bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical features, risk factors, and outcomes of neonatal invasive candidiasis: a 20-case study series from a tertiary neonatal critical care unit in Oman
Authors: Abdelhadi Basem , Ajmi Mujtaba Al , Hashami Hilal Al , Rawahi Manal Al
Published: October 2024

Background: One of the well-known causes of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal population is neonatal invasive candidiasis. In neonatal critical care units, candida sepsis is now the third most frequent cause of late-onset sepsis.
The objective of this research was to determine the prevalence of related risk factors, clinical traits, and results related to invasive candidiasis in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the Royal Hospital in Oman.
Methods: A case-control retrospective analysis of 20 newborns admitted between January 2006 and December 2020 to the neonatal intensive care unit at Royal Hospital. In terms of gestational age, birth weight, and day of birth, cases and controls were matched.
Results: There were 60 infants in all-20 cases and 40 controls. The two groups' demographics, including age, sex, and weight, were comparable. The case group compared to the control group had a mean gestational age of 32.2±6.1 weeks and a mean birth weight of 1978±1202 grammes against 1930±1040 grammes, respectively. Seventy-five percent of the isolated species were Candida albicans. Sixty-five percent of the instances happened in the second and third week of life. Compared to the control group, the case group's mean NICU stay was longer. Several risk factors, including maternal age, the presence of a central line, invasive mechanical ventilation, total parenteral nutrition, necrotizing enterocolitis, surgery, and an extended hospital stay, were found to be related with an elevated risk for invasive candidiasis using univariate analysis. In the case group, the overall mortality rate was 45%, but in the control group, there was no death in the cohort.
Conclusion: The following factors were linked to an elevated risk of invasive candidiasis in this case series: complete parenteral feeding, prolonged hospital stay, central line presence, preterm, and abdominal surgery. Those with risk characteristics should be highly suspected for neonatal candidiasis, particularly if their stay in the NICU is longer than seven days. Antifungal prophylaxis should be taken into consideration for these newborns, and presumed antifungal medication should be started as soon as possible.
HDAC inhibitors modulate Hippo pathway signaling in hormone positive breast cancer
Authors: Lin Ting-I , Tseng Yi-Ru , Lin Chih-Yi , Chung Wei-Ting , Ni Yi-Hsin , Liu Chun-Yu , Tsai Yi-Fang , Huang Chi-Cheng , Tseng Ling-Ming , Chao Ta-Chung , Lai Jiun-I
Published: October 2024

Breast cancer has constantly been the leading causes of death in women, and hormone receptor (HR) positive, HER2 negative is the majority subtype. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have shown clinical benefit in HR (+) breast cancer patients. The hippo pathway proteins YAP/TAZ are often viewed as pro-tumorigenic, however, recent studies support a role of YAP as a tumor suppressor in HR (+) breast cancer downregulation of estrogen receptor (ER) expression. Few studies have investigated the link between HDACi and the Hippo pathway. In our study, we demonstrate that HDAC inhibitors induce transcriptional down-regulation of YAP expression, while conversely activating a TEAD mediated transcriptional program with upregulation of canonical Hippo pathway genes. We further identified 4 Hippo canonical genes (CCDC80, GADD45A, F3, TGFB2) that were upregulated by HDAC inhibitors and associated with significantly improved survival in a HR (+) breast cancer cohort. Patients with high CCDC80 or GADD45A expression had significantly better survival outcomes compared to patients with low expression. Our study provides a novel mechanism of action for the clinical benefit of HDAC inhibitors, while providing further experimental support that Hippo-TEAD transcriptional activation is associated with better outcomes in HR (+) breast cancer.
Assessment of Quality of Life and Socioeconomic Inequality in Children with Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
Authors: Kamal niaz Mustafa
Published: October 2024

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate health-related QoL in children with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) and to determine socioeconomic inequality in CCHD.
Design:
Case-Control Study.
Methods
This study was conducted at Children’s Heart Hospital and Primary Healthcare Centers in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq between December 01, 2021, and May 01, 2022. The study included 200 healthy and 200 with CCHD. For this purpose, a 5 Likert Scale QoL questionnaire was used to collect the data of patients and their parents through a direct face-to-face interview. Then, children's sociodemographic data and parents' socioeconomic status (SES) were investigated together with another 22 items in 6 domains. The socioeconomic status dimension is based on the validated SES index in Iraq.
Findings:
Studied children had equal gender and age distribution. CCHD was more prevalent in families with low SES, and ECI was − 0.44. Children with CCHD had significantly lower mean scores for the overall QoL dimension (Mean rank = 124) compared to healthy children (Mean rank = 277) (P ≤ 0.001). The mean SpO2 levels of healthy children were 9% higher than CCHD children (P < 0.001). Moreover, parents with CCHD children stated that 57% of their children had moderate to excellent health, while those with healthy children reported 98% (P = 0.001).
Conclusions
Significant deficits in all QoL dimensions were found in CCHD children. Also, we discovered an unequal distribution of CCHD in families with lower SES.
Clinical evidence:
The observed disparities in the prevalence of CCHD and its impact on quality of life underscore the critical significance of socioeconomic factors in contributing to the health outcomes of affected children. The intricate interplay between socioeconomic status and pediatric health, particularly in the context of congenital heart diseases, necessitates a comprehensive understanding to inform targeted interventions and support systems for affected families.
WITHDRAWN: Characterization of X-ray beam for Half and Quarter Value Layers
Authors: SOLOMON GIRMA BINIYAM , Diyor KHAZRATOV , Kuvondik KODIROV , Federico DOGO
Published: October 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors as it was submitted and made public without the full consent of all the authors. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Association of Fetal Macrosomia and higher Blood Cadmium level among PFAS exposure participant from NHANES 2017-2018
Authors: Ripon Rezaul Karim
Published: October 2024

