bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of the Driving Factors Impacts of Land Surface Albedo over Iran: An Analysis with the MODIS Data
Authors: KefayatMotlagh OmidReza , Darand Mohammad
Published: June 2023

Albedo is a key parameter in climatic research and depends on environmental and climatic factors. Modeling these factors greatly contributes to understanding environmental variations. To this end, the data of Land Surface Albedo, Land Surface Temperature (LST), Vegetation, Snow, Elevation, Slope, and Aspect of the MODIS sensor from 1/1/2001 to 30/12/2021 with a 1000-meter spatial resolution were used. After pre-processing, monthly, seasonal, and annual albedo modeling was performed using multiple linear regression (MLR) in the highlands of Iran. The results of monthly modeling revealed the salient direct role of snow on the albedo of Iran's highlands in all months, except for July, August, September, and October. In these months, due to the lack of snow coverage and the fruiting of agricultural lands and gardens, the inverse role of vegetation on albedo variations is determining. Seasonal examinations also showed that snow plays a significant role on the albedo of Iran's highlands in winter, spring, and fall; however, vegetation has a determining role in the summer. The annual results indicated that snow, vegetation, elevation, slope, LST, and aspect, respectively, are the factors affecting albedo in the highlands of Iran. Furthermore, the role of snow, LST, and aspect is positive, while the role of vegetation, elevation, and slope is negative on albedo.
Micro flower-like Hierarchical Mo2C/Co@N-C (N-doped carbon) for efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst
Authors: Kim Hee Soo , Lim Ahyoun , Woo Mino , Lee Hae In , Gu Yunjang , Lim Dong-Ha
Published: June 2023

The development of low-cost and high-efficiency electrocatalysts for the water-splitting reaction to produce oxygen and hydrogen from alkaline electrolytes remains a major challenge, especially from the perspective of realizing fast and efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts, and it is important to improve the performance of these reactions through rational catalyst design. In this study, Co-based heterostructures composed of cobalt (Co) and molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) nanoparticles with micro-flower-like structures were intentionally designed as precursors for OER and HER electrocatalysts. In particular, during polymerization, nanoparticle (metal precursor) ions and dopamine aggregates combined to grow into nanoflakes and retained their structure after carbonization, forming micro-flower-like structures characterized by high specific surface area and porosity. The catalysts with hierarchical heterostructures constructed using this unique structure showed activities similar to those of the commercially available IrO2 and Pt/C catalysts, reaching current densities of 10 mA/cm2 for OER and HER in 0.1 M KOH and exhibiting good durability. Therefore, our results present new concepts for the structuring and fabricating catalysts to realize efficient OER and HER kinetics, and we expect that they will be utilized in the energy conversion field.
Levels and composition of microplastics and microfibers in the South Saskatchewan River and stormwater retention ponds in the City of Saskatoon, Canada
Authors: Kumayon Iyanu , Prajapati Saurabh , Brinkmann Markus , Kahan Tara F.
Published: June 2023

In recent decades, contamination of the environment with microplastics and microfibers has been recognized as a pervasive and ubiquitous issue of global concern. While much research in this field has been undertaken in marine environments, more recent studies have identified rivers as major conveyors of plastic pollution from terrestrial into marine systems. However, reports on the levels and composition of microplastic and microfiber contamination in rivers of the Canadian prairie region, specifically the South Saskatchewan River (SSR), are scarce, which leaves this vital source of water for societies and ecosystems in a vulnerable state. To fill this gap, we obtained samples from seven sites along the Saskatchewan portion of the SSR, as well as three stormwater retention ponds (SRP) in the city of Saskatoon during the spring, summer, and fall of 2020. We used optical and Raman microscopy to enumerate and characterize particles in these samples. Total levels of particles and fibers in all samples ranged from 32 to 116 particles m− 3. Most particles (approx. 77%) were natural fibers, while polymers accounted for the remaining 33%. Average microplastic levels were lower (3.18 ± 3 particles m− 3) downstream of Lake Diefenbaker, a large reservoir on the SSR, compared to upstream (12.0 ± 9 particles m− 3). Retention of microplastics in the reservoir could explain the lower mean microplastic concentration of 4.43 ± 3 particles m− 3 recorded in the SSR compared to mean concentrations of 26.2 ± 18 particles m− 3 reported in the North Saskatchewan River, which is not dammed. This study is among the first to describe microplastic and microfiber levels in the SSR and thereby helps improve our understanding of this pervasive environmental contaminant on the Canadian prairies.
A module classification method for light industrial equipment based on improved NSGA2-FCM algorithm
Authors: Hui Zheng , Hanwen Guo , Tonglin Pang , Zijian Guo , Xiao Guo
Published: June 2023

To solve the problem that the traditional clustering algorithm tends to fall into local optimum when dividing modules, the initialization strategy of NSGA2 algorithm is improved, and an improved NSGA2-FCM algorithm is proposed for clustering analysis in combination with FCM algorithm. First, FBS mapping is used to model the functional structure of the product system and identify the relationship between the functional structures of the product. Secondly, the relevant synthesis matrix is constructed based on the relationship between the driving factors of module division, and finally, the improved NSGA2-FCM algorithm is used to cluster the product to arrive at the best module division solution. The paper concludes with a case study of a beer fermenter to verify the effectiveness of the algorithm for modular classification of light industrial equipment.
Noninvasive blood pressure measurements significantly under-estimated blood pressure in a patient with severe preeclampsia:a case report
Authors: Han Kun , Gu Juan , Yu Chao
Published: June 2023

