bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil Surface Micro-Topography by Structure-from-Motion Photogrammetry for Monitoring Density and Erosion Dynamics
Authors: Ehrhardt Annelie , Deumlich Detlef , Gerke Horst H. 
Published: January 2022

Soil erosion is a major threat to soil fertility, food security and water resources. Besides a quantitative assessment of soil loss, the dynamics of erosion-affected arable soil surfaces still poses challenges regarding field methods and predictions because of scale-dependent and soil management-related complex soil-crop-atmosphere processes. The objective was to test a photogrammetric Structure-from-Motion (SfM) technique for the mm-scale mapping of the soil surface micro-topography that allows the monitoring without special equipment and with widely available cameras. The test was carried out in May 2018 on three plots of 1.5 m2 (upper-, middle-, and footslope) covering surface structural features (tractor wheel lane, seed rows) along a Maize-cultivated hillslope with a coarse-textured topsoil and a runoff monitoring station. The changes in mm-scaled surface micro-topography were derived from repeatedly photographed images of the same surface area during a 2-weeks period with two rain events. A freely available SfM-program (VisualSfM) and the QGIS software were used to generate 3D-models of the surface topography. Soil cores (100 cm3) were sampled to gravimetrically determine the topsoil bulk density. The micro-topographical changes resulting from rainfall–induced soil mass redistribution within the plots were determined from the differences in SfM maps before and after rain. The largest decrease in mean soil surface elevation and roughness was observed after rain for the middle slope plot and primarily in initially less compacted regions. The spatially-distributed intra-plot changes in soil mass at the mm-scale derived from the digital micro-topography models indicated that local depressions were filled with sediments from surrounding knolls during rainfall. The estimated mass loss determined with the SfM technique decreased, if core sample-based soil settlement was considered. The effect of changes in the soil bulk density could be described after calibration also with an empirical model suggested in the Root-Zone-Water-Quality-Model. Uncertainties in the presented plot-scale SfM-technique were due to geo-referencing and the numerical limitations in the freely available SfM-software. The photogrammetric technique provided valuable information on soil surface structure parameters such as surface roughness. The successful application of SfM with widely available cameras and freely available software might stimulate the monitoring of erosion in regions with limited accessibility.
Urban Catchment-Scale Blue-Green-Gray Infrastructure Classification with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Images and Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Jia Jinlin , Cui Wenhui , Liu Junguo 
Published: January 2022

Green infrastructure (GI), such as green roofs, is now widely used in sustainable urban development. An accurate mapping of GI is important to provide surface parameterization for model development. However, the accuracy and precision of mapping GI is still a challenge in identifying GI at the small catchment scale. We proposed a framework for blue-green-gray infrastructure classification using machine learning algorithms and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images that contained digital surface model (DSM) information. We used the campus of the Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, China, as a study case for our classification method. The UAV was a DJI Phantom 4 Multispectral, which measures the blue, green, red, red-edge, and near-infrared bands and DSM information. Six machine learning algorithms, i.e., fuzzy classifier, k-nearest neighbor classifier, Bayes classifier, classification and regression tree, support vector machine (SVM), and random forest (RF), were used to classify blue (including water), green (including green roofs, grass, trees (shrubs), bare land), and gray (including buildings, roads) infrastructure. The highest kappa coefficient was observed for RF and the lowest was observed for SVM, with coefficients of 0.807 and 0.381, respectively. We optimized the sampling method based on a chessboard grid and got the optimal sampling interval of 11.6 m to increase the classification efficiency. We also analyzed the effects of weather conditions, seasons, and different image layers, and found that images in overcast days or winter days could improve the classification accuracy. In particular, the DSM layer was crucial for distinguishing green roofs and grass, and buildings and roads. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of using UAV images in urban blue-green-gray infrastructure classification, and our infrastructure classification framework based on machine learning algorithms is effective. Our results could provide the basis for the future urban stormwater management model development and aid sustainable urban planning.
