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A computer vision-based approach for automatically extracting data from bar chart raster images to facilitate meta-analysis of biomedical literature

Although bar charts are widely used in scientific publications, their rasterized format within Portable Document Format (PDF) files complicates automated data extraction, hindering large-scale evidence synthesis and meta-analysis. To address this, we developed and evaluated an automated pipeline for extracting quantitative data from bar charts embedded in the biomedical literature. The four-stage pipeline comprises (1) image extraction and panel segmentation, (2) optical character recognition (OCR)-based text detection, (3) image disassembly to identify chart components, and (4) data reconstruction using numeric parsing and axis-based interpolation. The system combines edge detection, morphological operations, and convolutional neural network (CNN)-based figure classification using a transfer-learned Inception v3 model. Performance was validated on randomized controlled trials in age-related macular degeneration, with manually annotated values from a semi-automated labeling tool as the reference standard, and agreement was assessed using Bland–Altman analysis. Across 28 bar charts from ten publications, the pipeline correctly recognized 92.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 77.4–98.0) of figure types, 96.0% (95% CI, 94.2–97.3) of text blocks, and 79.1% (95% CI, 74.7–83.0) of bars. For numerical reconstruction, 81.2% (95% CI, 76.3–85.2) of bar values fell within ±5% of the reference standard, 63.0% (95% CI, 57.3–68.3) within ±2%, and 48.6% (95% CI, 43.0–54.3) within ±1%. Bland–Altman analysis showed a small negative bias of −0.18 (95% CI, −0.34 to −0.02), with 94.9% of differences within the limits of agreement. Most outliers arose from OCR digit misclassification or ambiguous bar boundaries. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the feasibility of automated data extraction from bar charts using a hybrid approach that combines image-processing heuristics with CNN-based classification. Although currently limited to bar charts and a single clinical domain, the pipeline represents a step toward scalable, end-to-end systems for automated evidence extraction to support meta-analyses across the biomedical literature.

Real-world regorafenib use among patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor in the United States

Background Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common gastrointestinal soft tissue sarcoma. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are guideline-recommended therapy; however, resistance often occurs, requiring subsequent therapy. Regorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor approved for third-line therapy. Real-world data surrounding regorafenib’s use and place in therapy are limited. Objective To understand real-world regorafenib utilization and patient characteristics among US patients with advanced GIST. Methods This retrospective cohort claims analysis used data from Merative™ MarketScan ® research databases and included patients with ≥1 pharmacy claim for regorafenib during the identification period (10/2015–5/2023) and ≥1 GIST diagnoses any time prior to/on index date (first regorafenib prescription claim). Primary outcomes included duration of therapy (DOT) and time to next therapy (TTNT). Outcomes were stratified based on prior GIST treatment during the baseline period (BL) and initial regorafenib dose (i.e., low dose [LD] or regorafenib standard dose [RSD]) as of the index date. Results Nearly half (45.2%) of patients received imatinib and sunitinib prior to regorafenib initiation, and 73.5% received RSD. Patients who received prior imatinib or sunitinib alone before regorafenib had a numerically longer median DOT with regorafenib than those who received both in the BL before regorafenib (142.5 days [IQR: 87–257.5] vs 95 days [IQR: 53–192]). Patients receiving LD and RSD demonstrated similar median DOT (103.0 days [IQR: 41.5, 210.5] vs 94.5 days [IQR: (35.0, 171.0]) and TTNT (143 days [IQR: 70–293] vs 141 days [IQR: 77–191]). Conclusions Patients on LD and RSD had similar DOT and TTNT. Acknowledging the limitations from this real-world data, patients with prior imatinib or sunitinib alone appeared to have longer DOT on regorafenib than those who received both. Further research is warranted to explore the clinical benefits of these differences.

