we investigated the whole-genome sequencing data of 39 giant panda individuals, including 11 in captivity and 28 in the wild. To eliminate the mountain range effect and focus on the factor of captivity only, we first performed a principal component analysis. We then enumerated the 21,474,180 combinations of wild giant pandas (11 chosen from 28) and calculated their distances from the 11 captive individuals. The 11 wild individuals with the closest distances were used for the subsequent analysis. The linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns demonstrated that the population was almost eliminated. We identified 505 robust selected genomic regions harboring at least one SNP, and the absolute frequency difference was greater than 0.6 between the two populations. GO analysis revealed that genes in these regions were mainly involved in nerve-related pathways. Furthermore, we identified 22 GO terms for which the selection strength significantly differed between the two populations, and there were 10 nerve-related pathways among them. Genes in the differentially abundant regions were involved in nerve-related pathways, indicating that giant pandas in captivity underwent minor genomic selection. Additionally, we investigated the relationship between genetic variation and chromatin conformation structures. We found that nucleotide diversity (θπ) in the captive population was correlated with chromatin conformation structures, which included A/B compartments, topologically associated domains (TADs) and TAD-cliques. For each GO term, we then compared the expression level of genes regulated by the above four factors (AB index, TAD intactness, TAD clique and PEI) with the corresponding genomic background. The retained 10 GO terms were all coordinately regulated by the four factors, and three of them were associated with nerve-related pathways.

Conclusions
This study revealed that giant pandas in captivity undergo short-term adaptation in nerve-related pathways. Furthermore, it provides new insights into the molecular mechanism of gene expression regulation under short-term adaptation to environmental change.
Differences in migrants’ reason for migration and subjective well-being: not so different after all
Authors: Pollenne Daisy , Vargas-Silva Carlos 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis article uses 2012–2021 UK survey data to explore differences in subjective well-being (i.e. happiness, anxiety, life satisfaction, and having a worthwhile life) between those born in the UK and foreign-born residents who migrated for different reasons to the country (i.e. employment, study, family reunion, and asylum). Previous literature looking at objective indicators such as employment rates and health suggests that migrants’ reasons for migration relate to major differences across groups in these types of well-being indicators. In contrast, our analysis suggests that differences in subjective well-being with the UK-born are relatively similar across those who migrated for different reasons to the country. Moreover, across reasons for migration, there is a clear pattern of convergence to the subjective well-being levels of the UK-born as length of residence in the UK increases. This differs from studies looking at objective well-being indicators, in which some groups (e.g. those who migrated for family or asylum reasons) take longer to converge to the levels of those born in the country.
Correlation between echocardiographic estimation of right atrial pressure and invasive measurement of central venous pressure in postoperative pediatric patients with congenital heart disease: a prospective observational study
Authors: Malakan Rad Elaheh , Parizadeh Nazli , Radmehr Hassan , Sheykhian Toktam , Gharib Behdad , Zeinaloo Aliakbar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Right atrial pressure plays a critical role as a hemodynamic parameter in diagnosing pulmonary hypertension and other cardiac diseases, as well as guiding the treatment and prognosis of various cardiac disorders. If there is no obstruction between the inferior or superior vena cava (SVC) as central veins and the right atrium, the pressures in these veins could be considered equal to the right atrial pressure. This study aimed to examine the correlation between echocardiographic methods for estimating right atrial pressure and invasive measurements of central venous pressure (CVPi) in infants and children with congenital heart disease during the 48 h after cardiac surgery and to establish regression equations for echocardiographic estimation of central venous pressure (CVPe).

Results
We prospectively enrolled 43 infants and children, ranging in age from 6 months to 16 years, including 20 males and 23 females. We found a significant correlation between CVPi and the ratio of the maximal diameter of IVC to the maximal diameter of the descending aorta ratio (IVCmax/DAOmax) (r = 0.529, P < 0.001), SVCS/D velocity ratio (SVCS/D) (r = 0.462, P = 0.006), right atrial vertical diameter (RAVD) (r = 0.409, P = 0.01), area (r = 0.384, P = 0.014), and tricuspid valve A wave acceleration rate (TVAAR) (r = 0.315, P = 0.048). Multiple regression analysis yielded an equation for estimating central venous pressure using four parameters related to the IVC, SVC, tricuspid valve, and right atrium. The equation is as follows: estimated CVP = 4.36 + (2.35 × IVCmax/DAOmax) + (1.06 × SVCS/D) +  (0.059 × RAVD) + (0.001 × TVAAR). This equation is strongly correlated with CVPi (Pearson r = 0.698, P = 0.002).

