bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and depression: the NHANES 2005–2018
Authors: Li Jiahao , Chen Jianwen , Kang Jian , Gong Yunyao , Wei Chuanqi , Zhou Huiling , Dong Chunbo
Published: December 2023

Depression, impacting millions worldwide, necessitates the identification of predictive markers for risk assessment. The Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), an indicator of immune and nutritional status, is correlated with various diseases' prognoses. This study explores the correlation between PNI and depression in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset spanning 2005 to 2018.Utilizing NHANES data, we included 32,739 participants after applying exclusion criteria. The PNI was calculated from serum albumin levels and lymphocyte counts. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Logistic regression models estimated the odds ratios for depression across PNI levels, adjusted for various demographic and health variables. The mean age of participants was 47.78 years, with a prevalence of depressive symptoms observed in 7.82% of the sample. A nonlinear association between PNI levels and depression risk was observed, with lower PNI linked to higher depression odds. Subgroup analyses supported the consistency of the PNI-depression association across different cohorts. The relationship between lower PNI and increased depression risk suggests the potential of PNI as a tool for depression risk assessment. This study underscores the significance of PNI as a marker in understanding the relationship between nutritional status and depression, providing insights into preventive and therapeutic strategies in mental health care.
Mitigating non-radiative decay losses in the Purcell effect at sub-10 nm nanostructure proximities
Authors: Januar Mochamad , Liu Bei , Diau Eric , Misawa Hiroaki , Hsiao Hui-Hsin , Shih Min-Hsiung , Liu Kuo-Kang , Cheng Jui-Ching , Hatanaka Koji , Liu Kou-Chen
Published: December 2023

Maximizing the Purcell effect by minimizing the gap between an emitter and plasmonic nanostructures is essential for significantly increasing the spontaneous emission rate of quantum emitters. However, the enhancement of the emission quantum yield through this approach is often compromised by substantial non-radiative losses to the plasmonic nanostructures, especially when the emitter-nanostructure gap is below 10 nm. To overcome this limitation, our study presents two strategies for mitigating non-radiative losses: (1) employing plasmonic materials with high bulk plasma frequencies and low interband-transition absorption, such as aluminum (Al), thereby creating a 'valley of low loss' within the visible spectrum; and (2) examining the non-radiative decay rates in conjunction with the phase dispersion of the plasmonic dipolar modes, leading to a strategy for off-resonance spectral alignment at longer wavelengths. The 'valley of low loss' characteristic of Al results in reduced non-radiative losses in the visible-light spectrum, allowing for the tuning of the emitter's emission to coincide directly with the plasmon resonance, thus maximizing the quantum yield enhancement. Moreover, the second strategy elucidates the mechanism behind the reduced non-radiative rates in off-resonance coupling at longer wavelengths, which arises from more coherent and phase-aligned dipole field interactions between the emitter and the nanostructure. This approach is particularly advantageous for common plasmonic metals like gold, which experience pronounced non-radiative losses at resonant frequencies. By applying these strategies, we experimentally demonstrated a remarkable fourfold enhancement in the photoluminescence intensity of an F8BT-emitting material atop an Al nanodisk array.
Ultra-efficient Causal Learning for Dynamic CSA-AKI Detection Using Minimal Variables
Authors: He Kunlun , Dai Qionghai , Suo Jinli , Zhong Qin , Cheng Yuxiao , Li Zongren , Wang Dongjin , Rao Chongyou , Jiang Yi , Li Lianglong , Wang Ziqian , Liu Pan , Zhao Yawei , Li Pei
Published: December 2023

Cardiac surgery-associated Acute Kidney Injury (CSA-AKI) is a significant complication that often leads to increased morbidity and mortality. Effective CSA-AKI management relies on timely diagnosis and interventions. However, many cases of CSA-AKI are detected too late. Despite the efforts of novel biomarkers and data-driven predictive models, their limited discriminative and generalization capabilities along with stringent application requirements pose challenges for clinical use. Here we incorporate a causal deep learning approach that combines the universal approximation abilities of neural networks with causal discovery to develop REACT, a reliable and generalizable model to predict a patient’s risk of developing CSA-AKI within the next 48 hours. REACT was developed using 21.5 billion time-stamped medical records from two large hospitals covering 23,933 patients and validated in three independent centers covering 30,963 patients. By analyzing the causal relationships buried in the time dimensions, REACT distilled the complex temporal dynamics among variables into six minimal causal inputs and achieved an average AUROC of 0.93 (ranging from 0.89 to 0.96 among different CSA-AKI stages), surpassing state-of-the-art models that depend on more complex variables. This approach accurately predicted 97% of CSA-AKI events within 48 hours for all prediction windows, maintaining a ratio of two false alerts for every true alert, improving practical feasibility. Compared to guideline-recommended pathways, REACT detected CSA-AKI on average 16.35 hours earlier in external tests. In addition, we have established a publicly accessible website and performed prospective validation on 754 patients across two centers, achieving high accuracy. Our study holds substantial promise in enhancing early detection and preserving critical intervention windows for clinicians.
Comparative Analysis of Water Sustainability Indices: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jarzebski Marcin Pawel , Karthe Daniel , Chapagain Saroj Kumar , Pu Jian , Fukushi Kensuke
Published: December 2023

