bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ National Ophthalmology Database study of cataract surgery: Report 17, A risk factor model for posterior capsule rupture
Authors: Sim Peng Yong , Donachie Paul , Day Alexander , Buchan John 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background/ObjectivesTo create a risk factor model for posterior capsule rupture (PCR) during cataract surgery.Subjects/MethodsEligible cataract operations were performed between 01/04/2016 and 31/03/2022 in centres supplying data to the national cataract audit on at least 50 eligible operations with complete data for patients’ gender and age at surgery, anterior chamber depth (ACD) measurement and preoperative visual acuity (VA). A logistic regression model was fitted to identify risk factors for PCR.ResultsThis analysis included 961 208 cataract operations performed on 682 381 patients from 136 participating centres by 3 198 surgeons. The final PCR risk factor model included surgical and patient factors comprising surgeon grade, patients’ gender and age, ability to lie flat and/or cooperate, diabetic status and an interaction between age and gender. Ocular factors were first or second eye surgery, ACD, preoperative VA, previous intravitreal therapy, pupil size, the presence or absence of amblyopia, brunescent / white / mature cataract, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, high myopia, previous vitrectomy and pseudoexfoliation / phacodonesis. The highest influencing risk factors were surgery by less experienced trainee surgeon, younger male patients and the presence of pseudoexfoliation / phacodonesis.ConclusionVarious surgical, patient and ocular factors increase the risk of PCR during cataract surgery. Appropriate case allocation should balance the risk to the patient with the requirement for trainee surgeons to gain experience. This risk factor model permits estimation of individualised risks for patients and allows risk-adjustment for surgeons to evaluate their PCR rates based on case complexity.
L-VEIGe: Development of L2 Vocabulary Learning Support System with Suggestibility of Error by Image Generation
Authors: Sugita Kazuki , Gu Wen , Ota Koichi , Hasegawa Shinobu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Vocabulary learning has long been taught as a basis for L2 English language learning. The use of visual clues is a widely recognized method in vocabulary learning. Several research have applied automatic image caption generation, invented with computer vision and natural language processing, to English vocabulary learning. However, these vocabulary learning systems mainly use correct answers and their corresponding images. On the other hand, in English vocabulary learning, Fossilization is a problem where errors become difficult to correct and become established through repeated errors by learners. While the use of images has been effective in traditional English vocabulary learning, there has been little research focusing on learners' incorrect answers. In this research, we intentionally created situations where learners are likely to give incorrect answers and constructed an English vocabulary learning support system L-VEIGe (Learning-Vocabulary Error Image Generation) that generates images in response to learners' incorrect answers to promote effective introspection and eliminate repeated errors. An evaluation experiment targeting graduate students who are second language English learners revealed that a proposed method effectively prevents repetitive errors compared to a method without image generation.
Identification of glycosyltransferase genes for diagnosing T-cell mediated rejection and predicting graft loss in kidney transplantation
Authors: Mao Kaifeng , Lin Fenwang , Ye Junli , Li Juan , Ye Junsheng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background Protein glycosylation plays an important role in various biological processes, and abnormal glycosylation is often linked with many diseases. This study aimed to investigate the potential value of glycosyltransferase genes (GTGs) in the diagnosis of T-cell mediated rejection (TCMR) and the prediction of graft loss in kidney transplantation.Methods We downloaded the microarray datasets and GTs from the GEO database and the HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) database, respectively. Differentially expressed GTGs (DE-GTGs) were obtained by differential expression analysis and Venn analyses. LASSO and XGboost machine learning algorithms were applied to screen hub DE-GTGs, and a TCMR diagnostic model was established based on the hub DE-GTGs. Furthermore, we constructed a long-term graft survival predictive model by univariate Cox analysis and LASSO Cox regression analysis.Results 15 DE-GTGs were obtained. GO and KEGG analyses showed that the DE-GTGs were mainly involved in the glycoprotein biosynthetic process. The TCMR diagnostic model exhibited high diagnostic potential with generally high accuracies (an AUC of 0.833). The immune characteristics analysis revealed that higher levels of immune cell infiltration and immune responses were observed in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group. Furthermore, a predictive model for long‑term graft survival was established. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis suggested that renal grafts in the high-risk group have worse prognostic outcomes than the low-risk group. AUC values of 1-, 2- and 3-year graft survival were 0.76, 0.81, and 0.70, respectively.Conclusion Our results indicate that GTGs not only play an important role in renal graft rejection but also could be used for diagnosing TCMR. Furthermore, GTGs could be applied to predict long-term renal graft outcomes. These results offer novel schemes for assessing kidney transplant diseases and provide a valuable direction for future research.