Conclusions
The estimation of central venous pressure through a multi-parametric equation that included the ratio of the maximal diameter of the inferior vena cava to the maximal diameter of the descending aorta, the ratio of S to D velocity of the superior vena cava, the vertical diameter of the right atrium, and the acceleration rate of the A wave of the tricuspid valve demonstrated a robust correlation with invasively measured central venous pressure. To assess the accuracy of predicted pressures by this equation, further investigations are required to apply this innovative multi-parametric formula to a prospective population of pediatric patients with congenital heart disease.
Genetic and clinical study of myeloperoxidase's association with coronary artery disease
Authors: Adam Lina N. , Al-Habib Omar A. M. , Oraha Ashur Y. , Shekha Mudhir S. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Unraveling myeloperoxidase’s (MPO) correlation with coronary artery disease (CAD) and genetic variations, this study seeks to enhance diagnostic precision and therapeutic strategies.

Results
CAD patients were found to be older and more male than controls. Several clinical parameters, including glucose, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, and troponin levels, showed significant variations. Moreover, CAD patients had lower red cell distribution width (RDW%) and mean platelet volume (MPV) than controls. Serum MPO levels did not differ significantly between CAD patients and controls, and no correlation was found with other clinical parameters except for glucose, creatinine, and total bilirubin.

Conclusions
The data suggest that serum MPO levels are not substantially related to CAD patients, as indicated by lower MPO levels in CAD patients compared to controls. While highlighting the potential of MPV and RDW% as predictors of severe atherosclerosis in CAD. Further research is needed to validate the diagnostic and prognostic value of RDW%, MPV, and MPO levels in CAD.
Trial registration: 15092021-9-12. Registered 15 September 2021.
Mean platelet volume and D-dimer as predictors for complicated community-acquired pneumonia in hospitalized children
Authors: Elmeazawy Rehab , Toema Osama , Mobarak Amira 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is one of the primary causes of child mortality and morbidity. The primary objective of our research was to assess the value of mean platelet volume (MPV) and D-dimer levels in predicting complicated community-acquired pneumonia in hospitalized children.

Methods
This observational retrospective study gathered medical data from the electronic medical records of children diagnosed with CAP who were admitted to the Pediatric Pulmonology Unit between December 2021 and December 2022.

Results
This study included 154 pediatric patients. Their age at presentation was 4.15 ± 3.60 years. A comparison of patients with complicated CAP and non-complicated CAP revealed a statistically significant decrease of MPV in the complicated CAP group than in the non-complicated group (p = 0.016). The D-dimer level was significantly higher in the complicated CAP 3.42 ± 3.02 µg/ml compared than in the non-complicated 1.63 ± 2.04 µg/ml, p = 0.002). Low MPV and increased D-dimer were powerful indicators of complicated CAP (OR 0.577, p = 0.021, OR 1.419, p = 0.003).

