bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Poisson Inverted Shifted Gompertz Distribution with Applications to Engineering and Medical Data
Authors: Sapkota Laxmi Prasad , Kumar Vijay , Tekle Getachew , Alrweili Hleil , Mutairi Aned Al , Mustafa Manahil SidAhmed , Yusuf M. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
A novel distribution is introduced herein, termed the "Poisson Inverted Shifted Gompertz Distribution," achieved by employing the Poisson-Generating family of distributions with the inverted shifted Gompertz distribution as its base. This distribution exhibits notable statistical properties, with explicit expressions derived for its survival function, hazard rate function, average residual life function, moments, quantile function, entropy, order statistics, skewness, and kurtosis. To estimate the distribution's parameters, we employ three different methods: Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE), Least-Square Estimation (LSE), and Cramer-Von-Mises Estimation (CVME). To comprehensively evaluate the performance of MLE, a simulation experiment is conducted. Furthermore, the applicability of our proposed model is demonstrated using real-world data from both engineering and medical domains. The goodness-of-fit of the Poisson Inverted Shifted Gompertz distribution is rigorously examined through various statistical tests and graphical methods. Compared to a selection of commonly used lifetime distributions, our proposed distribution exhibits superior fitting capabilities and greater flexibility. In addition, we explore the Bayesian perspective of the proposed model by employing Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (HMC) simulation techniques. This comprehensive analysis provides a holistic understanding of the Poisson Inverted Shifted Gompertz distribution's potential and applicability in various fields.
Mathematical Subject Classification 2020: 62F10, 62F40, 62E10, 62E15
Association between pulse pressure and carotid plaque in elderly patients with uncontrolled hypertension: Results from a community-based screening Hangzhou, China
Authors: Yu Zhecong , Yang Haifeng , Shou Biqi , Cheng Zongxue , Jiang Caixia , Xu Jue 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objectives: There is a wider pulse pressure (PP) and a higher prevalence of carotid plaques in the elderly. Previous studies indicated PP is strongly associated with carotid plaques formation. This study aimed to explore this association in elderly patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
Materials and Methods: 1671 hypertensive patients aged ≥ 60 years with uncontrolled hypertension were enrolled from a community-based screening in Hangzhou, China. Carotid plaques were assessed using ultrasonography. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between PP and carotid plaques by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results: Carotid plaques were detected in 780 (46.7%) of subjects. Of them, plaques ≥ 2 was found in 415 (53.1%). There was a significant positive association between the PP tertile levels and the prevalence of carotid. After adjustment for traditional risk factors, compared to patients within the lowest tertile of PP, those within the highest tertile had an increased risk of carotid plaques (OR 1.641, CI 1.152–2.337). For each 1-SD increase, the risk increased by 38.4% (OR 1.384, CI 1.134–1.688). There was a non-linear association between PP and carotid plaques (P-nonlinearity= 0.029). The risk increased rapidly after the predicted PP level reached at around 70 mmHg.
Conclusions: Our findings suggested that PP was independently associated with carotid plaques in elderly patients with uncontrolled hypertension who have an increased risk of atherosclerosis.
The causal relationship between flatfoot, BMI and iliotibial bundle syndrome: A Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Li Wenjia , Yao Chen , Zhou Jihong , Pang Ruiming 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
An increasing number of patients with iliotibial bundle syndrome have been found to be clinically. To investigate the putative causal link between flatfoot and BMI, and the development of iliotibial bundle syndrome, employing a Mendelian randomization approach.
Method
Utilizing extensive GWAS data, MR analysis was conducted, primarily employing random-effects inverse variance weighting, MR-Egger regression, and weighted median method.