The achievement of water sustainability necessitates the development and application of comprehensive assessment tools to monitor and evaluate the impact of water resources management. This paper provides a comparative analysis of a wide range of water sustainability indices described in recent scientific literature, focusing on their underlying principles, methodologies, and potential applications. By systematic review of 124 publications, this study provides insights into existing composite indices related to water sustainability, highlighting their specific applications and potential contributions to water resource management and sustainability. The information gathered from the selected papers was synthesized and analysed thematically to identify common patterns through keyword co-occurrence mapping, SDG mapping, standard review protocol, and cluster analyses. This review also identified research gaps in the existing literature. The analysed indices represent a range of sectors and dimensions related to water resource management. This study found that indices serve as a tool for assessing and managing water resources sustainably, addressing diverse aspects of sustainability, and aiding decision-making in different sectors and contexts.
Hand-Foot Syndrome in Cancer Patients on Capecitabine: Examining Prevalence, Impacts, and Associated Risk Factors at a Cancer Centre in Malaysia
Authors: King Teck Long , Voon Pei Jye , Yuen Kah Hay , Noor Dzul Azri Mohamed
Published: December 2023

Introduction
Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) significantly impacts the quality of life in cancer patients undergoing capecitabine treatment. This study assessed capecitabine-associated HFS prevalence, its impacts on chemotherapy treatment, and identified risk factors in multiracial Malaysian patients.
Methods
We included adult cancer patients receiving capecitabine at Sarawak General Hospital for at least two cycles from April 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. HFS rates, time to HFS, and proportions of HFS-related treatment modifications were determined. Characteristics between patients with and without HFS were compared and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for all-grade HFS and grade ≥ 2.
Results
Among 369 patients, 185 (50.1%) developed HFS, with 14.6% experiencing grade ≥ 2. Notably, 21.6% of HFS cases underwent treatment modifications. Risk factors for all-grade HFS include older age (OR 1.04 95%CI 1.01, 1.06), prior chemotherapy (OR 2.12 95%CI 1.24, 3.61), higher capecitabine dose (OR 2.89 95%CI 1.69, 5.22), prolonged treatment (OR 1.34 95%CI 1.20, 1.49), and lower neutrophil count (OR 0.77 95%CI 0.66, 0.89). For HFS grade ≥ 2, older age (OR 1.04 95%CI 1.01, 1.08), female sex (OR 2.09 95%CI 1.05, 4.16), Chinese race (OR 2.07 95%CI 1.04, 4.10), and higher capecitabine dose (OR 2.61 95%CI 1.28, 5.32) are significant risk factors. Use of calcium channel blockers (OR 0.29, 95%CI 0.14, 0.59; OR 0.22 95%CI 0.66, 0.78) were associated with reduced risks of all-grade HFS and grade ≥ 2.
Conclusion
This study provides real-world data on capecitabine-induced HFS in Malaysian patients and identifies risk factors that may offer insights into its understanding and management.
Time-resolved Fluorescent Nanoparticle-based Dual Mode Lateral Flow Immunoassay for Sensitive Analysis of Chloroacetamide Herbicides with Broadened Detection Range
Authors: Zha Yonghong , Li Yansong , Zhou Jianhua , Park Ki Soo , Zhou Yu
Published: December 2023

Given the harmful effect of herbicide residues, it is essential to develop portable and accurate biosensor for the analysis of herbicides in the environment and agricultural products. In this paper, we demonstrated a dual mode lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for rapid and sensitive detection of chloroacetamide herbicides, which utilizes a horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-IgG conjugated time-resolved fluorescent nanoparticle (TRFNP) probe as both signal label and amplification tool. With the newly developed LFIA, the limits of detection (LODs) were 0.08 ng/mL of acetochlor (ATC), 0.29 ng/mL of metolachlor, 0.51 ng/mL of propisochlor, and 0.13 ng/mL of their mixture in fluorescent mode and 0.39 ng/mL of ATC, 0.75 ng/mL of metolachlor, propisochlor, and their mixture in colorimetric mode. Importantly, the practical applicability was successfully demonstrated by determining ATC in corn sample with good recovery rates (97.12–111.46%) that correlate well with commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The proposed LFIA acquires broadened detection range (0.20–200 ng/mL), reduced detection time (12 min), excellent sensitivity, portability, repeatability and reliability by implementing a dual mode strategy, indicating promising potential as a tool for pesticides detection.
Prediction of microvascular invasion based on CT in gastric cancer
Authors: Liu Pengpeng , Ding Ping’an , Guo Honghai , Yang Jiaxuan , Wu Haotian , Wu Jiaxiang , Yang Peigang , Zhao Qun
Published: December 2023

