bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioinformatics-based analysis of amino acid metabolism-related features to predict clinical prognosis and immunotherapy response in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Zheng Yifan , Li Lin , Lin Bing , Yang Yongxia , Zhang Yongcheng , Lin Yufeng , Huang Wenbin , Zhang Rongxing
Published: February 2024

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer associated with poor prognosis. In addition to the Warburg effect, amino acids and metabolites affect tumor development, are involved in modulating the tumor immune microenvironment (TME) and regulating the anti-tumor immune response. However, the relationship between amino acid metabolism and the clinical prognosis and immunotherapeutic response of triple negative breast cancer are still indistinct. We established a risk signature consisting of 12 genes by differential Analysis, univariate COX regression analysis and LASSO-COX analysis. The GEO cohort confirmed the validity of the risk signature. We used single-sample genomic enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), tumor mutation burden (TMB), and IC50 values of drugs to discover the relationship between the risk signature, immune status, and drug sensitivity in TNBC. We also verified the expression of the risk signature gene ALDH4A1 in tissues and cells by qPCR assay, and migration assay verified its role in TNBC cell invasion. Our study may provide new insights into amino acid metabolic therapy for the treatment of TNBC patients.
Mechanically Tunable, Compostable, Healable and Scalable
Engineered Living Materials
Authors: Joshi Neel , Manjula-Basavanna Avinash , Duraj-Thatte Anna
Published: February 2024

Novel design strategies are essential to realize the full potential of Engineered Living Materials (ELMs), including their biodegradability, manufacturability, sustainability, and ability to tailor functional properties. Toward these goals, we present Mechanically Engineered Living Material with Compostability, Healability, and Scalability (MECHS) – a material that integrates these features in the form of a stretchable plastic that is simultaneously flushable, compostable, and exhibits the characteristics of paper. This plastic/paper-like material is produced directly from cultured bacterial biomass (40%) producing engineered curli protein nanofibers in scalable quantities (0.5-1 g L-1). The elongation at break (1-160%) and Young’s modulus (6-450 MPa) of MECHS was tuned to more than two orders of magnitude. By genetically encoded covalent crosslinking of curli nanofibers, we increase the Young’s modulus by two times. MECHS biodegrades completely in 15-75 days, while its mechanical properties are comparable to petrochemical plastics and thus may find use as compostable materials for primary packaging.
Retinal blood flow association with age and weight in infants at risk for retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Cho Euna , Das Urjita , Sidelnikov Danielle , Balasubramanian Tara , Shats Daniel , Mansoor Shaiza , Forbes He Eun , Zhou Jason , Kapoor Ria , Chase Sera , Kore Madi , Williams Kristin , Saeedi Osamah , Sundararajan Sripriya , Levin Moran Roni , Magder Laurence , Alexander Janet
Published: February 2024

This prospective study evaluated the relationship between laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) ocular blood flow velocity (BFV) and five birth parameters: gestational age (GA), postmenstrual age (PMA), and chronological age (CA) at the time of measurement, birth weight (BW), and current weight (CW) in preterm neonates at risk for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).38 Neonates with BW < 2 kg, GA < 32 weeks, and PMA between 27–47 weeks underwent 91 LSCI sessions. Correlation tests and regression analysis were performed to quantify relationships between birth parameters and ocular BFV. Mean ocular BFV index in this cohort was 8.8 +/- 4.0 IU. BFV positively correlated with PMA (r = 0.3, p = 0.01), CA (r = 0.3, p = 0.005), and CW (r = 0.3, p = 0.02). BFV did not correlate with GA nor BW (r=-0.2 and r=-0.05, p > 0.05). Regression analysis with mixed models demonstrated that BFV increased by 1.2 for every kilogram of CW, by 0.34 for every week of CA, and by 0.36 for every week of PMA (p = 0.03, 0.004, 0.007, respectively). Our findings indicate that increased age and weight are associated with increased ocular BFV measured using LSCI in premature infants. Future studies investigating the associations between ocular BFV and ROP clinical severity must control for age and/or weight of the infant.
Improved DINO Model-Based Approach for ObjectDetection of Sesame Seedlings and Weeds
Authors: Wang Yong , Ye Zhenyuan
Published: February 2024