Evaluation of the Time Spent by Anesthetist on Clinical Tasks in the Operating Room
Authors: Compère Vincent , Besnier Emmanuel , Clavier Thomas , Byhet Nicolas , Lefranc Florent , Jegou Frederic , Sturzenegger Nicolas , Hardy Jean Baptiste , Dureuil Bertrand , Elie Thomas 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundChanges in the health system in Western countries have increased the scope of the daily tasks assigned to physicians', anesthetists included. As already shown in other specialties, increased non-clinical burden reduces the clinical time spent with patients.MethodsThis was a multicenter, prospective, observational study conducted in 6 public and private hospitals in France. The primary endpoint was the evaluation by an external observer of the time spent per day (in minutes) by anesthetists on clinical tasks in the operating room. Secondary endpoints were the time spent per day (in minutes) on non-clinical organizational tasks and the number of task interruptions per hour of work.ResultsBetween October 2017 and April 2018, 54 anesthetists from six hospitals (1 public university hospital, two public general hospitals and three private hospitals) were included. They were followed for 96 days corresponding to 550 hours of work. The proportion of overall clinical time was 62% (58% 95%CI [53; 63] for direct care. The proportion of organizational time was higher in public hospitals (11% in the university hospital (p &lt; 0.001) and 4% in general hospitals (p &lt; 0.01)) compared to private hospitals (1%). The number of task interruptions (1.5/h ± 1.4 in all hospitals) was 4 times higher in the university hospital (2.2/h ± 1.6) compared to private hospitals (0.5/h ± 0.3) (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsMost time in the operating room was spent on clinical care with a significant contrast between public and private hospitals for organizational time.
A High Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Higher Risk of Poststroke Cognitive Impairment: Development and Validation of a Clinical Prediction Model
Authors: Zha Fei , Zhao Jingjing , Chen Cheng , Ji Xiaoqi , Li Meng , Wu Yinyin , Yao Li 
Published: January 2022

ObjectivePoststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a serious complication of stroke. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a marker of peripheral inflammation. The relationship between the NLR and PSCI is far from well studied, and the thesis of this study was to assess the predictive value of the NLR in patients with PSCI, and establish and verify the corresponding prediction model based on this relationship.MethodsA total of 367 stroke patients were included in this study. Neutrophils, lymphocytes, and NLRs were measured at baseline, and clinical and neuropsychological assessments were conducted 3 months after stroke. The National Institutes of Health Scale (NIHSS) was used to assess the severity of stroke. A Chinese version of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used for the assessment of cognitive function.ResultsAfter three months of follow-up, 87 (23.7%) patients were diagnosed with PSCI. The NLR was significantly higher in PSCI patients than in non-PSCI patients (P &lt; 0.001). Patient age, sex, body mass index, NIHSS scores, and high-density lipoprotein levels also differed in the univariate analysis. In the logistic regression analysis, the NLR was an independent risk factor associated with the patients with PSCI after adjustment for potential confounders (OR = 1.67, 95%CI: 1.21–2.29, P = 0.002). The nomogram based on patient sex, age, NIHSS score, and NLR had good predictive power with an AUC of 0.807. In the validation group, the AUC was 0.816.ConclusionAn increased NLR at admission is associated with PSCI, and the model built with NLR as one of the predictors can increase prognostic information for the early detection of PSCI.
Estimating Risk of Multiple Sclerosis Disease Reactivation in Pregnancy and Postpartum: The VIPRiMS Score
Authors: Bsteh Gabriel , Hegen Harald , Riedl Katharina , Altmann Patrick , Di Pauli Franziska , Ehling Rainer , Zulehner Gudrun , Rommer Paulus , Leutmezer Fritz , Deisenhammer Florian , Berger Thomas 
Published: January 2022

Background:Evidence guiding personalized decision-making with respect to disease-modifying therapy (DMT) around pregnancy in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is lacking.Objective:To generate and validate a risk score for disease reactivation intrapartum and postpartum in RMS.Methods:From the Vienna Innsbruck MS database (VIMSD), we included 343 pregnancies in patients with RMS. Primary endpoint was disease reactivation. Patients were randomly assigned 2:1 in a generation and validation dataset. A predictive score was calculated using the Cox regression and validated.Results:In the generation dataset, occurrence of relapse and type of DMT in the year before conception, DMT washout duration, the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) at conception, and time until DMT restart postpartum were identified as independent predictors of disease reactivation (p &lt; 0.001). The resulting 10-point risk score robustly predicted reactivation (explaining 75% of variance, p &lt; 0.001) identifying patients at high [≥6 points; mean risk 65%; range 50–100%; hazard ratio (HR) 14.5], intermediate (3–5 points; mean risk 24%; range 15–35%; HR 4.3), and low risk (≤2 points; mean risk 6%; range 0–8%) of disease reactivation in pregnancy and up to 6 months postpartum.Conclusion:The composite Vienna Innsbruck Pregnancy Risk in Multiple Sclerosis (VIPRiMS) score is a valuable clinical tool to support patients and neurologists in anticipating risk and, thus, individualizing treatment decision-making around pregnancy.