Background
Diagnosis and successful management of preeclampsia depend on accurate and current blood pressure (BP) measurement. We will present a case of non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) significantly under-estimated BP in a patient with chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia.
Case presentation
A 33-year-old gravida 1, Para 0 at 27 weeks of gestation presented to the emergency room with a 14-hour history of blurred vision. She was diagnosed with chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia, incomplete HELLP syndrome and abnormal umbilical cord blood flow. Magnesium sulfate and dexamethasone was administrated. Oral labeolol, nitroglycerin and urapidil were continuously infused based to control NIBP, and emergency cesarean section was planned. When she arrived at the surgery room, left radial intra-arterial blood pressure (RIBP) was 190/112 mmHg. However, the NIBP of left arm was 155/105 mmHg. Intraoperative blood pressure was managed according to the RIBP. When the patient was transferred from the transport bed to the bed of intensive care unit, the NIBP showed 120/70 mmHg, while the RIBP was 180/110 mmHg. Then treatments of spasmolysis, antihypertension and sedation were performed, and difference between the NIBP and RIBP progressively decreased.
Conclusions
NIBP may significantly under-estimated actual BP in severe preeclampsia patients with poorly controlled maternal BP. Invasive blood pressure monitoring of small arteries such as radial artery and dorsalis pedis artery may be benefit for effective perinatal BP control in patients with severe preeclampsia. If this can improve severe preeclampsia mother and baby’s health need further study.
Generation of parthenocarpic tomato plants in multiple elite cultivars using the CRISPR/Cas9 system
Authors: Nguyen Cam Chau , Vu Tien Van , Shelake Rahul Mahadev , Nguyen Nhan Thi , Khanh Tran Dang , Kim Jae-Yean
Published: June 2023

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important crops in the world for its fruit production. Advances in cutting-edge techniques have enabled the development of numerous critical traits related to the quality and quantity of tomatoes. Genetic engineering techniques, such as gene transformation and gene editing, have emerged as powerful tools for generating new plant varieties with superior traits. In this study, we induced parthenocarpic traits in a population of elite tomato (ET) lines. At first, the adaptability of ET lines to genetic transformation was evaluated to identify the best-performing lines by transforming the SlANT1 gene overexpression cassette and then later used to produce the SlIAA9 knockout lines using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. ET5 and ET8 emerged as excellent materials for these techniques and showed higher efficiency. Typical phenotypes of knockout sliaa9 were clearly visible in G0 and G1 plants, in which simple leaves and parthenocarpic fruits were observed. The high efficiency of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in developing new tomato varieties with desired traits in a short period was demonstrated by generating T-DNA-free homozygous sliaa9 knockout plants in the G1 generation. Additionally, a simple artificial fertilization method was successfully applied to recover seed production from parthenocarpic plants, securing the use of these varieties as breeding materials.
Relationship between teamwork climate, job satisfaction and healthcare quality: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Liao Mao-Hung , Wu Shih-Wang , Lee Chien-Ying , Shieh Shwn-Huey , Tsai Yafanag
Published: June 2023

Background: Healthcare organisations often require employees from different departments to provide healthcare services to patients. While existing research has focused on the effect of teamwork on healthcare and team members’ outcomes, the present study explores the relationship between hospital employees’ perception of teamwork climate, job satisfaction and healthcare quality.
Methods: This cross-sectional study examined hospital employees’ perception of teamwork climate, job satisfaction and healthcare quality. The sample included a regional teaching hospital in Taiwan. Five-hundred questionnaires were distributed and 462 valid questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of 92.4%. The survey was conducted from December 4–25, 2017. Data were analysed with SPSS 22.0 and descriptive statistics, and the influence of demographics on hospital employees’ perception of teamwork climate, job satisfaction and healthcare quality was examined using a one-way analysis of variance.
Results: Hospital employees’ perception of teamwork climate was positively correlated with healthcare quality (β11 = 0.324, R-square = 0.212, p <.000) and job satisfaction (β21 = 0.705, R-square = 0.514, p <.0000). Furthermore, job satisfaction mediated the relationship between teamwork climate and healthcare quality (β12 = 0.121, β22 = 0.289, R-square = 0.281, p <.000).
Conclusions: Hospital managers can improve staff’s job satisfaction and encourage teamwork, thereby enhancing the healthcare quality provided to patients.Trial registration: CTH-106-3-5-068. Keywords: healthcare professional, team collaboration, teamwork, job satisfaction, quality of care
Trial registration: CTH-106-3-5-068.
Video-based Automatic Hand Hygiene Detection for Operating Rooms using 3D Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Kim Minjee , Choi Joonmyeong , Jo Jun-Young , Kim Wook-Jong , Kim Sung-Hun , Kim Namkug
Published: June 2023