Results
The Mendelian randomization (MR) findings regarding the association between flatfoot and iliotibial bundle syndrome indicated that the MR-Egger regression yielded an odds ratio (OR) of 2.26 (95% CI: 0.99–5.14) with a p-value of 0.067, the weighted median method yielded an OR of 1.35 (95% CI: 0.92–1.98) with a p-value of 0.110, and the inverse variance weighting method yielded an OR of 1.43 (95% CI: 1.10–1.87) with a p-value of 0.008. The MR analysis of the relationship between BMI and iliotibial bundle syndrome demonstrated that the MR-Egger regression, inverse variance weighting method, and weighted median method had p-values greater than 0.05, and the difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusion
The risk of iliotibial bundle syndrome in individuals with flat feet is 43% higher than that in persons with normal foot structure. There is no significant association between BMI and the risk of iliotibial bundle syndrome.
Assessment of water quality of the Narmada River (India) using fuzzy water quality index method.
Authors: Rahi Dal Chand , Chandak Rajeev , Vishwakarma Amit 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This study aims to assess the water quality of the Narmada River utilizing the fuzzy water quality index method. In this context, samples of water were gathered from six sampling stations for various parameters like turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), bio-chemical oxygen demand (BOD5), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), electrical conductivity (EC), total hardness (TH), total alkalinity (TA) and chlorides in 2021-22. Due to contamination from domestic wastewater, dairy industrial activities, and agricultural activity, water quality assessment has become essential. To address this requirement, the water quality index (WQI) was developed which incorporates various water quality parameters and expresses total water quality into a single value. Nowadays, to get around WQI, the fuzzy water quality index (FWQI) method has been developed. To develop FWQI, eleven input, single output, Mamdani method, And operators, fuzzy inference rules, and centroid methods for defuzzification have been used. Results of FWQI revealed that Station Third was adversely affected by urban activities, Station First was influenced by tributaries, and Station Six was impacted by agricultural activities. According to the rating scale, the value of FWQI revealed that water quality was poor at the first four stations and good at the last two stations. Comparing the result of FWQI with WQI have found a five percent variation for the same water samples. This new index could serve as an alternative approach to assessing water quality.
Is survival after transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) worse than that after traditional total mesorectal excision? A Retrospective Propensity Score-Adjusted Cohort Study
Authors: Ammann Yanic , Warschkow Rene , Schmied Bruno , De Lorenzi Diego , Reißfelder Christoph , Brunner Walter , Marti Lukas 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose:Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) was developed to provide better vision during resection of the mesorectum. Conflicting results have shown an increase in local recurrences and shorter survival after taTME. This study compares the outcomes of taTME and abdominal (open, laparoscopic, robotic) total mesorectal excision (abTME).
Methods:Patients who underwent taTME or abTME for stage I-III rectal cancer and received an anastomosis were included. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively conducted database was performed. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and disease-free survival (DFS). Risk factors were adjusted by propensity score matching (PSM). The secondary endpoints were local recurrence rates and combined poor pathological outcomes.
Results: From 2012 to 2020, a total of 189 patients underwent taTME, and 119 underwent abTME; patients were followed up for a median of 53.3 [IQR 35.9-71.8] and 84.0 [IQR 50.2-107.9] months, respectively (p<0.001). The 5-year survival rates after taTME and abTME were not significantly different after PSM: OS: 78.2% vs. 88.6% (p=0.073); CSS: 87.4% vs. 92.1% (p=0.359); and DFS: 69.3% vs. 80.9%, respectively (p=0.104). No difference in the local recurrence rate was observed (taTME n=10 (5.3%), abTME n=10 (8.4%); p=0.280). Combined poor pathological outcomes were more frequent after abTME (n=36, 34.3%) than after taTME (n=35, 19.6%) (p=0.006); this difference was nonsignificant in multivariate analysis (p=0.404).
Conclusion: The findings reveal that taTME is a good treatment option for rectal cancer; it likely does not significantly affect survival or local recurrence, and it might have a positive influence on specimen quality.
