bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An artificial intelligence system for detecting the root canal morphology of the mandibular first premolar on panoramic radiographs
Authors: Fu Danli , Shi Kangjian , Wu Fuli , Zhu Fudong , Zhu Haihua 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background:
The internal root canal morphology of the mandibular first premolar can be quite diversified, which pose great challenge and can directly affect the outcome of endodontic therapy. The aim of this paper was to examine the diagnostic performance of a deep learning system to determine whether the mandibular first premolar has single root canal or not. Dental cone beam CT was used as the gold standard.
Methods:
CBCT and panoramic radiographs of 1630 mandibular first premolar from 815 patients were analyzed. The CBCT images of the roots were examined to determine whether the mandibular first premolar has single root canal or not. Image patches of the mandibular first premolars were segmented from panoramic radiographs. Then deep-learning network approaches were applied to the patched images. The performance of the deep-learning networks and the dentists were compared in terms of Precision (PR), Recall (RE), Accuracy (ACC), F1-score and Area Under Curve (AUC).
Results:
Using the ResNet-101(CBAM) system showed an accuracy of 85%, a positive predictive value of 81.4%%, and a negative predictive value of 82.35% in the determination of whether the mandibular first premolar has single root canal or not. There was a significant difference between the results of experienced dentists and those of less experienced dentists. There was no difference between the results of experienced dentists and those of the ResNet-101(CBAM). And the results of the ResNet-101(CBAM) are much better than the average of the dentists.
Conclusions:
The deep learning systems showed high levels of performance in differentiating whether the mandibular first premolar has single root canal or not based on panoramic radiographs. It is a promising artificial intelligence approach that may assist dentists in preoperative diagnosis.
Comparing efficacy of charged particle therapy with brachytherapy in treatment of uveal melanoma
Authors: Chou Yu-Bai , Tseng Yu-Hsuan , Hsu Chia-An 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary ocular tumor in adults. The most used eye-preserving treatments are charged particle therapy(CPT) and brachytherapy. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare efficacies and complications of these two radiotherapies.
Methods: We searched EMBASE, PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library from January 2012 to December 2022. Two independent reviewers identified controlled studies comparing outcomes of CPT versus brachytherapy. Case series that utilize either treatment modality were also reviewed.
Results: 150 studies met the eligibility criteria, including 2 randomized control trials, 5 controlled cohort studies, and 143 case series studies. We found significant reduction in local recurrence rate among patients treated with CPT compared to brachytherapy (Odds ratio[OR] 0.38, 95% Confidence interval [CI] 0.24-0.60, p<0.01). Analysis also showed a trend of increased risks of secondary glaucoma after CPT. No statistically significant differences were found in analyzing risks of mortality, enucleation, and cataract.
Conclusions: Our study suggested no difference in mortality, enucleation rate and cataract formation rate comparing the two treatments. Lower local recurrence rate and possibly higher secondary glaucoma incidence was noted among patients treated with CPT. Nevertheless, the overall level of evidence is limited, and further high-quality studies are necessary to provide a more definitive conclusion.
Effect of urbanization and water quality on microplastic distribution in Conceição Lagoon watershed, Brazil
Authors: de Castro Daniela Grijó , Silva Aurea Luiza Lemes da , Lopes Michelle das Neves , Freire Andrea Santarosa , Leite Nei Kavaguichi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Urbanization in watersheds leads to the introduction of sources of microplastics and other pollutants in water bodies. However, the effect of urbanization on microplastic pollution and the relationship between microplastics and water quality are not well understood. We assessed the distribution of microplastics in tributaries urbanized, non-urbanized and in the receiving lagoon body of Conceição Lagoon watershed. The results show that urbanization significantly affects water quality but does not differentiate tributaries in terms of microplastic concentrations. Microplastic concentrations were lower in the receiving lagoon body compared with the tributaries, highlighting their importance in microplastic pollution in the studied lagoon. Microplastic concentration was correlated with low N:P ratios in the lagoon and associated with high levels of total phosphorus, which indicate the discharge of effluents. The correlations between microplastic concentration, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen in the lagoon were based on the temporal variations of these variables. Precipitation and wind velocity had influence on microplastic distribution in the watershed. Our findings underscore the importance of evaluating water quality parameters and meteorological variables to comprehend the microplastic distribution at small watersheds.