Heat stress-induced photosynthetic impairment and autophagy modulation in Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis: A physiological and molecular Perspective

High temperature is one of the major environmental stressors that severely affects plant growth. Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis , a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, is sensitive to high temperature. However, the underlying mechanisms of its response to high temperature remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the physiological and proteomic change of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis under different treatments (25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C). Our results showed that high temperature directly impaired photosynthesis and disrupted metabolism, evidenced by reduced chlorophyll and photosynthetic rate, as well as accumulated proline and increased conductivity. A total of 893 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified, with significant changes in the expression levels of enzymes associated with protein processing and synthesis. Additionally, the expression levels of key proteins involved in the circadian pathway and the glutathione pathway were also notably upregulated. Dynamic changes in the endocytosis and autophagy-related proteins ATG3 and ATG8C were also observed, suggesting that these processes may play a significant protective role under high-temperature stress. Overall, this study provides an important starting point for improving the heat tolerance of P.polyphylla var. yunnanensis through genetic engineering.

Analysis of the work, health and well-being experience of immigrant personal support workers in minority language contexts in Canada: Scoping review protocol

Background The aging Canadian population has led to an increase in Canada’s use of home and community care services. In this context, the healthcare system relies heavily on personal support workers who work in various healthcare settings. A significant proportion of these workers are immigrants, and many live in linguistic minorities. Despite their pivotal role, the experiences and working conditions of these personal support workers are underrepresented in the scientific literature, specifically in intersectional analyses. This scoping review aims to examine the work experiences, health conditions, and well-being of immigrant personal support workers in Canada who work in a minority language setting. Eligibility criteria Studies addressing the work experiences, health conditions, and well-being of immigrant personal support workers in Canada who work in a minority language setting, and those published in English or French. There will have no restrictions on publication date. Method This review will follow the JBI recommendations for scoping reviews and incorporate the PRISMA-ScR checklist. We will develop an adapted search strategy for five relevant databases (Medline [Ovide], Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, and Google Scholar). Two independent reviewers will select full-text articles based on pre-established inclusion criteria and extracted relevant data. The results will be presented in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. This scoping review contributes to expanding knowledge about the professional, health, and social realities of immigrant PSWs in Canada’s linguistic minority communities.

Veterinarian–pharmacist collaboration in veterinary medicine: Roles, practices, and perceptions—A scoping review

Background Pharmacists are expanding their participation in veterinary healthcare teams and assuming roles beyond traditional dispensing duties. However, the scope of these collaborative practices and the degree of mutual recognition vary substantially across regions. Objectives This scoping review aimed to organize the existing literature on collaboration between veterinarians and pharmacists, clarifying current roles, practical applications, and professional perceptions within the veterinary field. Methods A scoping review was conducted to examine the roles, practices, and perceptions associated with veterinarian–pharmacist collaboration in veterinary medicine and related fields. Two researchers independently searched PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Ichushi-Web, and additionally screened Google Scholar to identify gray literature (from database inception to August 2025, in English or Japanese). Records were independently screened at the title/abstract and full-text levels using predefined eligibility criteria, and relevant studies were identified. Results The search yielded 239 records, of which 16 studies published between 2007 and 2024 were included. Studies were conducted primarily in the United States (n = 7), New Zealand (n = 3), and Japan (n = 3); one study collected data from both Japan and Taiwan. Most studies employed cross-sectional survey designs. Pharmacist roles most frequently involved compounding and dispensing for animal patients (62.5%), followed by drug information (DI) and consultation (37.5%), inventory and supply management (25.0%), client education (18.8%), and safety and exposure control (12.5%). Conclusions This scoping review demonstrates that veterinarian–pharmacist collaboration is described within a limited and regionally variable evidence base, with pharmacists most often contributing through compounding/dispensing and drug information support. Sustained and scalable implementation will require improved mutual understanding of professional roles, strengthened veterinary-specific education for pharmacists, and more robust empirical research to inform collaborative practice models.