In the application scenario of precise pesticide spraying on sesame seedlings, existing object detection models exhibit lowrecognition accuracy and detection efficiency due to the complex imaging environment and the limited computational powerof agricultural intelligent equipment. Addressing this issue, this study proposes a denoising and lightweight object detectionmethod for sesame seedling and weed detection based on the DINO model. By introducing MobileNetV3 to replace theoriginal ResNet-50 backbone network in DINO, the neural network layers of the model are reduced by 70%, and the number ofparameters is decreased from 47M to 39M. Furthermore, the study employs multi-scale feature extraction from the 6th, 9th,and 13th layers of MobileNetV3. On the COCO dataset, the model achieves a recognition accuracy of 34.3% for targets smallerthan 32x32, which is an improvement of 2.3% over the original DINO model. The overall recognition accuracy is increasedby 2.1%, with a 17% reduction in parameters. Additionally, the model incorporates a three-layer lightweight image denoisingpreprocessing network based on the N2N strategy, achieving a peak signal-to-noise ratio of 34.52dB under level 10 Gaussiannoise. Furthermore, the model is trained and tested on a custom noise-added sesame seedling and weed dataset, achievinga recognition accuracy of 81.8% and a detection speed of 24 frames per second, which is a 5.6% improvement over thewell-established object detection model YOLOv7. The study demonstrates that the improved DINO object detection model hassignificant advantages in accuracy and lightweight design.
Association between mixed venous oxygen saturation and serum uric acid levels in patients with heart failure
Authors: Mashitani Yuto , Ogawa Kazuo , Funaki Ryuji , Tanaka Yoshiro , Oh Takuya , Tanaka Toshikazu , Nagoshi Tomohisa , Kawai Makoto , Yoshimura Michihiro
Published: February 2024

Hypoxia leads to increased purine metabolism in tissues, resulting in increased serum uric acid (UA) levels, and may also cause impaired UA excretion in the kidneys and intestinal tract. However, the relationship between hypoxia and serum UA levels in patients with heart failure remains largely unexplored. Because mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) is an acute indicator of systemic oxygenation, in this study, we investigated the relationship between SvO2 and serum UA levels. This retrospective analysis included 386 patients with heart failure who underwent cardiac catheterization at our institution. The relationship between SvO2 and serum UA levels was examined by single regression analysis. Stratified regression analysis, structural equation modeling, and partial correlation analysis were used to examine the effects of eight factors known to influence SvO2 and serum UA levels. The single regression analysis showed a significant negative correlation between SvO2 and serum UA levels (P < 0.001). Significant negative correlations were also observed in many subgroups in the stratified analysis, in the path diagram based on structural equation modeling, and in the partial correlation analysis. These results suggest a strong and possibly direct relationship between SvO2 and serum UA levels that is not mediated by any known factor.
Characterization of linezolid- and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci in a tertiary hospital in China
Authors: Liu Cailin , Yu Jing , Chen Chunguang , Li Xiaogai , Ye Yafei , Dong Yani , Ying Xinxin , Li Haijun , Wang Wanhai
Published: February 2024

Background Recently, linezolid-resistant staphylococci have become an emerging problem worldwide. It is very important to understand the resistance mechanisms, molecular epidemiology and probable transmission of linezolid-resistant CoNS in the hospital.
Methods The antimicrobial susceptibilities of all the isolates were determined by the microdilution method. The resistance mechanisms and molecular characteristics of the strains were detected using whole-genome sequencing and PCR.
Results All the strains were resistant to oxacillin and carried the mecA gene; 13 patients (36.1%) had received prior linezolid exposure. The majority of the S. epidermidis and S. hominis isolates were ST22 and ST1, respectively. MLST typing and evolutionary analysis indicated that the majority of linezolid-resistant CoNS were genetically related. This study revealed that distinct CoNS strains have different linezolid resistance mechanisms. Among ST22-type S. epidermidis, the acquisition of the T2504A and C2534T mutations in the V domain of the 23S rRNA gene as well as the mutations in the ribosomal proteins L3 (L101V, G152D, and D159Y) and L4 (N158S) were linked to the development of linezolid resistance. In the S. cohnii isolates, the cfr, S158Y and D159Y mutations in the ribosomal protein L3 were found. Additionally, the emergence of the G2576T mutation and the cfr gene were major causes of linezolid resistance in S. hominis isolates.The cfr gene, the G2576T and C2104T mutations, the M156T change in L3, and the I188S change in the L4 protein were found in S. capitis isolates.
Conclusion The emergence of linezolid-resistant CoNS in our environment is concerning because it involves clonal dissemination and frequently coexists with various drug resistance mechanisms.
The association between the oxidative balance score and cognitive function in individuals with diabetes: NHANES 2011- 2014
Authors: Wang Xiufeng , Wang Cailin , Zheng Siyi , Sun Shangqi , Guo Hongxiu , Ma Rong , Li Gang
Published: February 2024

