bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive value of urinary Tamm-Horsfall protein and 24-hour urine osmolality for recurrence in patients with calcium oxalate stones
Authors: Fang Daocheng , Tang Chunhua , Wang Chao , Hu Yuanyuan , Wen Hui
Published: August 2023

Introduction: To investigate the predictive value of urinary Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) and 24-h urine osmolality for recurrence in patients with calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones.
Methods: The clinical data of 120 patients hospitalized for upper urinary tract stones between January 2020 and January 2022 in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with and without stone recurrence at postoperative follow-up were divided into a recurrence group (53 patients) and a non-recurrence group (67 patients); 50 healthy patients during the same period were selected as the control group. Levels of urinary THP, 24-h urine osmolality, and biochemical indices were then compared between the three groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to predict the predictive values of urinary THP and 24-h urine osmolality for stone recurrence.
Results: Urinary THP, 24-hour urine osmolality, and biochemical indices in the recurrence group were significantly higher than those in the non-recurrence group and the control group (P < 0.05). 24-h urine osmolality was positively correlated with urinary oxalic acid and calcium excretion. ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off values for urinary THP and 24-h urine osmolality for the prediction of stone development were ≥27.01mg/L and ≥577.69mOsm/(kg·H2O); furthermore, the combination of these indices significantly improved the accuracy of prediction.
Conclusion: Urinary THP and 24-hour urine osmolality are higher in patients with recurrent CaOx stones; the combined detection of these parameters can accurately predict stone recurrence.
Evidence Combination for Pattern Classification With Missing Data
Authors: Liu Lizhuo
Published: August 2023

It remains a challenging problem to classify the incomplete patterns with randomly missing values. In some applications, it is difficult for us to collect complete attributes of target due to the complex sensing environment, and the observed patterns are all with more or less missing values. In order to well classify such incomplete patterns, we propose a new classification method based on evidence combination. Because the patterns are all considered with missing attribute values, it is hard to accurately estimate the missing values of object to classify. We propose to classify the object using each available attribute respectively. The K-nearest neighbors (K-NN) of object are found in training data space according to each attribute, and K Basic belief assignments (BBA) are constructed corresponding to the K-NN. The BBA reflects the degree of object belonging to each class. Then a two step evidence combination strategy is developed for combining the K BBA's. The BBA's associated with the same class are combined by classical DS rule at first. When the K-NN belong to different classes, the previous DS combination results associated with different classes may highly conflict, and they are further combined by PCR5 rule, which can well manage the high conflict via proper conflicting masses redistribution. We can classify the object using other attribute one by one in the similar way. When multiple classification results corresponding to different attributes are collected, a weighted evidence combination method is employed to fuse these results. The weighting factors of the results are optimized by minimizing an error criterion. The object is finally classified depending on this combination result. Experimental results with various data sets show the effectiveness of the proposed method comparing with other related methods.
HEARTSVG: a fast and accurate method for spatially variable gene identification in large-scale spatial transcriptomic data
Authors: Yu Zhangsheng , Yuan Xin , Ma Yanran , Gao Ruitian , Cui Shuya , Fa Botao , Wang Yifan , Ma Shiyang , Ma Shuangge
Published: August 2023

Identifying spatially variable genes (SVGs) is crucial for understanding the spatiotemporal characteristics of diseases and tissue structures, posing a distinctive challenge in spatial transcriptomics research. We propose HEARTSVG, a distribution-free, test-based method for fast and accurately identifying spatially variable genes in large-scale spatial transcriptomic data. Extensive simulations demonstrate that HEARTSVG outperforms state-of-the-art methods with higher F1 scores (average F1 score=0.903), improved computational efficiency, scalability, and reduced false positives (FPs). Through analysis of twelve real datasets from various spatial transcriptomic technologies, HEARTSVG identifies a greater number of biologically significant SVGs (average recall=0.985, average AUC=0.788) than other comparative methods without prespecifing spatial patterns. Furthermore, by clustering SVGs, we uncover two distinct tumor spatial domains characterized by unique spatial expression patterns, spatial-temporal locations, and biological functions in human colorectal cancer data, unraveling the complexity of tumors.
Retrospective comparative analysis of clinical, laboratory, and imaging features of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia among HIV-infected individuals and patients with cancer
Authors: Fang Jianhua , Pan Zhenhui , Li Jiayue , Huang Jingyi , Zhang Shouhua , Xiang Tianxin
Published: August 2023