Background
Microvascular invasion (MVI) is an important step in cancer cell migration and invasion, and it is also a significant factor in predicting tumor recurrence and prognosis. Building a nomogram based on CT image features and clinicopathological data to predict preoperative MVI in gastric cancer (GC).
Methods
Retrospective study enrolled 358 patients with surgically proven GC. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the predictors for the model and establish a nomogram for MVI. The performance of the model was evaluated using ROC, accuracy, and C index. Internal validation of the model was conducted using the bootstrap resampling method. Difference in the area under the curve (AUC) between the two models was evaluated using the Delong test. Random forest algorithm is used to extract important risk factors for MVI.
Results
Mural stratification, Lauren classification and Albumin (Alb) were found to be independent influencing factors for MVI. The nomogram model incorporating these three factors showed significantly better performance compared to the original model that did not include CT parameters (P < 0.05). The AUC of the model was 0.779 (95% CI 0.774–0.868), and the average AUC of the bootstrap sample was 0.813. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the model were 65.6%, 86.0%, and 70.7%, respectively.
Conclusion
The nomogram based on CT image features and clinicopathological data demonstrated good predictive value for MVI in GC. This nomogram can provide valuable baseline information for individualized treatment of GC.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Heterogeneity of ALI Model and Epithelial Cell Alterations after Exposure to Electronic Cigarette Vapor
Authors: Cai Meng-yun , Mao Xiaofan , Zhang Beiying , Yip Chung-Yin , Pan Ke-wu , Niu Ya , Tsui Stephen Kwok-Wing , Vong Joaquim Si-Long , Mak Judith Choi-Wo , Luo Wei , Ko Wing-Hung
Published: December 2023

Background
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been advertised as a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes; however, their exact effects on the bronchial epithelium are poorly understood. Air-liquid interface (ALI) culture allows human primary bronchial epithelial cells to differentiate into bronchial epithelium (ALI-HBE), providing an in vitro model that simulates the biological characteristics of normal bronchial epithelium.
Methods
Single-cell RNA sequencing of ALI-HBE was used to reveal previously unrecognized transcriptional heterogeneity within the human bronchial epithelium and cell type–specific responses to acute exposure to e-cigarette vapor (e-vapor) containing distinct components (nicotine and/or flavoring).
Results
Acute exposure to e-vapor containing nicotine affected gene expression related to secretory function and basal-to-secretory transformation. In addition, acute exposure to e-vapor containing flavoring might promote susceptibility to virus infection and activate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.
Conclusion
The ALI-HBE model recapitulates the heterogeneity and transcriptional characteristics of human bronchial epithelium. Single-cell sequencing data provided high-resolution insights into e-vapor–induced remodeling of bronchial epithelium. The data also indicate factors on bronchial epithelial cells that may promote SARS-CoV-2 infection and suggest therapeutic targets for restoring normal bronchial epithelium function after e-cigarette use.
Cartilage–targeting and Autophagy–activating of A Lubricin–inspired Polyzwitterion for Osteoarthritis Therapy
Authors: Li Jianshu , Yu Peng , Peng Xu , Sun Hui , Xin Qiangwei , Kang Han , Wang Peng , Zhao Yao , Xu Xinyuan , Zhou Guangwu , Xie Jing
Published: December 2023

Osteoarthritis is characterized by the progressive degradation of cartilage matrix and a deficiency in lubrication. This degeneration is exacerbated by the overexpression of inflammatory cytokines and free radicals. To address these challenges, inspired by lubricin that dominates cartilage lubrication, we synthesized a novel collagen type II (Col II)–binding peptide conjugated zwitterionic polymer (PSB–b–PColBP, PSP). Capitalizing on its targeted affinity to cartilage (–6.41 kcal/mol), PSP contributed to durable boundary lubrication (COF < 0.013) and remarkable enzyme–resistance (~ 100%) against matrix degradation. Additionally, PSP activates autophagy to mitigate oxidative stress. PSP preserved the chondrocytes’ ability to secrete cartilage matrix in inflammatory microenvironments through PI3K–Akt/NF–κB signaling pathway. In OA animal models, PSP inhibited osteophytes formation and reduced inflammation response, exhibiting therapeutic effect comparable to most drug–loaded systems. This study underscores the potential of the cartilage–targeting polyzwitterions for the clinical OA therapy.
High serum β2-microglobulin levels are associated with poor functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Yu Shan , Yin Peng , Li Xiujuan , Xiao Jian , Zhang Hao , Zhou Liangqi , Tian Ying
Published: December 2023

Background
Elevated serum levels of β2-microglobulin (β2M) are a risk factor for adverse cardiovascular events and neurocognitive decline. This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum β2M levels and prognosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and to determine whether the association was affected by any clinical variables.
Methods
All participants who were recruited for our study (n = 533) were inpatients at our hospital. After applying the study’s inclusion and exclusion criteria, 441 eligible patients were included. Using multiple regression modeling, the association between serum levels of β2M and poor functional outcomes—which were classified as being modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores of 3–6 (composite score of death and major disability), 3–5 (major disability), and 6 (death)—were assessed 3 months after stroke onset.
Results
At the 3-month follow-up assessment, 209 (47.39%) participants had poor functional outcomes, including 150 (34.01%) cases of major disabilities and 59 (13.38%) deaths. After adjusting for important covariates, the highest proportion of individuals with modified Rankin Scale scores of 3–6 (odds ratio [OR], 3.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35–9.33), 3–5 (OR, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.21–7.16), or 6 (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.29–3.64) exhibited serum levels of β2M in the highest quartile compared with individuals with levels in the lowest quartiles. By incorporating β2M levels into models that included conventional risk factors, risk prediction for the combined outcome of death and major disability was improved. After subgroup analysis, a significant association was observed only in patients with AIS whose time from onset to hospitalization was < 12 hours (P for interaction < 0.05).
Conclusions
Elevated serum levels of β2M were associated with poor functional outcomes in patients with AIS. This association was affected by the time from onset to hospitalization.
Trial registration:
This study protocol was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (registration number, ChiCTR2100045815 and registration date, April 25, 2021).
Mendelian randomization identifies 1400 metabolites that may be pathogenic candidates for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: guo ziwei , Ye Wangyu , Wang Jiuchong , Lv Wenliang
Published: December 2023