Usefulness of respiratory-triggered 3D-balanced steady-state free precession in assessing the anatomy of the right adrenal vein for adrenal vein sampling
Authors: Kisohara Masaya , Nakayama Keita , Ohta Kengo , Hatano Motoki , Nakashima Yusuke , Yanagihara Takashi , Shimohira Masashi , Shibamoto Yuta , Kawai Tatsuya 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Primary aldosteronism (PA) is one of the causes of hypertension. Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is an interventional radiology procedure used to devise therapeutic strategies for PA. Since catheterization of the right adrenal vein (RAV) is a difficult step in AVS, evaluation of the anatomy of the RAV is essential before AVS.
Purpose
We assessed the confluence of the RAV with the inferior vena cava (IVC) with respiratory-triggered 3D-balanced steady-state free precession magnetic resonance imaging (RT-3D bSSFP) and dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT).
Materials and Methods
Those with RAVs identifiable on RT-3D bSSFP and CECT were included. We evaluated the vertebral level of the confluence of the RAV with the IVC on RT-3D bSSFP and CECT over 10 even divisions of the adjacent intervertebral discs. We also evaluated the highest and lowest levels of the confluence of the RAV with the IVC during AVS procedures on digital angiography to test equivalence.
Results
The confluence of the RAV with the IVC was identified in all modalities in 39 patients which met the inclusion criteria. 95% confidential intervals of the differences in mean showed − 1.00–0.48, -0.01-0.56, -0.21-0.36, -0.71–0.21, and − 0.90–0.41 between RT-3D bSSFP and CECT, RT-3D bSSFP and angiography during spontaneous inspiration (inspiration), RT-3D bSSFP and angiography during spontaneous expiration (expiration), CECT and inspiration, and CECT and expiration, respectively. Equivalence in height was observed between RT-3D bSSFP and expiration (p = 0.0023).
Conclusion
RT-3D bSSFP is helpful in evaluating the height at which the RAV merges into the IVC.
Cell cycle-regulated release of a replication inhibition complex in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Val Marie-Eve , Niault Theophile , Talavera Ariel , LeCam Eric , Skovgaard Ole , Fournes Florian , Wagner Léa , Tamman Hedvig , Thompson Andrew , Pino Abel Garcia , Mazel Didier 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Over 10% of bacteria have expanded their genomes through the domestication of megaplasmids, which subsequently evolved into secondary chromosomes encoding core functions. A fundamental challenge of this genomic expansion is coordinating the replication of multiple replicons within a single cell cycle. In Vibrio cholerae, the replication of the secondary chromosome (Chr2) is intricately linked to the replication of the primary chromosome (Chr1) via a unique checkpoint sequence, crtS. This sequence binds to the initiator of Chr2, RctB. While crtS replication on Chr1 triggers Chr2 replication, the specific molecular dynamics remain elusive. To investigate this, we conducted a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of RctB binding patterns in V. cholerae across various cell cycle stages. Our findings show that RctB primarily binds to sites inhibiting replication initiation at the Chr2 origin (ori2). This inhibitory effect is counteracted when crtS replicates on Chr1, causing a shift in RctB binding to sites that activate replication at ori2. Structural analyses support the formation of diverse oligomeric states of RctB, coupled to the allosteric effect of DNA, which determine ori2 accessibility. We propose a synchronization model where, upon replication, crtS locally destabilizes the RctB inhibition complex, releasing the Chr2 replication origin.