Conclusion
The current study highlights that low MPV and high D-dimer levels can be useful predictors of pulmonary complications of CAP in children. However, prospective observational studies are needed to evaluate the changes in these predictors during the disease and assess the time needed for normalization.
Modeling retroreflectivity degradation of pavement markings across the US with advanced machine learning algorithms
Authors: Idris Ipshit Ibne , Mousa Momen , Hassan Marwa 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRetroreflectivity is the primary metric that controls the visibility of pavement markings during nighttime and in adverse weather conditions. Maintaining the minimum level of retroreflectivity as specified by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is crucial to ensure safety for motorists. The key objective of this study was to develop robust retroreflectivity prediction models that can be used by transportation agencies to reliably predict the retroreflectivity of their pavement markings utilizing the initially measured retroreflectivity and other key project conditions. A total of 49,632 transverse skip retroreflectivity measurements of seven types of marking materials were retrieved from the eight most recent test decks covered under the National Transportation Product Evaluation Program (NTPEP). Decision Tree (DT) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) algorithms were considered for developing performance prediction models to estimate retroreflectivity at different prediction horizons for up to three years. The models were trained with randomly selected 80% data points and tested with the remaining 20% data points. Sequential ANN models exhibited better performance with the testing data than the sequential DT models. The training and testing R2 ranges of the sequential ANN models were from 0.76 to 0.96 and 0.55 to 0.94, respectively, which were significantly higher than the R2 range (0.14 to 0.75) from the regression models proposed in past studies. Initial or predicted retroreflectivity, snowfall, and traffic were found to be the most important inputs to model predictions.
Angiotensin II therapy in refractory septic shock: which patient can benefit most? A narrative review
Authors: Coloretti Irene , Genovese Andrea , Teixeira J. Pedro , Cherian Anusha , Ferrer Ricard , Landoni Giovanni , Leone Marc , Girardis Massimo , Nielsen Nathan D. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Patients with septic shock who experience refractory hypotension despite adequate fluid resuscitation and high-dose noradrenaline have high mortality rates. To improve outcomes, evidence-based guidelines recommend starting a second vasopressor, such as vasopressin, if noradrenaline doses exceed 0.5 µg/kg/min. Recently, promising results have been observed in treating refractory hypotension with angiotensin II, which has been shown to increase mean arterial pressure and has been associated with improved outcomes. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the pathophysiology of the renin-angiotensin system and the role of endogenous angiotensin II in vasodilatory shock with a focus on how angiotensin II treatment impacts clinical outcomes and on identifying the population that may benefit most from its use.
Acute mediastinal mass syndrome after surgical biopsy of a massive anterior mediastinal tumor: a case report
Authors: Kobayashi Masao , Kimura Toru , Nagata Hideki , Fukui Eriko , Kanou Takashi , Ose Naoko , Funaki Soichiro , Kurashige Masako , Morii Eiichi , Shintani Yasushi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Mediastinal lymphatic tumors are relatively rare. The prognosis is poor but has improved due to recent advances in treatment strategies. Herein, we report a case of mediastinal lymphoma diagnosed using surgical biopsy, which was complicated by mediastinal mass syndrome due to general anesthesia.

Case presentation
A 25-year-old man with cough, fever, dyspnea, and night sweats was transferred to our hospital for resection of a large anterior mediastinal tumor. Although his preoperative diagnosis was WHO type B1 thymoma, the clinical findings suggested a lymphoma. A repeat surgical biopsy was performed under general anesthesia. Immediately after extubation, the patient developed acute respiratory failure with hypolucency of the right lung field on chest radiography. He was reintubated immediately and was diagnosed with negative pressure pulmonary edema in the right lung. He was managed with positive-pressure ventilation and his respiratory distress resolved within 5 days. Pathological examination of surgical specimens confirmed the diagnosis of lymphoma.

Conclusion
Surgical biopsy is useful for the diagnosis of mediastinal tumors. However, the risk of perioperative mediastinal mass syndrome should be carefully assessed before administering general anesthesia.
Complete resection of a recurrent bronchogenic cyst tightly adhered to the left atrium using cardiopulmonary bypass: a case report
Authors: Furugen Tomonori , Teruya Takao , Nakasone Shoko , Kawasaki Hidenori , Toyama Masahiro , Miyaishi Keita , Higa Syotaro , Ando Mizuki , Maeda Tatsuya , Kise Yuya , Inafuku Hitoshi , Nakaema Moriyasu , Nagano Takaaki , Furukawa Kojiro 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Most surgeons agree that symptomatic mediastinal bronchogenic cysts should be resected, and complete resection is considered mandatory to avoid recurrence. However, a symptomatic mediastinal bronchogenic cyst sometimes adheres to a vital organ, making complete resection hazardous. In such case, surgical resection using cardiopulmonary bypass should be performed to achieve complete resection.

Case presentation
A 65-year-old female patient had undergone surgical drainage of a mediastinal bronchogenic cyst 30 years ago. Recently, she presented with complaints of orthopnea, and computed tomography revealed a few days later a subcarinal bronchogenic cyst markedly compressing the left atrium. Complete resection of the mediastinal bronchogenic cyst was performed using cardiopulmonary bypass. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was followed up for 1 year, with no recurrence of the bronchogenic cyst.

Conclusions
For patients with mediastinal bronchogenic cysts compressing the left atrium, we recommend complete resection using cardiopulmonary bypass.