The observational association between circulating metabolites and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been somewhat demonstrated. However, it is unclear whether there is a causal relationship for this association. In this study, we used a two-sample bidirectional MR analysis approach to assess the association between 1,400 blood metabolites and NAFLD. Causality was estimated using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, and sensitivity analyses were applied after performing false discovery rate (FDR) correction to assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy. In addition, we performed linkage disequilibrium regression (LDSC) analysis, confounder analysis and metabolic pathway analysis. Corrected for FDR, we identified seven metabolites suggestively associated with NAFLD, including imidazole lactate levels (OR = 0.90,95% CI = 0.85–0.95,P = 0.0004), cysteine-glutathione disulfide levels (OR = 0.80, 95%CI = 0.72–0.89,P = 0.0001), 3-indoleglyoxylic acid levels(OR = 0.87,95%CI = 0.80–0.94,P = 0.0009), lithocholate sulfate (1) levels (OR = 1.18,95%CI = 1.07–1.30, P = 0.006), bilirubin degradation product, C17H18N2O4 (2) levels (OR = 1.14,95%CI = 1.07–1.21,P = 4.02E-05), bilirubin degradation product, C17H18N2O4 (3) levels (OR = 1.13, 95%CI = 1.06–1.21,P = 0.0001), and biliverdin levels (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.05–1.18, P = 0.023). This study provides evidence support for the causal effect of seven metabolites on NAFLD, and provides new perspectives for combining genomics and metabolomics to explore the biological mechanisms of NAFLD.
High BAP1 expression is associated with poor prognosis in patients with colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Oka Yoshito , Sakai Nozomu , Takayashiki Tsukasa , Takano Shigetsugu , Suzuki Daisuke , Ohira Gaku , Matsubara Hisahiro , Ohtsuka Masayuki
Published: December 2023

BRCA-1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) is a deubiquitinating enzyme that regulates gene expression. Although previous studies have demonstrated that the role of BAP1 is either tumor promotive or suppressive, depending on the tumor and cell types, the role of BAP1 in colorectal cancer and liver metastases remains unclear. The clinical data of 81 patients who underwent hepatic resection for liver metastases after primary resection of colorectal cancer were analyzed. BAP1 expression in primary tumors and liver metastases was evaluated using immunohistochemistry, and high BAP1 expression was significantly associated with a poor prognosis. High BAP1 expression in liver metastases was an independent prognostic factor for poor overall and disease-free survival. In vitro studies using colon cancer cell lines have demonstrated that BAP1 overexpression increases cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and cancer stem cell-like properties. In contrast, BAP1 knockdown induced the opposite results. Western blot analyses showed that BAP1 overexpression induced the expression of vimentin, MMP2, and MMP9 but decreased E-cadherin expression. Collectively, high BAP1 expression was associated with a significantly poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer and liver metastasis by increasing cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and cancer stem cell-like properties.
Identification of Potential Biomarkers associated with Prognosis and Pathogenesis of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: li xinru , Wen Shuhui , Zhao Yinxin , Tuerxun Halahati , Zhao Yuguang
Published: December 2023

Pancreatic cancer(PC), which is difficult to detect in its early stages and has a relatively rapid progression and poor prognosis, urgently requires the exploration of new biomarkers that used to develop new methods for early detection and monitoring of pancreatic cancer. Here, we downloaded the GSE16515 dataset from the GEO database, screened for differentially expressed genes in pancreatic cancer using GEO2R, analyzed the differential genes for GO and KEGG enrichment using Sento Academic, constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network using STRING database and Cytoscape, and determined the protein-protein interactions (PPIs) by plug-in CytoHubba determined the hub genes of DEGs and used GEPIA to validate the expression and survival analysis of the hub genes, analyzed the transcription factors and kinases of the differential genes in the ChEA and X2K databases, and finally analyzed the target miRNAs of the differential genes in the Enrichr database.The methods presented in this paper can help to screen and correlate with pancreatic cancer prognosis and pathogenesis for key regulators and provide potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatic cancer.
Synergistic Approach for Disinfestation of Heat-Resistant Fungal Conidia in Grain Spawn Production: Combining Cold Plasma and Sodium Hypochlorite Treatments
Authors: Bakhtiarvandi Saba , Samadlouie Hamid Reza , Hosseini Seyed Iman , Mojerlou Shideh , Cullen Patrick J.
Published: December 2023

