bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the influence of health and digital health literacy on quality of life and follow-up compliance in patients with primary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: a prospective, single-center study
Authors: Keles Ahmet , Somun Umit Furkan , Kose Muhammed , Arikan Ozgur , Culpan Meftun , Yildirim Asif 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective
Given the increasing significance of digital health literacy (DHL) and health literacy (HL) in promoting informed decision-making and healthy behaviors, this study aimed to assess the influence of self-reported HL and DHL on treatment adherence and quality of life among patients who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TUR-BT) for primary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Materials & methods
This single-center observational study involved patients who underwent TUR-BT for NIMBC at a tertiary hospital from May 2022 to February 2024. Before the procedure, the patients’ DHL and HL were evaluated using the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire short version and the eHealth Literacy Scale. Six months after surgery, we surveyed patients’ QoL using the EORTC QLQ-C30. In line with recommendations from the European Association of Urology guidelines, adherence to the treatment plan was assessed along with a follow-up cystoscopy examination for each patient.

Results
Multivariate analysis revealed that poorer DHL and HL were significantly associated with older age (p < 0.001), lower educational attainment (p < 0.001), and lack of internet access (p < 0.001). Conversely, higher DHL and HL levels were positively correlated with increased treatment adherence, as measured by cystoscopy completion (p < 0.001). Additionally, logistic regression analysis demonstrated significant associations between improved DHL and HL scores and better global health status (DHL, p = 0.022; HL, p = 0.008), higher emotional status (p < 0.001 for both), and social functioning (p < 0.001 for both). Notably, there were no significant differences in the symptom scale scores between the DHL and HL groups.

Conclusion
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to explore the specific effect of HL/DHL on QoL and adherence in this patient population. Our research suggests that there may be a link between self-reported levels of DHL/HL and treatment adherence as well as QoL among patients with NIMBC.
Low-volume transanal irrigation (TAI) in the treatment of functional faecal incontinence in children: a cohort study
Authors: Hougaard Nicklas B. , Andersen Rene F. , Kamperis Konstantinos , Jørgensen Cecilie S. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
Functional faecal incontinence (FFI) is a stigmatising condition for a child and parents and can be a challenge to treat even in tertiary centres. Transanal irrigation (TAI) is an emerging treatment with great success in refractory cases. We performed TAI with a substantially decreased amount of water used (low-volume TAI), yet no previous evidence exists on this treatment in children. We conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy of low-volume TAI in reducing faecal incontinence (FI) episodes and to provide associated factors for response.

Methods
Children with FFI trained in low-volume TAI in our outpatient incontinence clinic were identified. Baseline characteristics along with rectal ultrasound examination, information on weekly FI episodes and concomitant use of laxatives were noted. The continence status of patients was registered at the first outpatient clinic appointment after the commencement of TAI and after 6 months of treatment. During this period, information about side effects and changes in medication were captured.

Results
We identified 47 children (mean age 8.06 ± 2.08 years, 27 males) treated with low-volume TAI. Thirty-five (74%) were diagnosed with functional constipation and FI, while 12 (26%) suffered from non-retentive faecal incontinence. Twenty (42%) children gained full faecal continence after 6.75 ± 0.3 months. We found no differences between responders and non-responders in baseline characteristics.

