bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sub-minute acquisition with deep learning-based image filter in the diagnosis of colorectal cancers using total-body 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Liu Entao , Lyu Zejian , Yang Yuelong , Lv Yang , Zhao Yumo , Zhang Xiaochun , Sun Taotao , Jiang Lei , Liu Zaiyi 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the feasibility of total-body 18F-FDG PET/CT ultrafast acquisition combined with a deep learning (DL) image filter in the diagnosis of colorectal cancers (CRCs).

Methods
The clinical and preoperative imaging data of patients with CRCs were collected. All patients underwent a 300-s list-mode total-body 18F-FDG PET/CT scan. The dataset was divided into groups with acquisition durations of 10, 20, 30, 60, and 120 s. PET images were reconstructed using ordered subset expectation maximisation, and post-processing filters, including a Gaussian smoothing filter with 3 mm full width at half maximum (3 mm FWHM) and a DL image filter. The effects of the Gaussian and DL image filters on image quality, detection rate, and uptake value of primary and liver metastases of CRCs at different acquisition durations were compared using a 5-point Likert scale and semi-quantitative analysis, with the 300-s image with a Gaussian filter as the standard.

Results
All 34 recruited patients with CRCs had single colorectal lesions, and the diagnosis was verified pathologically. Of the total patients, 11 had liver metastases, and 113 liver metastases were detected. The 10-s dataset could not be evaluated due to high noise, regardless of whether it was filtered by Gaussian or DL image filters. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the liver and mediastinal blood pool in the images acquired for 10, 20, 30, and 60 s with a Gaussian filter was lower than that of the 300-s images (P < 0.01). The DL filter significantly improved the SNR and visual image quality score compared to the Gaussian filter (P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in the SNR of the liver and mediastinal blood pool, SUVmax and TBR of CRCs and liver metastases, and the number of detectable liver metastases between the 20- and 30-s DL image filter and 300-s images with the Gaussian filter (P > 0.05).

Conclusions
The DL filter can significantly improve the image quality of total-body 18F-FDG PET/CT ultrafast acquisition. Deep learning-based image filtering methods can significantly reduce the noise of ultrafast acquisition, making them suitable for clinical diagnosis possible.
Impact of palmiped farm density on the resilience of the poultry sector to highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 in France
Authors: Bauzile Billy , Durand Benoit , Lambert Sébastien , Rautureau Séverine , Fourtune Lisa , Guinat Claire , Andronico Alessio , Cauchemez Simon , Paul Mathilde C. , Vergne Timothée 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe analysed the interplay between palmiped farm density and the vulnerability of the poultry production system to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8. To do so, we used a spatially-explicit transmission model, which was calibrated to reproduce the observed spatio-temporal distribution of outbreaks in France during the 2016–2017 epidemic of HPAI. Six scenarios were investigated, in which the density of palmiped farms was decreased in the municipalities with the highest palmiped farm density. For each of the six scenarios, we first calculated the spatial distribution of the basic reproduction number (R0), i.e. the expected number of farms a particular farm would be likely to infect, should all other farms be susceptible. We also ran in silico simulations of the adjusted model for each scenario to estimate epidemic sizes and time-varying effective reproduction numbers. We showed that reducing palmiped farm density in the densest municipalities decreased substantially the size of the areas with high R0 values (> 1.5). In silico simulations suggested that reducing palmiped farm density, even slightly, in the densest municipalities was expected to decrease substantially the number of affected poultry farms and therefore provide benefits to the poultry sector as a whole. However, they also suggest that it would not have been sufficient, even in combination with the intervention measures implemented during the 2016–2017 epidemic, to completely prevent the virus from spreading. Therefore, the effectiveness of alternative structural preventive approaches now needs to be assessed, including flock size reduction and targeted vaccination.
The effect of intraoperative goal-directed fluid therapy combined with enhanced recovery after surgery program on postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic pulmonary resection: a prospective randomized controlled study
Authors: Ma Hongmei , Li Xin , Wang Zhe , Qiao Qiao , Gao Yanfeng , Yuan Hui , Guan Bin , Guan Zheng 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
To investigate the effect of intraoperative goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) combined with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program on postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic pulmonary resection.