Heat-resistant fungal conidia are a common source of contamination and can cause significant difficulties in producing spawns. In this study, Aspergillus tubingensis (A. tubingensis) and Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus), frequent microbial contaminations of wheat grain spawn, were identified and isolated. Their conidia were treated with NaOCl and cold plasma to determine the effectiveness of these treatments in reducing contamination. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) analysis of the plasma showed dominant emissions from the N2 second positive system and N2+ first negative system, while reactive oxygen species (ROS) spectral lines were undetected due to collision-induced quenching effects. The findings of the study show that A. flavus conidia are more resilient than A. tubingensis conidia when exposed to NaOCl and plasma treatments. The combined treatment of cold plasma and NaOCl had a synergistic effect, resulting in the inactivation of A. flavus and A. tubingensis conidia after just 30 and 10 seconds of plasma exposure, respectively. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDXS) were utilized to investigate the effect of treatments on the form and element composition of the conidia surface. Treatment of conidia with NaOCl and cold plasma caused significant changes in the elemental composition of the conidia surfaces, with a considerable increase observed in the levels of Na, O and Cl, as well as N elements for both conidia. When lower concentrations of NaOCl were employed, the conidia size was found to be reduced. However, at higher concentrations and after plasma treatment, the conidia were ruptured and, in some cases, pulverized. These findings indicate that the combined treatment is a promising approach for the disinfestation of heat-resistant fungal conidia.
Causal association between Parkinson's disease with multiple cancers: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Lize , Zhang Qiushi , Li Shiduo , Yuan Jiangwei , Gao Xiaoyan , Tong Jing
Published: December 2023

Background
Some previous observational studies proposed a causal correlation of Parkinson's disease (PD) and cancers, but the relationship between Parkinson's disease with cancers is still controversial, and causality has not been fully established.
Methods
Using publicly available genome-wide association study data from databases, we identified different numbers of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables to infer causality using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses with inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR- egger method, and Weighted median method.
Results
The primary IVW method showed negative association between genetically predicted Parkinson's disease with malignant neoplasm of the brain (OR = 0.7077; 95%CI, 0.5586–0.8967; P = 0.004); and positive association between Parkinson's disease with breast cancer (OR = 1.0022; 95%CI, 1.0009–1.0034; P = 0.0008). However, no causal association was observed between Parkinson's disease with melanoma skin cancer, Parkinson's disease with lung cancer or bladder cancer. And these results were supported by Cochran 's Q test and MR-Egger intercept test.
Conclusion
This two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis found that Parkinson's disease was negatively associated with malignant neoplasm of the brain and that Parkinson's disease was positively associated with breast cancer.
A Novel Exhaled Gas Detection Model for Diagnosis and Prognosis Prediction of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Liu Pengcheng , Du Peizhun , Huang Guangjian , Hu Cheng’en , Chen Jian
Published: December 2023

Background: Exhalation determination can detect intestinal metabolism-related gases. Colorectal cancer causes a significant proportion of global cancer morbidity and mortality. Our aim was to analyse the predictive value of a novel diagnostic model based on exhaled gas composition for detecting colorectal cancer.
Methods: We recruited 40 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer as an observation group and 40 healthy volunteers as a control group. The patients underwent surgical treatment at the Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University, from June 2018 to November 2019 and were diagnosed with colorectal cancer based on preoperative pathology. Exhaled gas components (EGCs) were collected using a respiratory analyser and analysed in both colorectal cancer patients and healthy controls.
Results: The concentrations of four exhaled gases (H2, CH4, H2S and NO) were significantly higher in the colorectal cancer group than in the control group. We obtained the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of these four gases. In addition, we constructed a new predictive model using these four gases according to logistic regression analysis with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.962, a sensitivity of 92.5%, and a specificity of 97.5%. Moreover, multivariate Cox analysis showed that this model can serve as an independent prognostic method for colorectal cancer.
Conclusion: Exhaled gas assessment has predictive value for colorectal cancer prognosis. The new model constructed using exhaled gases is a valuable noninvasive testing method that can be used as an auxiliary judgement tool before more invasive examinations.
Information Extraction from Multi-Layout Invoice Images using FATURA Dataset
Authors: Limam Mahmoud , Dhiaf Marwa , Kessentini Yousri
Published: December 2023

Document analysis and understanding models often require extensive annotated data to be trained. However, various document-related tasks extend beyond mere text transcription, requiring both textual content and precise bounding-box annotations to identify different document elements. Collecting such data becomes particularly challenging, especially in the context of invoices, where privacy concerns add an additional layer of complexity.
In this paper, we introduce FATURA, a pivotal resource for researchers in the field of document analysis and understanding. FATURA is a highly diverse dataset featuring multi-layout, annotated invoice document images. Comprising $10,000$ invoices with $50$ distinct layouts, it represents the largest openly accessible image dataset of invoice documents known to date. We also provide an extensive evaluation of different information extraction methods under diverse training and evaluation scenarios, including a visual-based approach using object detection for text region classification, a multi-modal strategy integrating visual and textual data for granular content comprehension, and finally, a hybrid approach combining these methods. The dataset is freely accessible at this \href{https://zenodo.org/record/8261508}{URL\footnote{https://zenodo.org/record/8261508}}, empowering researchers to advance the field of document analysis and understanding.
Load Balancing in Software-Defined Networks using Whale Algorithm
Authors: Hekmati Hossein , Eslaminejad Mohammadreza
Published: December 2023

