bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reading, singing, and storytelling: the impact of caregiver-child interaction and child access to books and preschool on early childhood development in Ghana
Authors: Mohammed Shamsudeen , Afaya Agani , Abukari Alhassan Sibdow 
Published: August 2023

AbstractOptimal early childhood development (ECD) is crucial in shaping future academic and economic accomplishments. Recognising its profound influence, the United Nations has included a specific target and indicator related to ECD in the Sustainable Development Goals to ensure universal access to high-quality ECD for all preschoolers by 2030. This study investigated whether caregiver-child engagements, early stimulation, and learning opportunities are associated with ECD among children aged 36–59 months. Data on 6752 children were pooled from the 2011 and 2017 Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. The ECD outcomes of interest were literacy-numeracy, social-emotional, learning-cognitive, and physical development, measured with UNICEF's Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI). Binary logistic regression assessed the effects of various caregiver-child engagements and early learning opportunities on the ECD outcomes. We found that most children were developmentally on track in the physical (95.0%) and learning-cognitive (86.4%) domains, but fewer were on track in the literacy-numeracy (36.7%) and social-emotional (68.6%) domains. Reading to or with a child (aOR 1.72; 95% CI 1.35–2.19), telling them stories (aOR 1.61; 95% CI 1.26–2.04), counting or drawing with them (aOR 1.63; 95% CI 1.30–2.04) and a child’s attendance at preschool (aOR 4.62; 95% CI 3.34–6.38) were associated with a higher odds for on track literacy-numeracy development. Playing with a child was associated with higher odds of on-track social-emotional development (aOR 1.29; 95% CI 1.04–1.59), physical development (aOR 1.61; 95% CI 1.01–2.55), and learning-cognitive development (aOR 1.51; 95% CI 1.14–2.00). However, singing songs to or with a child (aOR 0.78; 95% CI 0.62–0.89) and taking a child outside the home (aOR 0.78; 95% CI 0.64–0.95) were associated with lower odds for on track social-emotional development. Access to children's books at home was associated with higher odds for on track literacy-numeracy and social-emotional development. In subgroup analysis, some observed associations varied depending on a child's residence (urban or rural). Our findings confirmed that caregiver-child interaction and early learning opportunities could increase a child’s likelihood of achieving early developmental milestones.
XRF analysis searching for fingerprint elemental profile in south-eastern Sicily tomatoes
Authors: Panebianco Salvina , Pellegriti Maria Grazia , Finocchiaro Claudio , Musumarra Agatino , Barone Germana , Caggiani Maria Cristina , Cirvilleri Gabriella , Lanzafame Gabriele , Pulvirenti Alfredo , Scordino Agata , Mazzoleni Paolo 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe implementation of analytical techniques able to certify food quality and origin in a fast and non-destructive way is becoming a widespread need in the agri-food sector. Among the physical non-destructive techniques, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry is often used to analyze the elemental composition of biological samples. In this study, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental profiles were measured on tomato samples belonging to different geographical areas in Sicily (Italy). The purpose of this investigation was aiming to establish a protocol for in-situ measurement and analysis able to provide quality assessment and traceability of PGI agri-food products, specifically sustaining health safety and self qualifying bio-chemical signature. In detail, sampling was performed in one of the most tomato productive area of south-eastern Sicily (Pachino district), characterised by a relative higher amount of Organic Carbon and Cation Exchange Capacity, and compared with samples from other growing areas of Sicily, falling in Ragusa province and Mt. Etna region. Experimental data were analyzed in the framework of multivariate analysis by using principal component analysis and further validated by discriminant analysis. The results show the presence of specific elemental signatures associated to several characterizing elements. This methodology establishes the possibility to disentangle a clear fingerprint pattern associated to the geographical origin of an agri-food product.
Clinical importance of the range of detectable variants between the Oncomine Dx target test and a conventional single-gene test for EGFR mutation
Authors: Sakaguchi Tadashi , Iketani Akemi , Esumi Seiya , Esumi Maki , Suzuki Yuta , Ito Kentaro , Fujiwara Kentaro , Nishii Yoichi , Katsuta Koji , Yasui Hiroki , Taguchi Osamu , Hataji Osamu 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAlthough we have experienced some cases with discordant results between the Oncomine Dx target test (ODxTT) and conventional single gene tests for detecting EGFR alterations, the clinical efficacy of EGFR-TKIs in these discordant cases remains little known. We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with non-small-cell lung cancer whose FFPE samples were simultaneously submitted for the ODxTT, and a PNA-LNA PCR clamp test. We evaluated the clinical efficacy of EGFR-TKIs in patients with discordant results between the two tests, focusing on the common EGFR mutations. Among 444 successful results, 10 patients had discordant results for common EGFR mutations (9 Ex 19 deletion and 1 Ex 21 L858R mutation), and all of these were detected only by the PNA-LNA PCR clamp test. Among six discordant cases treated with EGFR-TKI, the mutations detected in 3 patients were not included in the list of detectable variants that are reportable by the ODxTT, while the mutations detected in the other 3 patients were included in the list. For all three discordant cases harboring the mutations not reportable by the ODxTT, good clinical responses were demonstrated. However, among the other three discordant cases harboring the mutations reportable by the ODxTT, only one patient had a clinical response with short duration. Among the discordant cases for common EGFR mutations between the ODxTT and the conventional single gene test, there are a certain number of suitable patients responsive to EGFR-TKIs, especially when the cause of the discordant results comes from the difference in the range of detectable variants that are reportable between the tests.
