bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of high Ki-67 proliferation index of gastrointestinal stromal tumors based on CT at non-contrast-enhanced and different contrast-enhanced phases
Authors: Xie Zhenhui , Suo Shiteng , Zhang Wang , Zhang Qingwei , Dai Yongming , Song Yang , Li Xiaobo , Zhou Yan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate and analyze radiomics models based on non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and different phases of contrast-enhanced CT in predicting Ki-67 proliferation index (PI) among patients with pathologically confirmed gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).

Methods
A total of 383 patients with pathologically proven GIST were divided into a training set (n = 218, vendor 1) and 2 validation sets (n = 96, vendor 2; n = 69, vendors 3–5). Radiomics features extracted from the most recent non-contrast-enhanced and three contrast-enhanced CT scan prior to pathological examination. Random forest models were trained for each phase to predict tumors with high Ki-67 proliferation index (Ki-67>10%) and were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and other metrics on the validation sets.

Results
Out of 107 radiomics features extracted from each phase of CT images, four were selected for analysis. The model trained using the non-contrast-enhanced phase achieved an AUC of 0.792 in the training set and 0.822 and 0.711 in the two validation sets, similar to models trained on different contrast-enhanced phases (p > 0.05). Several relevant features, including NGTDM Busyness and tumor size, remained predictive in non-contrast-enhanced and different contrast-enhanced images.

Conclusion
The results of this study indicate that a radiomics model based on non-contrast-enhanced CT matches that of models based on different phases of contrast-enhanced CT in predicting the Ki-67 PI of GIST. GIST may exhibit similar radiological patterns irrespective of the use of contrast agent, and such radiomics features may help quantify these patterns to predict Ki-67 PI of GISTs.

Clinical relevance statement
GIST may exhibit similar radiomics patterns irrespective of contrast agent; thus, radiomics models based on non-contrast-enhanced CT could be an alternative for risk stratification in GIST patients with contraindication to contrast agent.