RETRACTED: Evaluating the Relationship between DMFT Index and Quality of Life of Pregnant Women in Hamadan
Authors: Tiznobaik Azita , Taheri Safoura , Momenimovahed Zohre , Roshanaei Ghodratollah , Ghaleeiha Ali , Shirinzad Mehdi , Ahmadian Mohammad Amir 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Early brain microstructural development among preterm infants requiring caesarean section versus those delivered vaginally
Authors: Bobba Pratheek S. , Weber Clara F. , Malhotra Ajay , Bahtiyar Mert O. , Copel Joshua , Taylor Sarah N. , Ment Laura R. , Payabvash Seyedmehdi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
It is known that the rate of caesarean section (C-section) has been increasing among preterm births. However, the relationship between C-section and long-term neurological outcomes is unclear. In this study, we utilized diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to characterize the association of delivery method with brain white matter (WM) microstructural integrity in preterm infants. We retrospectively analyzed the DTI scans and health records of preterm infants without neuroimaging abnormality on pre-discharge term-equivalent MRI. We applied both voxel-wise and tract-based analyses to evaluate the association between delivery method and DTI metrics across WM tracts while controlling for numerous covariates. We included 68 preterm infants in this study (23 delivered vaginally, 45 delivered via C-section). Voxel-wise and tract-based analyses revealed significantly lower fractional anisotropy values and significantly higher diffusivity values across major WM tracts in preterm infants delivered via C-section when compared to those delivered vaginally. These results may be partially, but not entirely, mediated by lower birth weight among infants delivered by C-section. Nevertheless, these infants may be at risk for delayed neurodevelopment and could benefit from close neurological follow up for early intervention and mitigation of adverse long-term outcomes.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) predicts mortality in hospitalized geriatric patients independent of the admission diagnosis: a multicenter prospective cohort study.
Authors: Rosa Mirko Di , Sabbatinelli Jacopo , Soraci Luca , Corsonello Andrea , Bonfigli Anna Rita , Cherubini Antonio , Sarzani Riccardo , Antonicelli Roberto , Pelliccioni Giuseppe , Galeazzi Roberta , Marchegiani Francesca , Iuorio Salvatore , Colombo Daniele , Burattini Maurizio , Lattanzio Fabrizia , Olivieri Fabiola 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background The Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a marker of poor prognosis in hospitalized older patients with different diseases, but there is still no consensus on the optimal cut-off value to identify older patients at high-risk of in-hospital mortality. Therefore, in this study we aimed at both validating NLR as a predictor of death in older hospitalized patients and assess whether the presence of specific acute diseases can modify its predictive value.Methods this prospective cohort study included 5,034 hospitalizations of older patients admitted to acute care units in the context of the ReportAge study. NLR measured at admission was considered as the exposure variable, while in-hospital mortality was the outcome of the study. ROC curves with Youden’s method and restricted cubic splines were used to identify the optimal NLR cut-off of increased risk. Cox proportional hazard models, stratified analyses, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to analyse the association between NLR and in-hospital mortality.Results both continuous and categorical NLR value (cut-off ≥ 7.95) predicted mortality in bivariate and multivariate prognostic models with a good predictive accuracy. The magnitude of this association was even higher in patients without sepsis, congestive heart failure, and pneumonia, and those with higher eGFR, albumin, and hemoglobin (p < 0.001). A negative multiplicative interaction was found between NLR and eGFR (p = 0.001).Conclusions NLR at admission is a readily available and cost-effective biomarker that could improve identification of geriatric patients at high risk of death during hospital stay independent of admitting diagnosis, kidney function and hemoglobin levels.
