bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting high-risk pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension: An echocardiographic multiparameter scoring index
Authors: Zhai Yanan , Li Aili , Tao Xincao , Gao Qian , Xie Wanmu , Zhang Yu , Chen Aihong , Wang Chi , Lei Jieping , Zhai Zhenguo
Published: May 2023

Background The risk stratification of pulmonary arterial hypertension proposed by the European Society of Cardiology /European Respiratory Society guidelines in 2015 and 2022 included two to three echocardiographic indicators. However, the specific value of echocardiography in risk stratification of pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension (pcPH) has not been efficiently demonstrated. Given the complex geometry of the right ventricular (RV) and influencing factors of echocardiographic parameter, there is no single echocardiographic parameter that reliably informs about PH status. We hypothesize that a multi-parameter comprehensive index can more accurately evaluate the severity of the pcPH. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an echocardiographic risk score model to better assist clinical identifying high risk of pcPH during initial diagnosis and follow-up.Methods We studied 197 consecutive patients with pcPH. A multivariable echocardiographic model was constructed to predict the high risk of pcPH in the training set. Points were assigned to significant risk factors in the final model based on β-coefficients. We validated the model internally using bootstrapping.Results The echocardiographic score was constructed by multivariable logistic regression, which showed that pericardial effusion, right atrial (RA) area, RV outflow tract proximal diameter (RVOT-Prox), the velocity time integral of the right ventricular outflow tract (TVIRVOT) and S’ were predictors of high risk of pcPH. The area under curve (AUC) of the training set of the scoring model was 0.882 (95%CI: 0.809–0.956, p < 0.0001), and the AUC of the validation set was 0.884. A 10-point score risk score was generated, with scores ranging from 0 to 10 in the training cohort. The estimate risk of high risk of pcPH ranged from 25.1–94.6%.Conclusions The echocardiographic risk score using five echocardiographic parameters could be comprehensive and useful to predict the high risk of pcPH for initial assessment and follow-up.
Machine Learning Risk Estimation and Prediction of Death in Continuing Care Facilities using Administrative Data
Authors: Shahidi Faezehsadat , D’Souza Adam G. , Crocker Alysha , May Elissa Rennert , Faris Peter , Leal Jenine
Published: May 2023

In this study, we aimed to identify the factors that were associated with mortality among continuing care residents in Alberta, during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Then, we examined pre-processing methods in terms of prediction performance. Finally, we developed several machine learning models and compared the results of these models in terms of performance. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all continuing care residents in Alberta, Canada, from March 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021. We used a univariate and a multivariate logistic regression (LR) model to identify predictive factors of 60-day mortality by estimating odds ratios (ORs) with a 95% of a confidence interval. To determine the best sensitivity-specificity cut-off point, the Youden index was employed. We examined the pre-processing methods and then developed several machine learning models to acknowledge the best model regarding performance. In this cohort study, increased age, male sex, symptoms, previous admissions, and some specific comorbidities were associated with mortality. Machine learning and pre-processing approaches offer an assuring method for improving risk prediction for mortality, but more work is needed to show improvement beyond standard risk factors.
Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter Involves in Ischemic Postconditioning Effect through Maintaining Depolarization of Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and Prevents Cell Death Caused by Ischemic Reperfusion Brain Injury in Mouse
Authors: Sasaki Hiromitsu , Nakagawa Ichiro , Furuta Takanori , Yokoyama Shohei , Morisaki Yudai , Saito Yasuhiko , Nakase Hiroyuki
Published: May 2023