Methods
Patients, more than 60 years old, undergoing thoracoscopic pulmonary resection for non-small cell lung cancer were randomly divided into GDFT group and restrictive fluid therapy (RFT) group. ERAS program was implemented in all patients. In GDFT group, the intraoperative fluid management was guided by stroke volume variation (SVV), cardiac index (CI), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) and maintained the SVV < 13%, CI > 2.5 L/min/m2, and MAP > 65 mmHg. In RFT group, fluid maintenance with 2 ml/kg/h of balanced crystalloid solution, norepinephrine was used to maintain MAP > 65 mmHg. The incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) and pulmonary and cardiac complications was compared.

Results
Two-hundred seventy-six patients were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups (138 in each group). Compared to RFT group, the total intraoperative infusion volume, colloids infusion volume, and urine output were more; the dosage of norepinephrine was lower in GDFT group. Although there were no significant differences of postoperative AKI (GDFT vs RFT; 4.3% vs 8%; P = 0.317) and composite postoperative complications (GDFT vs RFT; 66 vs 70) between groups, but the postoperative increase degree of serum creatinine was lower in GDFT group than that in RFT group (GDFT vs RFT; 91.9 ± 25.2 μmol/L vs 97.1 ± 17.6 μmol/L; P = 0.048).

Conclusions
Under ERAS program, there was no significant difference of AKI incidence between GDFT and RFT in elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic pulmonary resection. But postoperative increase degree of serum creatinine was lower in GDFT group.

Trial registration
Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04302467 on 26 February 2020.
Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis C virus genotypes in different geographical regions of Chinese mainland and a phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Tang Qiao , Chen Zhiwei , Li Hu , Zhang Li , Peng Mingli , Zeng Yi , Liu Xiaoqing , Liu Zubi , Hu Peng 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a major public health problem in Chinese mainland. Investigation of the distribution of genotypes contributed to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HCV infection. Therefore, we conducted a study on the distribution of HCV genotypes and phylogenetic analysis to provide an up-to-date understanding of the molecular epidemiology of genotypes in Chinese mainland.

Methods
Our retrospective multicenter study enrolled 11,008 samples collected between August 2018 and July 2019 from 29 provinces/municipalities (Beijing, Hebei, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Tianjin, Gansu, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Xinjiang, Heilongjiang, Jilin Liaoning, Henan, Hubei Hunan, Anhui, Fujian, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shandong, Shanghai Zhejiang, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Chongqing, Guizhou, Sichuan and Yunnan). Phylogenetic analysis of each subtype was performed to infer the evolutionary relationship of sequences from diverse regions. Two independent samples t tests were used for the comparison of continuous variables, and chi-square tests were used for the comparison of categorical variables.

Results
Four genotypes (1, 2, 3 and 6) were found, including 14 subtypes. HCV genotype 1 was dominant, accounting for 49.2%, followed by genotypes 2, 3 and 6, accounting for 22.4%, 16.4%, and 11.9%, respectively. Additionally, the top five subtypes were 1b, 2a, 3b, 6a and 3a. Proportions of genotypes 1 and 2 decreased while genotypes 3 and 6 increased over past years (P < 0.001). Genotypes 3 and 6 were concentrated in the population aged 30 to 50 years, and male carriers had lower proportions of subtypes 1b and 2a than female carriers (P < 0.01). Genotypes 3 and 6 were more prevalent in southern parts of Chinese mainland. Nationwide spreads of subtypes 1b and 2a were associated with sequences from northern parts of Chinese mainland, while subtypes 3a, 3b and 6a were associated with sequences from southern parts of Chinese mainland.