Objective: To retrospectively compare the clinical, laboratory, and imaging features of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia among HIV-infected individuals and patients with cancer in order to provide evidence for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
Methods: Fourty-three patients with PJP diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from January 2017 to August 2022 were enrolled. Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia patients were divided into an HIV-infected group and a cancer group.A retrospective comparative analysis of clinical, laboratory, and imaging features was conducted in both groups.Statistical analysis using SPSS version 26.0 was performed.
Results: Clinical indicators such as total protein, globulin,the ratio of albumin to globulin(AGR),γ-glutamyl transpeptidase(γ-GGT),alkaline phosphatase, triglyceride, total cholesterol,and blood glucose were statistically different in PJP-HIV and PJP-cancer.PJP-HIV patients mainly presented with upper respiratory symptoms, generally with fever as the first symptom,whereas the majority of PJP-cancer patients had systemic symptoms.Furthermore,PJP-HIV patients demonstrated early clinical and radiologic characteristics of lung diseases,while PJP-cancer patients had a later appearance.PJP-cancer patients had a longer length of hospital stay(58.8%,P=0.187),a higher rate of mechanical ventilation(11.1%,P＜0.05),and a higher probability of ICU admission（77.8%,P＜0.05）compared with PJP-HIVpatients.
Conclusions:
PJP-HIV patients presented with non-systemic symptoms and early abnormal lung imaging features, while PJP-cancer patients presented with systemic symptoms and late abnormal lung imaging features. Laboratory data for both groups, however, show significant statistical significance.
Association of preoperative health status with risk of complications after primary total hip arthroplasty: How useful are the measures self-rated health, ASA classification and comorbidity count?
Authors: Bonnefoy-Mazure Alice , Dellagiovanna Donia , Barea Christophe , Hannouche Didier , Lübbeke Anne
Published: August 2023

Background
Complications after surgery can be predicted using ASA classification or comorbidity count. No study has assessed the measure self-rated health (SRH) yet. Our objective was to assess the association between SRH, ASA and comorbidity count and medical complications during hospitalization, death and all-cause revision within 5years.
Methods
A prospective cohort study of primary elective THAs was conducted 2002-2019 including information on preoperative general health measured with SRH, comorbidity count and ASA grade. For medical complications, proportions of events per category of health measure were calculated. Risk of all-cause revision and mortality was assessed using incidence rates, reverse Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses.
Results
Overall, 3906 patients were included (mean age 69years). The risk of a severe medicalcomplication during hospitalization was 1% and it increased with decreasing health status. Incidence rate of dying within 5years was 1.9 cases/100 P-yrs, and it increased with decreasing health status. ASA grade 3-4 was most strongly associated with death (hazard ratio (HR) 5, 95%CI 2-11) compared to ASA grade 1. Patients with poor SRH or ≥4 comorbidities had a 3 times higher risk of dying. Incidence rate of revision was 0.6 cases/100 P-yrs and increased with decreasing health status. The association was only significant in the first 3 months postoperative. For comorbidity count the adjusted HR was 4 (95%CI 2-7)), and for ASA 3-4 HR was 3 (95%CI 2-6).
Conclusion
SRH, ASA classification and comorbidity count showed increasing risks of complications and death with decreasing health status. ASA was most strongly associated with death. Regarding revision within 3 months both comorbidity count and ASA performed well.
Alterations in subcortical magnetic susceptibility and disease-specific relationship with brain volume in major depressive disorder and schizophrenia
Authors: Koike Shinsuke , Shibukawa Shuhei , Kan Hirohito , Honda Shiori , Wada Masataka , Tarumi Ryosuke , Tsugawa Sakiko , Tobari Yui , Maikusa Norihide , Mimura Masaru , Uchida Hiroyuki , Nakamura Yuko , Nakajima Shinichiro , Noda Yoshihiro
Published: August 2023

Quantitative susceptibility mapping is a magnetic resonance imaging technique that measures brain tissues’ magnetic susceptibility, including iron deposition and myelination. This study examines the relationship between subcortical volume and magnetic susceptibility and determines specific differences in these measures among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), patients with schizophrenia, and healthy controls (HCs). Sex- and age- matched patients with MDD (n = 49), patients with schizophrenia (n = 24), and HCs (n = 50) were included. Magnetic resonance imaging was conducted using quantitative susceptibility mapping and T1-weighted imaging to measure subcortical susceptibility and volume. The acquired brain measurements were compared among groups using analyses of variance and post hoc comparisons. Finally, a general linear model examined the susceptibility–volume relationship. Significant group-level differences were found in the magnetic susceptibility of the nucleus accumbens and amygdala. Although, post-hoc analyses indicated that the magnetic susceptibility of the nucleus accumbens and amygdala for the MDD group was significantly higher than that for the HC group, no significant differences in subcortical volume were found between the groups. The general linear model indicated a significant interaction between group and volume for the nucleus accumbens in MDD group but not schizophrenia or HC groups. This study showed susceptibility alterations in the nucleus accumbens and amygdala in MDD patients. A significant relationship was observed between subcortical susceptibility and volume in the MDD group’s nucleus accumbens, which indicated abnormalities in myelination and the dopaminergic system related to iron deposition.
Development and Validation of a Nomogram Based on Inflammatory indicators and Tumor Markers for Prognosis Prediction of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Shi Bo , Guo Haoran , Chen Junjie , Peng Zhijian , Wang Suo , Chen Guoliang , Tai Qingliang , Shi Xinyu , He Songbing
Published: August 2023