Estimating Litter production amount and quality for Eldar pine and umbrella Elm trees in historic city of Yazd
Authors: Kiani Bahman , Nasiri Samira , Azimzadeh Hamidreza , Tabandeh Afagh , Esmaeilpour Mohammad 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate the quantity and quality of litter produced by pine and elm trees in the green space of historic city of Yazd. Litterbags were used to collect the leaves during a year. For each species, amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, sulfur, carbon, magnesium, and potassium levels was measured monthly. The results showed that the annual mean weight of all components of litter was 4056.56 g for pine and 4106.67 g for elm trees. The greatest fall of pine needles was recorded in September. The highest fall of elm leaves was measured in November. The specific leaf area of ​​elm and pine was calculated to be 169.38 and 29.96 cm2/g, respectively. The leaf area index for pine and elm was 0.91 and 7.99, respectively. The results showed no statistically significant difference between pine and elm trees in the leaf amount and total litter. The crown area of ​​pine and elm trees, exhibited a direct effect on the amount of total litter produced. There was a significant difference between the two species in organic matter percentage, whereas there was no significant difference between them in the carbon, calcium, and magnesium content. Elm had a significantly lower C/N than pine. The specific leaf area of elm was higher than pine and it is better in this index. Although pines are evergreen, they produce a lot of litter during one year. Considering the planting spacing, which is usually 3×3 or 5×5 meters, the litter production is estimated to be 1.622 to 4.507 ton.ha− 1 for eldar pine and 1.642 to 4.562 ton.ha− 1 for umbrella elm trees respectively. Our results point out the need to revise the mixing ratio of conifers in plantations to reduce the litter collecting costs by Yazd municipality and increase the soil productivity.
Evaluating the Link between Cord Gas Parameters and Apgar Scores in High-Risk Pregnancies: Insights from a One-Year Study in Qatar
Authors: Kurdi Bader , Nimeri Nuha , Alomar Sufwan , Greer Bill , Bakr Amani Abu , Almatar Yasir 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

This prospective cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the correlation between umbilical cord pH and Apgar scores in high-risk pregnant mothers, focusing on the neonatal outcomes at one and five minutes post-birth. Conducted from January to December 2015 at Women's Hospital Doha, Qatar, the study included 1,057 high-risk mother-fetal pairs who underwent vaginal deliveries. Key variables were analyzed using JMP (v8) statistics software, with a statistically significant p-value defined as < 0.05. Results indicated that low birth weight, smaller gestational age, and lower Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes significantly increased the risk of admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The study found a significant correlation between cord gas values and the 1-minute Apgar score; however, the 5-minute Apgar score was not significantly affected by cord gas values. In conclusion, cord blood gas analysis provides valuable information on fetal metabolic conditions at birth, with umbilical cord pH demonstrating a correlation with Apgar scores in high-risk pregnancies.
Valorization of Solid Residue from the Lateritic Nickel Ore Leaching Process for Ferronickel Production
Authors: Nurjaman Fajar , Sari Yuliana , Adhalia Dysa , Astuti Widi , Sumardi Slamet , Haryono Tri , Nulhakim Lukman , Petrus Himawan Tri Bayu Murti , Prasetya Agus 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The hydrometallurgical process of nickel laterite leaves a residue that still contains valuable elements. Its utilization can improve overall process efficiency and reduce environmental damage. In this work, the recovery of nickel and iron from nickel residue resulting from the citric acid leach process has been carried out by using the reduction followed by a magnetic separation process (RMS). The effect of reductant and additive dosage, reduction temperature, and holding time on metal grade and recovery, phase transformation, and microstructure of ferronickel has been investigated clearly. The nickel residue was mixed with 5–20 wt% of sodium sulfate and 0.1 to 0.5 of stoichiometric anthracite coal as additive and reductant, respectively. It was agglomerated into pellets with a diameter of 10–15 mm. The reduction process of pellets was conducted at 950–1250°C for 15 to 75 minutes. The reduced pellets were ground and put into a magnetic separation unit using a 500 Gausses magnetic field to produce the magnetic ferronickel and the non-magnetic impurities. The optimum result obtained by reducing the pellet contains 10 wt% of sodium sulfate and 0.1 of stoichiometric coal at 1150°C for 60 minutes, producing ferronickel has 5.74% and 73.18% of nickel and iron grade with 97.79% and 32.99% of recovery, respectively.