Background: Cognitive impairment is a significant complication of diabetes. There have been reports suggesting a relationship between Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) and various diseases. However, the impact of the oxidative equilibrium index, which merges prooxidant and antioxidant elements of diet and lifestyle on the cognitive abilities of individuals with diabetes remains uncertain.
Methods: Conducted as a retrospective cross-sectional analysis based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), this study examined data from individuals with diabetes and those without diabetes from NHANES 2011-2014. We collected their basic information, including age, gender, level of education, annual household income, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), klotho, and more. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Word Recall (CERAD)word learning subtest, Animal Fluency Test (AFT) for animal fluency, and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST)for digit symbol substitution. The relationship between cognitive performance in individuals with diabetes and the oxidative balance score was analyzed using a weighted multiple linear regression model and restricted cubic splines analysis.
Results: Diabetes patients demonstrated a higher incidence of cognitive impairment compared to individuals without diabetes. In the case of diabetes, a positive correlation between the OBS and DSST was observed, with the beta estimated at 0.41 (95% CI: 0.10, 0.71). Additionally, results from the RCS analysis indicated a nearly linear proportional connection between the OBS and DSST.
Conclusions: Cognitive function in diabetes exhibited a positive correlation with OBS. The results highlighted the importance of a nutritious diet habit and a healthy lifestyle in influencing cognitive function among individuals with diabetes.
Isolation and Whole Genome Sequence Analysis of Cow Mastitis Candida tropicalis
Authors: Fang Weile , Jiang Chenxi , Chen Shupeng , Guo Xiaoquan , Gao Xiaona , Liu Pei , Hu Guoliang , Li Guyue , Liu Ping
Published: February 2024

Candida tropicalis（C. tropicalis）is a zoonotic pathogen that is widespread in the environment and in recent years an increasing number of dairy cows have been infected with the fungus causing mastitis in cows. In this study, the pathogenic bacteria were isolated from the milk of cows with mastitis and their pathogenicity and drug resistance were investigated. Firstly, we identified pathogenic species through bacterial morphological isolation, then used genome sequencing technology to analyze and predict pathogenicity and drug resistance of pathogens, then verified the virulence of pathogens by infecting mice, and finally verified the drug resistance of pathogens through drug sensitivity tests and PCR technology. Our results show that the causative agent of mastitis in cows in this study is C. tropicalis, and genome sequencing analysis indicates that the organism is highly virulent and multi-drug resistant, and is capable of causing organ damage in mice. C. tropicalis is highly sensitive to nystatin and ketoconazole, moderately sensitive to amphotericin B and insensitive to itraconazole, gentamicin, penicillin and ciprofloxacin, and the present study screened for drug resistance genes such as ABC1, CDR1 and CDR2. In conclusion, the C. tropicalis in this study was highly pathogenic and multi-drug resistant. This study provides a theoretical basis for further screening of novel drug resistance genes in C. tropicalis and provides some reference for the selection of drugs for the treatment of fungal dairy mastitis.
A Clinical View on the Palliative Care Challenges for Oncology Patients
Authors: Moiseenko Raisa , Gordiichuk Prokip , Kondratenko Andrii , Kalachov Oleksii , Konysheva Anna , Gordiichuk Mykola , Pogorelov Oleksandr
Published: February 2024

Objectives. To improve the organization and delivery of palliative care for cancer patients based on the work analysis of the Cancer Center for the period from 2018 to 2023.
Methods. From 2018 to 2023, 69,110 patients were grouped as follows: 1st – 36,443 patients of II-III stage, II clinical group, which received complex drug treatment according to the protocol and recommendations of the NCCN (according to nosologies); 2nd - 24,296 patients of IV stage, II clinical group, who received only drug treatment according to these recommendations and the clinical protocol; 3rd – 8,371 patients in IV stage, IV clinical group that received palliative care. Group 3 was further divided into subgroups: a) 3,022 patients who received inpatient palliative care (hospice); b) 5349 patients who received outpatient care.
Results. Over the past two years, there has been a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the number of patients in all groups. In the structure of the second group, the preference of patients with localization of the mammary gland and organs of the abdominal cavity was determined - 14,938 patients (61.48%). The correlation of the contingent of patients who received palliative drug treatment with those who received palliative care was determined.
Conclusion. It is possible to foresee patients receiving inpatient or mobile palliative care. Since there is a clinical course during hospitalization for palliative care, it is possible to foresee a certain set of measures taking into account a specific nosology.
Prediction of weld strength of LTW of Natural plant-based fiber reinforced Polypropylene using RSM, ANN, and ANFIS - a comparative study
Authors: Kapuyanyika Munyaradzi , Ude Albert Uchenna , Chinnasamy Vivekanandhan
Published: February 2024

