bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anticoagulation Status and Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Indications in Hospitalized Cardiology Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Hellenic Cardiorenal Morbidity Snapshot (HECMOS) Sub-Study
Authors: Tsiachris Dimitris , Papakonstantinou Panteleimon E. , Doundoulakis Ioannis , Tsioufis Panagiotis , Botis Michail , Dimitriadis Kyriakos , Leontsinis Ioannis , Kordalis Athanasios , Antoniou Christos-Konstantinos , Mantzouranis Emmanouil , Iliakis Panagiotis , Vlachakis Panayotis , Gatzoulis Konstantinos A , Tsioufis Konstantinos 
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives: Proper use of oral anticoagulants is crucial in the management of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) may be considered for stroke prevention in patients with AF and contraindications for long-term anticoagulant treatment. We aimed to assess the anticoagulation status and LAAC indications in patients with AF from HECMOS (Hellenic Cardiorenal Morbidity Snapshot) survey. Materials and Methods: HECMOS was a nationwide snapshot survey of cardiorenal morbidity in hospitalized cardiology patients. HECMOS used an electronic platform to collect demographic and clinically relevant information from all patients hospitalized on March 3, 2022, in 55 different cardiology departments. In this substudy, we included patients with known AF without mechanical prosthetic valves and moderate to severe mitral valve stenosis. Patients with prior stroke, previous major bleeding, poor adherence to anticoagulants, and end-stage renal disease were considered candidates for LAAC. Results: Two hundred fifty-six patients (mean age 76.6±11.7, 148 males) were included in our analysis. Most of them (n=159; 62%) suffered from persistent AF. Mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4.28±1.7, while mean HAS-BLED score was 1.47±0.9. Three out of 3 patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc 0 or 1 (female) received improperly anticoagulants. Sixteen out of 18 patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc 1 or 2 (female) received anticoagulants. Thirty-three out of 235 patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc &amp;gt; 1 or 2 (for female) did not receive improperly anticoagulants. Among 221 under anticoagulant therapy, 191 (86.4%) received non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and 30 (13.6%) received vitamin K antagonists. Relative indications for LAAC were present in 64 patients with NVAF (60 had only one risk factor and 2 had two concurrent risk factors). In detail, 36 had a prior stroke, 17 patients had a history of major bleeding, 15 patients reported poor or no adherence to the anticoagulant therapy and 5 had eGFR&amp;lt; 15 ml/min/1.73m2. Moreover, 33 had a HAS-BLED score ≥3. No LAAC treatment was recorded. Conclusions: Anticoagulation status was nearly optimal in a high thromboembolic risk population of cardiology patients, mainly treated with NOACs. One out of four AF patients should be screened for LAAC.
Submarine-Channel Element Architecture Demonstrates Facies Heterogeneity in Both Strike and Dip Views: Miocene Modelo Formation, Lake Piru, California, USA
Authors: Gilbert J Clark , Jobe Zane R 
Published: August 2023

Submarine channels deliver vast quantities of sediment into ocean basins and the deposits left by these systems host important archives of paleoenvironmental change and are major targets for hydrocarbon production and carbon sequestration. However, similarities between channel subenvironments often make their identification difficult, particularly because some subenvironments are transitional or quite variable. While large channel complexes can often be resolved on seismic data, only outcrop data yields high-resolution detail of their internal heterogeneity. This study integrates 10 measured sections with drone-based photography to document lateral and vertical changes in depositional architecture in a well exposed outcrop of a submarine-channel element in the Miocene Modelo Formation at Lake Piru, California. The channel-element architecture is well constrained by erosional-surface mapping and lateral and vertical facies changes. The 3-dimensionality of the outcrop provides a unique example to demonstrate this heterogeneity in both strike (i.e., cross-sectional view) and dip orientations (i.e., longitudinal view). This channel element has a predictable vertical facies succession of thin sandstones and mudstones, mass transport deposits and amalgamated sandstones. The element is capped by a siliceous mudstones that provide a unique marker of hemipelagic deposition and the presence of an abandonment surface. The amalgamated sand packages are thickest in axial locations and thin over a distance of 500 m in the dip direction, but thin over 150 m in the strike direction toward two locations along the same margin. This thinning is used to constrain the dimensions and sinuosity of the channel element. We interpret a channel-element width of 550 m, a thickness of 29 m and an aspect ratio of 19:1, which is in agreement with previously published ranges of channel-element dimensions. With the documentation of lateral facies heterogeneity in orientations slightly oblique to both strike and dip, this study provides important data for understanding channelized sediment gravity flow dynamics in submarine channels and aids in evaluating reservoir-model volume and connectivity estimates.