Dynamic changes in cancer-specific mortality across survivorship stages in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma using landmark competing-risk analysis

Machine learning-based optimization of low pressure and putrescine for superior growth parameters and antioxidant metabolites in in vitro Ocimum basilicum seedlings

Functional status, depressive symptoms, sleep quality and fatigue in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a mediation analysis

Health risk assessment of exposure to metal fumes among welders under various seasonal conditions: a study based on Monte Carlo simulation

Transcriptomic and RNAi-mediated antiviral response to Kamiti River virus infection in Aedes albopictus U4.4 cells

Abstract Mosquitoes transmit arboviruses that represent major global public health challenges. Increasing insecticide resistance and absence of effective antiviral therapies underscore the need for novel vector control strategies. Insect-specific viruses have emerged as candidates for biological control, however, the cellular mechanisms underlying their interactions with mosquito hosts remain poorly understood. Here, we examined the immune response of Aedes albopictus U4.4 cells to Kamiti River virus (KRV) infection, an insect-specific flavivirus. Cells were infected with KRV, and transcriptomic and small RNA profiles were analyzed at 24, 48 and 72 h post-infection. KRV infection induced production of virus-derived small interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs) and virus-derived PIWI-interacting RNA (vpiRNAs) from 24 to 72 h. The vsiRNAs predominantly mapped to the 3′ untranslated region of the KRV genome, whereas vpiRNAs formed distinct hotspots in regions encoding the NS1, NS3, NS4A/B and NS5 proteins. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of genes associated with the humoral immune response, including defensin, cecropin, and glutathione S-transferase, and downregulation of Toll-like receptors and ecdysone-induced transcripts at later stages of infection. These gene expression patterns suggest an early activation followed by suppression of key immune signaling pathways. Collectively, the findings indicate that KRV leads to coordinated modulation of antiviral RNAi and host transcriptional responses, consistent with a balanced, commensal-like interaction in mosquito cells.

Big data analytics capabilities enhance green product innovation and dual sustainability performance via green dynamic capabilities

Ameliorative effects of Crocin as a potent antioxidant with its spectral characterization against Cadmium chloride-induced hepatotoxicity

Changes in the hypertension care cascade among adults in Tamil Nadu, India, based on consecutive cross-sectional surveys 2020 and 2024

A scalable explainable deep learning framework for predictive analysis and interpretability of CO$$_2$$ emissions patterns

Impact of blood collection tubes on thrombin generation assay results: a comparison of citrate and CTAD

Abstract Accurate assessment of haemostasis is essential in both research and clinical practice. Thrombin generation assays (TGA) provide a comprehensive evaluation of coagulation; however, results can be influenced by preanalytical conditions, including the choice of blood collection tubes. Citrate-theophylline-adenosine-dipyridamole (CTAD) tubes are recommended by the manufacturer of the Ceveron ® alpha TGA system due to their ability to inhibit platelet activation. Nevertheless, CTAD tubes are costly, less widely available, and not manufactured in small volumes suitable for specific patient populations, such as paediatric cohorts. To evaluate whether standard citrate tubes can serve as a viable alternative, we prospectively compared TGA parameters from blood collected in 3.2% sodium citrate tubes versus CTAD tubes in 12 healthy volunteers. Assays were performed using low and high phospholipid micelle concentrations (RC low/RC high). Significant differences between citrate and CTAD were observed for all parameters with the RC low reagent. In contrast, only lag time showed significant differences with the RC high reagent. In conclusion, while citrate tubes may be used for TGA, the type of blood collection tube can influence measurements under specific assay conditions and should be considered a relevant factor when comparing and interpreting TGA results.

Development of hybrid polypropylene composites reinforced with chemically modified rice straw and foxtail millet husk for EV automotive applications