During Laser Transmission welding (LTW) of thermoplastics reinforced with natural fibers, the constituents of the composite materials affect the properties of the material which relates to the appropriate design of operating parameters for attaining good-quality welds. Material composition affects the amount of laser energy absorbed, thermal properties, and optical properties. All these attributes greatly influence the properties and quality of weld joints formed from the LTW process. Given the wide range of LTW operating parameters that are feasible for joining thermoplastics, it is important to understand the effect of each parameter on important weld attributes such as weld strength and weld width track in a specific parameter design space for a given composite material and be able to predict vital weld properties such as weld strength. In this research paper, the comparison of the predicted weld strength of the LTW of Pure Polypropylene as the transparent part joined to Polypropylene doped with 0.2wt% of carbon black and reinforced with 15wt% oak wood short fibers using an empirical model based on Response Surface Method (RSM) central composite design, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) model was done. The coefficient of determination (R2) was (0.90), (0.93), and (0.99) for the RSM model, ANN model, and the ANFIS model respectively. All the prediction models exhibited acceptable mean absolute error percentage and root-mean-square error. The results suggested a good performance in predicting weld strength for the specified materials in the specified parameter design space in this study. ANFIS model was found to give the best performance followed by the ANN model and lastly the RSM model.
Critical influence of aggregate types on the compressive strength of concrete
Authors: Maruyama Ippei , Sugimoto Soi
Published: February 2024

Understanding the role of aggregates in the compressive strength of brittle composites is crucial for optimizing construction material usage. In this study, we employed the rigid-body-spring-network model to determine the compressive strengths of both coarse aggregate and mortar in concrete. Through uniaxial compression loading tests on concrete, considering Young’s modulus and compressive strength of the coarse aggregate as variables, we elucidated the mechanism by which the coarse aggregate’s physical properties influence concrete's compressive strength, illustrated using a straightforward diagram. When the coarse aggregate’s Young's modulus is lower than that of the mortar, the stress transfer path within the mortar bends and cracks more rapidly, significantly lowering strength. Conversely, if the coarse aggregate’s Young’s modulus exceeds that of the mortar, stress becomes concentrated in the aggregate. Considering these aspects, the compressive strength of concrete can be optimized by changing the properties of the mortar according to the properties of the aggregates.
A Study to Assess the Awareness Regarding Suicidal Behaviour of Adolescents Among Mothers of Selected Wards at Angadipuram Panchayat, With a View to Develop an Informational Booklet
Authors: TF Nadha , Thasnim Diya , Binu Dona , Fathima Faby , PK Farsha
Published: February 2024

Background The World Health Organization has defined “adolescents” as persons in the 10 to 19-year age group. Suicidal behaviour is increasingly becoming a phenomenon associated with young people and an important public health issue. However, there are very few studies evaluating impact of young peoples' attitudes towards suicide and suicidal behaviour. Due to the high prevalence of this issue in our society, we took up this study to throw some light upon ways to increase awareness among the mothers regarding suicidal behaviour of adolescents.
Methods Survey research design was adopted. We systematically collected needed information through administration of demographic performa and modified questionnaire to mothers of adolescents. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results From the study it was evident that majority of the sample, 89 (89%) were having very poor awareness, 9(9%) had poor awareness and remaining 2 (2%) had moderate awareness regarding suicidal behaviour of adolescents. The Chi- square value is less than table value 0.05 level of significance which reveals that there is a significant association between the awareness of mothers and number of children.
Conclusion Suicide is a major public health issue that warrants attention. It has been found to be one of the leading causes of death in adolescents and youth worldwide (American academy of Child and adolescent psychiatry, 2021, World Health Organization, 2021). Adolescence, being the initial founding years of life, is very critical. Any mental health issue in this phase of life should be taken seriously to prevent further progress in adulthood (Blakemore, 2019). India has the world’s largest adolescent population (approximately 253 million), and every 5th person in India is between 10 and 19 years of age (UNICEF INDIA, 2019).
Enhanced Antibacterial Activity and Structural Characterization of ZnO-Doped MgO Nanocomposites Synthesized via Sol-Gel Technique
Authors: Mohammad Ali M. , Fatah Salar K. , Majeed Mahmood H. , Mohammed Sirwa M. , Mohammed Sulaf M.
Published: February 2024

In this study, nanocomposites of Mg1 − xZnxO (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3) were synthesized using the sol-gel technique. The structural, surface morphological, and antibacterial effects of pure MgO and MgO doped with ZnO were investigated. For structural and morphological evaluations, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) were used. The Rietveld refinement software analysis of XRD data revealed that the phase fraction of MgO exhibits a direct and linear relationship with increasing zinc nitrate concentration. In contrast, the ZnO phase shows an inverse correlation. It was also observed that, as the concentration of ZnO increased, the crystal sizes of the MgO and ZnO phases decreased from 35.87 to 31.29 nm and 46.16 to 41.41 nm, respectively, while their lattice constants increased. The FE-SEM images demonstrated that the particle morphologies of all the samples were similar, with no discernible distinctions. In general, the particles exhibited a small spherical appearance, and their sizes ranged from 73.771 to 76 nm, with irregular agglomeration influenced by the concentration of ZnO. In addition, the synthesized MgO/ZnO nanocomposite exhibited a synergistic antibacterial effect, inhibiting the growth of both Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli. Notably, the rate of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial growth inhibition increased as the concentration of ZnO in the MgO nanocomposite increased.
Light-tracing based surface deformation measurement strategy for large radio telescopes
Authors: Zhang Zihan , Yang Dejin , Ye Qian , Wang Na
Published: February 2024