Integrated Analysis of Tumor-Associated Macrophages and M2 Macrophages in CRC: Unraveling Molecular Heterogeneity and Developing a Novel Risk Signature
Authors: Shi Lujing , Mao Hongtun , Ma Jie 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Emerging investigations have increasingly highlighted the critical role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and M2 macrophages in cancer development, progression, and metastasis, marking them as potential targets in various cancer types. The main objective of this research is to discover new biomarkers associated with TAM-M2 in colorectal cancer (CRC) by combining single-cell RNA sequencing and bulk RNA-seq data. Our objective is to dissect the molecular heterogeneity of CRC and develop a novel risk signature.
Methods: By utilizing weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we acquired TAM-M2-associated genes by intersecting TAM marker genes obtained from scRNA-seq data with module genes of M2 macrophages derived from bulk RNA-seq data. We employed least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox analysis to select predictive biomarkers from these TAM-M2-related genes. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) was employed to validate the mRNA expression levels of the genes identified in the screening. This led to the development of the TAM-M2-related signature (TAMM2RS). We also conducted immune landscape analysis across different risk groups.
Results: The combination of scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq analyses yielded 377 TAM-M2-related genes. DAPK1, NAGK, and TRAF1 emerged as key prognostic genes in CRC, identified through LASSO Cox analysis. Utilizing these genes, we constructed and validated the TAMM2RS, demonstrating its effectiveness in predicting survival in CRC patients.
Conclusion: Our research offers a thorough investigation into the molecular mechanisms associated with TAM-M2 macrophages in CRC and unveils potential therapeutic targets, offering new insights for treatment strategies in colorectal cancer.
Additive Confirmation of Cavotricuspid Isthmus Conduction Block
Authors: Park Soyoon , Kim Soohyun , Kim Hwajung , Choi Young , Oh Yong-Seog , Kim Tae-Seok , Hwang Youmi , Kim Ji-Hoon , Jang Sung-Won , Kim Sung-Hwan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Differential pacing (DP) was generally used to assess the bidirectional conduction block of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) after catheter ablation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate continuous sequence (CS) as a complement to differential pacing.
Methods
Patients who underwent catheter ablation for typical atrial flutter were enrolled. After ablation, the CTI conduction block was evaluated by two maneuvers, DP and CS. With CS, the CTI conduction block was assessed with the recorded sequence of the diagnostic catheter positioned on the CTI lesion.
Results
Both maneuvers were performed in 98 patients. There were ten cases (10/98, 10.2%) where a discrepancy existed between the initial results of CS and DP. Additional ablations were performed, and the CTI bidirectional block was achieved in all patients with two maneuvers. During the median 24 months, there was no recurrence of typical atrial flutter, but it was identified as atrial tachycardia in five cases (5.1%).
Conclusion
DP could not always guarantee the bidirectional block of CTI. In 10.2% of patients with complete block identified by the DP maneuver, incomplete block was confirmed by the CS maneuver. CS, the simple maneuver, could be applied to compensate for the limitation of DP.
Experimental Evaluation of Alternative Water Softening Methods
Authors: Buljubašić Armin , Stuhli Vedran , Odobašić Amra 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Water hardness and deposition of incrustation is a problem in households and industry. In this regard, several technologies have been developed with purpose of water softening and preventing deposition of incrustation. The ion exchange method is the most commonly used method and is considered a conventional method. However, due to the shortcomings of this method, other methods have predispositions for greater and wider application. A promising alternative approach to water softening is application of sorbents such as synthetic zeolites and biosorbents such as moss Leucobryum glaucum for the purpose of removing water hardness and application of electrochemical methods. In this study, three alternative methods were tested: water softening method with application of biosorbent, electrochemical scale removal method and water softening method with application of natural and artificial adsorbent, and a comparison was made with the conventional method and previously condusted studies on alternative water softening methods.