Hand hygiene among anesthesia personnel is important to prevent hospital-acquired infections in operating rooms; however, an efficient monitoring system remains elusive. In this study, we leverage a deep learning approach based on operating room videos to detect alcohol-based hand hygiene actions of anesthesia providers. The proposed algorithm utilized a two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) convolutional neural networks (CNNs), sequentially. First, multi-person of the anesthesia personnel appearing in the target OR video were detected per image frame using the pre-trained 2D CNNs. Following this, each image frame detection of multi-person was linked and transmitted to a 3D CNNs to classify hand hygiene action. Optical flow was calculated and utilized as an additional input modality. Evaluations of the binary classification of hand-hygiene actions revealed an accuracy of 0.88, a sensitivity of 0.78, a specificity of 0.93, and an area under the operating curve (AUC) of 0.91. The deep learning approach has the potential to be applied in practical clinical scenarios providing continuous surveillance in a cost-effective way.
Association between P-Pulmonale and Respiratory Morbidity in COPD: a Secondary Analysis of the BLOCK-COPD trial
Authors: Wade R. Chad , Mkorombindo Takudzwa , Ling Sharon X. , Helgeson Erika. S. , MacDonald David M. , Pew Krystle , Voelker Helen , Bittner Vera , Kunisaki Ken M. , Lammi Matthew R. , Dransfield Mark. T.
Published: June 2023

Rationale
: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in COPD confers increased risk of exacerbations (ECOPD). Electrocardiogram (ECG) indicators of PH are prognostic both in PH and COPD. In the Beta-Blockers for the Prevention of Acute Exacerbations of COPD (BLOCK-COPD) trial, metoprolol increased risk of severe ECOPD through unclear mechanisms.
Objective
We evaluated whether an ECG indicator of PH, P-pulmonale, would be associated with ECOPD and whether participants with P-pulmonale randomized to metoprolol were at higher risk of ECOPD and worsened respiratory symptoms given the potential detrimental effects of beta-blockers in PH.
Methods
ECGs of 501 participants were analyzed for P-pulmonale (P wave enlargement in lead II). Cox proportional hazards models evaluated for associations between P-pulmonale and time to ECOPD (all and severe) for all participants and by treatment assignment (metoprolol vs placebo). Linear mixed-effects models evaluated the association between treatment assignment and P-pulmonale on change in symptom scores (measured by CAT and SOBQ).
Results
We identified no association between P-pulmonale and risk of any ECOPD or severe ECOPD. However, in individuals with P-pulmonale, metoprolol was associated with increased risk for ECOPD (aHR 2.24, 95% CI: 1.31–3.84). There was no association between metoprolol and ECOPD in individuals without P-pulmonale. Individuals with P-pulmonale assigned to metoprolol experienced worsening symptoms (mean increase of 3.95, 95% CI: 1.32–6.58) whereas those assigned to placebo experienced a mean improvement in CAT score of -2.45 (95% CI: -0.30- -4.61).
Conclusions
In individuals with P-pulmonale, metoprolol was associated with increased exacerbation risk and worsened symptoms. These findings may explain the findings observed in BLOCK-COPD.
Real-world data of the effects of serum 25(OH)D and plasma fatty acids on breast and stomach tumors：A cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhong Yu , Ke Liyuan , Li Su
Published: June 2023

Objective
To investigate the correlation between serum 25(OH)D and plasma fatty acid levels and the clinical stage, tumor markers, histopathology and lymph node metastasis of patients with solid tumors, so as to further understand the potential impact of vitamin D and fatty acids on breast and stomach tumors.
Methods
A real world study, cross sectional study was conducted on patients with breast malignant tumor, benign breast tumor and gastric malignant tumor who were treated in Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, from April 2020 to May 2021. The general clinical data of the patients, the laboratory data of serum vitamin D and plasma fatty acid levels were collected, and the effects of serum vitamin D and plasma fatty acid levels on solid tumors were statistically analyzed.
Results
The serum 25 (OH) D level and plasma fatty acid level of tumor patients were abnormal compared with their corresponding normal standard values. The expression level of 25 (OH) D in breast malignant tumors was significantly different according to tumor stage and molecular classification (P < 0.05), indicating that the pathological features such as tumor stage and molecular classification of breast cancer may be related to the expression level of serum 25 (OH) D. Multivariate analysis showed that carcinoembryonic antigen was a significant difference between breast malignant tumors and benign breast tumors, and 25 (OH) D and eicosapentaenoic acid (DPA) were significant differences between breast malignant tumors and benign breast tumors (P < 0.1).
Conclusion
Vitamin D deficiency and deficiency are common in tumor patients. The level of serum 25 (OH) D is correlated with the course of breast tumor, tumor stage and molecular classification. 25 (OH) D is a significant difference between breast malignant tumor and breast benign tumor. There is abnormal level of plasma free fatty acid in tumor patients. DPA is a significant difference between breast malignant tumor and benign breast tumor, which may be related to the pathological degree of breast tumor.
Chylothorax after Retrocrural Lymphadectomy and Consideration of Ultraradical Surgery in Ovarian Cancer: A case report
Authors: Huo Yanqin , Wu Qingyun , Zhang Fang , Gao Fufeng , Wu Jianlei , Chen Liang
Published: June 2023