Background: Concern about potential reproductive health effects has arisen from the interaction between environmental contaminants such as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and blood cadmium levels. Exposure to PFAS above the limit of detection impacts the reproductive health of people with elevated blood cadmium levels.
Objective: To analyze the relationship between blood cadmium levels and different reproductive health outcomes in a large cohort exposed to PFAS above the limits of detection, considering sociodemographic factors and reproductive history.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 143M NHANES participants from 2017-2018. Descriptive statistics for PFAS exposure were analyzed and bivariate and adjusted regression analyzes were used to evaluate the relationship between blood cadmium levels and reproductive health outcomes. Age, race, educational level, marital status, income-poverty ratio, and reproductive history were variables considered in the analysis.
Results: 16% of participants whose PFAS and blood cd are above the detection limit showed fetal macrosomia. Participants with higher educational levels, particularly college graduates or higher, showed higher odds of experiencing detrimental Blood cadmium above the detection limit (aOR = 1.131, 95% CI: 1.008-1.269, p = 0.0355). Furthermore, people who had never been married were significantly more likely (aOR = 1.305, 95% CI: 1.122-1.518, p = 0.0006), and fetal macrosomia was significantly more likely (aOR = 1.065, 95% CI: 1.007-1.126, p = 0.0285) whose blood cd level is higher.
Conclusion: The results highlight the importance of considering sociodemographic factors when it comes to environmental exposures and their effects on reproductive health. To inform public health interventions aimed at reducing the negative effects of environmental pollutants on reproductive health, future research should further investigate these relationships.
Comparison between electron density imaging with dual-energy computed tomography without contrast medium and magnetic resonance imaging for high-grade glioma
Authors: Yamauchi Takahiro , Ishida Tomokazu , Itoh Toshihide , Tsubota Tadahiro , Takata Kenji , Higashino Yoshifumi , Tsujikawa Tetsuya , Kikuta Ken-ichiro
Published: October 2024

Background
Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) has been used for the prediction of glioma grading and malignancy, in addition to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. In DECT, electron density (ED) can be quantitatively measured and determined with high accuracy. However, no studies have demonstrated whether DECT alone can detect tumor-infiltrating areas or evaluate malignancy. Therefore, we evaluated the use of ED imaging with DECT showing high-density areas of high-grade glioma (HGG), compared it with MRI gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted image (GdT1) enhancing area, and analyzed its effectiveness in evaluating malignancy.
Methods
Ten patients with enhanced masses on GdT1 MRI were enrolled in this retrospective study. Ten slices of ED and GdT1 images of 10 patients with HGG were analyzed by three raters. The relationships between the area of high ED on DECT and enhanced area on GdT1 and between the relative ED of the high ED area and contralateral white matter on DECT were determined.
Results
Linear regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between areas of high ED and Gd enhancement among all raters (rater A: R2 = 0.910, P < 0.0001, B: R2 = 0.857, P = 0.0001, C: R2 = 0.717, P = 0.002), and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.75. A comparison of the relative ED between the tumor and contralateral white matter revealed that the mean and maximum relative ED of the tumor area was significantly higher than that of the contralateral white matter (mean: P = 0.049, maximum: P = 0.0002).
Conclusions
ED images of DECT show a high ED area similar to the Gd enhancement area in HGG, and the mean and maximum relative EDs of this area are significantly higher than those of the contralateral white matter.
Does intensive anti-VEGF treatment in the first year predict subsequent treatment burden in exudative age-related macular degeneration?
Authors: Matagrin Benjamin , Fenniri Inès , Chirpaz nicolas , Billant Jeremy , Agard Emilie , Chudzinski Roman , BURILLON Carole , Dot Corinne
Published: October 2024