Key Points
• Performance of radiomics models in predicting Ki-67 proliferation based on different CT phases is evaluated.
• Non-contrast-enhanced CT–based radiomics models performed similarly to contrast-enhanced CT in risk stratification in GIST patients.
• NGTDM Busyness remains stable to contrast agents in GISTs in radiomics models.
Evaluating skill in predicting the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation in initialized decadal climate prediction hindcasts in E3SMv1 and CESM1 using two different initialization methods and a small set of start years
Authors: Meehl Gerald A. , Kirtman Ben , Glanville Anne A. , Richter Jadwiga , Rosenbloom Nan , Yeager Stephen 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIt is a daunting challenge to conduct initialized hindcasts with enough ensemble members and associated start years to form a drifted climatology from which to compute the anomalies necessary to quantify the skill of the hindcasts when compared to observations. This limits the ability to experiment with case studies and other applications where only a few initial years are needed. Here we run a set of hindcasts with CESM1 and E3SMv1 using two different initialization methods for a limited set of start years and use the respective uninitialized free-running historical simulations to form the model climatologies. Since the drifts from the observed initial states in the hindcasts toward the uninitialized model state are large and rapid, after a few years the drifted initialized models approach the uninitialized model climatological errors. Therefore, hindcasts from the limited start years can use the uninitialized climatology to represent the drifted model states after about lead year 3, providing a means to compute forecast anomalies in the absence of a large hindcast sample. There is comparable skill for predicting spatial patterns of multi-year Pacific sea surface temperature anomalies in the domain of the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation using this method compared to the conventional methodology with a large hindcast data set, though there is a model dependence to the drifts in the two initialization methods.
Assessing the morphology and bone mineral density of the immature pars lateralis as an indicator of age
Authors: Thornton Roxanne , Mendelow Mira G. , Hutchinson Erin F. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAge estimation is crucial when the state of personhood is a mitigating factor in the identification of immature human remains. The maturation sequence of immature bones is a valuable alternative to dental development and eruption standards. Bordering the foramen magnum and pars basilaris, the pars lateralis is somewhat understudied. The aim of this study was to comprehensively describe the morphology of the immature human pars lateralis bone. Human pars laterali were sourced from the crania of 103 immature individuals of unknown provenance from the Johannesburg Forensic Paediatric Collection (JFPC), University of the Witwatersrand (HREC-Medical: M210855). The study sample was subdivided into early prenatal (younger than 30 gestational weeks; n = 32), prenatal (30–40 gestational weeks, n = 41) and postnatal (birth to 7.5 months, n = 30) age groups. The morphology of the pars laterali was studied using a combination of bone mineral density pattern assessments, geometric morphometrics and stereomicroscopy. Bone mineral density in postnatal individuals was lower when compared with the prenatal individuals. No statistically significant differences between density points were noted. The overall shape of the pars lateralis changed from a triangular shape in the early prenatal individuals to a fan-like quadrilateral bone in postnatal individuals. The angulation of the medial border for the foramen magnum highlighted a change in shape between straight in the early prenatal cohort to V-shaped in the postnatal individuals. The various technical approaches used in the current study provided detailed descriptions of the pars lateralis which establishes a valuable foundation for diagnostic criteria employing morphological predictors for biological profiling.
Dirofilaria immitis conquering the regions in Slovakia previously endemic for D. repens
Authors: Miterpáková Martina , Valentová Daniela , Hurníková Zuzana 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe present study was focused on the current state of Dirofilaria species distribution in the territory of the Slovak Danubian Lowland, a region previously identified endemic for Dirofilaria repens. For the research, blood samples of 330 dogs tested positive for dirofilariosis using concentration tests or “rapid heartworm tests” were sent by private veterinary practitioners for further DNA analyses and species determination. The results revealed an unquestionable change in the pattern of Dirofilaria species distribution with Dirofilaria immitis, diagnosed as the agent of mono- and co-infections with D. repens, responsible for 60.00% of all cases. The results showed that in the course of the last 5 years, D. immitis has spread significantly in Slovakia and has become the dominant causal agent of dirofilariosis in the former endemic areas of D. repens distribution, which increases infection risk for both dogs and humans.
MAES: a ROS 2-compatible simulation tool for exploration and coverage algorithms
Authors: Andreasen Malte Z. , Holler Philip I. , Jensen Magnus K. , Albano Michele 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWith the aim of allowing the efficient and realistic simulation of swarm algorithms for exploration and coverage, we present the tool Multi-Agent Exploration Simulator (MAES), which is an open-source physics-based discrete step multi-robot simulator. MAES features movement in a continuous 2D space, realistic physics based on the Unity framework, advanced visualization techniques such as heatmaps, custom wireless signal degradation, both randomly generated and custom user-provided maps, and a ROS (Robot Operating System) interface. This latter characteristic could allow to port the simulated algorithms to real-world robots. We present performance tests, conducted with rather modest hardware, showing that MAES is able to simulate up to 5 robots in ROSMode (using the ROS integration) and up to 120 robots in UnityMode (development performed directly into the C# Unity Editor). A usability test was conducted which hinted that the target audience of robotics researchers and developers is able to quickly install, setup, and use MAES for implementing simple robot logic.
Beyond the Implicit/Explicit Dichotomy: The Pragmatics of Plausible Deniability
Authors: Bonalumi Francesca , Mahr Johannes B. , Marie Pauline , Pouscoulous Nausicaa 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In everyday conversation, messages are often communicated indirectly, implicitly. Why do we seem to communicate so inefficiently? How speakers choose to express a message (modulating confidence, using less explicit formulations) has been proposed to impact how committed they will appear to be to its content. This commitment can be assessed in terms of accountability – is the speaker held accountable for what they communicated? – and deniability – can the speaker plausibly deny they intended to communicate it? We investigated two factors that may influence commitment to implicitly conveyed messages. In a preregistered online study, we tested the hypothesis that the degree of meaning strength (strongly or weakly communicated) and the level of meaning used by the speaker (an enrichment or a conversational implicature) modulate accountability and plausible deniability. Our results show that both meaning strength and level of meaning influence speaker accountability and plausible deniability. Participants perceived enrichments to be harder to deny than conversational implicatures, and strongly implied content as more difficult to deny than weakly implied content. Furthermore, participants held the speaker more accountable to content conveyed via an enrichment than to content conveyed via an implicature. These results corroborate previously found differences between levels of meaning (enrichment vs. implicature). They also highlight the largely understudied role of meaning strength as a cue to speaker commitment in communication.
Production of phenolic compounds from argan shell waste by reductive catalytic fractionation
Authors: Afailal Zainab , Gil-Lalaguna Noemí , Høj Martin , Cornejo Alfonso , Sánchez José Luis , Jensen Anker Degn 
Published: September 2023