Haemodynamic changes in visceral hybrid repairs of type III and type V thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Ong Chi Wei , Wee Ian J. Y. , Toma Milan , Cui Fangsen , Xu Xiao Yun , Richards Arthur Mark , Leo Hwa Liang , Choong Andrew M. T. L. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe visceral hybrid procedure combining retrograde visceral bypass grafting and completion endovascular stent grafting is a feasible alternative to conventional open surgical or wholly endovascular repairs of thoracoabdominal aneurysms (TAAA). However, the wide variability in visceral hybrid configurations means that a priori prediction of surgical outcome based on haemodynamic flow profiles such as velocity pattern and wall shear stress post repair remain challenging. We sought to appraise the clinical relevance of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses in the setting of visceral hybrid TAAA repairs. Two patients, one with a type III and the other with a type V TAAA, underwent successful elective and emergency visceral hybrid repairs, respectively. Flow patterns and haemodynamic parameters were analysed using reconstructed pre- and post-operative CT scans. Both type III and type V TAAAs showed highly disturbed flow patterns with varying helicity values preoperatively within their respective aneurysms. Low time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) and high endothelial cell action potential (ECAP) and relative residence time (RRT) associated with thrombogenic susceptibility was observed in the posterior aspect of both TAAAs preoperatively. Despite differing bypass configurations in the elective and emergency repairs, both treatment options appear to improve haemodynamic performance compared to preoperative study. However, we observed reduced TAWSS in the right iliac artery (portending a theoretical risk of future graft and possibly limb thrombosis), after the elective type III visceral hybrid repair, but not the emergency type V repair. We surmise that this difference may be attributed to the higher neo-bifurcation of the aortic stent graft in the type III as compared to the type V repair. Our results demonstrate that CFD can be used in complicated visceral hybrid repair to yield potentially actionable predictive insights with implications on surveillance and enhanced post-operative management, even in patients with complicated geometrical bypass configurations.
Development and validation of a machine learning-based prognostic risk stratification model for acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Wang Kai , Hong Tao , Liu Wencai , Xu Chan , Yin Chengliang , Liu Haiyan , Wei Xiu’e , Wu Shi-Nan , Li Wenle , Rong Liangqun 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAcute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a most prevalent cause of serious long-term disability worldwide. Accurate prediction of stroke prognosis is highly valuable for effective intervention and treatment. As such, the present retrospective study aims to provide a reliable machine learning-based model for prognosis prediction in AIS patients. Data from AIS patients were collected retrospectively from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between August 2017 and July 2019. Independent prognostic factors were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic analysis and used to develop machine learning (ML) models. The ML model performance was assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and radar plot. Shapley Additive explanations (SHAP) values were used to interpret the importance of all features included in the predictive model. A total of 677 AIS patients were included in the present study. Poor prognosis was observed in 209 patients (30.9%). Six variables, including neuron specific enolase (NSE), homocysteine (HCY), S-100β, dysphagia, C-reactive protein (CRP), and anticoagulation were included to establish ML models. Six different ML algorithms were tested, and Random Forest model was selected as the final predictive model with the greatest AUC of 0.908. Moreover, according to SHAP results, NSE impacted the predictive model the most, followed by HCY, S-100β, dysphagia, CRP and anticoagulation. Based on the RF model, an online tool was constructed to predict the prognosis of AIS patients and assist clinicians in optimizing patient treatment. The present study revealed that NSE, HCY, CRP, S-100β, anticoagulation, and dysphagia were important factors for poor prognosis in AIS patients. ML algorithms were used to develop predictive models for predicting the prognosis of AIS patients, with the RF model presenting the optimal performance.
Repetitive sampling inspection plan for cancer patients using exponentiated half-logistic distribution under indeterminacy
Authors: Rao Gadde Srinivasa , Kirigiti Peter Josephat 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis piece of work deals with a time truncated sampling scheme for cancer patients using exponentiated half-logistic distribution (EHLD) based on indeterminacy. We have studied time truncated schemes like repetitive acceptance sampling plan (RASP) under indeterminacy. We have estimated the projected scheme parameters such as sample size and acceptance and rejection sample numbers for known indeterminacy parameters. In addition to the projected sampling scheme quantities, the corresponding tables are generated for various values of indeterminacy parameters. The results of a sampling scheme show that the average sample number (ASN) decreases as indeterminacy values increase. It leads that the indeterminacy parameter is played a crucial portrayal in ASN. A comparative study is carried out with existing sampling schemes based on indeterminacy and classical sampling schemes. The evaluated sampling schemes are exemplified with the help of cancer data. From tables and exemplification, we wind up that the projected RSP scheme under indeterminacy desired a smaller sample size than the existing schemes.
Robust electrocardiogram delineation model for automatic morphological abnormality interpretation
Authors: Nurmaini Siti , Darmawahyuni Annisa , Rachmatullah Muhammad Naufal , Firdaus Firdaus , Sapitri Ade Iriani , Tutuko Bambang , Tondas Alexander Edo , Putra Muhammad Hafizh Permana , Islami Anggun 
Published: August 2023