Computer networks are ubiquitous in modern technology-based infrastructures. As the number of users and data packets in networks continues to grow rapidly, The demand for a comprehensive architecture to manage network processes has escalated significantly. The introduction of software-defined network architecture has offered engineers and researchers in this field an opportunity to tackle network congestion issues. It also enables them to enhance network performance in terms of bandwidth, Quality of Service (QoS), and reduced latency. This article focuses on one aspect of software-defined networks, specifically network load balancing, and proposes a new algorithm inspired by the hunting behavior of whales in the ocean. Nature-inspired algorithms draw inspiration from the behavior of various species in nature, incorporating their mathematical algorithms into different aspects of computer systems. These optimization algorithms, although based on prediction and logical suggestions, have demonstrated superior performance compared to traditional computer algorithms such as sequential (Round-Robin Counting methods) algorithms.
Investigating the Impact of Flavonoid Intake on All-Cause Mortality in Non-Obesity and Obesity with Various Complication: Insights from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2010 and 2017-2018
Authors: Wang Senlin , Xiong Feng , Liu Yanjun , Feng Zhonghui
Published: December 2023

Background:
It is reported that dietary intake of flavonoid compounds can reduce all-cause mortality and mortality from specific vascular diseases and cancers, but whether dietary intake of flavonoid can affect obesity and obesity-related comorbidities is unknown.
Aim:
The main objective is to investigate the relationship between flavonoid intake and all-cause mortality in both obese and non-obese individuals, and in combination with diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Methods:
This study included NHANES participants from 2007-2010 and 2017-2018. Cox regression analysis evaluated the impact of total flavonoid intake on all-cause mortality among participants with varying comorbidity profiles. Subgroup analysis was conducted by separately analyzing the six sub-classes of total flavonoids (anthocyanidins, flavan-3-ols, flavanones, flavones, flavonols, and isoflavones). Sensitivity analysis investigated the impact of total flavonoid intake on all-cause mortality among patients with different comorbidities.
Results:
During a median follow-up period of 9.92 years (interquartile range (IQR), 5.54-14.29 years), a total of 639 participants died. In comparison to non-obese participants, cox regression analysis revealed a favorable impact of flavonoid intake on all-cause mortality in obese participants with CKD (hazard ratio (HR): 0.22, 95% CI: 0.11-0.44), metabolically healthy obese (MHO) participants (HR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.07-0.35), obese individuals with diabetes (HR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.29-0.88), and obese individuals with comorbid CVD (HR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.17-0.83). Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis indicated a non-linear relationship in obese participants, with optimal intake levels ranging from 319.4978 to 448.6907 mg/day. Subgroup analysis revealed varying effects of total flavonoid components in different health conditions, with hazard ratios ranging from 0.06 for higher levels of flavonol to 0.59 for higher levels of anthocyanidins.
Conclusions:
In comparison to unhealthy individuals without obesity, those with unhealthy obesity who consume flavonoids show a reduced risk of all-cause mortality.
Clinical presentation and surgical outcomes of very large and giant pituitary adenomas: 80 cases in a cohort study of 306 patients
Authors: Pascual-Corrales Eider , Cancela Alberto Acitores , Baonza Gonzalo , Egusquiza Imanol Madrid , Berrocal Víctor Rodríguez , Araujo-Castro Marta
Published: December 2023

Purpose
To identify differences in the presentation and surgical outcomes between very large (30–39 mm) and giant (≥40mm) (LARGE group) pituitary adenomas (PAs) compared to the smaller group (< 30mm) (non-LARGE group).
Methods
Eighty patients with very large (n = 44) or giant (n = 36) PAs and 226 patients in the non-LARGE group who underwent tumor resection by pituitary surgery between 2008 and 2023 were studied. Hormonal, radiological, ophthalmological, and pathological data and surgical outcomes were evaluated.
Results
Preoperatively, patients of the LARGE group presented more frequently with visual impairment (82.5% vs. 22.1%, P < 0.001) and with apoplexy (15.0% vs. 2.7%, P < 0.001) than the non-LARGE group. Moreover, the LARGE group is more commonly associated with preoperative panhypopituitarism (28.8% vs. 6.2%, P < 0.001). This group presented cavernous sinus invasion more frequently (71.3% vs. 23.9%, P < 0.001). The non-LARGE group achieved surgical cure more often than the LARGE group (79.7% vs. 50.0%, P < 0.001), and the rate of major complications was higher in the latest (8.8% vs. 1.3%, P < 0.004).
Conclusions
PAs ≥30 mm are most frequently accompanied by hormonal dysfunction, cavernous sinus invasion, and visual impairment. All this implies lower resection rates and higher postoperative complications than small adenomas, posing a real surgical challenge.
Health Resource Dynamics in Growing Populations: A Health Geography Analysis
Authors: Juraev Zuhriddin
Published: December 2023