Effects of Vitamin D and K on Interleukin-6 in COVID-19
Authors: Visser Margot P. J. , Dofferhoff Anton S. M. , van den Ouweland Jody M. W. , van Daal Henny , Kramers Cornelis , Schurgers Leon J. , Janssen Rob , Walk Jona 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundPathology during COVID-19 infection arises partly from an excessive inflammatory response with a key role for interleukin (IL)-6. Both vitamin D and K have been proposed as potential modulators of this process.MethodsWe assessed vitamin D and K status by measuring circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and desphospho-uncarboxylated Matrix Gla-Protein (dp-ucMGP), respectively in 135 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in relation to inflammatory response, elastic fiber degradation and clinical outcomes.ResultsComparing good and poor disease outcomes of COVID-19 patients, vitamin 25(OH)D levels were not significantly different. IL-6 levels, however, were significantly higher in patients with poor outcome, compared to patients with good outcome (30.3 vs. 153.0 pg/mL; p &lt; 0.0001). Dp-ucMGP levels as biomarker of extrahepatic vitamin K status was associated with IL-6 levels (r = 0.35; p &lt; 0.0001). In contrast, 25(OH)D levels were only borderline statistically significant correlated with IL-6 (r = −0.14; p &lt;0.050). A significant association was also found between IL-6 and elastic fiber degradation. Contrary to vitamin K status, 25(OH)D did not correlate with elastic fiber degradation.ConclusionsDp-ucMGP associates with IL-6 as a central component of the destructive inflammatory processes in COVID-19. An intervention trial may provide insight whether vitamin K administration, either or not in combination with vitamin D, improves clinical outcome of COVID-19.
Pseudocapsule-Based Resection for Pituitary Adenomas via the Endoscopic Endonasal Approach
Authors: Zhou Yuefei , Wei Jialiang , Feng Feng , Wang Jianguo , Jia Pengfei , Yang Shuangwu , Gao Dakuan 
Published: January 2022

IntroductionThe endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) is a safe and effective treatment for pituitary adenomas (PAs). Since extracapsular resection (ER) of PAs improves tumor resection and endocrine remission rates, the interface between the pseudocapsule and gland draws increasing attention. However, it is difficult to precisely dissect the tumor along the exact boundary, and complete removal of the tumor increases the risks of normal tissue damage and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. In this study, we investigated the extracapsular resection as well as the pseudocapsule histology to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of pseudocapsule-related surgical interventions.MethodsFrom December 2017 to December 2019, 189 patients of PAs via EEA in our single center were analyzed retrospectively. The images, operative details, and clinical follow-up of patients were collected. Sixty-four patients underwent pseudocapsule-based ER, and 125 patients also underwent traditional intracapsular resection (IR) with or without intensive excision for FPAs. The clinical characteristics, tumor resection, endocrinological outcomes, and postoperative morbidities of the two groups were compared. Informed consent for publication of our article was obtained from each patient. Histological examination of pseudocapsule was performed using hematoxylin and eosin and reticulin staining.ResultsThe gross total recession was 62 (96.9%) in the ER group and 107 (85.6%) cases in the IR group, whereas the endocrine remission rate was 29/31 (93.5%) and 40/53 (75.5%) cases, respectively. Anterior pituitary functions were not aggravated postoperatively in any patient, but transient diabetes insipidus (DI) occurred more in the IR group (64.0%) than in ER (48.4%). Pseudocapsule specimens were obtained in 93 patients, and clusters of small cell aggregation were detected in 11 pseudocapsule specimens (11.8%) whereas other patients showed no remarkable developed pseudocapsule. Intraoperative CSF leak occurred more in the ER group (28.1%) than in the IR group (13.6%), but no difference was seen between two groups postoperatively. No case of intracranial hematoma or pituitary crisis occurred in both groups. After a mean follow-up of 22.8 months, tumor recurrence was observed in 4 (2.1%) cases.ConclusionPseudocapsule-based extracapsular resection of PAs via EEA is an effective and safe procedure to achieve complete resection with high and sustained endocrine remission and without deteriorating pituitary function.