AbstractKnowledge of electrocardiogram (ECG) wave signals is one of the essential steps in diagnosing heart abnormalities. Considerable performance with respect to obtaining the critical point of a signal waveform (P-QRS-T) through ECG delineation has been achieved in many studies. However, several deficiencies remain regarding previous methods, including the effects of noise interference on the performance degradation of delineation and the role of medical knowledge in reaching a delineation decision. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a robust delineation model based on a convolutional recurrent network with grid search optimization, aiming to classify the precise P-QRS-T waves. In order to make a delineation decision, the results from the ECG waveform classification model are utilized to interpret morphological abnormalities, based on medical knowledge. We generated 36 models, and the model with the best results achieved 99.97% accuracy, 99.92% sensitivity, and 99.93% precision for ECG waveform classification (P-wave, QRS-complex, T-wave, and isoelectric line class). To ensure the model robustness, we evaluated delineation model performance on seven different types of ECG datasets, namely the Lobachevsky University Electrocardiography Database (LUDB), QT Database (QTDB), the PhysioNet/Computing in Cardiology Challenge 2017, China Physiological Signal Challenge 2018, ECG Arrhythmia of Chapman University, MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database and General Mohammad Hossein Hospital (Indonesia) databases. To detect the patterns of ECG morphological abnormalities through proposed delineation model, we focus on investigating arrhythmias. This process is based on two inputs examination: the P-wave and the regular/irregular rhythm of the RR interval. As the results, the proposed method has considerable capability to interpret the delineation result in cases with artifact noise, baseline drift and abnormal morphologies for delivering robust ECG delineation.
A randomized phase 2 study on demeclocycline in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19
Authors: Iwahori Kota , Nii Takuro , Yamaguchi Norihiko , Kawasaki Takahiro , Okamura Satomi , Hashimoto Kazuki , Matsuki Takanori , Tsujino Kazuyuki , Miki Keisuke , Osa Akio , Goya Sho , Abe Kinya , Mori Masahide , Takeda Yoshito , Yamada Tomomi , Kida Hiroshi , Kumanogoh Atsushi 
Published: August 2023