This study examines the relationship between population size and the distribution of healthcare care resources in specific geographic areas, using quantitative methods and spatial techniques to analyze data on population size, clinics, and physicians. Descriptive statistics highlight key trends and fluctuations, while correlation coefficients measure the strength and direction of relationships. Statistical significance is determined by p-values. The results highlight the role of population size in healthcare resource allocation and provide information for evidence-based decision making for equitable access and effective planning in different geographical contexts. This understanding is critical for improving public health and promoting inclusion in the healthcare sector.
Horizontal gene transfer shapes pathogenic bacteria in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Yamamura Takashi , Takewaki Daiki , Kiguchi Yuya , Masuoka Hiroaki , Manu Mallahalli , Raveney Ben , Narushima Seiko , Kurokawa Rina , Ogata Yusuke , Kimura Yukio , Sato Noriko , Ozawa Yusuke , Yagishita Sosuke , Araki Toshiyuki , Miyake Sachiko , Sato Wakiro , Suda Wataru
Published: December 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease influenced by environmental factors. Except during relapses, baseline neurological status is generally stable in the early stage, whereas progressive deterioration may occur silently. The progressive disease form (secondary progressive MS; SPMS) characterised by both neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration differs significantly from the non-progressive form in microbiome profiles1 2 3. After confirming an increased abundance of gut bacterium “Tyzzerella nexilis” in SPMS, the role of T.nexilis in progressive MS was studied. The strain-level analysis based on long-read metagenomics identified a distinct cluster of T.nexilis highly enriched in SPMS. T.nexilis strains in this novel cluster were characterised by an incredible number of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and the absence of defence systems against MGEs. Mono-colonisation with this MGEs-enriched T.nexilis strain made germ-free mice more susceptible to induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. The pathogenicity of this strain was mediated by TLR5 stimulation by flagella encoded on MGEs. Moreover, this T.nexilis strain was thought to have potentials of causing neurodegeneration, because of its ability to produce reduced sulphur compounds encoded on MGEs. Such a horizontal gene transfer, causing functional diversity beyond existing bacterial taxonomy, may have causal implications in chronic disorders influenced by gut microbiome.
Primary Intra-orbital Hydatid cyst: a case report of a rare cause of Exophthalmos
Authors: Debela Asrat Sime , Abore Kibruyisfaw Weldeab , Worke Alemayehu Bedane , Wendimagegn Selamawit Tadesse
Published: December 2023

Background: Hydatid disease is a tapeworm parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus that commonly affects the liver and lungs during its life cycle in the human body. Orbital involvement is a very rare occurrence and isolated orbital Echinococcosis is extremely rare.
Case presentation: A 60-year-old female Eritrean woman presented with a 3 month history of painless protrusion and decreased vision of the left eye. Physical examination showed significantly decreased visual acuity of the left eye, left eye proptosis, and papilledema. Laboratory investigations were normal and orbital CT scan examination was suggestive of orbital hydatid cyst. After a two week course of oral albendazole, a medial anterior orbitotomy and cyst excision were performed. Post-operative biopsy was conclusive of an orbital hydatid cyst. She continued taking oral albendazole 400mg twice daily. On her postoperative follow-up, she had mild lid swelling and adduction deficit. There was significant improvement of the lid swelling and disc edema on the 21st postoperative day but the gain on the adduction deficit was minimal. Subsequent follow-up of the patient was not possible since the patient relocated back to Eritrea.
Conclusion: Orbital hydatid cyst is an extremely rare presentation of human Echinococcus granulosus infection. However, it should be considered one of the differential diagnoses among patients living in an endemic area and presenting with proptosis of the eye. A preoperative course of anthelminthic followed by surgical excision of the cyst is the definitive management.
Rhizobium qitaiense sp. nov. and Mycoplana qihuense sp. nov. isolated from chickpea nodules
Authors: Shen Hongling , Hu Fengxiao , Liang Hongli , Luo Xiaoxia , Wan Chuanxing
Published: December 2023

Two symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria (TRM95796Tand TRM96650T) isolated from effective root nodules of chickpeas were characterised to clarify their taxonomic status using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, single-copy genes and core-proteome average amino acid identity (cpAAI) indicated that strain TRM95796T was grouped as a separate clade closely related to Rhizobium setariae KVB221T(97.23%), and strain TRM96650T was closely related to Mycoplana. azooxidifex Po 20/26T (97.5%). The results of both the analyses of the concatenated recA atpD and glnII genes and whose genomes revealed that strains TRM95796T was related to two clusters formed by the type strains of the closely related species belonging to Rhizobium, in congruence with the 16S rRNA gene phylogeny. Strain TRM96650T was related to two clusters formed by the type strains of the closely related species belonging to Mycoplana. The OrthoANI values between TRM95796T, and the type strains of the available Rhizobium species were 75.9% for R. setariae KVB221T, 75.8% for R. alvei TNR-22T, which were below the threshold of 95–96% for delineation of bacterial species. The OrthoANI values between TRM96647T, and the type strains of the available Mycoplana species were 90.8% for Mycoplana azooxidifex Po 20/26T, and 82.4% for M. subbaraonis JC85T, which were below the threshold of 95–96% for delineation of bacterial species. The dDDH values of the three novel species with the most closely related species were 18.3–42.8%. Based on the genomic, phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses, strains TRM95796T and TRM96650T are suggested to represent two new species of the genus Rhizobium and Mycoplana, whose names are proposed as Rhizobium qitaiense sp. nov., Mycoplana qihuense sp. nov. The type strains are TRM95796T (= GDMCC 1.3495T = JCM 35985T) and TRM96650T (= GDMCC 1.34953T = JCM35987T), respectively.
Obesity and Underweight in Children Who Undergo Catheterization for Congenital Heart Disease: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Anagnostopoulou Andriana , Eleftherakis Nikolaos , Karanasios Evangelos
Published: December 2023