Purpose:
Retrocrural lymph node resection has not yet been reported in patients with ovarian cancer. We tried to do so.
Patients and Methods:
This report presents one ovarian cancer patient, complicated by multiple distant lymph node metastases in PET/CT imaging. Ovarian cancer reduction surgery was performed, and retrocrural lymph nodes were removed. However, the patient developed a chylothorax after surgery. Thoracotomy was performed after failed interventional therapy and a clear leakage point was identified. Subsequently, the peripheral diaphragm was sutured and filled with gel sponge.
Results:
The chylothorax was cured, and the patient continues to receive chemotherapy.
Conclusions:
There is a critical need to identify an effective approach to perform systemic R0 surgery with fewer complications.
Quantifying the impact of AI recommendations with explanations on prescription decision making: an interactive vignette study
Authors: Nagendran Myura , Festor Paul , Komorowski Matthieu , Gordon Anthony , Faisal Aldo
Published: June 2023

Background: The challenge of responsibly guiding clinicians to incorporate AI recommendations and explanations into their day-to-day practice has thus far neglected the realm of decisions outside of diagnosis (where there is no gold standard to compare against). We assess how clinicians' decisions may be influenced by additional information more broadly, and how this influence can be modified by either the source of the information (human peers or AI) and the presence or absence of an AI explanation (XAI, here using simple feature importance).

Methods: We conducted a human-AI interaction study with ICU doctors using a modified between-subjects design. Doctors were presented on a computer for each of 16 trials with a patient case and prompted to prescribe continuous values for IV fluid and vasopressor. We used a multi-factorial experimental design with four arms, where each clinician experienced all four arms on different subsets of our 24 patients. The four arms were (i) baseline (control), (ii) peer human clinician scenario showing what doses had been prescribed by other doctors, (iii) AI suggestion and (iv) XAI suggestion.

Findings: Among 86 ICU doctors we had four key findings. First, additional information (peer, AI or XAI) had a strong influence on prescriptions (significantly for AI, not so for peers) but XAI did not have higher influence than AI alone. Second, inter-clinician prescription variability was affected differentially according to whether the recommendation (whether peer, AI or XAI) was higher or lower than what subjects in the baseline arm did. Third, there was no correlation between attitudes to AI or clinical experience on the AI-supported decisions. Fourth, there was no correlation between what doctors self-reported about how useful they found the XAI and whether the XAI actually influenced their prescriptions.

Interpretation: Taken together, our findings on a comparatively large clinical expert population raise important questions for the meaning and design of medical XAI systems. Specifically, we show that the marginal impact of XAI as currently formulated is low in a medical population. We also cast doubt on the utility of self-reports as a valid metric for assessing XAI in clinical experts vs our more objective behavioural response paradigm. Further work in this area could look to higher fidelity and more granular markers that assess the natural behaviour of clinicians when they interact with decision support tools.
Effects of low LH serum levels on oocyte retrieval, fertilization rate and embryo quality during controlled ovarian stimulation: results from a prospective cohort analysis
Authors: Dragotto Jessica , Buzzaccarini Giovanni , Etrusco Andrea , Laganà Antonio Simone , Chiantera Vito , Terzic Sanja , Dellino Miriam , Margioula-Siarkou Chrysoula , Unfer Vittorio , Bianco Bianca , Casadio Paolo , Bracchitta Giovanni
Published: June 2023

Luteinizing hormone plays a key role in normal follicular development and oocyte maturation in controlled ovarian stimulation. Luteinizing hormone stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of theca cells for the secretion of androgens, synergistically increasing estrogen production. This study aimed to investigate the effects of low luteinizing hormone concentrations on oocyte retrieval, fertilization and embryo development in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. We prospectively analyzed patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection, subdividing them into three groups according to their age. Serum luteinizing hormone levels were evaluated on day 3, during stimulation (day 10) and before ovulation induction (day 12). Our data analysis suggests that serum luteinizing hormone levels progressively decrease during controlled ovarian stimulation, and this effect is more evident in the early phase of this procedure. From this perspective, circulating luteinizing hormone levels may significantly decrease during the late follicular phase due to the negative feedback of ovarian hormones from multiple follicular developments or after the suppressive effects of gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist. Based on these findings, exogenous luteinizing hormone may be considered a strategy in women with a decrease in luteinizing hormone levels during ovarian stimulation in order to improve oocyte quality and reproductive outcome.
Palliative care for children: Methodology for the development of a clinical practice guideline
Authors: Teunenbroek Kim C. van , Kremer Leontien C. M. , Verhagen A. A. Eduard , Verheijden Johannes M. A. , Rippen Hester , Borggreve Brigitt C. M. , Michiels Erna M. C. , Mulder Renée L.
Published: June 2023