Conclusions
Low-volume TAI appears safe and effective in the treatment of FFI refractory to first-line treatment in children. Low-volume TAI could be a valuable tool for the management of these children as the treatment is less invasive, low in cost and well accepted.
Impact of epidural analgesia on outcomes of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery
Authors: Eshkoli Tamar , Jacobs Merav , Saban Alla , Baumfeld Yael , Ben Shushan–Amor Renana , Yohay Zehava , Weintraub Adi Y. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Primary objective
To assess the association between Epidural Analgesia (EA) during Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) and delivery mode (spontaneous or instrumental vaginal delivery). Secondary objectives include maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Methods
In this retrospective population-based cohort study, all women who underwent a VBAC with and without EA, between the years 1996–2016 at the Soroka University Medical Center (SUMC) were included. Women who delivered by cesarean section (elective and non-elective) and those who gave birth to a newborn with chromosomal abnormalities or major malformations, and multifetal gestations were excluded. Demographical, clinical, and obstetrical characteristics were recorded, and pregnancy complications and adverse perinatal outcomes were compared between the groups. The primary outcome was the type of delivery. Univariate analysis was followed by a multivariate analysis to control for confounders. A p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results
During the study period, 17,516 women who have had a previous CS met the inclusion criteria, of which 15% (n = 2652) used EA during labor, while the rest of the cohort 85% (n = 14,864) were non-EA users. Women in the EA group had higher rates of instrumental delivery and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) as well as higher rates of oxytocin augmentation and a longer second stage of labor. The use of EA was found to be an independent risk factor for instrumental delivery after controlling for maternal age, ethnicity, parity, DM (diabetes mellitus), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, oxytocin augmentation, prolonged second stage of labor, induction of labor, fertility treatments and oligohydramnios. However, no significant differences were observed regarding neonatal outcomes including perinatal mortality, birth weight, Apgar scores and shoulder dystocia rates.

Conclusion
EA for women undergoing a VBAC was associated with higher rates of instrumental delivery and PPH, oxytocin augmentation and a longer second stage of labor compared with women without EA. However, neonatal outcomes did not differ between the groups.
Diagnostic performance of corneal epithelium- and Bowman’s layer thickness mapping in patients with unilateral Keratoconus
Authors: Pircher Niklas , Kilian Raphael , Beer Florian , Donner Ruth , Roberts Philipp , Pircher Michael , Hitzenberger Christoph K. , Aschauer Julia , Schmidinger Gerald , Lammer Jan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
To investigate the role of corneal epithelium- and Bowman’s layer-thickness (ET and BLT) changes as possible early biomarkers of keratoconus (KC) development.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study patients with unilateral KC (UKC) and a group of healthy controls underwent polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) for the evaluation of corneal ET and BLT. These values were compared among three subgroups of eyes, i.e., eyes with KC, topographically and tomographically normal fellow eyes (FE) of patients with UKC, and healthy eyes (HE).

Results
Twelve patients with UKC (12 eyes with KC and 12 FE) and 21 healthy age-matched controls (HE) were included. While KC eyes showed the typical epithelial “doughnut pattern” on epithelial maps, there were no differences in ET between FE and HE. BLT was significantly higher in FE compared to HE (average BLT p = 0.049, minimum BLT p = 0.02, nasal-inferior quadrant p = 0.04) as weIl as KC eyes (average BLT p = 0.048, minBLT p = 0.04, nasal-inferior quadrant p = 0.03).

Conclusions
Increase in BLT seems to occur before epithelial thinning in FE of patients with UKC. Since many of KC patients develop the disease bilaterally, Bowman’s layer thickening might represent an early biomarker of KC-development.
Mortality and diurnal temperature range in Virginia
Authors: Davis Robert E. , Himmel Owen , Sims Parker K. , Fuhrmann Christopher M. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The relationship between diurnal temperature range (DTR) and daily mortality from 2005 to 2020 is examined for seven large metropolitan areas in Virginia using distributed lag non-linear models that control for temperature and humidity. The relative risk of mortality increases for very high DTR, and there is a short lag effect of several days. High risk DTR days are rare, typically occurring less than 1% of the time at most locations. These days primarily occur in spring and are characterized by high pressure and low humidity that allow overnight temperatures to drop substantially. High DTR days are often associated with elevated respiratory and cardiovascular mortality and tend to impact the elderly. The similarity between the mortality response to high DTR and that of high temperatures alone, coupled with the lack of clear physiological underpinnings, challenges the notion that these responses are independent. The prevalent spring peak in dangerous DTR days suggests that lack of acclimatization to hot and humid conditions may impose strain on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Bridging the digital divide for outpatients treated with anticancer chemotherapy: a retrospective quantitative and qualitative analysis of an adapted electronic Patient Reported Outcome program
Authors: Boiteau Coralie , Alarcon Natividad , Joly Charlotte , Fenioux Charlotte , Queval Claire , Dutendas Sylvie , Bartoszczyk Isabelle , Nadji Hadjer Ben , Bouayed Meriem , Ganter Claude , Quatrehomme Naël , Agius Catherine , Tournigand Christophe , Kempf Emmanuelle 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
Using electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) in clinical trial has shown benefits for patients. However, the digital divide can lead to unequal access to telehealth. We investigated whether a dedicated support program could bridge that divide.