Background: Reliable evaluation methods play an important role in improving the prognosis of colorectal cancer patients, guiding the development of treatment plans, and prolonging patient survival. Several preoperative inflammatory indicators and tumor markers were evaluated in this study for predicting colorectal cancer (CRC) prognosis.
Methods: A total of 224 eligible patients with CRC were enrolled in the present study. Patients were divided into a training group (n=150) and a validation group (n=74). The training cohort underwent both the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and Cox regression analyses to discern pivotal prognostic factors, aiming to formulate a nomogram for the prediction of overall survival (OS).
Results: LASSO regression, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were effective risk factors. The concordance index (C-index) of the nomogram in the training and validation groups were 0.716 and 0.7 respectively. The areas under curve (AUC) of the nomogram for 3-years were 0.748 and 0.776, for 5-years were 0.749 and 0.773 respectively.
Conclusion: NLR, CA199 and CEA were effective supplements to traditional clinical assessment methods. The nomogram incorporating the three preoperative indicators can be effectively and efficiently used to predict the prognosis of CRC patients.
Influence of 3D printing technological parameter number of shells on selected mechanical properties in FDM/FFF technology
Authors: Szot Wiktor , Rudnik Mateusz
Published: August 2023

The technological parameters of 3D printing have a significant impact on the mechanical properties including rheological properties of models produced by additive technology. Research on the influence of these parameters is important for designers who design machine components. Therefore, this article presents extensive research on the influence of the 3D printing technological parameter of the number of shells (2 and 10) on selected mechanical properties. Two different types of specimens produced by FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) technology were used from PLA material. The selected mechanical properties were tensile strength, flexural strength and creep phenomenon. The five-parameter Kelvin-Voight model was used to describe the creep curve obtained from the tests. Very good fits were obtained, which allows us to recommend the obtained results for engineering calculations. The research results presented in this article showed that for both tensile strength, flexural strength and creep phenomenon, higher values were obtained for the number of shells 10 compared to the number of shells 2.
EEG-based Emotional Valence and Emotion Regulation Classification: A Data-centric and Explainable Approach
Authors: Fiorini Linda , Bossi Francesco , Gruttola Francesco Di
Published: August 2023

Emotion classification using electroencephalographic (EEG) data is a challenging task in the field of Artificial Intelligence. While many researchers have focused on finding the best model or feature extraction technique to achieve optimal results, few have attempted to select the best methodological steps for working with the dataset. In this study, we applied two different theoretical approaches based on the noise of the dataset: curriculum learning and confident learning. Curriculum learning involves presenting training examples to a machine learning model in a specific order, starting with easier examples and gradually increasing in difficulty. This approach has been shown to improve model performance. Confident learning, on the other hand, is a method for identifying and correcting label errors in datasets. By identifying and correcting these errors, confident learning can improve the performance of machine learning models trained on noisy datasets. Our aim was to explore the impact of different models and methods on emotion classification performance using EEG data. We used an EEG dataset in which participants rated the emotional valence of pictures while performing an emotion regulation (ER) task, comparing a control condition (Look) with two ER strategies: cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. We performed a multilabel classification to identify emotional neutrality or polarization of emotional valence (positive or negative) rated by participants and the emotion regulation strategy adopted during the task. We compared the performance of models trained on three datasets selected based on label noise and evaluated their suitability for this task. We then applied the Integrated Gradient technique to each model in order to assess the explainability of each model. Our results suggest different patterns based on the architecture used for feature importance, highlighting both advantages and criticisms.
Maternal Prepregnancy Overweight/Obesity and adverse pregnancy outcomes in twins: A Population-Based Cohort Study in China
Authors: Feng Zhoushan , Wu Xiaohong , Tong Xiao-mei , He Zheng , Yang Chunxia , Shen Wei , Ding Yueqin , Liu Jin , Meng Qiong , Zhang Aiqin , Jiang Hong , Yan Wenkang , Qiu Jianwu , Wei Xian , Zhang Yayu , Lin Xiaobo , Liu Lijun , Jin Ya , Wei Youfen , Yang Xiufang , Wang Yitong , Cai Yangfan , Lin Xinzhu , Cui Qiliang
Published: August 2023

Background
Overweight or obese before pregnancy can have adverse effects on the health of singleton pregnant women, but its potential impact on twin pregnant mothers and twins is still unclear.
Material and methods
This study collected clinical data of twin births and their mothers from 22 units in 12 regions of China between January 2018 and December 2020. The study used multiple logistic regression analysis, propensity score matching analysis, inverse probability weighting, and overlap weighting models to control confounding factors, and explored the effects of different prepregnancy body mass index on adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Results
Compared to prepregnancy normal weight, prepregnancy overweight/obesity increased the incidence of larger and smaller twin infants with 1-min Apgar score ≤ 7 (adjusted OR (95% CI): 1.60 (1.20–2.13) and 1.45 (1.09–1.92), respectively), as well as the incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes (adjusted OR (95% CI): 1.85 (1.55–2.21) and 1.49 (1.27–1.74), respectively). These findings were consistent after propensity score matching analysis, inverse probability weighting, and overlapping weighting. Additionally, prepregnancy underweight reduced the rate of twins with 1-min Apgar score ≤ 7 (0.56 (0.32–0.92) and 0.58 (0.34–0.94), respectively). Different prepregnancy BMI did not have a significant impact on 5-minute Apgar score, birth weight discordance in twins, NICU admission, preterm birth or low birth weight.
Conclusion
Maternal overweight/obesity before pregnancy increases the incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes in twin pregnancies, and also elevates the risk of twins having a low Apgar score. Therefore, it is imperative to manage weight before pregnancy and prepare for neonatal resuscitation during delivery.
Simulation of electrolyte behaviour of industrial electrochemical machining
Authors: Moro Luca Del , Sneddon Scott , Gomez-Gallegos Ares A , Lanzetta Michelle , De Silva Anjali K M
Published: August 2023