Conclusions
HCV subtypes 1b and 2a remained the most common subtypes in Chinese mainland, and their proportions decreased over the past years, while the proportions of genotypes 3 and 6 increased. Our investigation provided an accurate epidemiological picture of the circulating viral strains in Chinese mainland, contributing to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HCV infection.
Trial registration: Not applicable.
Beyond vulnerability: contextualizing migrant worker views on rights and wellbeing in the Gulf Arab states
Authors: Ewers Michael , Diop Abdoulaye , Duma Nathan , Le Kien 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis paper examines migrant workers’ subjective views of their rights and wellbeing in the Gulf Arab state of Qatar. Since the announcement of the World Cup, Qatar has been roundly criticized for the living and working conditions of the low-wage migrant workers responsible for building the country’s social and economic infrastructure. These critiques, however, either emphasize individual migrant experiences of mistreatment or the kafala migration regime that regulates migration and employment. Few quantitative and representative studies ask migrants how they understand and experience their rights and wellbeing, or how these views have changed as the country has embarked on key labor law reforms in response to international pressure. Therefore, we present results from a large-scale, nationally representative survey of low-wage migrant workers conducted in labor accommodations over four years, supplemented by a separate phone survey. The analysis emphasizes the views of migrants—including satisfaction with rights, awareness of rights, fulfillment of contracts, and quality of life—which are critical to successful policy implementation. We examine the objective factors that best explain these views and study the interaction between subjective and objective wellbeing dimensions. The results inform scholarly understandings of the living and working conditions of migrants and provide essential context for questions surrounding migrant rights and global justice in temporary labor migration regimes.
Gender differences in two-dimensional and three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography left ventricular measurements among healthy preschool pediatric population
Authors: Elsayegh Ayah Tarek , Nazmi Hany , Attia Hebatallah Mohamed , Kamel Heba 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) is an upcoming echocardiographic modality to measure global as well as segmental left ventricular systolic function expressed numerically as strain values independent of angle and ventricular geometry. We conducted this prospective study on 200 healthy preschool children with structurally normal hearts, to determine gender-based differences in two-dimensional (2D) global longitudinal strain (GLS) and three-dimensional (3D) GLS.

Results
Age-matched 104 males and 96 females were included, 2D GLS results for the males showed longitudinal strain ranging from − 18.1 to − 29.8 with a mean of − 21.7202 ± 5.094322, while for females 2D GLS ranged from − 18.1 to − 30.7 with a mean of − 22.0646 ± 2.167802, also 3D GLS values were measured and compared based on gender, where 3D GLS in males ranged from − 18 to − 24 with a mean value of 20.49 ± 1.28, while for females ranged from − 17 to − 30 with a mean value of 20.47 ± 1.755. The gender-based difference for both 2D GLS and 3D GLS showed non-significant P values.

Conclusion
In healthy subjects below 6 years, 2D STE and 3D STE values showed no difference between males and females, unlike the adult population, to the best of our knowledge, this is one of the few studies in the literature that aims at comparing these measurements in the healthy pediatric group. In routine clinical practice, these values may be used to assess myocardial function or the early signs of malfunction.
Absolute eosinophil count is a reliable prognostic marker in patients with liver cirrhosis: a cross-sectional study at rural central India
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Shah Param , Acharya Sourya , Wanjari Anil , Bawankule Shilpa , Agrawal Sachin , Bagga Charan , Talwar Dhruv , Patel Mansi 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Various laboratory parameters like C-reactive protein (CRP), Cortisol, and Von Willebrand factor antigen have been evaluated independently in foreseeing outcomes of cirrhotic patients. As these parameters lack cost-effectiveness in a rural setup, there is a need for a cost effective and feasible prognostic marker for cirrhotic patients. The present study was aimed at evaluating the role of Absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC) as a prognostic marker in cirrhotic patients.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted at a rural tertiary care teaching hospital in central India from August 2019 to September 2021. AEC was measured from counter report as a part of automated complete blood counts. Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score and Model for end stage liver disease (MELD) score were calculated at the time of admission. AEC levels on admission were correlated with mortality and with CTP score and MELD score.