Background
Τhe number of overweight and obesity in the pediatric population has increased dramatically, a trend that is followed by a corresponding increase in the pediatric population with congenital heart disease. Notwithstanding, children with congenital heart disease seem to follow abnormal growth patterns. The aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of obesity and underweight in children who undergo cardiac catheterization
Methodology
This is a retrospective study conducted in the cardiac catheterization laboratory of a large pediatric hospital in the years 2011–2019. The children’s anthropometric data were collected and the body mass index was calculated, according to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention definition. The chi -square test was used to identify any associations between catheterization, heart disease, body habitus, sex and age groups, after which a one way analysis of variance was performed to investigate the effects of the above variables on obesity.
Results
The participants included 378 children from 2 to19 years old who underwent cardiac catheterization in the years 2011–2019. Cumulatively, 18.7% of the children in the study were underweight, 54.76% were normal weight, 11.64% were overweight and 14.81% were children classified as with obesity. Overall, 26.45% of the children weighed more than the 85th centile. The Kolmogorov Smirnoff test was used to test form normality and only the height in cms had a normal distribution.
Children with acyanotic heart disease had a median age of 8 years old (IQR 6 years). The percentages of underweight were 16.6%, the ones with healthy weight 53.58%, 12.08% overweight and 17.47% with obesity. Children with cyanotic heart disease had a median age 6 years (IQR 6) while the respective percentages of underweight, healthy weight, overweight and with obesity were 27.7%, 56.63%, 9.05% and 6.02%. These differences were statistically significant. However, the children who underwent a catheterization for other causes had a median age of 8 years old (IQR 8) and their percentages of underweight were 13.3%, the ones with healthy weight 60% and the ones with overweight or obesity 13.3% each.
Conclusions
There is a significant discrepancy in the rate of obesity between the children with acyanotic and cyanotic heart disease. However, the differences between the children with acyanotic heart disease and children who underwent cardiac catheterization for other causes is not statistically significant.
Effect of internal barriers on innovation performance in embryonic SMEs in Malaysia
Authors: Hasliza Abdul Halim  , Tarnima Warda Andalib  , Noor Hazlina Ahmad  , T. Ramayah
Published: December 2023

Manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) need to propel their creativity and innovativeness to enhance their innovation performance in the competitive and fast-changing environment. The current environment has transformed the internal working pattern, structure, and communication system to survive the rough business ecosphere. Consequently, SMEs encountered innumerable barriers to achieve the innovation performance and the SMEs should recognise the internal barriers so that they are able to accelerate their innovation performance. Therefore, this study aims at examining the internal barriers namely constraint in financial resources, constraint in technology, and constraint in human resources that hamper the innovation performance among the Malaysian manufacturing SMEs. This study embarked on two phases of data collection. First phase includes a series of semi-structured interviews with 15 participants from 5 SMEs via snowballing technique to gather their insights on internal barriers that impede innovation performance. For second phase, the survey method was adopted, and 217 SMEs responded to the survey. All the responses were analysed using SmartPLS technique. The interview findings demonstrate that all the internal constraints are indeed important for SMEs to grasp and serve as the obstacles for innovation performance. Nevertheless, from the quantitative analysis, only financial constraints serve as the significant barrier that impede innovation performance. To summarise, this research produces insights on decisive proof regarding internal barriers that inhibit the manufacturing SMEs to achieve innovation performance.
Osmanlı’dan Günümüze Ege Bölgesi’ndeki Kumaş Dokuma Merkezleri
Authors: Şen Tuğçe , Kavcı Özdemir Esra
Published: December 2023

El sanatları içerisinde önemli bir yeri olan dokumacılık, insanoğlunun barınma ve giyinme ihtiyacı ile ortaya çıkmış, insanlık tarihi kadar eskidir. El sanatları içerisinde önemli yeri olan dokumalarımız Anadolu’da şekillenmiş, gelişmiş ve günümüze kadar ulaşmıştır. Yöresel dokumalar yün, ipek pamuk, keten, tiftik ile dokunmuş kendine özgü özellikleri bünyesinde taşıyan dokumalarımızdır. Bu dokumalar teknikleri, yapısal özellikleri ve desenleri ile birbirinden ayrılmaktadır. Tarihi süreç ele alındığında, farklı kültürlerle buluşan Türk toplumu el sanatları alanında zengin örnekler ortaya koymuştur. Yapılan çalışmada Osmanlı’dan günümüze kumaş dokuma merkezleri incelenmiş, Ege Bölgesi’ndeki dokuma merkezlerine değinilmiş, dokunan kumaşların özellikleri ve günümüzdeki durumu ele alınmıştır. Bu çalışmada konu “Anadolu’daki Kumaş Dokuma Merkezleri ve Kumaş Dokuma Örnekleri” ile “Ege Bölgesi’ndeki Kumaş Dokuma Merkezleri” olarak iki ana başlık altında toplanmış ve alan araştırması yöntemi kullanılmıştır.
Business applications of machine learning in the retail sector within the «Industry 4.0» concept
Authors: Malyzhenkov Pavel Valerevich
Published: December 2023

The article states that in the landscape of contemporary business, marked by rapid technological advancements and evolving consumer expectations, the relevance of different aspects of business applications of the machine learning as one of the enabling technologies of «Industry 4.0» is paramount.