AbstractFor efficient utilization of lignocellulosic biomass components, reductive catalytic fractionation appears as a promising biorefinery strategy. In this work, this concept of biomass valorization was used to study the potential of an unexplored feedstock, argan shells. This material was processed in a non-catalytic route and over a Pd/C catalyst in two different reaction media. The effects of the treatment temperature (250, 275, and 300 °C), as well as the catalyst loading (catalyst/argan shells mass ratio of 0.05 and 0.1 g/g), were also studied. The main product (lignin-derived oil) was thoroughly characterized using GC/MS/FID, SEC, and NMR. The highest monomer yields of 48–49 wt% based on the lignin content were obtained for n-butanol/water reaction medium at 300 °C using a Pd/C catalyst load of 0.1 g/g and for methanol reaction medium at 275 °C and 0.05 g/g. Significantly lower monomeric phenol yields were obtained in the non-catalytic route (4–19 wt% for n-butanol/water and 9–16 wt% for methanol). The main phenolic monomers in the catalytic pathway were 4-n-propanolguaiacol, 4-n-propanolsyringol, and 4-alkyl guaiacols and syringols, with some differences in the selectivities from one solvent to another.
Graphical Abstract
Implications of Climate Change and Anopheles stephensi Liston in Africa: Knowledge Gaps and Lessons from History
Authors: Pecor David B. , Potter Alexander M. , Linton Yvonne-Marie 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose of Review
The invasive Asian mosquito vector—Anopheles stephensi Liston, 1901—is poised to greatly complicate malaria eradication efforts across Africa. This species has been reported in an increasing number of African nations and has the potential to introduce malaria into most of Africa’s largest cities. Climate change is a dominant force changing population dynamics across the continent and driving human populations to migrate to urban centers.

Recent Findings
This work presents all high-quality surveillance data documenting An. stephensi to date, including an overlooked report of the species collected in Egypt in 1966. Finally, we provide detailed images of adult and larval morphology and bionomics descriptions.

Summary
Based on our current knowledge of Anopheles stephensi, we explore how climate change may impact its distribution and malaria rates in the coming decades. We also identify key knowledge gaps related to this species invasion including the most up-to-date information on the taxonomy, morphological characters, and bionomics of An. stephensi. Tools that are publicly available via VectorMap are also presented along with guidance on strengthening surveillance programs targeting An. stephensi using these tools.
Effectiveness of a Staphylococcus aureus mupirocin decolonization protocol in a neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Ankrum Andrea , Huang Felicia Scaggs , Schaffzin Joshua 
Published: September 2023

Background:Staphylococcus aureus infections are a significant cause of morbidity in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and they are typically preceded by nasal colonization. Mupirocin decolonization protocols as an infection prevention tool can halt S. aureus outbreaks and prevent infections. We examined the effect of a mupirocin treatment protocol on S. aureus incidence, prevalence, decolonization, and infections in a level IV NICU. Methods: We conducted a retrospective before-and-after observational study from June 1, 2018, to May 31, 2020. Beginning June 1, 2019, patients identified with either methicillin-sensitive or -resistant S. aureus (MSSA or MRSA) received mupirocin ointment to bilateral nares 3 times daily for 5 days. Patients with central lines or surgical incisions were treated every 30 days. All NICU patients were screened weekly unless positive for MRSA. We defined MSSA decolonization as 3 consecutive negative screens following mupirocin treatment. We calculated monthly S. aureus incidence as any new positive per 1,000 patient days and monthly prevalence as a percentage of the average daily number of patients with S. aureus per the average monthly census. Total number of infections were compared. Statistical significance was determined using a 2 sample proportions test and P < .05. Decolonization was calculated as percentage of occurrences among treated patients. Results: Overall, 190 patients received mupirocin; 142 patients received 1 course and 48 received 2 or more courses. There was no difference in incidence of MSSA (P = .09), but prevalence decreased from 18.8% to 14.4% (P < .05) (Fig. 1). Of 66 patients with MSSA, 35% were decolonized. An additional mupirocin treatment for 16 of these patients had a 50% decolonization rate. For MRSA, incidence decreased from 0.24 to 0.20 (P = .36) and prevalence decreased from 21.9% to 18.6% (P < .05) (Fig. 1). There was no statistical difference in the number of total S. aureus infections (P = .91) or when stratified by MSSA (P = .72) or MRSA (P = .82). In the postmupirocin population, there were 5 MRSA and 7 MSSA infections. Of the MSSA-infected patients, 6 remained colonized at the time of infection. Conclusions: Implementing a single mupirocin treatment course for S. aureus decolonization in NICU was only effective in one-third of patients and had no effect on infection occurrence. Changes in incidence and prevalence could be confounded by other infection prevention practices. Further study is needed to determine whether continued screening and additional mupirocin treatment could improve effectiveness of S. aureus decolonization programs.Disclosure: None
Approach for sustainable district-led production and distribution of alcohol-based hand rub in Uganda
Authors: Kesande Maureen 
Published: September 2023