Ischemic postconditioning (PostC) phenomenon is known as the neuroprotection against ischemic reperfusion (I/R) injury. One of the key processes in PostC is opening of mitochondrial ATP dependent potassium (mito-KATP) channel and depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, which triggers the release of calcium ion from mitochondria through the low conductance opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). Mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is known as the highly sensitive transporter for uptake of Ca2+ inwardly existed on the inner mitochondrial membrane. Furthermore, it has attracted attention as a new target of treatments in disease such as neurodegenerative disease, cancer, and ischemic stroke. Thus, we considered that MCU may involve in PostC and trigger its mechanism. In this research, we used the whole-cell patch clamp technique to hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells from C57BL mice and measured changes in spontaneous excitatory post-synaptic currents (sEPSCs), intracellular Ca2+ concentration, mitochondrial membrane potential and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) currents under the inhibition of MCU by Ruthenium red 265 (Ru265) in PostC. Inhibition of MCU increased sEPSCs occurrence (p = 0.008), NMDAR currents (p < 0.001), intracellular Ca2+ concentration (p < 0.001) and dead cells (p < 0.001) significantly after reperfusion, indicating the removal of the neuroprotective effects in PostC. Moreover, mitochondrial depolarization in PostC with Ru265 was gradually decreased after reperfusion (p < 0.001). These results suggest that MCU plays an important role in PostC by maintaining mitochondrial depolarization, which suppresses hyperactivation of NMDARs and prevents the elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration against I/R injury.
Could pre-laminectomy extension effectively prevent spinal cord injury due to spinal shortening after 3-column osteotomy?
Authors: Chen Yuyue , Yang Haozhi , Xie Ningling , Zhang Shuang , Zou Xiaobao , Deng Chenfu , Wang Binbin , Li Hengrui , Ma Xiangyang
Published: May 2023

OBJECTIVE To explore whether the pre-laminectomy extension can effectively prevent spinal cord injury (SCI) due to spinal shortening after 3-column osteotomy in goat model.METHODS A total of twenty healthy goats were included and done with 3-column osteotomy of T13 and L1 under the somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) monitoring. The samples were divided into two groups. The first group with ten goats was the control group; the second group with ten goats (the pre-laminectomy extension group): a laminectomy extension was performed on 10 mm cranial to L2. The SSEP measured after 3-column osteotomy was set as the baseline, and the SSEP decreased by 50% from the baseline amplitude and/or delayed by 10% relative to the baseline peak latency was set as positive results, which indicated spinal cord injury. The vertebral column was gradually shortened until the SSEP monitoring just did not show a positive result. The height of the initial osteotomy gap (the distance from the lower endplate of T12 to the upper endplate of L2), the shortened distance (△H), the number of spinal cord angulated and the changed angle of the spinal cord (△α) were measured and recorded in each group. Neurologic function was evaluated by the Tarlov scores on day 2 postoperatively.RESULTS All the goats except one of the first group due to changes in the SSEP during the osteotomy were included and analyzed. In the first group, the height of the initial osteotomy segment and the safe shortening distances were 61.6 ± 2.6 mm and 35.2 ± 2.6 mm, respectively; the spinal cord of 5 goats was angulated (46.4 ± 6.6°), the other four goats were kinked and not angulated. In the second group, the height of the initial osteotomy segment and the safe shortening distances were 59.8 ± 1.5mm and 43.3 ± 1.2mm, respectively, and the spinal cord of ten goats were angulated (97.6 ± 7.2°). There was no significant difference in the height of the initial osteotomy segment between the two groups by using Independent-Samples T-Test, P = 0.095 (P > 0.05); there were significant difference in the safe shortening distance and the changed angle of the spinal cord between the two groups by using Independent-Samples T-Test (both △H and △α of P < 0.001), the difference between their mean were 8.1mm and 51.2°. Significant difference was found in the number of spinal cord angulation between the two groups through Fisher's exact test, P = 0.033 (bilateral).CONCLUSIONS After 3-column osteotomy, the pre-laminectomy extension can effectively prevent spinal cord injury in the process of spinal shortening by facilitating spinal cord angulation rather than spinal cord kinking and increasing the safe shortening distance.
Therapeutic targeting of chronic lymphocytic leukemia by silver nanoparticles
Authors: Adamo Francesco Maria , Barcelos Estevao Carlos Silva , Falco Filomena , Dorillo Erica , Rompietti Chiara , Sorcini Daniele , Stella Arianna , Papa Beatrice Del , Baldoni Stefano , Esposito Angela , Geraci Clelia , Arcaleni Roberta , Pennetta Chiara , Ragonese Francesco , Moretti Lorenzo , Mameli Mariagrazia , Ianni Mauro , Rosati Emanuela , Fioretti Bernard , Sportoletti Paolo
Published: May 2023