The Impact of Contract Farming on Income of Smallholder Vegetables Farmers in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia
Authors: Neme Abdisa Abe , Tefera Tesfaye Lemma , Beshir Bedru , Aweke Chanyalew Seyoum 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Recently, due attention was given to commercialization of smallholder agriculture through contact farming hoping that it would bring positive impact on income of smallholder produces in Ethiopia. This article presents the results of data analysis conducted to generate empirical data required to inform smallholder agricultural commercialization policy using data collected from 424 (194 participants and 230 non-participants) randomly selected vegetables producer farmers from two districts of the East shewa zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. The propensity score matching was used to assess the impact of contract farming on smallholder farmers’ income in the study area. The probit model result shows that the proportion of total crop area allocated to vegetables, access to credit, frequency of extension contacts, market information, and distance of the market center have a positive and significance effects on decision of vegetable producers to participate on contract farming. The impact assessment result using PSM reveals that gross annual income of contract participants is lower by 3.8% (Birr 2,942) compared to the non- participants. This may due to the nature of contract itself, being prone to manipulation, absence of effective contract enforcement mechanism, and lack of government support. However, some of the contract farming participants would like to continue to access inputs, credit, and technical advice and to reduce marketing risks and uncertainty. In conclusion, contract farming is a useful institutional arrangement which increases smallholders’ income and benefit from remunerative value chains but it is not a panacea that works in different contexts. Hence, policy makers should base their choices on empirical evidence and consider alternative and complementary intervention options to enhance smallholder commercialization and ensure sustainable livelihood in the research area.
Opening SCID Newborn Screening for novel exon genetic variants through whole-exome sequencing in China
Authors: Yang Xiao , He JianHu , Peng Wei , Zheng Sheng , Ma Ning , Chen YuHan , Shen Jian , Kong XiangYong 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Introduction:
Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is the most fatal form of inherited primary immunodeficiency disease. Known molecular defect mutations occur in most children with SCID.
Design and Methods:
We report ADA-genetically confirmed cases of SCID using whole-exome sequencing (WES), explore exome mutational landscape and significance for 17 SCID samples, and verify the mutated exon genes using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Total of 250 patients hospitalized at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of The Seventh Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital for 3 years (from 2017 to 2020) were screened for SCID. We collected mutant genes from the WES data. GSE609 and GSE99176 cohorts were used to identify the expressions of mutated exon genes and molecular features. Gene set variation analyses (GSVA) and correlation analyses were performed.
Results
The detection rate with approximately 6.8% (17/250) of SCID is high in the NICU. A total of 16 genes were identified among 17 SCID samples, of which the Top 2 genes (MUC6 and RP11-683L23.1) might be crucial in SCID with 94% mutation frequency. Furthermore, CNN2 and SCGB1C1 had significant co-mutations and may cooperate to affect SCID development. Importantly, the phylogenetic tree classification results of 17 SCID samples are more correlated to MUC6 with the most significant mutations. Expression profiles of seven mutated genes and five mutated genes were documented in GSE609 and GSE99176 cohorts based on microarray, respectively. Several immune-related pathways were significantly enriched, and Foxd4, differing from the other four mutated genes, was inversely correlated with the GSVA-enriched pathway.