Background
Anti-VEGF’s have changed the prognosis of exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Ranibizumab and aflibercept have proven their functional efficacy, but their use has revealed in real life a wide variety of patient profiles with varied responses to treatment. This work focused on patients receiving "intensive" IVT treatment with a sustained injection rhythm, also referred to as having a high treatment burden.
Objective
The main objective of this work was to determine, in real-life conditions, the proportion of patients receiving "intensive" treatment among those being followed for exudative AMD. Secondary objectives were to analyze the long-term functional outcomes of these patients, their anatomical characteristics, and the evolution of their treatment regimen.
Method
A retrospective descriptive single-center real-life study was conducted on patients treated for exudative AMD with intensive treatment (intervals of less than 8 weeks during the first year of treatment). A subgroup analysis compared patients who exceeded Q8 during follow-up (Group 1) versus patients remaining in intensive treatment (Group 2).
Results
A total of 301 records were analyzed, with 24.9% of the eyes (n = 75) considered under intensive treatment. The mean age was 84 years (± 7.5), and 61% were men. Type 1 choroidal neovascularization (CNV) accounted for 64% of our cohort, type 2 CNV represented 29.3%, and type 3 was involved in 6.7%. The mean follow-up was 5.6 years (± 3.6), with an average number of 41 IVT (± 26.7). Visual acuity was maintained at 0.53 (± 0.2) baseline vs. 0.61 (± 0.2) after 5 years of follow-up (p = 0.02). Central retinal thickness (CRT) and subretinal fluid (SRF) were significantly reduced during our follow-up, and PED height remained stable. Almost half of the eyes (44%) had an extension of their interval (> Q8) beyond the first year; however, this objective was achieved on average after 4.5 years of treatment. The visual acuity of Group 2 (< Q8), despite receiving more injections, was superior to that of Group 1 (> Q8) with baseline values of 0.57 (± 0.2) and 0.48 (± 0.2) (p = 0.161) respectively, and at 5 years 0.79 (± 0.2) and 0.54 (± 0.2) (p = 0.026). Similarly, CRT, PED height, and SRF were higher in Group 2. The distribution of neovascular types showed more type 2 in Group 1 (45.5% vs. 16.7%).
Conclusion
Patients requiring intensive treatment represent about ¼ of our AMD patient population. Despite the high treatment burden, these patients maintain their visual acuity at 5 years. An extension of intervals is observed in nearly half of the patients, occurring late. Intensive treatment during the first year appears to be predictive of a future hight treatment burden.
Detecting abyssal megabenthos in the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt – Comparing quantitative assessments via manually processed OFOS-videos with AUV-images utilising deep learning models
Authors: Scepanski Dominik , Werner Johannes , Augustin Nico , Rothenbeck Marcel , Arndt Hartmut
Published: October 2024

As the deep sea alone covers over 50 % of the Earth's surface and represents the largest benthic system, the assessment of deep-sea megafauna communities is of great importance. However, even today the number of studies investigating this system is small and is further hampered by the resource- and time-consuming nature of traditional manual surveys. Therefore, it is of great importance to find efficient sampling methods and optimize processing techniques. On the one hand, sampling can be done by a variety of non-invasive methods, such as video documentation using seabed observation systems (OFOS) or seabed mapping using autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV). On the other hand, automated data analysis could be a faster alternative to manual processing by incorporating deep learning models. Here, we compare both sampling and processing techniques by providing novel and unique data on epi-megafauna from two overlapping abyssal plains at 10°N in the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt. The 2017 datasets provided by OFOS were processed manually, while a manually trained deep learning detection model based on the YOLO V5 algorithm was used to process the 2014/15 AUV dataset. Megafauna composition, total density and higher taxonomic densities as well as the occurrence of Sargassum patches were calculated and compared between the datasets. Significantly higher densities with additional megafauna forms were observed when the datasets were collected by an AUV and processed by the model. The results were discussed in terms of the advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches to sampling and processing.
Clinical Utility of Assessing CDKN2A Status in Recurrent Astrocytomas
Authors: Jangir Hemlata , Yadav Sahil , Hayagrivas M B , Singh Jyotsna , Das Sumanto , Das Saumya , Roy Charli , Sharma Mehar Chand , Sarkar Chitra , Suri Ashish , Suri Vaishali
Published: October 2024

Background: IDH-mutant astrocytomas exhibit a more indolent natural history and better prognosis compared to their IDH-wild type counterparts. The 2021 WHO classification integrated CDKN2A/Bhomozygous deletion as a crucial criterion for grading these tumors, emphasizing its prognostic implications. FISH assay is commonly used to assess CDKN2A status, but guidelines for interpreting FISH results for glioma prognostication are not well-defined in the literature.
Methods: We conducted an ambispective study involving 22 cases of recurrent IDH-mutant astrocytomas, including primary tumor samples. Histopathological assessments, including WHO grading and molecular profiling, were performed. Immunohistochemistry confirmed IDH mutation status, and FISH analysis evaluated CDKN2A homozygous deletion.
Results: Homozygous CDKN2A deletion was detected in only 1/22(4.8%) of primary tumors, which was grade 3 astrocytoma and 35.3% of recurrent grade 2/3 tumors. Patients harboring CDKN2A deletions exhibited significantly reduced overall survival compared to those without (67.7 vs 137.6 months). Progression-free survival did not significantly differ between groups.
Conclusion: Our findings highlight the clinical relevance of CDKN2A assessment in recurrent IDH-mutant astrocytomas and its utility as a prognostic marker. We propose a selective approach to FISH testing, focusing on primary grade 3 and all recurrent cases, to optimize diagnostic accuracy and inform personalized treatment strategies.
Transferosomal Formulation of Rotigotine Hcl and Rasagiline Mesylate: a Step Towards Minimally Invasive Parkinson's Disease Therapy
Authors: Patel Shivani , Jha Lalit Lata , Patel Riya
Published: October 2024