Background
Provision of paediatric palliative care for children with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions and their families is often complex. Guidelines can support professionals to deliver high quality care. Stakeholders expressed the need to update the first Dutch paediatric palliative care guideline with new scientific literature and new topics. This paper provides an overview of the methodology that is used for the revision of the Dutch paediatric palliative care guideline and a brief presentation of the identified evidence.
Methods
The revised paediatric palliative care guideline was developed with a multidisciplinary guideline panel of 72 experts in paediatric palliative care and nine (bereaved) parents of children with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions. The guideline covered multiple topics related to (refractory) symptom treatment, advance care planning and shared-decision making, organisation of care, psychosocial care, and loss and bereavement. We established six main working groups that formulated 38 clinical questions for which we identified evidence by updating two existing systematic literature searches. The GRADE (CERQual) methodology was used for appraisal of evidence. Furthermore, we searched for additional literature such as existing guidelines and textbooks to deal with lack of evidence.
Results
The two systematic literature searches yielded a total of 29 RCTs or systematic reviews of RCTs on paediatric palliative care interventions and 22 qualitative studies on barriers and facilitators of advance care planning and shared decision-making. We identified evidence for 14 out of 38 clinical questions. Furthermore, we were able to select additional literature (29 guidelines, two textbooks, and 10 systematic reviews) to deal with lack of evidence.
Conclusions
The revised Dutch paediatric palliative care guideline addresses many topics. However, there is limited evidence to base recommendations upon. Our methodology will combine the existing evidence in scientific literature, additional literature, expert knowledge, and perspectives of patients and their families to provide recommendations.
Development of a process-based model for revealing role of silicon in regulating metal stress in roots
Authors: Pang Zhihao , Luo Zhongkui , Guan Dong-Xing , Zhao Enqiang , Li Tingqiang , Liang Yongchao
Published: June 2023

Soil contamination by heavy metals has become a severe threat to the global food security. To mitigate metal toxicity in plants, the use of Si has been widely studied. Despite its ability to reduce the accumulation of metal in leaves, the mechanism by which Si influences the entry of metals into roots remains incompletely understood. To address this issue and explain the conflicting results observed in Si supplementation experiments, a process-based model was proposed to depict metal diffusion and adsorption in root cell wall. Using trivalent chromium (Cr[III]) as an example metal, the model was applied to explain the observed relation between Cr(III) and Si in rice roots considering Cr(III) concentration, stress duration, and Si concentration. Furthermore, we designed a device to simulate cell walls and protoplasts to analyze the switch of dual role of Si from increasing adsorption to blocking diffusion. The adsorption–diffusion model fitted well (R2 > 0.9) with the experimental results. The model revealed that Si increased metal adsorption onto cell walls but blocked diffusion into protoplasts, which was also confirmed by simulations in the device. The results deepen our understanding of the role of Si in mitigating metal stress in roots, broaden our knowledge about how Si influences plant growth, and provide a theoretical reference for future research on and applications of Si intervention.
Determining the petrophysical rock types utilizing the Fuzzy C-means Clustering technique and the concept of hydraulic flow units
Authors: Eftekhari Seyedeh Hajar , Memariani Mahmoud , Maleki Zahra , Aleali Mohsen , Kianoush Pooria
Published: June 2023

Rock types are the reservoir's most essential properties and show special facies with a defined range of porosity and permeability. This study used the fuzzy c-means clustering technique to identify rock types in 280 core samples from one of the wells drilled in the Asmari reservoir in the Mansouri field, SW Iran. Four hydraulic flow units were determined for studied data after classifying the flow zone index with histogram analysis, normal probability analysis, and the sum of square error methods. Then the two methods of flow zone index and fuzzy c-means clustering were used to determine the rock types in given wells according to the results obtained from the implementation of these two methods in-depth, and continuity index acts, the fuzzy c-means methods with continuity number 3.12 compared to flow zone index with continuity number 2.77 shows more continuity in depth. The relationship between porosity and permeability improved using hydraulic flow unit techniques significantly. In this study, the correlation coefficient between porosity and permeability improves and increases in each hydraulic flow unit using the flow zone index method. So that in the general case, all samples increased from 0.55 to 0.81 in the first hydraulic flow unit and finally 0.94 in the fourth hydraulic flow unit. The samples were characterized by similar flow properties in a hydraulic flow unit. In comparison, the correlation coefficient is obtained less than the general case in the fuzzy c-means method in all hydraulic flow units.
Localization of Seismic Waves in Submarine Fiber Optics Using Polarization-only Measurements
Authors: Costa Luis , Varughese Siddharth , Mertz Pierre , Kamalov Valey , Zhan Zhongwen
Published: June 2023

Monitoring seismic activity on the ocean floor is a critical yet challenging task, largely due to the difficulties of physical deployment and maintenance of sensors in these remote areas. Optical fiber sensing techniques are well-suited for this task, given the presence of existing transoceanic telecommunication cables. However, current techniques capable of interrogating the entire length of transoceanic fibers are either incompatible with conventional telecommunication lasers or are limited in their ability to identify the position of the seismic wave. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a method to measure and localize seismic waves in transoceanic cables using only conventional telecommunication transponders and detectors, by launching pulses of changing polarization. We demonstrate our technique by measuring and localizing seismic waves from a magnitude Mw 6.0 earthquake (Guerrero, Mexico) using a submarine cable connecting Los Angeles, California and Santiago, Chile.
Our approach introduces a cost-effective and practical solution that can potentially increase the density of geophysical measurements in hard-to-reach regions, improving disaster preparedness and response, with minimal additional demands on existing infrastructure.
ElegansAI: how a biological neural network would compare with artificial networks?
Authors: Bardozzo Francesco , Terlizzi Andrea , Lio Pietro , Tagliaferri Roberto
Published: June 2023