Comparing the efficacy and safety of cryoablation and microwave ablation in treating paravertebral metastases of rabbit VX2 tumor
Authors: Song Zhenzhen , Zhao Yanfen , Liu Zhu , Li Bing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Abstact
We sought to assess and compare the effectiveness and safety of cryoablation (CA) and microwave ablation (MWA) in treating paravertebral metastases of VX2 in rabbits. A rabbit VX2 paravertebral metastases model was established under computed tomography (CT) guidance, with a modeling success rate of 88.23% (60/68). Sixty successfully modeled rabbits were randomly allocated into the MWA group (n = 30) and CA group (n = 30). A comparative analysis between the CA and MWA groups included assessments of the complete ablation rate, operation time, post-ablation pain, and complication rate,.The complete ablation rate in the CA group (86.67%) was higher than that in the MWA group (63.33%) (P < 0.05), and the operation time in the CA group was notably longer than that in the MWA group (P < 0.05).The BRPS ( Bristol Rabbit Pain Scale) scores in both groups decreased at 5 time points after treatment, the post-treatment points scores in the CA group were lower than those in the MWA group (P <0.001). At a followe-up of 21 days postoperatively, the complication rate in the CA group (10.00%) was significantly lower than that in the MWA group (33.33%) (P < 0.05), with 6 rabbits in the MWA group experiencing severe complications. Compared to MWA, CA for paravertebral metastases demonstrates higher efficacy and safety.
A blended learning approach for capacity strengthening to improve the quality of integrated HIV, TB, and Malaria services during antenatal and postnatal care in LMICs: A feasibility study
Authors: Ladur Alice Norah , Egere Uzochukwu , Ravit Marion , Mgawadere Florence , Murray Christopher , White Sarah Ann , Mohammed Hauwa , Mutai Rael , Nyaga Lucy , Shikuku Duncan , Bashir Issak , Ayinde Olubunmi Olufunmilola , Bakar Rukia , Katalambula Leonard , Federici Carlo , Torbica Alexsandra , Furtado Nicholas , Ameh Charles 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background The blended learning (BL) approach to training health care professionals is increasingly adopted in many countries because of high costs and disruption to service delivery in the light of severe human resource shortage in low resource settings. The Covid-19 pandemic increased the urgency to identify alternatives to traditional face-to-face (f2f) education approach. A four-day f2f antenatal care (ANC) and postnatal care (PNC) continuous professional development course (CPD) was repackaged into a 3-part BL course; 1) self-directed learning (16 hours) 2) facilitated virtual sessions (2.5 hours over 3 days) and 3) 2-day f2f sessions.Methods This study assessed the feasibility, change in healthcare providers' knowledge and costs of the BL package in Nigeria, Tanzania, and Kenya. A mixed methods design was used. A total of 89 healthcare professionals, were purposively selected. Quantitative data was collected through an online questionnaire and skills assessments, analyzed using STATA 12 software. Qualitative data was collected through key informant interviews and focus group discussions, analysed using thematic analysis.Results Majority of participants (86%) accessed the online sessions using a mobile phone from home and health facilities. The median (IQR) time of completing the self-directed component was 16 hours, IQR (8, 30). A multi-disciplinary team comprising of 42% nurse-midwives, 28% doctors, 20% clinical officers and 10% other healthcare professionals completed the BL course. Participants liked the BL approach due to its flexibility in learning, highly educative/relevant content, mixing of health worker cadres and CPD points. Aspects that were noted as challenging were related to personal log-in details and network connectivity issues during the self-directed learning and facilitated virtual sessions respectively.Conclusion The blended learning approach to ANC-PNC in-service training was found to be feasible, cost saving compared to the face-to-face approach and acceptable to health care professionals in LMICs.
Quantifying intratumoral heterogeneity within sub-regions to predict high-grade patterns in clinical stage I solid lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zuo Zhichao , Deng Jinqiu , Ge Wu , Zhou Yinjun , Liu Haibo , Zhang Wei , Zeng Ying 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: This study aims to quantify intratumoral heterogeneity(ITH) using preoperative CT scans and evaluate its ability to predict pathological high-grade patterns, specifically micropapillary and/or solid components (MP/S), in patients diagnosed with clinical stage I solid lung adenocarcinoma (LADC).