Background
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a clinical syndrome with symptoms like rest tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, instability of posture, and a diversity of other motor and non-motor symptoms. The disease study prognosis is that the number of PD cases will double from 7 million in 2015 to 13 million in 2040. The majority of the treatments for PD include surgery and medications. The drawback of available treatments is that they are invasive and lead to systemic side effects.
Aim
This research aims to prepare transferosome patches of both drugs of different BCS classes, Rotigotine HCL (RTG) BCS class II and Rasagiline mesylate (RSM) BCS class III, and evaluate them with different parameters to check the synergistic effects of both drugs with the in vivo study.
Method
A transferosomal patch of drugs was prepared by thin film hydration followed by a homogenization casting method. The patches were optimized with the central composite design. The optimized batch was further evaluated with various parameters like thickness, folding endurance, drug content, in vitro drug release, ex vivo drug permeation, pharmacokinetics, and in vivo skin irritancy studies.
Results
After the evaluation of the drugs, loaded transferosome patches show good tensile strength; drug content was found within the range in both cases and shows the controlled release of the drugs; pharmacokinetic studies show the quick onset of action; and in vivo, skin irritancy results show no damage to the tissue at the site of action.
Conclusion
From the results, it has been observed that the prepared transferosome patch can treat PD with the synergistic effects of the drugs via the topical route.
­A developed approach to detect flooded areas (case study: Firozkoh county in Tehran province)
Authors: KhoshAmooz Giti
Published: October 2024

Floods have severe consequences on infrastructure, agriculture, human lives, and the economy, making them one of the most destructive water-related disasters. To effectively manage this disaster, monitoring and analysis are crucial. In this research, a developed approach was presented to identify flooded areas, with a focus on Firozkoh county in Tehran province, Iran. Specifically, a flood event that occurred on July 28th, 2022, was investigated. To detect flooded areas, Sentinel1 images before and after the flood were collected and preprocessed. These areas appear in dark tones in radar images. However, it is important to note that water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs exhibit similar characteristics, and shadows can be mistakenly classified as flooded areas. Therefore, the proposed approach in this study deal with these challenges. At the end, a total of 1369.29 hectares was identified as flooded areas in the case study. To validate the accuracy of the results, TWI and SPI indexes maps were computed and overlaid. This comparison confirmed an accuracy rate of 67%. Additionally, the tweets posted during the flood were examined. Most of them had a hashtag or comment about Mozdaran, a village in Firozkoh county and it is approved by the heat map of detected flooded areas. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the detection and analysis of flooded areas, offering potential strategies for managing such disasters effectively.
miR-9-5p/HMMR regulates the tumorigenesis and progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma through EMT and JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway
Authors: Niu Xinyang , Lu Dingheng , Zhan Weitao , Sun Jiazhu , Li Yuxiao , Shi Yuchen , Yu Kai , Huang Suyuelin , Ma Xueyou , Liu Xiaoyan , Liu Ben
Published: October 2024

Background
The most common type of kidney cancer that easily metastasizes is clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The expression levels of hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (HMMR) in many tumor types are significantly enhanced. HMMR is closely associated with tumor-related progression, treatment resistance, and discouraging prognosis, has yet to be fully investigated in terms of its expression patterns and molecular mechanisms of action in ccRCC. Further research is imperative to elucidate these aspects.
Methods
We used The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to preliminarily investigate HMMR expression and function in ccRCC. We assessed the differential expression level of HMMR between ccRCC cancerous tissues and their matched non-tumor tissues. Subsequently, a series of in vivo and in vitro experiments were designed to elucidate the biological function of HMMR in ccRCC, including Transwell migration assays, CCK-8 assays, clone formation assays and subcutaneous xenograft experiments in nude mice. Through bioinformatics analysis, we identified potential microRNAs (miRNAs) that may regulate HMMR, as well as the possible signaling pathways involved. Finally, we conducted a series of cellular functional experiments to validate our hypotheses regarding the HMMR axis.
Results
HMMR expression was observably up-regulated in tumor tissues of ccRCC patients, and elevated HMMR expression level showed a strong correlation with ccRCC progression and adverse prognoses of patients. Knocking down HMMR inhibited the proliferative and migratory abilities of ccRCC cells, while its overexpression amplified these oncogenic properties. In nude mouse model, reduced HMMR expression inhibited ccRCC tumor proliferation in vivo. Furthermore, overexpression of an upstream transcriptional regulator, miR-9-5p, effectively downregulated HMMR expression and thus impeded ccRCC cells proliferation and migration. In addition, HMMR might influence ccRCC growth via the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) pathway and the Janus Kinase1/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription1 (JAK1/STAT1) pathway.
Conclusions
HMMR is overexpressed in ccRCC, and there is a significant link between high HMMR expression and tumor progression, as well as poor patient prognosis. Specifically, HMMR could be targeted and inhibited by miR-9-5p and might modulate the tumorigenesis and progression of ccRCC through both EMT and JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway.
Clinical and CT imaging characteristics of early recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection
Authors: Chen Jun , Luo Tao , Gao Lujing , Chen Kexin , Li Kang , Chen Zhu
Published: October 2024