With the increasing aperture as well as the observation frequency of radio telescopes in the current period, the deformation caused by time-varying loads such as temperature and wind has been emphasized. Existing methods for measuring deformations often fall short in meeting the demands of full attitude coverage, quasi real-time response, and high accuracy. This study introduces a novel geometric-optical measurement approach based on light-tracing. Diverging from traditional methods, this approach doesn't directly measure the surface deformation of the main reflector. Instead, it creates a more easily measurable variable and establishes a mapping relationship between this variable and the main reflector deformation. In this innovative scheme, multiple laser modules are strategically positioned on the main reflector, treating the sub reflector as a spot projection surface. When the panel is displaced, the spot on the projection surface will follow and be displaced. In practice, the main reflector deformation can be solved by recording the position change of the light spots on the projection surface and utilizing the inverse reconstruction model. Besides, effective strategies are proposed to improve the robustness of the scheme. Next, the accuracy and real-time performance of the proposed method are verified through simulations and experiments. Results indicate that the proposed approach presents a fresh perspective to enhance the efficiency and precision of deformation measurements for large-aperture antennas.
Reflexivity and positionality applied to medical practice: an experimental study on implicit gender bias with medical students in a Swiss university
Authors: Arena Francesca , Geiser Elisa , Auer Silva , Clair Carole , Schwarz Joëlle
Published: February 2024

Background
An array of evidence shows how the presence of implicit bias in clinical encounters can negatively impact provider-patient communication, quality of care and ultimately contribute to health inequities. Reflexive practice has been explored as an approach to identify and address implicit bias in healthcare providers, including medical students. At the Lausanne School of Medicine, a clinically integrated module was introduced in 2019 to raise students’ awareness of gender bias in medical practice using a reflexivity and positionality approach. The purpose of this study is to describe the gender bias that were identified by medical students, analysing their types, places and modes of emergence during a clinical encounter. It further explores how positionality supported students’ reflexion on the way in which social position modulates their relationship to patients.
Methods
As part of the teaching activity, medical students individually reflected on gender bias in a specific clinical encounter by answering questions in their electronic portfolio. The questionnaire included a section on positionality. We qualitatively analysed the students’ assignments, applying a thematic analysis framework (n = 76).
Results
Medical students identified and described gender biases occurring at different moments of the clinical encounter (anamnesis (i.e. patient history), physical exam, differential diagnosis, final management). They causally associated these biases with wider social phenomenon such as the gendered division of labour or stereotypes around sexuality and gender. Analysing how students reflected on how their position influenced their relationship with patients, we found that the suggested exercise revealed a major contradiction in the process of medical enculturation: the injunction to be neutral and objective erases the social and cultural context of patients and prevents an understanding of gender bias.
Conclusion
Gender bias are present in the different steps of a clinical consultation and are rooted in broader gendered social representations. We further conclude that the tension between a quest for objectivity and the reality of social encounters should be made explicit to students, because it is constitutive of medical practice.
Incorporating Template-based Contrastive Learning into cognitively inspired, low resource relation extraction
Authors: Zheng yandan , Luu Anh tuan
Published: February 2024

Background From an unstructured text, Relation Extraction (RE) predicts semantic relationships between pairs of entities. The process of labeling tokens and phrases can be very expensive and require a great deal of time and effort. The Low-Resource Relation Extraction (LRE) problem comes into being, is challenging since there are only a limited number of annotated sentences available. Recent research has focused on minimizing the cross-entropy loss between pseudo labels and ground truth or on using external knowledge to make annotations for unlabeled data. Existing methods, however, fail to take into account the semantics of relation types and the information hidden within different relation groups.
Method By drawing inspiration from the process of human interpretation of unstructured documents, we introduce Template-based Contrastive Learning (TempCL). Through the use of template, we limit the model's attention to the semantic information that is contained in a relation. Then we employ a constrastive learning strategy using both group-wise and instance-wise perspectives to leverage shared semantic information within the same relation type to achieve a more coherent semantic representation. Particularly, the proposed group-wise contrastive learning minimizes the discrepancy between the template and original sentences in the same label group and maximizes the difference between those from separate label groups under limited annotation settings.
Results Our experiment results on two public datasets show that our model TempCL achieves state-of-the-art results for low resource relation extraction in comparison to baselines. The relative error reductions range from 0.68 to 1.32%.
Conclusion Our model encourages the feature to be aligned with both the original and template sentences. Using two contrastive losses, we exploit shared semantic information underlying sentences (both original and template) that have the same relation type. We demonstrate that our method reduces the noise caused by tokens that are unrelated and constrains the model's attention to the tokens that are related.
Individual level surrogacy of MRI T2 lesion information for future disease severity: a methodological discussion and application to recent MS Phase II and III trials
Authors: Buchka Stefan , Joachim Havla , Begüm Irmak Ön , Rehms Raphael , Mansmann Ulrich
Published: February 2024