Development of simulation models for electrochemical machining (ECM) is a widely researched challenge to avoid the traditional trial and error process, with potential resulting advantages in terms of time, cost, and sustainability. To this objective, it is crucial to utilise software that can accurately simulate the complex multiphysics aspects of ECM without being too computationally expensive and with a fast set up. This paper investigates an alternative finite element software to model ECM for industrial production. The specific features of this software make it attractive for industrial applications, and in this work, it is validated as suitable to model the electrolyte characteristics of flow rate and pressure. The model developed is the basis for determining local changes to electrolyte conductivity, current density, and efficiency as a function of gap spacing optimisation in order to achieve the desired geometry with dimensional accuracy and assure process repeatability for industrial production. Simulation results are in agreement with the experimental ECM carried out as part of this work.
Mapping the structure of atherosclerosis biomarker research
from 2012-2022
Authors: Lu Fei , Zhao Yue , Hu Jingqing
Published: August 2023

Background
Atherosclerosis（AS）is a common chronic vascular inflammatory condition. Early detection and diagnosis are important for reducing residual risk.Biomarkers can reveal the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment characteristics. In recent years, a number of studies have been carried out to search for biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of AS, but there are still no such studies. This paper systematically reviews studies related to atherosclerosis biomarkers to provide guidance for further research.
Objective
We conducted a bibliometric analysis of the scientific publications in the last 10 years to identify the key progress, hotspots and emerging trends related to atherosclerosis biomarkers.
Methods
Original studies and reviews regarding to atherosclerosis biomarkers were retrieved from the Web of Science core collection(WoSCC) database. Microsoft Excel 2019,CiteSpace6.1,VOSviewer1.6.16 and bibliometrix were used to map the annual publication,major journals and
performed visualization analysis of keyword co-occurrence,cluster,timeline and keyword burst.
Results
A total of 3,381 articles were finally included. The United States (26.09%) and China (18.87%),accounted for nearly half of the world’s publications. Johns Hopkins University, Harvard Medical School and the University of Washington were the most common publication institutions. Ballantyne christie M, Blaha michael J and Budoff matthew J had the most publications in this field. Articles in this area have been widely published in Atherosclerosis, PlOS One, Journal Of The American Heart Association.All the studies calculated by keyword co-occurrence were divided into
four clusters: “atherosclerosis”, “risk”, “coronary heart disease”and“cardiovascular disease”. Hot topics mainly focused on “Pulse wave velocity”, “C-reactive protein”,“intimal media “Non-coding RNAs” ,“extracellular vesicles” and“neutrophil extracellular traps” were identified as the potential trends.
Conclusions
The research trend of atherosclerosis biomarkers is manifested in the gradual deepening of the research content and the development toward a more detailed level. However, there are still some problems, such as a lack of high-quality research and relatively simple methods.
Effects of a pre-conception care program for women diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease: A mixed-methods study including a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lee Young Jin , Kim Yeon Hee , Yang Suk Kyun , Kim Hae Won
Published: August 2023

Background: The purpose of this study was to conduct a pre-conception care education program for women of childbearing age with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Korea and verify its effects on pregnancy knowledge and anxiety, as well as on self-efficacy related to IBD management.
Methods: This was a convergent mixed-methods study, which integrated a randomized controlled trial and interviews. In the quantitative phase, 35 women (17 in the intervention group and 18 in the control group) participated. Those in the intervention group attended a pre-conception care program that included small-group sessions and individual tele-coaching across foursessions. The quantitative research analysis used the generalized estimation equation method to compare changes between the two groups. In the qualitative phase, focus group interviews and tele-coaching were conducted for participants in the intervention group. The qualitative data were analyzed using deductive content analysis.
Results: After the program ended, significant differences were observed between the intervention and control groups for pregnancy knowledge, pregnancy anxiety, and self-efficacy related to IBD management. As a result of qualitative data analysis, the themes derived were “improving IBD awareness related to pregnancy and childbirth,” “relieving anxiety about pregnancy and actively accepting pregnancy,” and “improving confidence in IBD management and awareness related to planned pregnancy.”
Conclusions: It is meaningful that this was the first study to develop a pre-conception care program for women diagnosed with IBD and confirm its effectiveness. The program improved pregnancy-related knowledge, enhanced self-efficacy related to disease management, andreduced anxiety in women with IBD. This program is expected to be suitable for patient counseling and education in clinical practice.
Trial registration: This study was registered on the Korea Clinical Trial Registration (KCT0008022). Retrospectivelyregistered 20/12/2022.
The difference in clinical features of acute acquired concomitant esotropia between adolescents and adults
Authors: Fu Jing , Chen Jiayu , Li Huijian , Hao Jie , Liu Jiawen , Meng Zhaojun , Wang Meixv , Gao Yang
Published: August 2023