Background Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is an incurable disorder associated with alterations in several pathways essential for survival and proliferation. Despite the advances obtained in CLL therapy with the new target agents, in some cases relapses and resistances could occur making necessary the finding of new alternatives to manage CLL refractoriness. To provide new therapeutic strategies for CLL, we investigated the anti-leukemic activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), whose impact on CLL cells has been poorly explored.Methods We studied the action mechanisms of AgNPs in vitro by flow-cytometry and molecular analyses. To improve bioavailability of AgNPs, we generated AgNPs coated with the anti-CD20 antibody Rituximab (AgNPs@Rituximab) and carried out imaging-based approaches and in vivo experiments to evaluate specificity, drug uptake and efficacy.Results AgNPs reduced viability of CLL primary cells and HG-3 cell line by activating intrinsic apoptotic pathway characterized by Bax/Bcl-2 unbalance, caspase activation and PARP degradation. Early apoptotic events triggered by AgNPs included enhanced Ca2+ influx and ROS overproduction. AgNPs synergistically potentiated the cytotoxicity of Venetoclax, Ibrutinib and Bepridil. In vitro, AgNPs@Rituximab conjugates were rapidly internalized within CLL cells and in vivo, they strongly prolonged survival of CLL xenograft models compared to each unconjugated single agent.Conclusions AgNPs showed a strong anti-leukemic activity in CLL with the potential to clinical translation in combination with agents used in CLL. The increased specificity of AgNPs@Rituximab toward CLL cells could be relevant for overcoming in vivo AgNPs non-specific distribution and for increasing their efficacy.
Coexistence of two sympatric predators in a transitional ecosystem under constraining environmental conditions: a perspective from space and habitat use
Authors: Rodrigues Chloé Warret , Roth James D.
Published: May 2023

BackgroundRange expansion of species, a major consequence of climate changes, may alter communities substantially due to competition between expanding and native species.MethodsWe first quantified size differences between an expanding habitat generalist, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), and a circumpolar habitat specialist, the Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), at the edge of the Arctic, where climate-related changes occur rapidly, to predict the likelihood of the larger competitor escalating interference to intraguild killing. We then used satellite telemetry to evaluate competition in a heterogeneous landscape by examining space use early during the foxes' reproductive period, when resource scarcity, increased-food requirements and spatial constraints likely exacerbate the potential for interference. We used time-LoCoH to quantify space and habitat use, and Minta's index to quantify spatio-temporal interactions between neighbors.ResultsOur morphometric comparison involving 236 foxes found that the potential for escalated interference between these species was high due to intermediate size difference. Our results from 17 collared foxes suggested that expanding and native competitors may coexist when expanding species occur at low densities. Low home-range overlap between neighbors suggested territoriality and substantial exploitation competition for space. No obvious differential use of areas shared by heterospecific neighbors suggested low interference. If anything, intraspecific competition between red foxes may be stronger than interspecific competition. Red and Arctic foxes used habitat differentially, with near-exclusive use of forest patches by red foxes and marine habitats by Arctic foxes.ConclusionHeterogeneous landscapes may relax interspecific competition between expanding and native species, allowing exclusive use of some resources. Furthermore, the scarcity of habitats favored by expanding species may emphasize intraspecific competition between newcomers over interspecific competition, thus creating the potential for self-limitation of expanding populations. Dominant expanding competitors may benefit from interference, but usually lack adaptations to abiotic conditions at their expansion front, favoring rear-edge subordinate species in exploitation competition. However, due to ongoing climate change, systems are usually not at equilibrium. A spread of habitats and resources favorable to expanding species may promote higher densities of antagonistically dominant newcomers, which may lead to extirpation of native species.
Quality of life assessment using questionnaires EQ-5D and VAS in patients with Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness
Authors: Madrigal Jorge , Olier Paula , Torre Maria Mercedes de la , Velez Daniela , Fonseca Marielena , Vanegas-Munera Johanna , Castillo-Bustamante Melissa
Published: May 2023