This paper presents ElegansAI, a neural network model that leverages the connectome topology of the Caenorhabditis elegans to design and generate advanced learning systems. The objective of this approach is to integrate the intricate circuitry of biological neuronal networks into artificial ones, with the aim of exploring the advantages of incorporating bio-plausible connectome topology in deep learning models. ElegansAI outperforms randomly wired tensor networks, simulated bio-plausible networks, and state-of-the-art models such as transformers and attention-enforced autoencoders. The models achieve a top-1 accuracy of $99.99\%$ on Cifar10 and $99.84\%$ on MNIST Unsup in supervised image classification tasks and unsupervised handwritten digit reconstruction, respectively. The proposed method offers a unique approach to designing and generating connectome-inspired learning systems that harness the functional distribution of biological neuron circuitry. It is shown how bio-plausible structures integrated into artificial neural networks efficiently tackle complex tasks by evaluating evolutionary optimized neuronal motifs.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of Chagas a Neglected Tropical Disease in rural communities of the Colombian Caribbean, CHAGCOV study.
Authors: Ochoa Margarita Maria , Orozco-Garcia Daniela , Fernandez-Vasquez Ronald S. , Eyes-Escalante Melisa
Published: June 2023

Purpose
Chagas disease (CD) a Neglected Tropical Diseases is an important public health issue in countries where is still endemic, included in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Traditionally restricted to rural areas with diverse routes of transmissions from vectorial to oral with acute manifestations but being more common diagnosed in chronic stages. The aim of this investigation was to characterize the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) related to Chagas disease (CD) in two rural settlements of the Colombian Caribbean with previous records of the disease and/or the parasite.
Methods
A cross-sectional descriptive study was made in two rural settlements in Colombia and surveillance instrument was developed to measure Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) related to Chagas disease (CD)
Results
In a population with > 60% women and access to social security around 66.5%; 81,6% were homeowners with access to water and electricity > 90% but only 9% of sewerage. The level of knowledge about CD was around 62% but lack of specificity about comprehension of transmission routes (74,6%), and symptoms (85,3%) were found; concluding that 86% of the surveyed sample had very poor level of knowledge about the disease despite preventive campaigns carried out in the two communities studied.
Conclusions
Despite of a low frequency of CD in this Caribbean areas, the presence of vector, risk factors plus poor level of knowledge about the disease justify that public health intervention strategies should be implemented and monitored over time to maintain uninterrupted surveillance of Chagas Disease.
Left atrial giant myxoma with mitral valve obstruction: A case-report
Authors: Escobar Johao , Rivera Mario Rodriguez , Aguiluz Andrea , Larios Javier
Published: June 2023

Background
Myxomas are the most common primary cardiac tumors, predominantly found in the left atrium. They can present with various symptoms, including cardiac manifestations such as heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke, and systemic findings. Surgical resection of myxomas has a favorable prognosis with low complication rates.
Case presentation
We present a case of a 41-year-old man with dyspnea, abdominal distension, and edema diagnosed with a giant left atrial myxoma.
Results
Successful surgical removal resulted in symptom resolution.
Conclusions
Cardiac myxomas are rare in the general population. Echocardiography is essential for diagnosis, while additional imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide further information. Surgical excision is typically necessary to prevent embolization, with favorable outcomes, although there is a risk of arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, recurrence, and development of new lesions.
U2S-CNN 3-phase defect detection system, from anomaly detection to defect classification
Authors: Klarák Jaromír , Andok Robert , Malík Peter , Kuric Ivan , Ritomský Mário , Klačková Ivana , Tsai Hung-Yin
Published: June 2023

The manuscript proposes the new 3-step universal defect detection system U2S-CNN tuned with visual data containing gear wheel images. The main advantage of the system is the detection capability of even unknown patterns of defects occurring in datasets. The object detection and defect detection approaches differ significantly in the basic principle. The precisely specified objects or patterns are sought in object detection and in the case of defect detection, patterns of different shape, orientation, color, character, etc. are sought. The problem of searching unknown objects is solved by defining the correct areas on the controlled object by using an asymmetric autoencoder of our own design. Subsequently, the differences between the original and autoenconder generated image are produced. The differences are divided into clusters using the DBSCAN method. Based on the clusters, regions of interest are defined, which are then classified using the pretrained Xception network classifier fined tuned with our data. The result is a 3-phase system capable of focusing even on unknown defects not occurring in the dataset using the sequence of Unsupervised learning – Unsupervised learning – Supervised learning methods. The proposed system is inspired by similarly designed systems used for the detection of anomalies or tumors in MRI or CT images, where U-networks or autoencoders are used. From the point of view of the nature of the issue, these problems can be considered very similar.
Preventing viral relapse with prophylactic tenofovir in hepatitis B carriers receiving chemotherapy: A phase IV randomized study in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Chao Wei , Chen Shin-Cheh , Wang Po-Nan , Wang Hung-Ming , Chen Yi-Cheng , Yeh Chau-Ting
Published: June 2023