Purpose
To investigate the clinical and CT imaging factors of early recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after surgical resection and their predictive value.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 87 HCC patients who underwent curative resection. The associations of clinical and CT imaging factors with early recurrence were investigated by univariate and multivariate analysis. A binary logistic regression model was constructed based on the results of a multivariate regression analysis. The area under the ROC curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy rate, together with their 95% confidence interval (CI), were calculated.
Results
Postoperative early HCC recurrence was associated with alpha-fetoprotein, the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, tumor diameter, unsmooth margins and satellite nodules (P < 0.05). The binary logistic regression model included 3 predictors from the regression analysis: PLR, tumor margin, and satellite nodule. The AUC, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy rate were 0.854 (95% CI 0.776 ~ 0.933), 85.29%, 92.11%, 78.6%, 80% and 81.8%, respectively.
Conclusion
PLR, tumor margins, and satellite nodules were independent risk factors for postoperative HCC early recurrence. The binary logistic regression model based on these indicators showed good performance in predicting postoperative HCC early recurrence.
Magnoflorine alleviates colitis-induced anxiety-like behaviors through regulating gut microbiota and microglia mediated neuroinflammation
Authors: Wang Lei , Li Mengfan , Dong Yue , Wang Jingyi , Qin Siqi , Li Liying , Li Bingqing , Wang Bangmao , Cao Hailong
Published: October 2024

Background
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and anxiety are often comorbid, and are interconnected through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. The therapeutic medications for anxiety are often constrained by adverse effects that limit their long-term use. The pursuit of natural, safe drug for anxiety is important, with the precise mechanisms elucidating the interplay between drugs and the gut-brain axis in modulating mood remaining elusive.
Results
We revealed a significant association between active ulcerative colitis(UC) patients and anxiety. Mendelian randomisation analysis suggested that UC has a causal relationship on anxiety, but not on depression. Next we identified Ziziphus jujuba, a natural plant, as a dual therapeutic agent for both UC and anxiety through Batman database. Magnoflorine, as the predominant compound found in Ziziphus jujuba, exhibits promising therapeutic properties for the treatment of UC and anxiety disorders. Our experiments found that magnoflorine not only alleviated colitis, but also reduced colitis-induced anxiety behaviors through gut microbiota. Mechanistically, magnoflorine could increase the abundance of Odoribacteraceae and Ruminococcus, regulate bile acid metabolism, especially hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA) in colitis mice. HDCA supplement could alleviate both colitis and colitis-induced anxiety. Meanwhile HDCA could inhibit the binding site of lipopolysaccharide to the TLR4/MD2 complex, thereby inhibiting microglia activation and alleviating neuroinflammation.
Conclusion
Our study unveils that magnoflorine alleviates colitis-induced anxiety-like behaviors through regulating gut microbiota and microglia mediated neuroinflammation, which has the potential therapeutic for IBD comorbid with anxiety disorders.
Research on the prediction of the height of water-conducting fissure zones in a Jurassic coalfield based on AdaBoost-WOA-BPNN
Authors: Hou Enke , Bi Meng , Long Tianwen , Xie Xiaoshen , Hou Pengfei , Li Qianlong
Published: October 2024

Understanding the laws behind the development of water-conducting fissure zones in the Huanglong Jurassic coalfield and accurately predicting the height of these water-conducting fissures are crucial to prevent and control the water damage in the overlying thick sandstone aquifer of the Luohe Formation. To develop a prediction model applicable to mining in the Huanglong Jurassic coalfield, data from measurements of 27 water-conducting fissure zones in the coalfield were used as samples, and coal seam burial depth, coal seam mining thickness and the oblique length of the working face were used as training indicators. The whale optimisation algorithm (WOA), back-propagation neural network (BPNN) and AdaBoost algorithm were combined to develop the AdaBoost–WOA–BPNN model for predicting the height of water-conducting fissure zones. The accuracies of the BPNN, WOA–BPNN and AdaBoost–WOA–BPNN models were compared, and the height of the water-conducting fissure zone in the 4105 working face of Wenjiapo coal mine was predicted. The AdaBoost–WOA–BPNN model outperformed the other models in terms of error, prediction accuracy and applicability. Compared with the traditional BPNN model, the WOA–BPNN model improved accuracy by 2.4%, while the AdaBoost–WOA–BPNN model improved accuracy by 3.64%. The measured heights of the water-conducting fissure zone in the 4105 working face were 168.2 m (SD1 hole) and 222.3 m (SD2 hole). The corresponding predicted heights by the AdaBoost–WOA–BPNN model were 162.75 m and 213.48 m, respectively. The absolute errors between the predicted and measured values from holes SD1 and SD2 were respectively 5.45 m and 8.82 m, with relative errors of 3.17% and 4.05%. The prediction accuracy meets the requirements of engineering practice. The results of this study provide a valuable reference for predicting the height of the water-conducting fissure zone and for the prevention and control of roof water hazards in the Huanglong Jurassic coalfield.
Is the intermediate assessment of shod walking necessary on patients with orthopaedic or neuro-orthopaedic pathologies?
Authors: Khavvam Lisa , Alt Wilfried , D’Souza Sonia
Published: October 2024