Optical Coherence Tomography Choroidal Enhancement Using Generative Deep Learning
Authors: Schmetterer Leopold , Bellemo Valentina , Das Ankit Kumar , Sr Syna , Chua Jacqueline , Wong Damon , Shah Janika , Jonas Rahul , Tan Bingyao , Liu Xinyu , Xu Xinxing , Tan Gavin , Agrawal Rupesh , Ting Daniel , Yong Liu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Spectral domain OCT is the gold standard of imaging the eye in clinics. Penetration depth with such devices is, however, limited and visualization of the choroid, which is essential for diagnosing chorioretinal disease, remains limited. Whereas swept-source OCT (SSOCT) devices allow for visualization of the choroid these instruments are expensive and availability in praxis is limited. We present an artificial intelligence (AI)-based solution to enhance the visualization of the choroid in OCT scans and allow for quantitative measurements of choroidal metrics using generative deep learning (DL). Synthetically enhanced spectral-domain OCT (SDOCT) B-scans with improved choroidal visibility were generated, leveraging matching images to learn deep anatomical features during the training. Using a single-center tertiary eye care institution cohort comprising a total of 362 SDOCT-SSOCT paired subjects, we trained our model with 150,784 images from 410 healthy, 192 glaucoma, and 133 diabetic retinopathy eyes. An independent external test dataset of 37,376 images from 146 eyes was deployed to assess the authenticity and quality of the synthetically enhanced SDOCT images. Experts' ability to differentiate real versus synthetic images was poor (47.5% accuracy). Measurements of choroidal thickness, area, volume, and vascularity index, from the reference SSOCT and synthetically enhanced SDOCT, showed high Pearson's correlations of 0.97 [95% CI: 0.96–0.98], 0.97 [0.95–0.98], 0.95 [0.92–0.98], and 0.87 [0.83–0.91], with intra-class correlation values of 0.99 [0.98–0.99], 0.98 [0.98–0.99], and 0.95 [0.96–0.98], 0.93 [0.91–0.95] respectively. Thus, our DL generative model successfully generated realistic enhanced SDOCT data that is indistinguishable from SSOCT images providing improved visualization of the choroid. This technology enabled accurate measurements of choroidal metrics previously limited by the imaging depth constraints of SDOCT. The findings open new possibilities for utilizing affordable SDOCT devices in studying the choroid in both healthy and pathological conditions.
A novel virescence mutant simplifies hybridization in finger millet breeding
Authors: G Manjappa , M.V.C. Gowda , S. Rangaiah , S.J. Sachin , V. Sujay 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

A virescent mutant (v1) was induced by Ethyl Methane Sulphonate in an improved finger millet variety, Indaf 8. The v1 mutant expresses yellow leaf color stably at seedling stage and gradually turns green as the growth progress. The SPAD value (indicating chlorophyll content) in v1 seedlings was half of that in wild type, which increased as growth advanced from tillering to grand growth and grain filling stages. Virescence mutation had pleiotropic effect on flowering (delayed) and plant height (reduced) but no significant influence on other agronomic traits including grain yield. Genetic analysis using F2 − 3 generations revealed the control of the trait by recessive state of a single nuclear gene. Hybrid recovery assessed in contact method of crossing using virescent lines ranged from 0.2–15.7% with an average of 5.1%. In finger millet breeding, hybridization is limited due to low hybrid recovery and non-availability of robust markers for F1 identification. Present study demonstrated the potential of seedling stage virescence marker in F1 identification to make hybridization more simple and rapid. This is the first report on utilization of virescence marker in finger millet breeding.
Facile Room Temperature Synthesis of Cetyltrimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB) Coated Spherical Silver Nanoparticles and their Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) and Antibacterial Applications
Authors: Mughal Hania Feroz , Khan Ghazanfar Ali , Shafiq Muhammad , Hyder Muhammad Zeeshan , Ahmed Waqqar 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are appealing for their low cost and highly effective sensing and antibacterial properties. Herein, we report a facile near-room-temperature synthesis of AgNPs capped with a cationic surfactant using a single-step recipe. The AgNPs were synthesized by reducing silver ions in a basic medium in the presence of cationic surfactant cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). By varying the concentration of CTAB and sodium hydroxide NaOH, the concentration and yield of the AgNPs can be tuned. The essential experimental conditions supporting the high yield of AgNPs are the low concentration of CTAB and the high concentration of NaOH. Moreover, the influence of aging on AgNPs were studied by observing the variation in their UV-Vis spectra. The AgNPs purified by centrifugation and redispersed in CTAB solution showed reliable shelf-life in both light and dark conditions. Furthermore, AgNPs coated with a cationic surfactant have shown excellent surface-enhanced Raman scattering(SERS) based trace detection towards anionic dye, methyl orange (MO). The AgNPs have a detection limit of 10-10 M. Finally, the AgNPs have also shown good antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria i.e. Enterococcus spps and Staphylococcus Aureus.