Methods: In this retrospective study, 457 patients postoperatively diagnosed with clinical stage I solid LADC were included from two medical centers, comprising a training set (center 1, n=304) and a test set (center 2, n=153). Sub-regions within the tumor were identified using the K-means method. Both intratumoral ecological diversity features (hereafter referred to as ITH) and conventional radiomics (hereafter referred to as C-radiomics) were extracted to generate ITH scores and C-radiomics scores. Next, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify clinical-radiological (Clin-Rad) features associated with the MP/S (+) group for constructing the Clin-Rad classification. Subsequently, a hybrid model which presented as a nomogram was developed, integrating the Clin-Rad classification and ITH score. The performance of models was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and the area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were determined.
Results: The ITH score outperformed both C-radiomics scores and Clin-Rad classification, as indicated by higher AUC values in the training (0.820 versus 0.810 and 0.700) and test sets (0.805 versus 0.771 and 0.732), respectively. Notably, the hybrid model consistently demonstrated robust predictive capabilities in identifying MP/S (+), achieving AUCs of 0.830 in the training set and 0.849 in the test sets.
Conclusion: The ITH of sub-regions within the intratumor has been shown to be a reliable predictor for MP/S (+) in clinical stage I solid LADC. This finding holds the potential to make a significant contribution to clinical decision-making processes.
Markers of low field NMR relaxation features of tissues
Authors: Kołodziejski Karol , Masiewicz Elzbieta , Alamri Amnah , Zampetoulas Vasileios , Samuel Leslie , Murray Graeme , Lurie David J. , Broche Lionel M. , Kruk Danuta 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This work presents an approach to exploiting Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxometry data (1H spin-lattice relaxation rates covering the frequency range from below 1 kHz to 10 MHz) for the purpose of differentiating between pathological and reference tissues. Characteristic quantities (markers) that can be obtained in a straightforward manner, not resorting to an advanced analysis of 1H spin-lattice relaxation data, have been identified and compared for pathological and reference colon tissues. Moreover, the relaxation data have been parametrised in terms of Lorentzian spectral densities and the possibility of using the obtained dipolar relaxation constants and correlation times as biomarkers to assess the state of tissues has been discussed. It has also been demonstrated that the relaxation data for the reference and the pathological tissues can be attributed to two groups (for each case). The studies are a step towards exploiting the potential of NMR relaxometry for characterisation of pathological changes in tissues.
Toward a Roadmap for Sustainable Lean Hospital Adoption: A Delphi Study
Authors: Zyl-Cillié Maria M. Van , Dun Desirée H. Van , Meijer Hanneke 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: The benefits of lean adoption in healthcare include improved process efficiency and quality of patient care. Research however indicates that lean implementation in healthcare and specifically hospitals is often not sustained. Furthermore, there is a need for maturity models that guide lean implementation specifically in hospitals. This study develops a prescriptive maturity model named the Sustaining of Lean Adoption in Hospitals Roadmap (SOLAR) that acts as a practical guideline for the sustainable adoption of lean in hospitals.
Methods: The SOLAR is based on three theoretical building blocks, namely the theory of lean implementation success factors in hospitals, implementation science, and change management theory. A systematic literature review was conducted to determine the lean implementation success factors in hospitals as the first building block. For the second building block, practices from implementation science were used to create the action items in the SOLAR. Ten change steps were elicited from change management theory as the third theoretical building block of the roadmap. We refined the roadmap through three Delphi rounds that verified the useability of our model in hospitals.
Results: The final SOLAR consists of four maturity phases (prepare, plan, experiment and learn, and sustain) and includes action items for each phase related to the hospital’s strategy, resources, engaging of people, and culture. The action items and change management steps shown in the SOLAR are notintended as an exhaustive list but provide guidelines on aspects one certainly needs to consider for a hospital that aims to adopt lean sustainably.
Conclusions: The strong theoretical base of the SOLAR enables hospitals to safely experiment and learn which implementation methods are best suited to their unique environment. The SOLAR is, therefore, an actionable guideline that informs both academics and practitioners involved in lean adoption in hospitals. This roadmap can guide future retrospective longitudinal or action research.