Ankle-foot-orthoses are a medically prescribed intervention that can make significant improvement to persons with pathological gait. Clinical gait analysis usually observes barefoot walking and if applicable, with orthoses. The effect of shoes as an intermediary between barefoot walking and walking with ankle-foot-orthoses is therefore generally overlooked. Also, little is known about the biomechanical effect of shoes on pathological gait. This study aims at bridging this gap in current literature and quantifying the isolated influences of footwear to improve the decision-making process of orthopaedic intervention.
Barefoot, shod and if applicable, orthotic gait of up to 292 patients aged 2-63 years with orthopaedic or neuro-orthopaedic conditions were retrospectively analysed. Initial Contact was analysed by means of sagittal-plane videos. Temporospatial parameters as well as sagittal plane kinematics of the ankle and knee at specific instances in the stance phase were investigated using marker-based instrumented 3D-analysis.
The overall improvement in the quality of Initial Contact was attributed more to shoes than ankle-foot-orthoses. Step length and speed were significantly increased by shoes but not by the addition of orthoses (p<0.01). Cadence remained unchanged by shoes but decreased significantly due to orthoses. Ankle kinematics improved with both shoes and orthoses. Only minimal effects on knee kinematics were observed in both interventions.
Shoes being an important walking aid in pathological gait should be included in clinical gait assessment, especially when testing orthotics. Had their effect not been investigated, would improvements in pathological gait have been incorrectly credited solely to ankle-foot-orthoses.
Neural network analysis as a novel skin outcome in a trial of belumosudil in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Gunes Ilayda , Bernstein Elana , Cowper Shawn E. , Panse Gauri , Pradhan Niki , Camacho Lucy Duran , Page Nicolas , Bundschuh Elizabeth , Williams Alyssa , Carns Mary , Aren Kathleen , Fantus Sarah , Volkmann Elizabeth R. , Bukiri Heather , Correia Chase , Wang Rui , Kolachalama Vijaya , Wilson F. Perry , Mawe Seamus , Mahoney J. Matthew , Hinchcliff Monique
Published: October 2024

Background
The modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), used to measure dermal thickness in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), is agnostic to inflammation and vasculopathy. Previously, we demonstrated the potential of neural network-based digital pathology applied to stained skin biopsies from SSc patients as a quantitative outcome. We leveraged deep learning and histologic analyses of clinical trial biopsies to decipher SSc skin features ‘seen’ by artificial intelligence (AI).
Methods
Adults with diffuse cutaneous SSc (disease duration ≤ 6 years) enrolled in an open-label trial evaluating belumosudil underwent serial mRSS assessment and dorsal arm biopsies at week 0, 24 and 52/end of trial. Two blinded dermatopathologists independently scored stained sections [Masson’s trichrome, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), CD3, CD34, CD8, α smooth muscle actin (αSMA)] for 16 published SSc dermal pathological parameters. We applied our previously published deep learning model to generate QIF signatures/biopsy and generated Fibrosis Scores. Associations between Fibrosis Score and mRSS (Spearman correlation); and between Fibrosis Score mRSS versus histologic parameters [odds ratios (OR)] were determined.
Results
Only ten patients were enrolled because the sponsor terminated the trial early. Median, interquartile range (IQR) for mRSS change (0–52 weeks) for the five participants with paired biopsies was − 2.5 (-11—7.5), and for the ten participants was − 2 (-9—7.5). The correlation between Fibrosis Score and mRSS was R = 0.3; p = 0.674. Per 1-unit mRSS change (0-52W), histologic parameters with the greatest associated changes were (OR, p-value): telangiectasia (2.01, 0.001), perivascular CD3+ (1.03, 0.015), and % of CD8 + among CD3+ (1.08, 0.031). Likewise, per 1-unit Fibrosis Score change, parameters with greatest changes were (OR, p-value): hyalinized collagen (1.1, < 0.001), subcutaneous (SC) fat loss (1.47, < 0.001), thickened intima (1.21, 0.005), and eccrine entrapment (1.14, 0.046).
Conclusions
Belumosudil was associated with a non-clinically meaningful improvement in mRSS. Fibrosis Score changes correlated with histologic feature changes (e.g., hyalinized collagen, SC fat loss) that were distinct from those associated with mRSS changes (e.g., telangiectasia, perivascular CD3+, and % of CD8 + among CD3+). These data suggest that AI applied to SSc biopsies may be useful for quantifying pathologic features of SSc beyond skin thickness.
The association between the provision of recommendations for stillbirth prevention and the stillbirth reduction: A regional population-based study in Japan
Authors: Koshida Shigeki , Tokoro Shinsuke , Katsura Daisuke , Tsuji Shunichiro , Matsubayashi Jun , Murakami Takashi , Takahashi Kentaro
Published: October 2024