Background & Aims:
This study aimed to compare the efficacy of shorter vs. longer tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) prophylaxis in preventing hepatitis B virus (HBV) relapse in cancer patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) undergoing chemotherapy.
Methods
This phase IV, prospective randomized trial enrolled cancer patients with CHB from 2014 to 2019 in Taiwan. Included patients were randomized to receive either 24- (Arm A) or 48-week (Arm B) post-chemotherapy TDF and compared for cumulative incidence of virological and clinical relapse. Logistic regressions were conducted to determine the factors associated with HBV relapse.
Results
One hundred patients were randomized, and 41 patients in Arm A and 46 in Arm B completed the TDF treatment. No significant difference were found in cumulative incidence of virological relapse (Arm A: 94.4%, Arm B: 93.1%, p = 0.110) or clinical relapse among patients with baseline HBV DNA > 2,000 IU/mL (Arm A: 38.9%, Arm B: 26.7%, p = 0.420) between the two arms. High baseline HBV DNA ≥ 10,000 IU/mL (OR = 51.22) and HBsAg ≥ 1,000 IU/mL (OR = 8.64) were independently associated with an increased virological relapse. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum phosphorus, vitamin D, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) remained stable throughout the study.
Conclusions
The 24-week preventative TDF has comparable efficacy to the 48-week treatment in virologic and clinical relapse. High baseline HBsAg or HBV DNA are associated with a higher risk of HBV relapse. These findings imply a 24-week duration of TDF treatment with a close monitor for patients with a high baseline viral load.
Lay summary: Hepatitis B virus infection is a prominent cause of liver cancer and chronic liver disease and affected millions of people worldwide. When HBV-infected people are exposed to immunosuppressive medication or chemotherapy for cancer, the chance of HBV reactivation rise considerably. This trial showed 24-week tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) may be sufficient for preventing HBV relapse in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
Clinical Trial registration number: NCT02081469
An Infant with Galactosemia: A Case Report
Authors: Gul Fahad , Qudrat Syeda Mamoona , Khan Hashim , Ashraf Muhammad , Basit Jawad , Nashwan Abdulqadir J.
Published: June 2023

Classic galactosemia is a rare inborn error of galactose metabolism which is caused by a deficiency of an enzyme known as galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase (GALT). A 4-month-old male infant presented with yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes (jaundice) and clay-colored stools. On examination, the baby has normal development and no signs of chronic liver disease. Blood tests and ultrasound show raised bilirubin and liver enzymes, but no structural abnormality or biliary atresia. However, urine sugar chromatography detected galactose and lactose, and a direct enzyme assay confirmed a deficiency of galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase. The patient was treated with a galactosemia-based diet, non-lactose milk, and vitamin supplements and showed improvement. The patient is currently on follow-up for monitoring.
Fast and Global Maximum Power Point Tracking of Photovoltaic Array Based on Potential Zones Firefly algorithm
Authors: Pi Linlin
Published: June 2023

Under partial shading conditions (PSC), conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods of photovoltaic array (PV) cannot be used to extract the global maximum power point (GMPP). Under uniform conditions (UIC), intelligent MPPT methods are time-consuming for tracking the MPP. This paper describes a potential zones firefly algorithm (PZFA) that can rapidly and accurately extract the GMPP under partial shading conditions and uniform conditions. The algorithm introduces the conceptions of potential and non potential zones；and devises zones maximum power estimation mechanism. Based on the zones maximum power estimation mechanism, the iterative mechanism of PZFA is designed, which can avoid the algorithm searching in non potential zones, quickly narrow the search zones of the algorithm, and ensure that the algorithm converges to GMPP quickly. Finally, simulation results indicate that the promoted PZFA can immediately and accurately track the GMPP under under partial shading conditions and uniform conditions, and the array output efficiency can be improved.
Identification of the clinical and genetic characteristics of gliomas with gene fusions by integrated genomic and transcriptomic analysis
Authors: Yi Guo-zhong , Zhang Hua-yang , Que Tian-shi , Qu Shan-qiang , Li Zhi-yong , Qi Song-tao , Huang Guang-long
Published: June 2023