Methods
Between February 2021 and June 2022, outpatients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer at our teaching hospital in France were given the Onco’nect® ePRO application if they were affected by the digital divide. They were also offered a dedicated support program that included the lending of a tablet, access to healthcare professionals, training, technical support, and peer-to-peer guidance. We conducted semi-structured interviews to assess the challenges they faced.

Results
We enrolled 22 patients, of whom 10 (45%) made good use of the application and completed > 50% of the questionnaires in the application, while 5 (23%) completed > 75%. However, 12 (55%) of the 22 patients remained poor users of the application over a median participation of 4 months (IQR, 3–7). We also measured social deprivation but found no association with questionnaire completion rate. The under-use of Onco’nect® was due not only to the patients’ understanding of its clinical benefit or to their computer skills, but also to poor health literacy and strong emotional responses to using the application.

Conclusion
Dedicated support programs help many patients make the most of telehealth. However, most of our patients in the digital divide under-used the ePRO application, primarily due to their poor health literacy.
ACPA is a main risk factor for CT-proven pulmonary nodule progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Uzun Güllü Sandal , Sarıkaya Yasin , Arslan Sevtap , Ekici Mustafa , Ata Emine Büşra , Karcıoğlu Oğuz , Bilgin Emre , Kılıç Levent , Kiraz Sedat , Ertenli Ali İhsan , Arıyürek Macit , Kalyoncu Umut 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
To determine the features of rheumatoid pulmonary nodules and the factors associated with nodule progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods
Between January 2010 and September 2018, RA patients with at least one chest computed tomography (CT) were included. Two experienced radiologists examined chest CTs. Nodules with changing dimensions on follow-up or at least two nodules with different sizes or cavitary nodules were considered rheumatoid pulmonary nodules. To identify follow-up changes in the nodules, progression was defined as the appearance of any new nodules or increase in the size of the nodules, regression was no new nodules and no increase in the size of any nodules and decrease in the size of at least one nodule, and stability was no appearance of new nodules and no change in the size of nodules and no disappearance of the nodule. We compared the demographics, comorbidities, RA-specific treatments, and nodule characteristics according to seropositivity. Factors that may be associated with RPN progression were studied.

Results
A total of 204 (136 (66.7%) female) patients were included in the study. The median disease duration at baseline CT was 7.29 years (0.05–57.5). Pulmonary nodules were detected in the first CT of 21 (10.2%) patients before RA diagnosis, with a median time of 10.38 (0.46–254) months. The median number of nodules and median diameter of the dominant nodule were higher, and cavitation was more prevalent in seropositive patients. ACPA positivity was independently associated with progression (OR 3.69 (1.33–12.4), p = 0.03). Cs-DMARDs and b/ts-DMARDs, especially anti-TNF agents, did not affect nodule progression.

Conclusion
Rheumatoid pulmonary nodules may precede RA, and seropositivity, especially ACPA, is an important independent risk factor for RPN occurrence and progression.