Shiga Prefecture in Japan still had higher stillbirth rates than the national average before 2010. To improve stillbirth rates in Shiga, we have informed both obstetricians and pregnant women in our region of recommendations for stillbirth prevention after peer-reviewing all stillbirth cases in Shiga since 2013. We therefore evaluated the reduction in the stillbirth rate and preventable stillbirths in Shiga after the intervention. We assessed outcomes over 15 years divided into three 5-year periods: before- (2008-12), early- (2013-17), and late-intervention (2018-22) period. The primary outcome was the rate of stillbirth in Shiga, and the secondary outcome was the rate of preventable stillbirth in each period. The stillbirth rate in Shiga significantly decreased by 40% in the late-intervention period compared to that in the before-intervention period (95% CI: -52%, -24%), and it also significantly decreased compared to the national average between those periods (rate ratio: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.61, 0.96). It improved to the second lowest level in Japan during the late-intervention period. The rate of possibly preventable stillbirths in the late-intervention was significantly lower than that in the before-intervention period. Informing healthcare providers and pregnant women of the recommendations for stillbirth prevention was associated with a reduction in stillbirths.
MFC-NAS: Multifunctional Cells Based Neural Architecture Search for Plant Images Classification
Authors: Huang Lin , Qin Xi , Yang Tiejun
Published: October 2024

To develop a high-performance convolutional neural network (CNN) model for plant image classification automatically, we propose a neural architecture search (NAS) method tailored to multifunctional cells (MFC), termed MFC-NAS. Initially, a search space based on MFC is designed, encompassing transfer cell, normal cell, pooling cell, and dropout cell, with transfer cell dedicated to exploring weight-sharing layers. Subsequently, an MFC-oriented search strategy is adopted: different shallow blocks from pre-trained models such as MobileNet V3 are searched to construct transfer cell. Similar strategies are applied to pooling cell, dropout cell, and normal cell, exploring diverse pooling types and sizes for pooling cell and various dropout rates for dropout cell. Finally, the best-found cells are stacked to form a plant image classification CNN based on MFC. Experiments conducted on two publicly available plant image datasets demonstrate that MFC-NAS achieves the optimal cells after approximately 69 GPU-hours of search. Compared to state-of-the-art (SOTA) methods like ResNet-50 and EfficientNet, this approach attains higher accuracy (~ 99.10%) with an average single-sample inference time of around 12.6 ms. Moreover, the number of network parameters used in the proposed method is only 6.9% of ResNet-50's (approximately 1.58M).
Identification of the Pathological Types of Brain Metastasis from Lung Cancer Based on Multiparametric MRI Radiomics: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Sui Lian-Yu , Yin Xiao-Ping , Wang Jia-Ning , Quan Shuai , Xing Li-Hong , Zhang Yu , Ren Jia-Liang , Meng Huan
Published: October 2024

Objectives
To differentiate brain metastases (BMs) from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and BMs due to the adenocarcinoma (AD) and non-adenocarcinoma (NAD) subtypes using radiomic features derived from multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Methods
276 patients with BMs, including 98 with SCLC and 178 with NSCLC, were randomly divided into training (193 cases) and validation (83 cases) sets in a ratio of 7:3. Of the 178 patients with NSCLC, 155 were from primary AD and 23 from NAD. These were also randomly divided into training (124 cases) and validation (54 cases) sets. A logistic regression analysis was used to construct classification models based on radiomics features that were extracted from T1 weighted contrast-enhanced (T1CE), fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) images. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency.
Results
Multiparametric combined-sequence MRI radiomics features based on TICE, FLAIR, and DWI images were highly specific in distinguishing brain metastases originating from different types of lung cancers. In the training and validation sets, the area under the curves (AUCs) of the model for the classification of SCLC and NSCLC brain metastasis were 0.765 (95% CI 0.711, 0.822) and 0.762 (95% CI 0.671, 0.845), respectively; the AUC values of the prediction models combining the three sequences in differentiating AD from NAD BMs were 0.861 (95% CI 0.756, 0.951) and 0.851 (95% CI 0.649, 0.984), respectively.
Conclusion
The radiomics classification method based on the combination of multiple MRI sequences may be used for differentiating between the various lung cancer BMs.
Impact of FAI on Metabolism and Adrenal Hyperandrogenism in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Renyuan , Zhu Yirui , Xie Yijuan , Zheng Siyuan , Zhang Ying
Published: October 2024