Risk Factors for Central Lymph Node Metastases and Benefit of Prophylactic Central Lymph Node Dissection in Middle Eastern Patients With cN0 Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Parvathareddy Sandeep Kumar , Siraj Abdul K. , Ahmed Saeeda O. , DeVera Felisa , Al-Sobhi Saif S. , Al-Dayel Fouad , Al-Kuraya Khawla S. 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundProphylactic central lymph node dissection (PCLND) for adult patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is still a matter of debate. Data on incidence, risk and benefits of PCLND in Middle Eastern patients is lacking. Therefore, we aimed to identify the incidence and predictive clinico-pathological and molecular marker of PCLND in adult patients with clinically node negative (cN0) Middle Eastern PTC.MethodsThis retrospective study included 942 adult Middle Eastern patients with cN0 PTC who underwent total thyroidectomy (TT) or TT+PCLND. Clinico-pathological associations of central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) were assessed. Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards model.Results213 patients underwent PCLND and 38.0% (81/213) had positive CLNM. Multivariate analysis demonstrated age ≤55 years (Odds Ratio (OR) = 7.38; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.59 – 34.31; p = 0.0108), tumor bilaterality (OR = 3.01; 95% CI = 1.01 – 9.21; p = 0.0483), lymphovascular invasion (OR = 2.92; 95% CI = 1.18 – 7.23; p = 0.0206) and BRAF mutation (OR = 3.24; 95% CI = 1.41 – 7.49; p = 0.0058) were independent predictors of CLNM in adult PTC. Furthermore, patients who underwent PCLND showed significant association with improved recurrence-free survival (RFS; p = 0.0379). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that PCLND was an independent predictor of improved recurrence-free survival.ConclusionscN0 Middle Eastern PTC patients treated with PCLND showed a significantly better prognosis. PCLND was effective in improving RFS in Middle Eastern PTC patients and should be encouraged for patients with potential risk factors for CLNM.
Congenital Short-Bowel Syndrome Is Associated With a Novel Deletion Mutation in the CLMP Gene: Mutations in CLMP Caused CSBS
Authors: Ou Fen-fen , Li Ming-jie , Mei Li-bin , Lin Xin-Zhu , Wu Yan-an 
Published: January 2022

Objective: To describe the clinical presentation and novel mutation in the coxsackie and adenovirus receptor-like membrane protein (CLMP) gene in a Chinese family with congenital short bowel syndrome (CSBS).Methods: We collected clinical data from a Chinese family with inherited CSBS, and performed whole exon sequencing of the children and their parents. The pathogenic sites of candidate genes were targeted, and the detected exon deletions were verified by quantitative PCR.Results: Two siblings in this family presented with bilious vomiting, and were diagnosed with CSBS on laparotomy. Two siblings and their parents underwent complete exome sequencing of the peripheral blood. Both children had CLMP gene exons 3–5 homozygous deletion mutation, while the parents had a heterozygous mutation.Conclusion: This study identified a novel mutation of the CLMP gene in a Chinese family with CSBS. Identification of this mutation can help with genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis of CSBS.