Expiration Analysis of the International Space Station Formulary for Exploration Mission Planning
Authors: Buckland Daniel , Diaz Thomas , Ives Emma , Lazare Diana 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Effective medications will be required to maintain human health for long-duration space operations. Previous studies have explored the stability and potency of several of the medications used on the International Space Station (ISS). This study is the first comprehensive analysis of the expected terrestrial shelf-lives of the entire 2023 ISS formulary using 4 international registries. Of the 106 medications in the ISS formulary, shelf-life data was found in at least 1 of the registries for 91 (86%) medications. Of these 91 medications, 54 have an estimated terrestrial shelf-life of ≤ 36 months when stored in their original packaging. 14 will expire in less than 24 months. The results of this study provide operational insight to supplying a pharmacy for an exploration mission, optimize therapeutic outcomes, and prevent diseases associated with extended spaceflight operations. Ultimately, those responsible for the health of spaceflight crews will have to find ways to extend the expiration of medications to the complete mission duration or accept the elevated risk associated with administration of an expired medication.
Exploring risk factors of pelvic organ prolapse at eastern of Democratic Republic of Congo: A case-control study
Authors: Ilunga-Mbaya¹ Eloge , Mukwege² Denis , de Tayrac⁴ Renaud , Mbungaᶟ Branly , Maroyi² Raha , Ntankwinja Mukanire , Dieudonne Sengeyi Mushengezi Amani 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Pelvic organ prolapse is a common debilitating condition worldwide. Despite treatment, its recurrence can reach up to 30%.
It has multiple risk factors, some of which are particular for a low-resource settings. The identification these factors would help to devise risk models allowing the development of prevention policies. The objective of this study was to explore risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse in a population in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Methods: This was an unmatched case-control study conducted between January 2021 and January 2022. The sample size was estimated to be a total of 434 women (217 with prolapse as cases and 217 without prolapse as controls). Data comparisons were made using the Chi-Square and Student T tests.Binary and multivariate logistic regressions were used to determine associated factors. A p<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Variables identified as definitive predictors of pelvic organ prolapse included low BMI (p=0.004, aOR 2.991 IC 1.419-6.307), home birth (p<0,001 aOR 6.102, IC 3.526-10.561 ), family history of POP (p=0.023, aOR 2.085, IC 1.107-3.924), history of episiotomy (p=0, aOR 3.504, IC 2.031-6.048), height ≤ 150 cm (p<0,001 aOR 5.328, IC 2.942-9.648) and history of giving birth to a macrosomic baby (p=0.018, aOR 1.929, IC 1.121-3.321).
Conclusions: This study identified that Body Mass Index and birth-related factors are definitive predictors of pelvic organ prolapse in a low-resource setting. These factors are potentially modifiable and should be targetted in any future pelvic organ prolapse prevention policy. Additionally, there seems to be a genetic predisposition for prolapse, which warrants further assessment in specifically designed large scale studies.