Background
To compare the clinical features of acute acquired concomitant esotropia (AACE) between adolescents and adults.
Methods
A monocentric, prospective, and observational cohort study. Clinical features analysis was stratified by age, which was defined as adolescent group (age < 18 years) and an adult group (age ≥ 18 years). Refractive status, the angles of esotropia, angles of deviation at near and far, diplopia, and stereopsis were evaluated between the two groups. P < 0.05 was considered statistically different.
Results
There were 59 patients in the adult group (31 males and 28 females; mean age 29.86 ± 9.64 years), and 42 patients in the adolescent group (29 males and 13 females; mean age 11.57 ± 3.98 years). The age was positively correlated with disease duration (Kendall's tau-b = 0.305), fusional function (Kendall's tau-b = 0.194), and distance stereopsis (Kendall's tau-b = 0.240). The age was negatively correlated with spherical equivalent-right eye(SE-Right) (Kendall's tau-b=-0.305), spherical equivalent-left eye(SE-Left) (Kendall's tau-b=-0.334), the angles of deviation at near (Kendall's tau-b=-0.336) and the angles of deviation at distance (Kendall's tau-b=-0.360). The refractive state of different age groups was significantly different (χ2 = 17.649, p < 0.001). The angles of esotropia in the adolescent group were significantly larger than the adult group (p < 0.001). There were no statistical differences between the two groups for distance stereopsis (χ2 = 2.143, P = 0.143) and near stereopsis (χ2 = 0.671, p = 0. 413).
Conclusions
AACE has diverse clinical features between the adolescent and adult groups. The adult group presented showed more myopia and smaller angles of esotropia compared to the adolescent, which may be related to different pathogenesis and different eye habits.
Decreased telomere length in a subgroup of young individuals with bipolar disorders: replication in the FACE-BD cohort and association with the shelterin component POT1
Authors: Marie-Claire Cynthia , Spano Luana , Godin Ophelia , Lebras Apolline , Courtin Cindie , Laplanche Jean-Louis , Leboyer Marion , Aouizerate Bruno , Lefrere Antoine , Belzeaux Raoul , Courtet Philippe , Olié Emilie , Dubertret Caroline , SCHWAN Raymund , Aubin Valérie , Roux Paul , Polosan Mircea , Samalin Ludovic , haffen emmanuel , Collaborators FondaMental Advanced Centers of Expertise in Bipolar Disorde , Bellivier Frank , Etain Bruno
Published: August 2023

Bipolar disorder (BD) has been associated with premature cellular aging with shortened telomere length (TL) as compared to the general population. We recently identified a subgroup of young individuals with prematurely shortened TL. The aims of the present study were to replicate this observation in a larger sample and analyze the expression levels of genes associated with age or TL in a subsample of these individuals. TL was measured on peripheral blood DNA using quantitative polymerase chain reaction in a sample of 542 individuals with BD and clustering analyses were performed. Gene expression level of 29 genes, associated with aging or with telomere maintenance, was analyzed in RNA samples from a subsample of 129 individuals. Clustering analyses identified a group of young individuals (mean age 29.64 years), with shorter TL. None of the tested clinical variables were significantly associated with this subgroup. Gene expression level analyses showed significant downregulation of MYC, POT1 and CD27 in the prematurely aged young individuals compared to the young individuals with longer TL. After adjustment only POT1 remained significantly differentially expressed between the two groups of young individuals. This study confirms the existence of a subgroup of young individuals with BD with shortened TL. The observed decrease of POT1 expression level suggests a newly described cellular mechanism in individuals with BD, that may contribute to telomere shortening.
A cross-sectional study observing the association of psychosocial stress and dietary intake with gut microbiota genera and alpha diversity among a young adult cohort of black and white women in Birmingham, Alabama
Authors: Knight Rachel , Cedillo Yenni , Judd Suzanne , Baker Elizabeth , Fruge Andrew , Moellering Douglas
Published: August 2023