The identification of oncogenic gene fusions in diffuse gliomas may serve as potential therapeutic targets and prognostic indicators, representing a novel strategy for treating gliomas consistent with the principles of personalized medicine. This study identified detectable oncogene fusions in glioma patients through an integrated analysis of genomic and transcriptomic data, which encompassed whole exon sequencing and next-generation RNA sequencing. Additionally, this study also conducted a comparison of the genetic characteristics, tumor microenvironment, mutation burden and survival between glioma patients with or without gene fusions. A total of 68 glioma patients were enrolled in this study, including glioblastoma (GBM), low grade glioma (LGG) and diffuse midline glioma (DMG). 14 cases of GBM patients (51.9%, 14/27) were found to harbor the following 70 oncogenic gene fusions: ROS1 (n = 8), NTRK (n = 5), KIF5 (n = 5), RET (n = 3) and other infrequent gene fusions (n = 49). A total of 11 gene fusions were identified in 8 LGG patients (32.0%, 8/25) and seven gene fusions were identified in one DMG patient (16.7%, 1/6). In GBM patient group, five genes including HOXA3, ACTB, CDK5, GNA12 and CARD11 exhibited a statistically significant higher copy number amplification frequency in the GBM group without gene fusions compared to that in the GBM group with gene fusions. In LGG patient group, CDK5 gene was also found to exhibit a statistically significant higher amplification frequency in the LGG group without gene fusions. Additionally, KMT2D exhibited a statistically significant higher mutation frequency in the LGG group with gene fusions compared to that in the LGG group without gene fusions. Comparison of the other genetic characteristics including immune cell infiltration score, tumor mutation burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI). The results showed no statistically significant differences were observed between fusion and non-fusion group of GBM and LGG. The survival analysis revealed that GBM patients without gene fusions exhibited a longer median survival (737 days) compared to GBM patients with gene fusions (642 days), but without a statistical significancy. Our study has identified a set of gene fusions present in gliomas, including a number of novel gene fusions that have not been previously reported. We have also elucidated the underlying genetic characteristics of glioma with gene fusions. Collectively, our findings have the potential to inform future clinical treatment strategies for patients with glioma.
Development of multiplex gold nanoparticles biosensors for ultrasensitive detection and genotyping of equine herpes viruses
Authors: Ghoniem Shimaa M. , ElZorkany Heba E. , Hagag Naglaa M. , ElDeeb Ayman H. , Shahein Momtaz A. , Hussein Hussein A.
Published: June 2023

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) biosensors can detect low viral loads and differentiate between viruses types, enabling early diagnosis and effective disease management. In the present study, we developed GNPs biosensors with two different capping agent, citrate- GNPs biosensors and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)- GNPs biosensors for detection of EHV-1 and EHV- 4 in multiplex real time PCR (rPCR). Citrate- GNPs and PVP- GNPs biosensors can detect dilution 1010 of EHV-1 with mean Cycle threshold (Ct) 11.7 and 9.6, respectively and one copy as limit of detection, while citrate- GNPs and PVP- GNPs biosensors can detect dilution 1010 of EHV-4 with mean Ct 10.5and 9.2, respectively and one copy as limit of detection. These findings were confirmed by testing 87 different clinical samples, 4 more samples were positive with multiplex GNPs biosensors rPCR than multiplex rPCR. Multiplex citrate- GNPs and PVP- GNPs biosensors for EHV-1 and EHV-4 are a significant breakthrough in the diagnosis of these virus types. These biosensors offer high sensitivity and specificity, allowing for the accurate detection of the target viruses at very low concentrations and improve the early detection of EHV-1 and EHV-4, leading to faster control of infected animals to prevent the spread of these viruses.
Deep learning radiomics based on Ultrasound images for assisted diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Tian Shuyuan , Yu Yonghong , Shi Kangjian , Jiang Yunwen , Song Huachun , Yan Xiaoqian , Zhong Yu , Shao Guoliang
Published: June 2023

Objective. This study aims to explore and discuss the application value of ultrasound images in chronic kidney disease(CKD) screening by constructing a CKD screening model based on gray-scale ultrasoundgraphs.
Methods. According to the diagnostic criteria of chronic kidney disease, retrospective registration was conducted with patients who came to Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province. Specifically, renal ultrasound images of 110 patients with chronic kidney disease in various stages and 30 patients with non-chronic kidney disease were studied. A total of 1456 renal ultrasound images were thereby collected, including 296 normal kidney ultrasound images of non-chronic kidney disease, 193 kidney ultrasound images of CKD stage 1, 232 kidney ultrasound images of CKD stage 2, 429 kidney ultrasound images of CKD stage 3, 165 kidney ultrasound images of CKD stage 4, and 141 kidney ultrasound images of CKD stage 5. The data of each group are then divided into three sets in an 8:1:1 manner, namely training set with 1166 images (3496 images after data expansion), validation set with 146 images and testing set with 149 images. The convolutional neural networks are used for feature extractions and the screening model is constructed by fusing ResNet34 and texture features for recognizing CKD and its stage. The performance of the model is evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). A comparison analysis is also carried out with comparing the diagnosis results from ultrasound medicine physicians of two different levels, namely expert-level associate chief physician and resident physician.
Results. When diagnosing CKD or non-CKD based on renal ultrasound image,the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and AUC of our model are 21.8%, 6.3%, 25.1% and 0.05 higher than those of expert physician group, and the diagnostic efficiency is higher than that of expert physician group, and the difference of AUC between our model and expert physician group is statistically significant,P < 0.05. In the stage diagnosis of CKD, the diagnostic sensitivity of our model in CKD G1-G3 is significantly higher than that of expert physician group, which increased by 51.7%, 56.8% and 21.9% respectively, and the diagnostic efficiency is also significantly higher than that of expert physician group. The difference of AUC is statistically significant,P < 0.05. The diagnostic efficiency of our model in CKD G4 and G5 can reach the level of expert physician group and there is no significant statistical difference between our model and expert physician group of AUC,P > 0.05.
Conclusions. Our deep learning radiomics model based on grayscale ultrasound can obtain richer diagnostic information, which is more effective than expert level ultrasound physicians in the diagnosis of early chronic kidney disease and can assist in the early screening of chronic kidney disease.