Background:
Individual-level surrogacy (ILS) describes settings where individual-patient information on a biomarker captures information on future patient-relevant clinical outcomes. For persons with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (PwRRMS), whether the number of new or newly enlarged hyperintense lesions in T2 magnetic resonance images (MRI) or the T2 lesions’ volume can act as ILS for disability progression and disease activity is of interest. However, ILS of new T2 lesions for individual PwRRMS has not yet been demonstrated, although new T2 lesions already serve as a primary outcome parameter for pivotal trials.
Methods:
Our synthesis used individual-patient data from ten randomized controlled trials (n = 5673 PwRRMS). Longitudinal data on either the number or volume of new T2 lesions were analyzed as potential ILS for disability progression measured by the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and disease activity shown by clinical relapses. ILS metrics were calculated: R2A) for the Meta-analytic (MA) and LRF (likelihood reduction factor) for the information theoretic (IT) approach. A simulation study elucidates the approaches’ potential to detect ILS and provides the basis to interpret the results derived from the trial data.
Results:
The simulation study demonstrates good performance for the IT approach. MA algorithms work well when applied to continuous data. When applied to counting data, the results may numerically be unstable. However, transformations of the counting data allow successful calculations with methods for Gaussian data. Analyses following IT methodology provide in all trial-based settings reliable results on ILS and identified two studies with weak ILS for the combination of T2 Volume and EDSS (LRF = 0.21, CI95%: 0.16 – 0.26; LRF = 0.28, CI95%: 0.23 – 0.34).
Conclusion:
The simulation study showed robust and sensitive results for IT and MA when not applied to counting data outcomes-based ILS strategies. The high potential of these algorithms to detect ILS strengthens the interpretation of our findings. Within most arms of ten pivotal MS trials, ILS measures were close to zero. Evidence on the surrogacy of T2 lesion measures and disease progression and activity as a general principle could not be generated. More research using proper designs and methodology is needed.
Assessing the influence of the modifiable areal unit problem on Bayesian disease mapping in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Jahan Farzana , Haque Shovanur , Hogg James , Price Aiden , Hassan Conor , Areed Wala , Thompson Helen , Cameron Jessica , Cramb Susanna
Published: February 2024

Background Spatial data are often aggregated by area to protect the confidentiality of individuals and aid the calculation of pertinent risks and rates. However, the analysis of spatially aggregated data is susceptible to the modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP), which arises when inference varies with boundary or aggregation changes. While the impact of the MAUP has been examined previously, typically these studies have focused on well-populated areas. Understanding how the MAUP behaves when data are sparse is particularly important for countries with less populated areas, such as Australia. This study aims to assess different geographical regions' vulnerability to the MAUP when data are relatively sparse to inform researchers' choice of aggregation level for fitting spatial models.
Methods To understand the impact of the MAUP in Queensland, Australia, the present study investigates inference from simulated lung cancer incidence data using the five levels of spatial aggregation defined by the Australian Statistical Geography Standard. To this end, Bayesian spatial BYM models with and without covariates were fitted.
Results and Conclusion The MAUP impacted inference in the analysis of cancer counts for data aggregated to coarsest areal structures. However, area structures with moderate resolution were not greatly impacted by the MAUP, and offer advantages in terms of data sparsity, computational intensity and availability of data sets.
Income taxation and regional growth: DID evidence from an income tax treatment in Italy
Authors: Bosco Bruno Paolo , Bosco Carlo Federico , Maranzano Paolo
Published: February 2024

This paper offers some fresh empirical evidence about the relation between income taxation and regional growth-related variables. Using the Italian regional income tax treatment of 2007 as a quasi-natural tax experiment, we present various panel data DID estimates of how income per capita and other variables related to economic growth, including labour supply, consumption, and VAT certificates, respond to exogenous income tax changes. Results show that the extensive negative adjustments of response variables measuring supply of labour services offered by taxpayers affected by the treatment is statistically significant, rapid, and strong but not long-time lasting and that treated families reduce in a similar manner their consumption with respect to families in the control (untreated) regions. Analogous adjustment responses characterise the growth of per-capita regional GDP response to tax changes. The estimated aggregate effects are further compared with the spatial-temporal patterns observed for every response variable. Policy issues are also discussed.
JEL codes: C10, C18, C21 H2, E2, E32, E62, C23, C26
LPBSA: Enhancing Optimization Efficiency through Learner Performance-based Behavior and Simulated Annealing
Authors: Hamad Dana Rasul , Rashid Tarik A.
Published: February 2024