Key Points• Rheumatoid pulmonary nodules were mainly located peripherally, in the right lobe, and had a high cavitation rate.• ACPA positivity was found as a main effective factor in RPN progression.
• Cs/b-DMARD treatments were not associated with RPN progression.
A keyword extraction model study in the movie domain with synopsis and reviews
Authors: González-Santos Carlos , Vega-Rodríguez Miguel A. , Pérez Carlos J. , Martínez-Sarriegui Iñaki , López-Muñoz Joaquín M. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The use of keywords is increasingly being applied across diverse domains, including the movie industry, whose main platforms are adopting advanced natural language processing techniques. Algorithms for automatic extraction of keywords can provide relevant information in this domain. The most novel approaches covering several categories (statistics, graphs, word embedding, and hybrid) have been considered in a model study framework. They have been implemented, applied, and evaluated with standard datasets. In addition, a movie dataset with gold standard keywords, based on textual metadata from synopses and reviews, has been specifically developed for this scope. Keyword extraction models have been evaluated in terms of F-score and computation time. Furthermore, content analysis, both quantitative and qualitative, of the extracted keywords in the movie context has been performed. Results show a great variability in model performance and computation time among the different models. Qualitative results, in addition to F-score and computation time, demonstrate that keyword extraction works better with synopses than with reviews. The quantitative content analysis revealed that EmbedRank effectively reduces redundancy and limits the use of proper nouns, leading to high-quality keywords.
Gamma knife radiosurgery for cavernous malformations: a comprehensive study on symptom relief, hemorrhage rates, and histopathological changes
Authors: Civlan Serkan , Berker Berk Burak , Kiraz İlker , Yalçın Nagihan , Sağtaş Ergin , Egemen Emrah , Albuz Barış , Erbek Nevzat Doğukan , Coşkun Mehmet Erdal , Dere Ümit Akın , Kıvrak Mustafa , Kaçmaz Fatmanur , Acar Feridun , Şirin Sait , Yakar Fatih 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study aims to demonstrate the effect of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) on symptoms, hemorrhage rates, and histopathological changes in patients with cavernous malformations (CMs), regardless of whether the symptomatic lesions are hemorrhagic. This single-center retrospective study evaluated symptomatic patients with single CMs treated with GKRS between 2016 and 2023. The patients’ demographic data, presenting symptoms, GKRS radiation dose, complications developed during follow-up (hemorrhage, radiotoxicity), the rate of symptom improvement, and histopathological changes of surgically removed CMs were recorded. Our study included 134 symptomatic patients, of whom 55 were male (41%) and 79 were female (59%). Among the patients, 80 (59.7%) had CMs in the lobar region, 23 (17.1%) in the cerebellum, 16 (12%) in the brainstem, and 15 (11.2%) in the basal nuclei/thalamus. The mean target volume was 0.64 ± 1.23 cm3, and the mean tumor margin dose was 14.89 ± 1.90 Gy. Symptoms were completely recovered in 95 patients (70.9%), while 18 (13.4%) experienced partial recovery. The annual hemorrhage rate (AHR) reduced from 6.26 to 1.01 following GKRS. Adverse radiation effects (ARE) were encountered in ten patients (7.46%) of cases, with only three patients (2.2%) being permanent. The mean follow-up period was 35.57 ± 23.54 months (2–83 months). Two patients without hemorrhage underwent surgical removal of CM due to symptomatic deterioration after GKRS. Histopathological examination demonstrated numerous vascular structures with luminal narrowing due to hyalinization and fibrinoid necrosis caused after GKRS. Our findings suggest that GKRS may help reduce hemorrhage rates and potentially relieve symptoms in patients with symptomatic CMs, although further long-term studies are necessary to confirm these observations and to fully assess potential risks. Since there is no radiological method to evaluate the impact of GKRS on CMs, our study examines the histopathological changes that occurred following the GKRS. The histopathological changes prove that GKRS alters the morphology of the CMs and thus can relieve symptoms and reduce hemorrhage rates associated with CMs.
Advances in diffusion models for image data augmentation: a review of methods, models, evaluation metrics and future research directions