Results
A total of 110 patients were enrolled with mean age of 46.37 ± 11.6 years. AEC was the significant predictor of mortality at cut off point of ≤ 120 with 80.30% (AUC 0.803; 95% CI: 0.716 to 0.873). AEC was the significant predictor of CTP score ≥ 11 at cut off point of ≤ 148 (AUC 0.726; 95% CI: 0.633 to 0.807). AEC was the significant predictor of MELD score ≥ 25 at cut off point of ≤ 136 (AUC 0.74; 95% CI: 0.647 to 0.819). Significant negative correlation was seen between AEC with Child–Pugh score and MELD score with correlation coefficient of -0.257 and -0.258.

Conclusion
Low level of AEC on admission fairly predicted raised CTP score and MELD score on admission. Low AEC levels predicted increased mortality in cirrhotic patients making it a cheap and reliable prognostic marker in a rural setup.
Hepatoprotective effects of N-acetylcysteine on liver injury by irisin upregulation and oxidative stress reduction in diabetic rats
Authors: Erdogan Mehmet Mustafa , Erdogan Mehmet Ali , Koc Suleyman , Yalcin Alper , Turk Ahmet , Yetkin Esra Akkus 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
The current study aimed to investigate the oxidative stress in rat liver with diabetes mellitus (DM) as well as the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on irisin expression.

Methods
Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into four groups, 7 rats in each group, and 30-day regimens of experimental or control groups. NAC-treated group is as follows: 100 mg/kg once daily was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.). Diabetes-induced group is as follows: single-dose intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (50 mg/kg) was used to induce DM in overnight fasting Wistar rats. By determining blood glucose concentration in STZ-induced rats 72 h after injection of STZ, DM was assessed. DM + NAC group is as follows: STZ-induced DM plus NAC is described previously. On the 30th day of the experiment, liver samples were collected after fasting and anesthesia. Biochemical analyses were performed to measure total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Each liver sample was weighed and then prepared for histopathologic evaluation by light microscopy.

Results
There was a statistically significant decrease in TAS levels and an increase in TOS and MDA levels in the DM group compared to the control group. In contrast, TOS and MDA levels were found significantly decreased, and TAS levels increased in the serum and liver tissues of the DM + NAC group compared to the DM group. Liver samples were also used for histopathological examination using hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical staining. STZ-induced liver damage was detected as oxidative stress, increased irisin immunoreactivity, sinusoidal dilatation, and hepatocyte degeneration. In the DM + NAC group, it was observed that NAC significantly reduced the aforementioned histopathological changes due to STZ.

Conclusion
In the early period of diabetes, due to the antioxidant properties of irisin related to the sudden response of liver tissue to oxidative stress, it is thought that the immunoreactivity in the tissue increases in the early period. As a result, NAC in diabetic rat liver tissue was found to suppress oxidative damage and irisin immunoreactivity.
Does cone-beam CT convex triangular field of view influence the image shape distortion of high-density materials?
Authors: Cascante-Sequeira Deivi , Coelho-Silva Fernanda , Lopes Rosado Lucas P , Lucca Luiza Valdemarca , Queiroz Freitas Deborah , Lins de-Azevedo-Vaz Sergio , Haiter-Neto Francisco 
Published: July 2023