AbstractTetracyclines exhibit anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities via various mechanisms. The present study investigated the efficacy and safety of demeclocycline in patients hospitalized with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 via an open-label, multicenter, parallel-group, randomized controlled phase 2 trial. Primary and secondary outcomes included changes from baseline (day 1, before the study treatment) in lymphocytes, cytokines, and SARS-CoV-2 RNA on day 8. Seven, seven, and six patients in the control, demeclocycline 150 mg daily, and demeclocycline 300 mg daily groups, respectively, were included in the modified intention-to-treat population that was followed until day 29. A significant change of 191.3/μL in the number of CD4+ T cells from day 1 to day 8 was observed in the demeclocycline 150 mg group (95% CI 5.1/μL–377.6/μL) (p = 0.023), whereas that in the control group was 47.8/μL (95% CI − 151.2/μL to 246.8/μL), which was not significant (p = 0.271). The change rates of CD4+ T cells negatively correlated with those of IL-6 in the demeclocycline-treated groups (R = − 0.807, p = 0.009). All treatment-emergent adverse events were of mild-to-moderate severity. The present results indicate that the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients with demeclocycline elicits immune responses conducive to recovery from COVID-19 with good tolerability.Trial registration: This study was registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (Trial registration number: jRCTs051200049; Date of the first registration: 26/08/2020).
Study on the energy evolution mechanism of coal and rock with impact tendency under different strain rates
Authors: Zhang Kun , Zhang Yichen , Zhang Sen , Ren Jianxi , Zhang Liang , Zhang Renjie , Cui Yuanquan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractTo explore the strain rate effect of deformation and failure of impact prone coal rock, uniaxial compression tests and triaxial compression tests with different strain rates were carried out. The mechanical properties and impact tendency of impact-prone coal rock were studied, and the energy evolution law and pre-peak energy self-promotion-inhibition mechanism of impact-prone coal rock were obtained. The results show that with the increase of strain rate, the peak strength of coal rock under uniaxial compression decreases gradually, and the peak strength of coal rock under triaxial compression increases first and then decreases, and the impact tendency of coal rock increases first and then decreases. The energy evolution of coal rock under uniaxial compression is mainly divided into four stages: initial energy damage, energy hardening, energy softening and failure. With the increase of strain rate, the total energy and elasticity at the peak point of coal rock under uniaxial compression decrease gradually, and the total energy, elastic energy and dissipation energy at the peak point under triaxial compression increase first and then decrease. The elastic energy promotion coefficient of impact-prone coal rock is much larger than the inhibition coefficient, and the increase of strain rate will promote the generation of elastic energy inside coal rock. The research results can provide reference for the prevention and early warning of dynamic disasters of coal and rock mass with impact tendency.
Evaluation of IOTA-ADNEX Model and Simple Rules for Identifying
Adnexal Masses by Operators with Varying Levels of Expertise: A Single-Center
Diagnostic Accuracy Study
Authors: Giourga Maria , Pouliakis Abraham , Vlastarakos Panagiotis , Stavrou Sofoklis , Tsiriva Maria , Gerede Angeliki , Daskalakis Georgios , Voros Charalampos , Drakakis Petros , Domali Ekaterini 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objectives The discrimination of ovarian lesions presents a significant
problem in everyday clinical practice with ultrasonography appearing to be the
most effective diagnostic technique. The aim of our study was to externally
evaluate the performance of different diagnostic models when applied by
examiners with various levels of experience.
Methods This was a diagnostic accuracy study including women who were
admitted for adnexal masses, between July 2018 and April 2021, to a Greek
tertiary oncology center. Preoperatively sonographic data were evaluated by an
expert gynecologist, a 6th and a 1st year gynecology
resident, who applied the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) Simple
Rules (SR) and Assessment of Different NEoplasias in the adneXa (ADNEX) model to
discriminate between benign and malignant ovarian tumors. The explant pathology
report was used as the reference diagnosis. Kappa statistics were used for the
investigation of the level of agreement between the examined systems and the
raters.
Results We included 66 women, 39 with benign and 27 with malignant ovarian
tumors. ADNEX (with and without “CA-125”) had high sensitivity
(96–100%) when applied by all raters but a rather low
specificity (36%) when applied by the 1st year resident. SR could not be
applied in 6% to 17% of the cases. It had slightly lower
sensitivity, higher specificity, and higher overall accuracy, especially when
applied by the 1st year resident (61% vs. 92%), compared to
ADNEX.
Conclusion Both ADNEX and SR can be utilized for screening in non-oncology
centers since they offer high sensitivity even when used by less experienced
examiners. In the hands of inexperienced examiners, SR appears to be the best
model for assessing ovarian lesions.
Effect of Number of Sutures on Microvascular Venous Anastomosis in Experimental Rats
Authors: Srivastava D. C. , Sinha J. K. , Khanna S. , Tripathi F. M. , Bhattacharya V. 
Published: August 2023