This study introduces the LPBSA, an advanced optimization algorithm that combines Learner Performance-based Behavior (LPB) and Simulated Annealing (SA) in a hybrid approach. Emphasizing metaheuristics, the LPBSA addresses and mitigates the challenges associated with traditional LPB methodologies, enhancing convergence, robustness, and adaptability in solving complex optimization problems. Through extensive evaluations using benchmark test functions, the LPBSA demonstrates superior performance compared to LPB and competes favorably with established algorithms such as PSO, FDO, LEO, and GA. Real-world applications underscore the algorithm's promise, with LPBSA outperforming the LEO algorithm in two tested scenarios. Based on the study results many test function results such as TF5 by recording (4.76762333) and some other test functions provided in the result section prove that LPBSA outperforms popular algorithms. This research highlights the efficacy of a hybrid approach in the ongoing evolution of optimization algorithms, showcasing the LPBSA's capacity to navigate diverse optimization landscapes and contribute significantly to addressing intricate optimization challenges.
Early atherosclerosis in familial hypercholesterolemia patients: significance of vascular markers for risk stratification
Authors: Aliosaitiene Urte , Petrulioniene Zaneta , Rinkuniene Egidija , Mainelis Antanas , Barysiene Jurate , Smailyte Urte , Sileikiene Vaida , Laucevicius Aleksandras
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder that manifests as impaired low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) metabolism, resulting in lifelong exposure of high cholesterol levels and increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is heterogeneity in cardiovascular risk for FH patients, and therefore, risk stratification is of utmost importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of increases in LDL-C and impact of other CVD risk factors on vascular markers in the FH patients population.
METHODS
A total of 428 patients were included in this study and divided into two groups according to age: ≤40 years in the first group and ≥41 years in the second group. Vascular markers of atherosclerosis included the common carotid artery (CCA) intima media thickness (IMT), pulse wave velocity (PWV), flow-mediated dilation (FMD), ankle-brachial index (ABI), and cardio-vascular index (CAVI). The influence of traditional CVD risk factors on atherosclerotic changes in vascular markers was analyzed.
RESULTS
A statistically significant difference in IMT was detected between the same sex and different age groups (p < 0,001), whereas no significant difference was detected between the sexes within each age group. In the ≤40-year-old group, the mean IMT among males was 612.5 µm (± 88.2) and that among females was 580.6 µm (± 77.7) (p > 0.05); in the ≥41-year-old group, the mean IMT was 697.4 µm (± 138.4) for males and 700.3 µm (± 114.4) for females (p > 0.05). Higher LDL-C was associated with greater IMT (r = 0,405; p = 0,009) in the younger age group (≤40 years); however, in the older age group (≥41 years), this correlation was not evident (r=-0,07; p = 0,596). Carotid plaque formation was more common among males (OR = 2,2; 95% CI: 1,2–4,0) and hypertensive patients (OR = 2,7; 95% CI: 1,6 − 4,7). Age was a mildly significant risk factor for increased ABI (β = 0,13, p < 0,05). FMD was found to be impaired for all patients, and no risk factors were shown to have further influence. Age was a significant risk factor for increased arterial stiffness, as measured by both the CAVI and PWV.
Conclusions
Although vascular markers of atherosclerosis may provide a unique and valuable way to evaluate cardiovascular risk, the results of this study show that only increased IM thickness could be beneficial for risk stratification in young FH patients, whereas other vascular markers of atherosclerosis would be excessive, as they do not provide merit in risk evaluation in this population.
Comparative study between Ventriculo Subgaleal Shunt and External Ventricular Drain for management of post infective Hydrocephalus among pediatrics.
Authors: Ismail Abdelaziz Abdelhamid , Taha Ahmed Nageeb , Badr Hatem Ibraheem , Zaher Ahmed , Elbaz Samy Abbas , Khalil Amr Farid
Published: February 2024