Background
The relationships between psychosocial stress and diet with gut microbiota composition and diversity deserve ongoing investigation. The primary aim of this study was to examine the associations of psychosocial stress measures and dietary variables with gut microbiota genera abundance and alpha diversity among young adult, black and white females. The secondary aim was to explore mediators of psychosocial stress and gut microbiota diversity and abundance.
Methods
Data on 60 females who self-identified as African American (AA; n = 29) or European American (EA; n = 31) aged 21–45 years were included. Cortisol was measured in hair and saliva, and 16S analysis of stool samples were conducted. Discrimination experiences (recent and lifetime), perceived stress, and depression were evaluated based on validated instruments. Spearman correlations were performed to evaluate the influence of psychosocial stressors, cortisol measures, and dietary variables on gut microbiota genus abundance and alpha diversity measured by amplicon sequence variant(ASV) count. Mediation analyses assessed the mediating role of select dietary variables and cortisol measures on the associations between psychosocial stress, Alistipes and Blautia abundance, and ASV count.
Results
AA females were found to have significantly lower ASV count and Blautia abundance. Results for the spearman correlations assessing the influence of psychosocial stress and dietary variables on gut microbiota abundance and ASV count were varied. Finally, diet nor cortisol was found to partially or fully mediate the associations between subjective stress measures, ASV count, and Alistipes and Blautia abundance.
Conclusion
In this cross-sectional study, AA females had lower alpha diversity and Blautia abundance compared to EA females. Some psychosocial stressors and dietary variables were found to be correlated with ASV count and few gut microbiota genera. Larger scale studies are needed to explore the relationships among psychosocial stress, diet and the gut microbiome.
Alzheimer’s disease associated isoforms of human CD33 distinctively modulate microglial cell responses in 5XFAD mice
Authors: Eskandari-Sedighi Ghazaleh , Crichton Madeline , Zia Sameera , Gomez Erik , Laurent Chris D. St. , Cortez Leonardo M. , Patel Zain H. , Sidhu Gaurav , Sarkar Susmita , Aghanya Vivian , Sim Valerie L. , Tan Qiumin , Julien Olivier , Plemel Jason R. , Macauley Matthew S
Published: August 2023

Microglia play diverse pathophysiological roles in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with genetic susceptibility factors skewing microglial cell function to influence AD risk. CD33 is an immunomodulatory receptor associated with AD susceptibility through a single nucleotide polymorphism that modulates mRNA splicing, skewing protein expression from a long protein isoform (CD33M) to a short isoform (CD33m). Understanding how human CD33 isoforms differentially impact microglial cell function in vivo has been challenging due to functional divergence of CD33 between mice and humans. We address this challenge by studying transgenic mice expressing either of the human CD33 isoforms crossed with the 5XFAD mouse model of amyloidosis and find that human CD33 isoforms have opposing effects on the response of microglia to amyloid-b (Aβ) deposition. Mice expressing CD33M have increased Aβ levels, more diffuse plaques, fewer disease-associated microglia, and more dystrophic neurites compared to control 5XFAD mice. Conversely, CD33m promotes plaque compaction and microglia-plaque contacts, and minimizes neuritic plaque pathology, highlighting an AD protective role for this isoform. Protective phenotypes driven by CD33m are detected at an earlier timepoint compared to the more aggressive pathology in CD33M mice that appears at a later timepoint, suggesting that CD33m has a more prominent impact on microglia cell function at earlier stages of disease progression. In addition to divergent roles in modulating phagocytosis, scRNAseq and proteomics analyses demonstrate that CD33m+ microglia upregulate nestin, an intermediate filament involved in cell migration, at plaque contact sites. Overall, our work provides new functional insights into how CD33, as a top genetic susceptibility factor for AD, modulates microglial cell function.
Matching with community sports facilities in a national fitness environment based on ant colony algorithm
Authors: Guo Wenbin , Tian Tian
Published: August 2023

The advancement of cultural awareness, the pressure of work is getting higher and higher. This living state has buried many hidden dangers to people's physical and mental health. These "hidden dangers" and various diseases caused by modern lifestyles have made modern physical and mental health, and their enthusiasm for participating in sports is also rising. Under the background of national fitness, all localities have actively responded to the call of the state to build civic sports facilities that serve the masses. However, with the advancement of my country's economic level, the national fitness industry has entered a new era. People are no longer satisfied with having an activity venue, but have an all-round experience of social, leisure, sports and other functions and spaces. become a common pursuit of citizens. Outdoor community sports facilities emerge as the times require, and various sports fitness equipment, sports venues, entertainment and health integration facilities are constantly emerging, forming a modern national fitness sports pattern with community sports as the main feature. Based on the above problems ant colony algorithm theory, this paper proposes a design strategy for the coordination of community sports facilities in a national fitness environment, so as to obtain an outdoor community sports fitness venue suitable for mass physical fitness.
Roles of Different Hydroperiod Habitats in Neighboring Rice Paddies and Biotopes in Supporting an Endangered Pond Frog Population in Japan
Authors: Naito Risa S , Sakai Masaru , Natuhara Yosihiro , Morimoto Yukihiro
Published: August 2023

The Nagoya Daruma pond frog Pelophylax porosus brevipodus (formerly Rana porosa brevipoda) requires a wet environment year-round, but such habitats have generally been lost due to improved rice paddy drainage such that the frog populations have been decreasing. There have been attempts to create permanent pools in rice paddy areas to help the populations recover, but the basic life history patterns and population dynamics in both environments have not been well studied. We captured frogs in rice paddies and adjacent biotopes. Using capture–mark–recapture data with 816 marked individuals, we compared frog demographics and population structure using a Jolly–Seber POPAN model. Constructed biotopes had conditions favoring long-term persistence. For example, biotopes had larger frogs of both sexes than rice paddies. The ratio of juveniles to adults was lower in biotopes than rice paddies. By contrast, rice paddies were an important habitat for breeding and producing new frogs.The two habitats complemented each other to support the local frog population. Because P. p. brevipodus is now exclusively distributed in rice paddy areas, the creation of permanent pools is a feasible way to improve habitat quality, especially in modernized rice paddy areas with few permanent lentic habitats.
Exploring the Potential for Bamboo Agroforestry through a Value Chain Approach in Thailand, using Cloud-based Data Management on Google Earth Engine
Authors: Amatyakul Wasita , Orozco Sebastian , Bunschoten Raoul
Published: August 2023