SummaryIn this experimental study better patency rates (80 percent) were achieved when 8 to 9 sutures were used for anastomosis. Accurate edge to edge approximation and minimal medial damage were found to be prime factors in the success of venous anastomosis. Use of less number of sutures (4-6) resulted in significant leakage and early occlusion of the veins.
Maxillofacial Injuries: A Retrospective Study of 576 Cases
Authors: Srivastava Dhirendra , Srivastava J. L. 
Published: August 2023

SummaryThe present study is a retrospective analysis of 576 cases of facial fractures involving Mandible, Middle third and the Zygomatic complex. The high incidence of Road Traffic Accident has been the commonest case of facial fractures in the present series.
Craniofacial Surery in Crouzons and Aperts Disease
Authors: Sharma J. C. , Biswas S. , Gill H. S. , Chibber D. V. , Bath A. S. , Dogra B. B. , Nesargi S. S. 
Published: August 2023

SummaryThe authors experience with three cases of craniofacial dysostoses and reconstruction in young children is presented. The literature on the subject has been briefly reviewed.
Use of Ionized Air in Burns Management—A Preliminary Report
Authors: Koshy Cherian M. , Guido Norman L. 
Published: August 2023

SummaryInstallation of an ‘Air Ionizer’ in rooms where burn patients are admitted has given encouraging results in various aspects of burns management. The spectra of contaminating bacteria have narrowed, and such rooms appear de-odourised in comparison. There is a feeling of well being in these patients. Eschar separation was earlier in them, with the appearance of healthier granulation tissue, and consequently a lesser period of hospitalization.
Management of Soft Tissue Injuries of the Face*
Authors: Biswas Gautam 
Published: August 2023

SummaryMaxillofacial injuries now account for a large segment of patients in the casualty. This being, because of the increase in high speed vehicular traffic. A study conducted for one year, in 1983, showed that out of a total of 411 patients treated, 40% were those of soft tissue injuries of the face. Management of these wounds, after noting their site, character and time following injuries, to obtain optimum results, were carefully assessed. Gentle handling of tissues, using non reactive suture materials with accurate reorientation, gave the best results.
Desmoid Tumours—A Review
Authors: Bhattacharya S. , Acharya B. K. , Jaiswal M. S. D. , Srivastava D. C. , Chaturvedi A. , Misra N. C. , Sahi R. P. 
Published: August 2023

SummarySeventeen cases of Desmoid tumours, 7 abdominal and 10 extraabdominal were chosen for this study and managed in the last five years. A wide local excision and one stage reconstruction was attempted in them. Simple reconstructive mesures viz. primary closure aided by internal fasciotomies and split skin grafting were found adequate for extra abdominal sites whereas abdominal desmoids after ablation usually left a defect requiring prolene mesh and local skin flaps.
Arthrodesis of Interphalangeal Joints and Fixation of Phalangeal Fractures in Trauma-Preliminary Report of a Simple Technique
Authors: Koshy Cherian M. , Shankarappa Yedu , Guido Norman L. 
Published: August 2023

SummaryAn improvised external fixator consisting of ‘K’ wires and acrylic resin was used in five cases of finger trauma. Rigid fixation with compression for arthrodesis was used in two cases to restore functional finger position; in three cases the same method was used to fix phalangeal fractures. Results were excellent and the method proved simple and rewarding.