Purpose: Post infective hydrocephalus (PIH) is a type of hydrocephalus which occurs after infection of the brain or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Treatment of PIH requires temporary measures such as External ventricular drain (EVD) and Ventriculosubgaleal shunt (VSGS) until CSF becomes clear and ready to implement VP shunt. Limited research has been done to explore the tradeoff between these approaches particularly in pediatric PIH patients. Our study compares the complications, mortality rates and the cost of used resources of both procedures.Methods:A prospective study was conducted for 18 months in which we compared between VSGS and EVD for management of PIH involving 42 randomized cases with 21 patients in group A operated by VSGS and 21 patients in group B operated by EVD.Results: Our results show a statistically significant difference between both groups in the duration of implementation of VSGS / EVD until resolution of infection occurs. Additionally, a higher rate of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) admission and a longer length of hospital stay (LOS) were recorded among EVD group. No statistically significant difference between the number of complications that happened in both despite variations in their forms.. Moreover, both groups showed near similar mortality rates.Conclusion: No significant difference in the rate of complications between VSGS and EVD for PIH. Based on that, VSGS emerges as a favorable and cost-effective option for the management of PIH which leads to less economic burden on patients and country’s health resources, especially in developing countries.
Exploring Iterated Function Systems in Partial Metric Spaces: Theoretical Insights and Applications in Fractal Landscape Generation
Authors: M Praveen
Published: February 2024

This paper delves into the algebraic, analytic, and topological intricacies of partial iterated function systems (IFSp). It establishes the Collage theorem for IFSp and explores the characterization of points within their attractors, alongside proving the completeness of the partial metric space of contractions with a fixed contractivity factor. Additionally, the manuscript elucidates the continuity of contraction mappings to their unique fixed points and introduces the IFSp semigroup concept. Significantly, it extends this theoretical framework to practical applications, exemplified by a novel method in computer graphics for fractal landscape generation. This application not only demonstrates the real-world utility of these theoretical concepts but also bridges the gap between abstract mathematical theory and tangible applications.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). Primary 28A80; Secondary 11B05,68U05.
Prognostic significance and immunologic features of the paired-box (PAXs) family: a pan-cancer multi- omics analysis
Authors: Zhou Xiaoliang , Qi Yixin , Xia Qiangqiang , Yang Han , Shen Chong , Han Chenyang , Zhang Zongliang , Wang Linhui , Tan Ming , Wang Ke , Hu Hailong
Published: February 2024

Objective
The PAX genes, comprising a family of nine clearly defined paired-box transcription factors, are associated with the onset and progression of certain tumors. Even so, no extensive systematic investigation toward the contribution of PAX genes in pan-cancer has been implemented.
Methods
The development and modulation of the PAX gene family in pan tumor and its correlations with prognosis, tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), immunological subtypes, immune checkpoint genes, tumour stemness, tumor microenvironment, chemotherapeutics sensitivity, and effectiveness of immunotherapy were explored by bioinformatics analysis, based on multi-omics data from TCGA, GEO, cBioPortal, and TIMER database.
Results
We observed the significant correlations between the regulation of particular PAX family members in pan tumor and the survival prognosis and tumor stage of patients, TMB, MSI, stemness scores, immune cells infiltration, etc. The PAX gene family exhibited some degree of heterogeneity in different cancers in terms of the above mentioned findings. It has also been revealed in the present multiple omics study that the expression for most of the PAX family members, including PAX1/3/5/8/9, is significantly correlated with copy number variation. Moreover, we also found that several PAX family members were clearly associated with expression of immune checkpoint genes, the sensitivity to chemotherapy agents, and anti-PD-L1/PD-1 immunotherapy. Furthermore, the invading immune evaluation in bladder tumors displayed substantial correlations between PAX gene variations in copy number or substitution levels and the extent of multiple immune cell infiltration. In addition, the mRNA and amino acid manifestations of PAX8 in BLCA were validated using real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA).
Conclusion
In summary, our findings highlight the importance of PAX family genes in predictions of various tumor types, as evidenced by multiple datasets and identified PAX-associated genes that could be used as targets for therapies. These results suggest that PAX family related genes can be used as potential prognostic markers for cancer. It represents a systematic analysis of the further function of PAX family genes, which can provide new ideas for the prognosis and treatment of various cancers.
Modified Jensen-Bregman LogDet Divergence for Target Detection with Region Covariance Descriptor
Authors: fan xiqian , shaozhu Ye
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we exploit the modified Jensen-Bregman LogDet (MJBLD) divergence to measure the dissimilarity between two region covariance descriptors extracted from an image, and design a target detection method based on this descriptor. In particular, the MJBLD divergence that takes into account the non-Euclidean geometric structure is used as the measurement on the symmetric positive-definite (SPD) matrix manifold. The MJBLD divergence is a modified version of the Jensen-Bregman LogDet (JBLD) divergence which has many properties similar to the affine invariant Riemannian metric. Then, the MJBLD divergence is applied for the task of the image target detection where the image region of interest is represented as a covariance descriptor. The covariance descriptor is a SPD matrix which is constructed by the first and second gradients of intensity and the three-dimensional color information. Since the SPD matrix naturally resides on the non-Euclidean Riemannian manifold and the MJBLD divergence can be treated as a manifold metric, applying the non-Euclidean distance to SPD matrices can yield a better performance in comparison with the Euclidean distance. Experimental results show that our proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art method.