Study Protocol for Preventing Early-Onset Pneumonia in Young Children Through Maternal Immunisation: A Multi-Centre Randomised Controlled Trial (PneuMatters)
Authors: Chang Anne B. , Toombs Maree , Chatfield Mark D. , Mitchell Remai , Fong Siew M. , Binks Michael J. , Smith-Vaughan Heidi , Pizzutto Susan J. , Lust Karin , Morris Peter S. , Marchant Julie M. , Yerkovich Stephanie T. , O'Farrell Hannah , Torzillo Paul J. , Maclennan Carolyn , Simon David , Unger Holger W. , Ellepola Hasthika , Odendahl Jens , Marshall Helen S. , Swamy Geeta K. , Grimwood Keith 
Published: January 2022

Background: Preventing and/or reducing acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) in young children will lead to substantial short and long-term clinical benefits. While immunisation with pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) reduces paediatric ALRIs, its efficacy for reducing infant ALRIs following maternal immunisation has not been studied. Compared to other PCVs, the 10-valent pneumococcal-Haemophilus influenzae Protein D conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV) is unique as it includes target antigens from two common lower airway pathogens, pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides and protein D, which is a conserved H. influenzae outer membrane lipoprotein.Aims: The primary aim of this randomised controlled trial (RCT) is to determine whether vaccinating pregnant women with PHiD-CV (compared to controls) reduces ALRIs in their infants' first year of life. Our secondary aims are to evaluate the impact of maternal PHiD-CV vaccination on different ALRI definitions and, in a subgroup, the infants' nasopharyngeal carriage of pneumococci and H. influenzae, and their immune responses to pneumococcal vaccine type serotypes and protein D.Methods: We are undertaking a parallel, multicentre, superiority RCT (1:1 allocation) at four sites across two countries (Australia, Malaysia). Healthy pregnant Australian First Nation or Malaysian women aged 17–40 years with singleton pregnancies between 27+6 and 34+6 weeks gestation are randomly assigned to receive either a single dose of PHiD-CV or usual care. Treatment allocation is concealed. Study outcome assessors are blinded to treatment arms. Our primary outcome is the rate of medically attended ALRIs by 12-months of age. Blood and nasopharyngeal swabs are collected from infants at birth, and at ages 6- and 12-months (in a subset). Our planned sample size (n = 292) provides 88% power (includes 10% anticipated loss to follow-up).Discussion: Results from this RCT potentially leads to prevention of early and recurrent ALRIs and thus preservation of lung health during the infant's vulnerable period when lung growth is maximum. The multicentre nature of our study increases the generalisability of its future findings and is complemented by assessing the microbiological and immunological outcomes in a subset of infants.Clinical Trial Registration:https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=374381, identifier: ACTRN12618000150246.
Renal Protective Effects of Inonotus obliquus on High-Fat Diet/Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Kidney Disease Rats: Biochemical, Color Doppler Ultrasound and Histopathological Evidence
Authors: Zhang Yan , Liao Hui , Shen Dayue , Zhang Xilan , Wang Jufang , Zhang Xiaohong , Wang Xiaocheng , Li Rongshan 
Published: January 2022

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the current leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Inonotus obliquus (chaga), a medicinal fungus, has been used in treatment of diabetes. Here, we aim to identify the renal protective effects of chaga extracts on a DKD rat model which was induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin injection. During the total 17-weeks experiment, the biological parameters of serum and urine were examined, and the color Doppler ultrasound of renal artery, the periodic acid-Schiff staining, and electron microscopy of kidney tissue were performed. The compositions of chaga extracts were analyzed and the intervention effects of the extracts were also observed. Compared with the normal control group, the biochemical research showed that insulin resistance was developed, blood glucose and total cholesterol were elevated, urinary protein excretion and serum creatinine levels were significantly increased in the DKD model. The ultrasound examinations confirmed the deteriorated blood flow parameters of the left renal interlobar artery in the rat models. Finally, histopathological data supported renal injury on the thickened glomerular basement membrane and fusion of the foot processes. 8 weeks intervention of chaga improved the above changes significantly, and the 100 mg/kg/d chaga group experienced significant effects compared with the 50 mg/kg/d in some parameters. Our findings suggested that Doppler ultrasound examinations guided with biochemical indicators played important roles in evaluating the renal injury as an effective, noninvasive, and repeatable method in rats. Based on biochemical, ultrasound, and histopathological evidence, we confirmed that chaga had pharmacodynamic effects on diabetes-induced kidney injury and the aforementioned effects may be related to delaying the progression of DKD.