The global construction sector consumes almost half of the world's total material production footprint, implying it is the highest single-category material footprint across the global economy. In the search for nature-based alternatives, bamboo grass can become a mainstream building material in the global tropical belt due to significantly shorter rotation times compared to softwood or hardwood species. To determine bamboo potential within a value-chain work frame, the first step is to evaluate the potential land for cultivation. Technically driven soil selection, with optimal climatic conditions, can generate culms taller than 20 m or, on the contrary, culms of a maximum of 6 to 7 m in height. The correct choice of soil also favors the plantation owner since faster plant development will be observed; the plantation will show a higher number of culms, larger diameters, cheaper production, and shorter times until plant maturity, thus requiring less time to recover the initial investment. This research presents a remote-sensing-based tool for surveying and exploring bamboo agroforestry potential over the entire national territory of Thailand based on climatic conditions, altitude, topography, existing land cover, and soil characteristics (texture and acidity). Through the implementation of the research, a total amount of 345,838 km² with viable growth conditions was discovered. 45,968 km² (13.29%) show basic compatibility levels, 242,198 km² (70.03%) show intermediate levels and 57,672 km² (16.68%) present optimal growth conditions. The corresponding regions were located on an interactive geoportal with a 100 m-per-pixel resolution and the ability to benchmark the individual selection criteria.
Early Parameter to Detect the Resolution of Pediatric Diabetic ketoacidosis
Authors: Su Ya-Ting , Lo Fu-Sung , Hsia Shao-Hsuan , Lin Jainn-Jim , Chan Oi-Wa , Yen Chen-Wei , Chiu Chun-Che , Chang Han-Pi , Lee En-Pei
Published: August 2023

Objective
Since only a few studies have analyzed the incidence of hyperchloremia in pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) after treatment and analyzed the time it takes for different parameters to reach DKA resolution, the present study aimed to analyze the incidence of hyperchloremia and compare the time required to reach DKA resolution with different parameters.
Methods
A chart review of patients diagnosed with DKA and aged < 18 years was conducted. DKA was defined as serum glucose ≧ 200 mg/dL, venous pH (vpH) < 7.30, serum bicarbonate < 15 mmol/L, and presence of ketonemia, or ketonuria. Electrolytes and blood gases were recorded at 6-h intervals after treatment initiation.
Results
Overall, 84 patients were admitted because of DKA. The initial biomedical parameters in the emergency department were as follows: median glucose, 497 mg/dL; vpH, 7.1; serum HCO3, 6.6 mmol/L; anion gap (AG), 24.7 mmol/L; and ketone, 5.7 mmol/L. After treatment, the incidence of hyperchloremia increased progressively from 15.4% at treatment initiation to 80% at 18 h. The median time to resolution defined by AG ≦ 12 mmol/L was 12 h, which was significantly faster than the recovery of vpH > 7.3 (median time, 17 h) and HCO3 > 15 mmol/L (median time, 18 h). Approximately 63 (75%) patients reached the endpoints of AG ≦ 12 mmol/L prior, 14 (16.6%) patients reached the endpoints of vpH ≧ 7.3 prior, 7 (8.4%) patients reached the endpoints of HCO3 > 15 mmol/L prior.
Conclusions
Hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis (HMA) was a common entity in pediatric DKA following treatment. The median time of AG closure was approximately 12 h and was the parameter that can detect DKA resolution at a faster rate, i.e., approximately 5, and 6 h faster than the normalization of vpH and HCO3, respectively. Future studies were warranted to use AG ≦ 12 mmol/L as the endpoint of DKA treatment and check if the treatment course and incidence of HMA could be reduced.
Establishment and validation of a risk-score prognostic model based on immunogenic cell death related genes for hepatocellular carcinoma in the Asian population
Authors: Feng Zhengyang , Wang Yanjie , Liang Yong , Gu Xuhao , Yang Yinyin , Zhang Yusong , Peng Qiliang
Published: August 2023