Environmental and Structural Factors Associated with Bacterial Diversity in Household Dust Across the Arizona-Sonora Border
Authors: Benton Lauren , Lopez-Galvez Nicolas , Herman Chloe , Caporaso Greg , Cope Emily , Rosales Cecilia , Gameros Mercedes , Lothrop Nathan , Martínez Fernando , Wright Anne , Carr Tara , Beamer Paloma 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
We previously reported that asthma prevalence was higher in the United States (US) compared to Mexico (MX) (25.8% vs 8.4%). This investigation assessed differences in microbial dust composition in relation to demographic and housing characteristics on both sides of the US-MX Border. Forty homes were recruited in the US and MX. Home visits collected floor dust and documented occupants’ demographics, asthma prevalence, and housing structure and use characteristics. US households were more likely to have inhabitants who reported asthma when compared with MX households (30% vs 5%) and had significantly different flooring types. The percentage of households on paved roads, with flushing toilets, with piped water and with air conditioning was higher in the US, while dust load was higher in MX. Significant differences exist between countries in the microbial composition of the floor dust. Dust from US homes was enriched with Geodermatophilus, whereas dust from Mexican homes was enriched with Alishewanella and Chryseomicrobium. A predictive metagenomics analysis identified 68 significantly differentially abundant functional pathways between US and MX. This study documented multiple structural, environmental, and demographic differences between homes in the US and MX that may contribute to significantly different microbial composition of dust observed in these two countries.
Diagnostic and therapeutic approach to abdominal masses in a country with limited resources
Authors: Adama Saïdou , Balaraba Mohamed Lamine Abani Aïchatou , Aliou Zabeirou Oudou , Daouda Bako Inoussa , Kadi Ide , Hama Younssa , Lassey James Didier , SANI Rachid 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objective: Report the diagnostic and therapeutic approach for the management of abdominal masses in the General Surgery Department of the Reference General Hospital (RGH) of Niamey.
Materials and methods: This were a retro-prospective and preliminary study of 2 years 3 months on patients operated for abdominal mass in the general surgery department of the RGH. Palpable mass and/or imaging size (40 mm) were the criteria for inclusion.
Results: Abdominal masses accounted for 6.7% (n=53) of other pathologies. The average age of patients was 41.26 years, standard deviation 14.2 and a female predominance in 75.5% (n=40) with a sex ratio of 0.32. The abdominal mass was clinically palpable in 75.5% (n=40). The abdominal pelvic ultrasound was performed in all patients and in 75.5% (n=40) it had specified the origin of the mass. The injected abdominal-pelvic scanner, performed in 52.8% of patients (n=28) and 89.3% (n=25), had specified the pre-operative diagnosis. The most common etiologies were uterine myomas in 35.8% (n=19). In 7.5% (n=4) the diagnosis was not accurate in pre-operative despite both imaging, and these patients had benefited from an exploratory laparotomy. Surgery was the initial therapeutic gesture for all patients and coelioscopy was 22.6% (n=12). Post-operative complications were 7.5% (n=11). The death rate was 5.6% of cases (n=3).
Conclusion: Imaging remains important in the etiological research of abdominal masses. The definitive treatment remains surgical; mortality would be related to the malignant nature and the large volume of the mass.
“It Takes a Village”: Reflections from participants after a Hispanic community-based health promotion program
Authors: Korom Bethany , Malloy Meghan , Remmers Caroline , Welsch Elizabeth , Cevilla Mari , Alamillo-Roman Zecilia , Torres Daniela , Dione Kelly , Nelson David 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background.
Physical activity (PA) among Hispanic and other minority adolescents in the U.S. lag behind White, non-Hispanic adolescents. Previous studies have examined the beneficial impact of culturally informed, community-based health programs within the Hispanic community on PA levels. There is a need for longer term follow up to determine the impact on family and individual habits over time. Our study aims to explore the aspects of a two-year PA and nutrition program, Families Inspired Together 4 Youth Empowered to Succeed (FIT4YES), that continue to influence family health habits and child development.
Methods.
Community-based focus groups were held in Milwaukee, WI with Hispanic parent participants of the FIT4YES program three years after program conclusion. A semi-structured guide of open-ended questions was used to facilitate the discussion of the lasting impact of FIT4YES. Each group was audio recorded, transcribed, and translated from Spanish when necessary. Four student researchers utilized a grounded theory qualitative approach to identify overarching themes.
Results.
Three focus groups with 16 total parents (N = 16) spoke about the program. Three overarching themes emerged from the transcripts indicating that cultural exposure, relationships, and self-growth were necessary for families to sustain the healthy behaviors promoted in FIT4YES. Specifically, parents discussed increased comfort levels with their children participating in school sports, the impact of shared experiences with community members, and continued skills initially taught and practiced during active programming.