Conclusion
Due to its high detection rate (6.8%) and fatality rate (100%), the inclusion of SCID in newborn screening (NBS) is urgent for children in China. The WES successfully identified several common exonic variants (e.g., MUC6) and depicted the feature of mutations and evolution.
Comparison and Risk factors of early and late pulmonary embolism in patients after major cancer surgery
Authors: Li Yi , Zhao Lili , Zhao Qian , Chen Chen , Zhang Xuelu , Cheng Xiaoyan , Liu Zhenjun 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

BackgroundPostoperative pulmonary embolism (PE) is a severe complication in patients underwent major cancer surgery. We assume the pathogeny of early and late PE are different, and design a retrospective study to examine the potential predisposing factors for early and late postoperative PE.MethodsWe investigated patients underwent major cancer surgery in Sichuan Cancer Hospital from April 2016 to May 2022. Postoperative PE was divided into early and late phase by three days after operation. Early PE patients and late PE patients were compared to non-PE postoperative patients in a 1-2 ratio, matched for age (± 3 years), type of cancer and cancer site. Logistic regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis were used to identify risk factors of early PE and late PE respectively.ResultsThere were thirty-six patients were collected as early PE group, and 46 patients were allocated to late PE. There were no significant differences in demographics, cancer type, cancer stage, PE location and mortality between early PE group and late PE group. After LASSO logistic regression, early postoperative PE was significantly associated with Body mass index (BMI), intraoperative hypotension time (IHT) and postoperative D-dimer value (P<0.05). Postoperative D-dimer value and severe infection were the independent risk factors for late PE (P<0.05).ConclusionsBMI, IHT are the risk factors for early PE and severe infection is the risk factor for late PE. In addition, a high postoperative D-dimer level has a strong relationship with both early PE and late PE.
Impact of COVID-19 on Emotional and Behavioral Problems among Preschool Children: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Jing JiaQi , Yang ChangJiang , Wang Yue , Su XueYun , Du YiJie 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on society is continuous, resulting in negative psychological consequences. Given the vulnerability and sensitivity to the environment among preschool children, their emotional and behavioral problems deserve more attention. The current study aimed to explore the impact of the epidemic on preschool children's mental health by determining the pooled prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems during the COVID-19 pandemic and to reveal potential reasons for variations between studies. Published studies were searched in Embase, PubMed, ProQuest, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang. The pooled prevalence was estimated with random-effect models, with the I² value estimating the heterogeneity. Egger’s test was used to estimate the publication bias. A total of 10 studies, including 38059 participants, met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems among preschool children was 24.3% (95%CI, 0.15-0.38). The study demonstrated the negative impact of the epidemic on preschoolers' psychological health. Mental health care and recovery are essential for the vulnerable group during and after the public health crisis. Specific emotional and behavioral problems among preschool children are expected to research in the future to provide more targeted guidance for intervention.
New Loss Functions Using Control Function for Medical Image Registration
Authors: Xing Dong , Lei Shuge , Liao Guojun , Zhou Zicong , Zhu Yongpei 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Accurate registration of medical images is crucial for doctor’s diagnosis and quantitative analysis. Optimizing the loss function is an significant research direction in medical image registration. From variational method in differential geometry, control function is essential to generate better registration field ϕ.
Methods: In this paper, we propose a novel registration loss function based on the VoxelMorph architecture, utilizing the control function and Lagrange multiplier. The proposed method consists of two steps. In the first step, we modify the gradient of the registration field ϕ in Lsmooth(ϕ) using the Laplacian operator. In the second step, we introduce the control function F into the Lsmooth(ϕ) from the first step, which is the main contribution of our method. And we discussed two extensions of our method based on Lagrange multiplier.In the first extension, we add a Lagrange multiplier to control the Lsmooth(ϕ) in the second step. The second extension is based on Lagrange multiplier and Jacobian determinant (JD). We change the Laplacian operator to JD, and control function F to monitor function f of JD. Our proposed method has been validated on two datasets, namely the ADNI and IBSR datasets.