Background: A sustainable, continuous supply of alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) is essential for healthcare workers in health facilities. The WHO provides guidance for production in individual health facilities. In Uganda, using this guidance, an innovative approach was implemented at the district local government level to produce and subsequently distribute ABHR to primary-care health facilities that have limited capacity for local facility-level production. This project was supported by the CDC in collaboration with the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) and targeted governmental or district engagement with local partners to ensure sustainability. Methods: District stakeholders were engaged to obtain buy-in and define roles and responsibilities. Overall, 4 staff members in each of 6 supported districts were nominated by District Health Officers for training: 2 staff members were trained to produce ABHR and conduct internal quality control and 2 were trained on external quality control. Districts provided ABHR production-unit facilities and facilitated integration within the government essential supplies delivery system, National Medical Stores in Uganda, which supports last-mile delivery to facilities. An implementing partner purchased initial raw materials necessary for production. The cost of materials for local production was compared to the price of commercial ABHR available in Uganda. Results: Between January and August 2021, 23 staff members were trained, and 380 batches of quality-assured ABHR (17,820 L) were produced and distributed to 278 health facilities. Consumption of ABHR in the first distribution was used to benchmark predicted ABHR consumption per targeted facility in subsequent months. Increased demand for ABHR due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ebola virus disease outbreak in central Uganda (September 2022) was addressed through emergency requests on a case-by-case basis. ABHR local production costs $3 per liter for materials, less than half of commercial ABHR ($8 per liter). Conclusions: Early results suggest that this approach is potentially sustainable but requires national advocacy as well. Leveraging existing distribution systems while building local capacity for ABHR production and distribution may improve longevity of such innovations in similar resource-limited settings.Disclosure: None
The effectiveness of the appropriate prophylactic antibiotic use program for surgery
Authors: Lee Eunjung , Kim Tae Hyong , Park Se Yoon , Jung Jongtak , Baek Yae Jee 
Published: September 2023

Background: Evaluation of the adequacy of prophylactic antibiotics in surgery has been implemented as a national policy in Korea since August 2007, and the appropriate use of prophylactic antibiotics has improved. However, antibiotic prescriptions that are not recommended or discontinuation of prophylactic antibiotic administration within 24 hours after surgery are still not well done. This study introduced a program to improve the adequacy of prophylactic antibiotics for surgery and analyzed its effects. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the effectiveness of the appropriate prophylactic antibiotic use program for surgery conducted at a university hospital in Seoul. The participants were patients aged ≥18 years who underwent any of 18 types of surgery. The program started was implemented in June 2020. First, a computer system was used to confirm the antibiotic prescription recommended for each surgery. It also assessed whether the number of days of administration was exceeded, whether antibiotics were prescribed in combination, and whether antibiotics prescribed for discharge medicine were checked in 4 steps. A pop-up window appeared in each patient record to enter the reason for the prescription. If the reason was appropriate, the prescription was allowed, but if not, the prescription was restricted. In addition, infectious diseases physicians and an insurance review team visited each department to conduct an education session. To analyze the effect 3 months before activity (January–March 2020) and 3 months after activity (October–December 2020), we compared the first antibiotic administration rate within 1 hour prior to skin incision, the recommended prophylactic antibiotic administration rate, and surgery type. The rate of discontinuation of prophylactic antibiotics within 24 hours after administration and the rate of prescription of prophylactic antibiotics at discharge were compared. Results: In total, 1,339 surgeries during the study period were included in the analysis. There were 695 cases before the introduction of the program and 644 cases after the introduction. The rate of first antibiotic use within 1 hour prior to skin incision was 93.1%–99.5% (P < .001), the rate of recommended prophylactic antibiotic administration was 85.0%–99.2% (P < .001), and the rate of discontinuation of antibiotic administration within 24 hours after surgery improved from 51.8% to 98.3% (P < .001), respectively. The prescription rate of antibiotics at discharge improved from 20.7% to 0.8% (P <.001) (Table 1). Conclusions: A computerized program to improve the adequacy of prophylactic antibiotic use in surgery combined with education of medical staff was very effective.Disclosure: None