Conclusions.
Our group adapted our previously published model to a “post-program” state that incorporated the major themes and sub-themes with levels of the social-ecological model. Although the FIT4YES program ended, multiple ideals instilled by the program continued, we believe, due to the common themes illustrated by our model. This study utilized a community check-in approach to gain insight into the long-term impacts of the FIT4YES program. We propose three recommendations for consideration in the creation of community-based health programs: utilize dynamic, culturally appropriate components based on the intended community; understand the strength of the program as a whole is dependent on the strength of each individual component; and incorporate an anchor institution for consistency and trust within the community.
Association between admission heart rate and in-hospital mortality in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory failure: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhou Ruoqing , Pan Dianzhu 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) combined with respiratory failure (RF) is a chronic respiratory disease that seriously endangers human health. This study aimed to specifically evaluate the relationship between admission heart rate (AHR) and in-hospital mortality in patients with combined AECOPD and RF to better inform clinical treatment.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 397 patients admitted to a Chinese hospital between January 2021 and March 2023. The primary outcome measure was all-cause in-hospital mortality. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), and curve fitting and threshold effect were performed to address nonlinear relationships.
Results: In total, 397 patients with AECOPD/RF were screened. The mean (± SD) age of the study cohort was 72.6 ± 9.5 years, approximately 49.4% was female, and the overall in-hospital mortality rate was 5%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and smooth curve fitting revealed a nonlinear association between AHR and in-hospital mortality in the study population, with 100 beats/min representing the inflection point. Left of the inflection point, the effect size (OR) was 0.882 (95% CI 0.742–1.049; p = 0.1561). On the right side, each 1 beat/min increase in AHR resulted in an effect size (OR) of 1.1 (95% CI 1.016–1.19; p = 0.0185).
Conclusions: Results of the present study demonstrated a nonlinear relationship between AHR and in-hospital mortality in patients with AECOPD/RF. When AHR was < 100 beats/min, it was not statistically significant; however, AHR > 100 beats/min was a predictor of potential mortality, which increased by 10% for every 1 beat/min increase in AHR.
Mitigation of BMP-induced Inflammation in Craniofacial Bone Regeneration and Improvement of Bone Parameters by Dietary Hesperidin
Authors: Miguez Patricia , Goncalves Vinicius De Paiva , Musskopf Marta , Rivera-Concepcion Angeliz , McGaughey Skylar , Yu Christina , Lee Dong Joon , Tui Stephen 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Based on anti-inflammatory and osteogenic properties of hesperidin (HE), we hypothesized its systemic administration could be a cost-effective method of improving BMP-induced bone regeneration. Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into 4 groups (n=10/group): a 5-mm critical-sized mandible defect + collagen scaffold or, scaffold + 1 µg of BMP2 with and without dietary HE at 100 mg/kg. HE was administered by oral gavage 4 weeks prior to surgeries until euthanasia at day 7 or 14. The healing tissue within the defect collected at day 7 was subjected to gene expression analysis. Mandibles harvested at day 14 were subjected to microcomputed tomography and histology. HE+BMP2-treated rats had a statistically significant decrease in expression of inflammatory genes compared to BMP2 alone. The high-dose BMP2 caused cystic-like regeneration with incomplete defect closure. HE+BMP2 showed virtually complete bone fusion. Red collagen fibrils were significantly higher in BMP2-induced newly formed bone (NFB) in HE-supplemented group (p<0.05) indicating high organization. Clear changes in osteocyte lacunae as well as a statistically significant increase in osteoclasts were found around NFB in HE rats. A significant increase in trabecular volume and thickness, and trabecular and cortical density was found in femurs of HE-supplemented rats (p<0.05). Our findings show, for the first time, that dietary HE has a remarkable modulatory role in locally delivered high-dose BMP2-induced bone possibly via control of inflammation, osteogenesis, changes in osteocyte and osteoclast function and collagen maturation in regenerated and native bone. In conclusion, HE has a significant skeletal bone sparing effect and the ability to provide a more effective BMP-induced craniofacial regeneration.