Authors: Alimisis Panagiotis , Mademlis Ioannis , Radoglou-Grammatikis Panagiotis , Sarigiannidis Panagiotis , Papadopoulos Georgios Th. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Image data augmentation constitutes a critical methodology in modern computer vision tasks, since it can facilitate towards enhancing the diversity and quality of training datasets; thereby, improving the performance and robustness of machine learning models in downstream tasks. In parallel, augmentation approaches can also be used for editing/modifying a given image in a context- and semantics-aware way. Diffusion Models (DMs), which comprise one of the most recent and highly promising classes of methods in the field of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), have emerged as a powerful tool for image data augmentation, capable of generating realistic and diverse images by learning the underlying data distribution. The current study realizes a systematic, comprehensive and in-depth review of DM-based approaches for image augmentation, covering a wide range of strategies, tasks and applications. In particular, a comprehensive analysis of the fundamental principles, model architectures and training strategies of DMs is initially performed. Subsequently, a taxonomy of the relevant image augmentation methods is introduced, focusing on techniques regarding semantic manipulation, personalization and adaptation, and application-specific augmentation tasks. Then, performance assessment methodologies and respective evaluation metrics are analyzed. Finally, current challenges and future research directions in the field are discussed.
Flight behaviour of a threatened butterfly at edges between high- and low-quality habitat
Authors: Johansson Victor , Ström Philip , Bergman Karl-Olof , Franzén Markus 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Butterfly populations in Europe are declining, necessitating efficient conservation strategies. Understanding butterfly behaviour in relation to habitat quality is important, and one aspect is flight behaviour at habitat edges. This study investigates flight patterns of the marsh fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia) in relation to edges between intensively grazed and ungrazed habitat on Gotland, Sweden. We also examine the small-scale habitat utilization in relation to the abundance of host and nectar plants. Observations were conducted across four sites, using 40 × 40 m plots situated in ungrazed habitat with one edge facing grazed habitat. We recorded the proportion of butterflies that crossed the edge into grazed habitat compared to interior edges and the proportions that returned. By dividing each plot into 16 subplots, we quantified small-scale habitat preferences based on flight trajectories. In total, we followed 208 individuals. Results showed that butterflies were significantly less likely to cross edges into grazed areas, but there was no significant difference in return behaviour. Utilization of subplots increased with increasing abundance of the host plant (Succisa pratensis).
PDE-CNNs: Axiomatic Derivations and Applications
Authors: Bellaard Gijs , Sakata Sei , Smets Bart M. N. , Duits Remco 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
PDE-based group convolutional neural networks (PDE-G-CNNs) use solvers of evolution PDEs as substitutes for the conventional components in G-CNNs. PDE-G-CNNs can offer several benefits simultaneously: fewer parameters, inherent equivariance, better accuracy, and data efficiency. In this article, we focus on Euclidean equivariant PDE-G-CNNs where the feature maps are two-dimensional throughout. We call this variant of the framework a PDE-CNN. From a machine learning perspective, we list several practically desirable axioms and derive from these which PDEs should be used in a PDE-CNN, this being our main contribution. Our approach to geometric learning via PDEs is inspired by the axioms of scale-space theory, which we generalize by introducing semifield-valued signals. Our theory reveals new PDEs that can be used in PDE-CNNs and we experimentally examine what impact these have on the accuracy of PDE-CNNs. We also confirm for small networks that PDE-CNNs offer fewer parameters, increased accuracy, and better data efficiency when compared to CNNs.
Effect of mutual modification by BaO and BaF2 on the structure and properties of BaO–BaF2–B2O3 glasses
Authors: El-Egili K. , Doweidar H. , Ramadan R. M. , Altawaf A. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Oxy-fluoroborate glasses of the composition xBaF2·(45-x)BaO·55B2O3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 45 mol%) have been prepared by the normal melt-quenching technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirm that the glassy matrix contains amorphous and/or crystalline phases depending on BaF2 concentration. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows agglomerates consisting of clusters in micro-scale separated from the amorphous phase. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra reveal that BaF2 partially modifies the borate matrix as in the binary BaF2–B2O3 glasses. Values of fraction N
4 of four coordinated boron atoms calculated from FTIR spectra agree with nuclear magneitic resonance (NMR) data. N
4 increases at the expense of non-bridging planar trigonal (BO3) units at low concentrations of BaF2 while at higher concentrations, N
4 increases at the expense of tetrahedral BO4 units. Density seems to be constant while molar volume increases from 27.51 to 30.31 cm−1 with increasing BaF2 content. It is found that the volume of structural units by BaF2 is greater than those related to BaO. T
g have a linear decrease from 580 to 485 °C with increasing BaF2 concentration. A structural view is presented for the role of BaF2, obtained based on N
4 data obtained from NMR and FTIR analysis.