Objectives: To assess the distortion of high-density materials using two CBCT devices presenting convex triangular and cylindrical fields of view (FOVs). Methods and materials: Four high-density cylinders were individually placed in a polymethylmethacrylate phantom. 192 CBCT scans were acquired using the convex triangular and cylindrical FOVs of Veraviewepocs® R100 (R100) and Veraview® X800 (X800) devices. Using HorosTM’s software, two oral radiologists determined the cylinders’ horizontal and vertical dimensional alterations. Nine oral radiologists subjectively identified each cylinder’s axial shape distortion. Statistical analysis comprised Multiway ANOVA (α = 5%), and the Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: The distortion in the axial plane was greater in the convex triangular FOVs for both devices in almost all the materials (p < 0.05). The evaluators subjectively identified a shape distortion in both FOVs for R100 device (p < 0.001), while no distortion was identified for X800 device (p = 0.620). A vertical magnification of all materials was observed in both FOVs for both devices (p < 0.05). No differences among vertical regions (p = 0.988) nor FOVs (p = 0.544) were found for the R100 device, while all materials showed higher magnification in all regions in the cylindrical FOV (p < 0.001) of the X800 device. Conclusions: The convex triangular FOV influenced the axial distortion of the high-density materials in both devices. A vertical magnification was observed in both FOVs of both devices, but it was greater in the cylindrical FOV of the X800 device.
Synthetic MRI for the quantitative and morphologic assessment of head and neck tumors: a preliminary study
Authors: Zhang Zanxia , Li Shujian , Wang Weijian , Zhang Yong , Wang Kaiyu , Cheng Jingliang , Wen Baohong 
Published: July 2023

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of synthetic MRI for quantitative and morphologic assessment of head and neck tumors and compare the results with the conventional MRI approach. Methods and materials: A total of 92 patients with different head and neck tumor histology who underwent conventional and synthetic MRI were retrospectively recruited. The quantitative T1, T2, proton density (PD), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of 38 benign and 54 malignant tumors were measured and compared. Diagnostic efficacy for differentiating malignant and benign tumors was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and integrated discrimination index. The image quality of conventional and synthetic T1W/T2W images on a 5-level Likert scale was also compared with Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: T1, T2 and ADC values of malignant head and neck tumors were smaller than those of benign tumors (all p < 0.05). T2 and ADC values showed better diagnostic efficacy than T1 for distinguishing malignant tumors from benign tumors (both p < 0.05). Adding the T2 value to ADC increased the area under the curve from 0.839 to 0.886, with an integrated discrimination index of 4.28% (p < 0.05). In terms of overall image quality, synthetic T2W images were comparable to conventional T2W images, while synthetic T1W images were inferior to conventional T1W images. Conclusions: Synthetic MRI can facilitate the characterization of head and neck tumors by providing quantitative relaxation parameters and synthetic T2W images. T2 values added to ADC values may further improve the differentiation of tumors.
Correlation between levels for stress with level of empathy in undergraduate medical students
Authors: Rafi Shumaila , Prof. Marie Andrades  , Rahat Naz  , Asad Jiskani  
Published: July 2023

Objective: To determine the correlation between levels of stress with level of empathy in all five years of undergraduate medical students of a private medical college in Pakistan.
Methods: This descriptive correlation study was conducted at Al Tibri Medical College, Karachi from 15th June to 14th November 2021. Of the 500 students in the medical school, 408 participants filled out the questionnaires through online Google Forms. The student’s version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE-S) estimated the self-reported student’s empathy levels. At the same time, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was utilized to assess the student’s levels of stress. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 and correlation between empathy and perceived stress was calculated by Pearson’s coefficient. A p-value <.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Out of 408 participants, there were 217(53.2%) males, and 191(46.8%) females. The overall mean JSE-S score was 94.60±11.85, and the mean PSS score was 20.20 ±5.70. Empathy scores improved over the basic sciences years and then significantly decreased in the clinical years of medical college with a significant p-value of .019. The highest stress was present in third year medical students with a p-value of <.001. No statistically significant difference was present between empathy and stress levels (r = 0.04, p = .40).
Conclusions: The study showed no statistically significant correlation between empathy and stress. Future research is needed to investigate other main factors for the decline in empathy among medical students.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.5.7211
How to cite this: Rafi S, Andrades M, Naz R, Jiskani A. Correlation between levels for stress with level of empathy in undergraduate medical students. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.5.7211
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