Results: The results of our method demonstrate a significant improvement in MR image registration compared to existing methods. The new loss function has better convergence than original loss and gets better average Dice (higher is better) and non-positive Jacobian locations (lower is better) compared with MIT’s original method.
Conclusion: The experimental findings indicate that our proposed technique outperforms other existing methods in the task of registering brain MRI images.
A study of the correlation between residents' humanistic care skills and their level of emotional intelligence
Authors: Luo Ming-wei , Pang Jie , Xie Shi-wei , Xu Hua-min , Yan Jing 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background There is variability in the structure of junior doctors' knowledge of humanistic medicine. The level of residents' emotional intelligence affects their professional development and the doctor-patient relationship. At present, there are few studies on the humanistic competence and emotional intelligence of medical residents in China and abroad. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current status of residents' humanistic competence level and emotional intelligence level and to confirm the correlation between humanistic competence level and emotional intelligence level.Results The mean score of residents' humanistic care competence was 188.82 ± 20.80, and the mean score of emotional intelligence was 87.08 ± 13.49. Pearson correlation results showed that the level of emotional intelligence (r = 0.400, p = 0.000) was significantly correlated with humanistic care competence. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that self-emotional appraisal, emotional appraisal of others, emotional control, emotional use, and school community work experience were independent predictors of humanistic care competence.Methods A cross-sectional survey using the Demographic Characteristics Questionnaire, the Humanistic Care Competence Scale, and the Emotional Intelligence Scale was conducted in September 2022 among residents of a tertiary general hospital in Sichuan Province. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyse the relationship between residents' humanistic care competence scores and emotional intelligence scores.Conclusion Residents' humanistic care competence scores were low and there were many factors influencing emotional intelligence and different levels of development. Emotional intelligence was positively associated with humanistic care competence. Emotional intelligence is an important consideration in the development, implementation, and evaluation of humanistic care interventions. Residency programs should provide education and training in humanistic competencies to improve residents' levels of emotional intelligence and promote the overall health of society.
Childbirth experiences among women living with HIV in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania:A mixed method study on respectful maternity care
Authors: Barabara Mariam L. , Watt Melissa H. , Marchand Virginie , Minja Linda M. , Stephens Maya J. , Masenga Gileard G. , Mmbaga Blandina T. , Cohen Susanna R. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background This mixed-method study explored the experiences of respectful maternity care (RMC) during childbirth among women living with HIV (WLHIV) in Tanzania.Method We recruited 103 WLHIV from six healthcare facilities within 48 hours of giving birth. Participants completed a survey using audio computer-assisted self-interview survey technology. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 pregnant WLHIV and 12 postpartum WLHIV.Findings In the survey reports from RMC were overall positive. The median score on the full RMC scale (possible range: 0-100) was 74.4, with the highest scores in the subscale of dignity and respect (83.3), followed by supportive care (77.8) and communication and autonomy (62.9). Qualitative data suggest a general appreciation of care received, but some participants reported that providers neglected them, avoided physical contact, or did not seek their consent for procedures. In addition, they reported issues of overcrowding, long waiting times for care services, and restrictions on birth companions.Discussion This data suggests there is an opportunity for additional provider training in clinical empathy and patient-centered practices to address the unique needs of WLHIV and enhance their overall maternity care satisfaction and health outcomes.