Background:Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer, which is known to be characterized by poor therapeutic effects and prognosis. The etiology of HCC is regionally variable, with hepatitis B virus (HBV) being the leading cause in most of Asia. Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a form of cell death. Many studies have shown that ICD-related processes are closely associated with the treatment of HCC. Through this study, we tried to investigate the significance of ICD-related genes in the Asian HCC population and expected to provide new ideas for the treatment of HCC.
Methods: We first downloaded transcriptomic data and clinical data related to HCC in Asian population from TCGA database. Then, we divided the samples into different subgroups based on the expression of ICD-related genes and performed tumor microenvironment differential analysis and enrichment analysis. In addition, we randomly divided the samples into train as well as test groups, and then constructed and validated an ICD gene-based risk-prognosis model for the Asian HCC population.
Results: We divided the Asian HCC samples into two subgroups, including the ICD high expression and ICD low expression groups. We found that in the ICD low expression group, there was less immune cell and stromal cell infiltration, higher tumor purity, and better prognosis. We then also constructed a 5-gene risk-score prognostic model, including BAX, CASP8, HMGB1, HSP90AA1 and IL6, which was effective in predicting the prognosis of the Asian HCC population.
Conclusion: Our study provides new insights into the role of ICDs in Asian HCC populations. The risk-score prognostic model based on five ICDs can assess the prognosis of Asian HCC populations, which also has the potential to be new targets for HCC treatment.
Ocular Myastheia Gravis as the First Presentation of Myastheia Gravis: A Case Report
Authors: Ma Chunhui , Chen Chunwen , Yao Jingyan
Published: August 2023

Background
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare and potentially dangerous autoimmune neuromuscular disease, which affects the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction of skeletal muscle. lt is characterized by fluctuating weakness and fatigue of the ocular, bulbar, limb, and respiratory muscles and initial symptoms are usually ptosis and diplopia. Over half of patients with MG will initially experience isolated ocular symptoms in one eye or both eyes, which are called ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG). OMG’s diverse symptoms may readily masquerade as other neurological conditions, posing a diagnostic challenge to clinicians.
Case presentation:
A 49-year-old female presented to the Emergency Department with a seven-day history of unilateral persistent ptosis with inflexible eye movement, concerning for oculomotor nerve paralysis initially. However, cranial CTA found no evidence of stroke or any other central etiology. Routine laboratory testing was unremarkable. Neurology was consulted and neurologist recommended sending tensilon testing (pharmacologically induced improvement in symptoms using the anticholinesterase inhibitor) and electromyographic testing. At the patient’s subsequent hospitalization in neurology department, these tests were found to be abnormal. The patient underwent complete ophthalmic examination and medical history review, was diagnosed of ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) eventually. The patient subsequently underwent hormone and immunosuppressive therapy with obvious improvement in her symptoms.
Conclusions
MG may present as unilateral ptosis or diplopia with the hallmark characteristic of fluctuating muscle weakness. Early diagnosis and subsequent treatment of MG improve long term prognosis and remission rates. Prednisone is the most commonly used immune modulator for the treatment of MG. Emergency physicians should consider myasthenia gravis in cases of ocular symptoms after ruling-out emergent central etiologies.
Early Choroidal and Retinal Changes Detected by Swept-Source Oct in Type 2 Diabetes and Their Association with Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Longitudinal Prospective Study
Authors: Silva Monica Oliveira , Chaves Anne Elise Cruz do Carmo , Gobbato Glauber Corrêa , Lavinsky Fabio , Lavinsky Daniel
Published: August 2023

Background
To evaluate structural changes in retina and choroid in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and their association with diabetic kidney disease (DKD)
Methods
T2D patients with mild or no diabetic retinopathy (DR) were followed for 3 years using structural SS-OCT and OCT angiography (OCT-A) taken every 6 months. Parameters were compared longitudinally and according to the DKD status on baseline.
Results
One hundred and sixty eyes from 80 patients were followed for 3 years, 72 with no DKD (nDKD) at baseline and 88 with DKD. Trend analysis of T2D showed significant thinning in GCL + and circumpapillary retinal fiber neural layer (cRFNL), choroid, and decreased vascular density (VD) in superficial plexus and central choriocapillaris with foveal avascular zone (FAZ) enlargement. Patients with no DKD on baseline presented more significant declines in retinal center and choroidal thickness, increased FAZ and loss of nasal and temporal choriocapillaris volume. In addition, the nDKD group had worse glycemic control and renal parameters at the end of the study.
Conclusion
Our data suggest that early, progressive neurovascular damage occurs in the retina and choroid in T2D patients with no or mild DR. Glycemic control and renal damage parameters were associated to neurovascular damage progression.
The Spindle Approximation of Network Epidemiological Modeling
Authors: Lu Xin , Mou Jianhon , Dai Bitao , Tan Suoyi , Holme Petter , Lehmann Sune , liljeros Fredrik
Published: August 2023

Understanding the dynamics of spreading and diffusion on networks is of critical importance for a variety of processes in real life. However, predicting the temporal evolution of diffusion on networks remains challenging as the process is shaped by network topology, spreading non-linearities, and heterogeneous adaptation behavior. In this study, we propose the ‘spindle vector’, a new network topological feature, which characterizes the hierarchical organization of nodes. The spindle vector shapes nodes according to the distance from the root node, capturing the essence of diffusion propagation, thus allowing us to approximate the spatiotemporal evolution of diffusion dynamics on networks. Through experiments on various networks, we show that our method outperforms the state-of-the-art, such that the prediction error of RMSE and MAE is 100% superior on WS and BA networks, and that the prediction is better than the counterpart model in 36 out of 40 empirical networks. The new metric provides a general and computationally efficient approach to predict network diffusion problems and is of potential for a large range of network applications.