Abstract In this study, lightweight hybrid composites based on polypropylene (PP) reinforced with agricultural residues rice straw (RS) and foxtail millet husk (FMH) were developed for potential automotive applications in electric vehicles. A fiber mixture consisting of RS and FMH in a 1:1 ratio was subjected to chemical treatments using alkaline sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and tannic acid to extract cellulosic fibers and to compare the effectiveness of these treatments in improving fiber matrix interfacial adhesion. Hybrid composites containing 5–15 wt% fibers were fabricated via co-rotating twin-screw extrusion followed by compression moulding. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the removal of hemicellulose, lignin, and waxy components after alkali treatment, while tannic acid treatment introduced phenolic functional groups on the fiber surface. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed enhanced surface roughness, fibrillation, and improved dispersion of treated fibers within the PP matrix. Mechanical testing demonstrated significant improvement in tensile strength (29.51 MPa), flexural strength (64.61 MPa), and impact strength (6.976 kJ/m²) compared to untreated composites. These values exceed those typically reported for conventional natural fiber-reinforced PP composites tensile 20 to 28 MPa, flexural 35 to 60 MPa, indicating enhanced mechanical performance. The melt flow index (MFI) decreased to 3.649 g/10 min with increasing fiber loading, indicating improved melt resistance while maintaining adequate processability. The improved properties are attributed to the synergistic effect of hybrid fibre reinforcement and enhanced interfacial bonding facilitated by chemical treatments. These findings demonstrate that PP-based RS–FMH hybrid composites can serve as sustainable and lightweight materials for EV automotive components.

Potential protective effects of metformin on remote organ injury in the liver, kidney, and lung following experimental lower-extremity ischemia–reperfusion in non-diabetic rats

Research on the optimization design of historical town landscape form for climate comfort: a case study of Pingle Ancient Town in Sichuan Province, China

Radiation resistance of additively manufactured CrMoTaTiV compositionally complex alloys with enhanced mechanical properties

Abstract In this study, a novel Cr 10 Mo 25 Ta 25 Ti 15 V 25 refractory compositionally complex alloy (RCCA) was fabricated via laser powder directed energy deposition and subjected to irradiation at doses of up to 18 dpa at room temperature (RT) and 650 °C. Microstructural analysis revealed a dendritic BCC matrix, featuring localized enrichment of Cr, V, and Ti in the interdendritic regions, alongside a secondary FCC phase rich in Ti and O. Both compressive strength and ductility are much improved compared to the alloys produced by conventional production methods. Even at 1000 °C, the yield strength of 953 ± 70 MPa with extensive compressive ductility has been observed. Irradiation studies demonstrated that both phases remained stable, with no void formation or phase transformation. The lattice parameters of BCC matrix and FCC second phase fluctuate which was mainly attributed to local variation in composition. Loop size and density followed distinct temperature-dependent trends. At RT, limited kinetics favored loop nucleation while at 650 °C, loop coalescence was dominant. The high dislocation density inherent to additive manufacturing and sluggish diffusion in the RCCA matrix, coupled with O-rich FCC particles, contributed to the alloy’s robust radiation tolerance. These findings showcase the potential of additively manufactured RCCAs for next-generation nuclear fission and fusion applications.

Reduction of secondary bile acids following microbiome pre-conditioning was associated with reduced breast cancer progression

Abstract Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. We previously reported that a primary bile acid mimetic reduced tumor progression in vivo. Here, we hypothesized that elevating primary bile acids through preconditioning of the gut microbiome may be an unexplored opportunity to improve breast cancer. We utilized the antibiotic vancomycin previously reported to deplete Gram-positive, anaerobic microbes that convert primary bile acids to secondary bile acids. Preconditioning with vancomycin significantly delayed tumor onset, decreased burden, promoted regression, and reduced the number of mice with lung colonization. Vancomycin reduced overall microbiome diversity and specific microbes in Clostridium Cluster XIVa , which associated with increased primary bile acid levels. We report that vancomycin significantly associated with elevated circulating bile acid tauro-alpha/beta-muricholic acid and reduced secondary bile acids that correlated with worsened tumor outcomes. Flow analysis of tumor content and systemic immune responses was associated with immune changes consistent with anti-tumor responses, including conventional dendritic cells and activated CD8 + T cells. In sum, we demonstrated that manipulation of the bile acid pools associated with improved breast cancer outcomes. The altered bile acids corresponded to an elevation of key immune cells, which may contribute to protection from primary breast cancer progression and lung colonization.