Enhanced intervertebral disc repair via genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells with tetracycline regulatory system
Authors: Kim Yeji , An Seong Bae , Lee Sang-Hyuk , Lee Jong Joo , Kim Sung Bum , Ahn Jae-Cheul , Hwang Dong-Youn , Han Inbo 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

BackgroundThe therapeutic potential of Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment of Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration can be enhanced by amplifying specific cytokines and proteins. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of tetracycline-off system-engineered tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ToMSC-Tetoff-TGFβ1-IGF1-BMP7) for treating intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration.MethodsToMSCs were isolated from a tonsillectomy patient and genetically modified with four distinct plasmids via CRISPR/Cas9 -mediated knock-in gene editing. Transgene expression was confirmed through immunofluorescence, western blots, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) protein secretion, and the effect of MSC-TetOff-TGFβ1-IGF1-BMP7 on disc injury was assessed in a rat model.ResultsThe ToMSC-Tetoff-TGFβ1-IGF1-BMP7 treatment exhibited superior therapeutic effects compared to ToMSC-TGFβ1, and ToMSC-SDF1α implantation groups, stimulating the regeneration of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells crucial for IVD. The treatment showed potential to restore the structural integrity of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by upregulating key molecules such as aggrecan and type II collagen. It also exhibited anti-inflammatory properties and reduced pain-inducing neuropeptides.ConclusionsToMSC-Tetoff-TGFβ1-IGF1-BMP7 holds promise as a novel treatment for IVD degeneration. It appears to promote NP cell regeneration, restore ECM structure, suppress inflammation, and reduce pain. However, more research and clinical trials are required to confirm it’s the therapeutic potential.
Dynamics of Mpox Infection in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cadmus S.I.B. , Akinseye Victor , Bisong Matthias , Olanipekun Tobi , Fadele John , Cadmus Eniola , Ansumuna Rashid , Oluwayelu Daniel , Odemuyiwa Solomon O. , Tomori Oyewale 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

The seasonal outbreaks of Mpox continues in most parts of West and Central Africa. In the past year Nigeria had the highest number of reported cases. Here, we used the PRISMA guidelines to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of available evidence on Mpox in Nigeria. All relevant observational studies in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, AJOL, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar on Mpox in Nigeria within the last five years were assessed. In all 92 relevant articles were retrieved, out of which 23 were included in the final qualitative analysis. Over the past five years, thirty-two out of 36 states in Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory have reported at least a case of Mpox. Most of the cases of Mpox in Nigeria were from the southern part of the country. Our findings showed progressive spread from southern to the northern regions of the country. Further, we identified a positive association between infection and poverty, lack of basic healthcare facilities as well as multiple heterosexual partners. Our findings reiterate the need to strengthen and expand on the already existing efforts as well as establish robust multi-sectoral collaboration to understand the dynamics of Mpox Nigeria.
Smart Cities Trafic Light Management Systems Review: Models and Approaches
Authors: ZERROUG Rafik , ALIOUAT Zibouda , ALIOUAT Makhlouf , ALTI Adel 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

In large cities, the number of vehicles in daily circulation is increasing significantly. In parallel with the evolution of urban structures, the road infrastructure is struggling to keep up with this flow of vehicles. Such a situation could become more and more cumbersome until it leads to unmanageable conditions that could reach complete congestion of the crossroads. Thus, due to its negative impact on the daily lives of vehicle users, many studies have addressed this problem, but the issue is still relevant today and is attracting more attention from researchers, especially with the emerging paradigm of smart cities. To this end, different approaches have been developed to overcome the waiting time hindrance at road junctions and avoid the costly and stressful situation of trafic congestion. In this context, the significant studies conducted so far are analyzed in this paper in order to synthesize the different approaches used. The objective is to highlight the important elements of a successful solution for trafic signal planning at intersections. Such a solution must be consistent with the requirements and environment of the smart city concept. Thus, different solutions to the problem posed, in the form of Smart Trafic Light Management Systems (STLMS), have been based on models applied to one or more intersections and using mathematical optimization techniques, wireless sensor networks, or both. Nevertheless, none of the proposed methods has addressed the problem as a whole, i.e., the coordination and cooperation of STLMS at all intersections of a smart city and the integration of the overall system into the IoT environment.