Background
Although PCOS is a heterogeneous endocrinopathy in reproductive-aged women characterized by reproductive, endocrine, metabolic and psychological abnormalities, hyperandrogenism seems to be the most consistent feature. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess three hyperandrogenism parameters, FAI, TT and DHEAS, and their relationships with diverse metabolic indices, metabolic derangements and adrenal hyperandrogenism in women diagnosed with PCOS.
Methods
In this single-center cross-sectional study, 217 women aged 18–45 years with PCOS were enrolled. Baseline phenotypic, endocrine, and metabolic parameters, as well as multiple endocrine hormone levels, including insulin levels, thyroid function, sex hormones, ACTH, and cortisone levels, were collected. Dynamic function tests, such as OGTT, 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test, and ACTH stimulation test, were performed. Liver and vaginal ultrasound scans were also conducted to fully assess the metabolic and endocrine status of the participants.
Results
FAI was positively associated with BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, SBP, DBP, FPG, PPG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, AUCGLU, AUCINS, TG, TC, LDL-C and UA (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that FAI was an independent risk factor for multiple metabolic disorders, including overweight/obesity, fatty liver, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, metabolic syndrome, and hyperuricemia. Moreover, the FAI was positively correlated with both TT and DHEAS (p < 0.05). In addition, the FAI was negatively related to basal, stimulated and suppressed cortisol and positively associated with ACTH, DHEAS and stimulated 17OHP in PCOS patients (p < 0.05). According to age range-based cutoff values of circulating DHEAS, 85 of 217 PCOS women with adrenal hyperandrogenism and higher levels of FAI likely experienced more severe adrenal hyperandrogenism. A ROC analysis was performed with the best cutoff point (FAI = 5.29, AUC = 0.724, 95% CI: 0.654–0.793, p = 0.000, sensitivity = 71.8%, specificity = 64.2%).
Conclusions
The FAI is superior to TT and DHEAS in reflecting comprehensive features in terms of their correlation with phenotypic and metabolic parameters in patients with PCOS. Moreover, the FAI is also a promising biomarker for predicting adrenal hyperandrogenism, with the best cutoff point (value = 5.29).
Trial Registration
Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (registration number ChiCTR2000040904, date of registration 20201215).
Association between psychological resilience, social support and oral health behaviours in patients with implant dentures
Authors: Cui Tingting , Qiu Liying , Hou Deqiang
Published: October 2024

Background
Dental defects and missing teeth, as common oral diseases, seriously affect the quality of life of patients. With the improvement of living standards, implant dentures have become the choice of more and more patients with missing teeth, but dentures are not natural teeth, and they still cause different degrees of negative impacts on patients in physiological, psychological and social aspects. There are fewer studies on the relationship between psychological resilience, social support and oral health behaviours in patients with implant dentures. The objective of this study is to examine the current status of psychological resilience among implant denture patients and the factors that influence it. Additionally, we aim to analyse the correlation between psychological resilience, social support, and oral health behaviours, with a view to providing a scientific basis for the development of targeted interventions for patients with implant dentures.
Methods
A survey of 238 patients with implant dentures was conducted in the Department of Stomatology of the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University and Wuxi Stomatological Hospital. The survey included a self-designed general information questionnaire, disease condition questionnaire,The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale(CD-RISC), The Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and The oral health behavior scale.
Results
A total of 238 patients participated in this study.The CD-RISC score of patients with implant dentures was 66.49 ± 15.59, while the SSRS score was 37.90 ± 7.73, and the oral health behaviour score was 34.73 ± 7.92, multiple linear regression analysis showed that age, economic status, social support, and oral health behavioural status were the factors influencing the psychological resilience of patients with implant dentures (all P < 0.05),and the psychological resilience score was positively correlated with the score of oral health behaviours and the score of social support (P < 0.05), and the score of oral health behaviours was positively correlated with the score of social support (P < 0.05). Oral health behaviour partially mediated the relationship between psychological resilience and social support (mediating effect 0.11, accounting for 26.2% of the total effect).
Conclusions
The postoperative psychological elasticity of patients with implant dentures is at an average level and is affected by various factors, among which social support not only has a direct effect on the psychological elasticity of patients with implant dentures, but also has an indirect effect on their psychological elasticity through oral health behaviours. Healthcare professionals should actively adopt targeted nursing interventions to improve the psychological resilience of patients, improve their postoperative oral health behaviours, and improve their quality of life.
Correlation of Precisely Fabricated Geometric Characteristics of DNA-Origami Nanostructures with Their Cellular Entry in Human Lens Epithelial Cells
Authors: Guo Yexuan , Xiong Tianze , Yan Hong , Zhang Rui Xue
Published: October 2024

Human lens epithelial cells (hLECs) are critical for lens transparency, and their aberrant metabolic activity and gene expression can lead to cataract. Intracellular delivery to hLECs, especially to sub-cellular organelles (e.g., mitochondrion and nucleus), is a key step in engineering cells for cell- and gene- based therapies. Despite a broad variety of nano- and microparticles can enter cells, their spatial characteristics relevant to cellular uptake and localization remains elusive. To investigate cellular internalization in hLECs, herein, four distinct, mass-controlled nanostructures were precisely fabricated through computer-aided DNA-origami design. Ensembled DNA-origami nanostructures (DONs) included the rods, ring, triangle, and octahedron with defined geometric parameters of accessible surface area, effective volume, compactness, aspect ratio, size and vertex number. Atomic force microscopy and agarose gel electrophoresis showed that four DONs self-assembled within 3.5h with up to 59% yield and exhibited structural intactness in cell culture medium for 4h. Flow cytometry analysis of four Cy5-labelled DONs in hLECs HLE-B3 found time-dependent cellular uptake over 2h, among which the octahedron and triangle had higher cellular accumulation than the rod and ring. More importantly, the vertex number among other geometric parameters was positively correlated with cellular entry. Confocal images further revealed that four DONs had preferential localization at mitochondria to nucleus at 2h in HLE-B3 cells, and the degree of their biodistribution varied among DONs as evidenced by Manders’ correlation coefficient. This study demonstrates the DONs dependent uptake and mitochondrial localization in hLECs, heralding the future design of structure-modulating intracellular delivery for ocular therapy.