Boron neutron capture therapy as a larynx-preserving treatment for locally recurrent laryngeal carcinoma after conventional radiation therapy: a preliminary report
Authors: Higashino Masaaki , Aihara Teruhito , Takeno Satoshi , Jinnin Tsuyoshi , Hu Naonori , Ono Koji , Nihei Keiji , Kawata Ryo 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background: Preserving voice function is difficult in patients with local recurrence of laryngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) for residual or recurrent laryngeal carcinoma after radical laryngeal cancer irradiation.
Methods and materials: This study included 10 patients who underwent BNCT for residual or recurrent laryngeal carcinoma after radical laryngeal cancer irradiation. Before BNCT, the recurrent laryngeal carcinoma stage was rT2N0, rT2N1, rT3N0, rT3N1, and rT4aN0 in four, one, two, one, and two patients, respectively. All patients underwent a prophylactic tracheostomy before BNCT.
Results: The response rate at 3 months after BNCT in 10 patients with locally recurrent laryngeal cancer was 90%, including 8 patients with complete response, one patient with partial response, and one patient with stable disease. Five of 10 patients were recurrence-free with a median follow-up of 12 months (8-23 months) after BNCT. The site of recurrence was local in three patients and cervical lymph nodes in the other two patients. All recurrent cases were salvageable except for one case of recurrence in a lateral cervical lymph node. The most frequent adverse event associated with BNCT was laryngeal edema, which almost resolved after one week in all patients. No other grade 4 or higher adverse events occurred.
Conclusions: BNCT can be used to administer radical doses to tumor tissues after radical irradiation. Early detection of recurrence and BNCT are expected to improve the cure rate for recurrent laryngeal carcinoma.
Locomotor response in the maximum demand periods and ball-in-play time in football competition regarding the playing position
Authors: Castellano Julen , Njaradi Nenad 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The present study will compare the locomotor response (LR) in periods-of-maximum-demand (MDP) and ball-in-play-time-demand (PTD) in competition regarding the playing-position (CD: central defender, FB: full back, CM: central midfielder, OM: offensive midfielder, LM: lateral midfielder and FW: forward).
Method(s)
The PTD and the MDPs (in m·min− 1) were registered via video-tracking and global-position systems, respectively. The time-windows were from 1 to 6-min (MDP1, MDP2, MDP3, MDP4, MDP5 and MDP6, respectively).
Results
1) the values of both MDP (in all time windows) and PTD were higher than the average value of the match and for all positions; 2) in the CD, LD and LM the PTD was located after de MDP4, while the CM, FW and OM the PTD were located after MDP3; 3) the running speed decreased as the time-window chosen was longer, and from the 4-min period, there were no differences in the locomotor response between the following periods (MDP5 and MDP6), and for all positions.
Conclusion(s)
The main conclusions were: 1) the LR of the MPD is conditionally very demanding passages; 2) the velocity of the PTD is very close to the shorter periods (3–4 min). These conclusions can assist the staff in planning the weekly training load scenarios according to the specific roles of the players in a football match.
Surface passivation of crystalline silicon solar cells by Cr:ZnO coating layers
Authors: Salem Moez , Ghannam Hajar , Almohammedi Abdullah , Salem Jamel , Massoudi Imen , Gaidi Mounir 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In this paper, ZnO thin films with and without Cr doping were synthesized using a simple co-precipitation approach and coated on silicon substrates using spin-coating. The study assessed how the introduction of Cr doping content influenced both the structural and opto-electronic characteristics of the films. Analysis of crystal structure and surface morphology was conducted through techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Additionally, the evaluation of surface passivation and reflectivity in both Cr-doped and undoped ZnO films was performed using methods involving FTIR and photoconductance. Notably, Chromium doping led to a remarkable increase in the effective minority carrier lifetime, which rose from 1.5 to 88 μs at a minority carrier density (n) of 1014 cm-3. Moreover, the reflectivity at λ= 500 nm decreased from 30% to around 7% upon coating silicon with Cr-doped ZnO.