Objective
Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a chronic vestibular condition that produces non-spinning vertigo, dizziness and unsteadiness which leads to an altered quality of life (QoL). Little is known about QoL assessment using questionnaires such as EQ-5D in hispanic patients with PPPD compared to those with other vestibular disorders.
Methods
We conducted a prospective study in using EQ-5D and VAS in patients with PPPD and patients with other vestibular disorders such as vestibular migraine, Ménière’s disease and Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo without PPPD. An EQ-5D- VAS Index calculator was used to convert results to a single utility index using country specific value sets. Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis and lineal regression.
Results
Fifty-one patients with PPPD and sixty patients with other vestibular disorders without PPPD were included. Mobility (51% vs 49, p = 0.001), self-care (27.5% vs 2%, p = 0.025) and anxiety/depression (47.1% vs 37.5%, p = 0.0001) were the most common affected items in patients with PPPD than those without this disorder. Worse EQ and VAS scores were seen in patients with PPPD when compared to other vestibular conditions (p = 0.027 vs p = 0.148). Increased EQ-5D and VAS scores were seen in older patients with PPPD.
Conclusion
Patients with PPPD presented worse EQ5D and VAS scores compared to those without PPPD. As age increased worse EQ-VAS scores were found. Mobility, self-care, and anxiety/depression scores were found in patients with PPPD than those with other vestibular conditions. Further prospective studies focused in QoL including therapeutic and rehabilitation outcomes are suggested.
Level of Evidence: Prospective Study
Health related quality of life and its influencing factors of socio- demographic and clinical characteristics in patients with cervical cancer based the scale QLICP-CE(V2.0)
Authors: Chen Huiyan , Zhou Lin , Fong Daniel , Cun Yingli , Yang Zheng , Wan Chonghua
Published: May 2023

Background Quality of life research can guide clinical workers to adopt more targeted treatment and intervention measures, so as to achieve the purpose of improving patients' quality of life. The objective of this study was to evaluate health-related quality of life in Chinese patients with cervical cancer and to explore its influencing factors.Methods A total of 186 patients with cervical cancer were investigated by using the QLICP-CE (V2.0) scale (Quality of Life Instruments for Cancer Patients-Cervical Cancer) developed by our group in China. The data were analyzed by t-test, one-way ANOVA, univariate analysis, and multivariate linear regression.Results The total score of quality of life scale for cervical cancer patients was (62.58 ± 12.69), Univariate analysis of objective clinical indexes showed that creatinine concentration was a negative influence factor in the psychological domain, potassium ion concentration was a negative influence factor in the common symptoms and side effect domain, erythrocyte content was a positive influence factor physical domain and common general domain. Multiple linear regression results suggested that clinical staging was the influencing factor of common symptom and side effect domain, common general module and total score of scale. Marital status has different degrees of influence on the psychological, social, and common general domains. The level of education also influenced scores in the social domain.Conclusion The total score of quality of life in patients with cervical cancer who received active treatment was acceptable. There are many factors influencing the health-related quality of life in patients with cervical cancer. Marital status, clinical staging, and educational level are the factors that affect the quality of life of patients with cervical cancer. At the same time, potassium ion concentration, red blood cell count and creatinine concentration also have important effects on quality of life in patients with cervical cancer. Therefore, it is very important to give personalized treatment and nursing to patients based on various factors.
BW-PBFT: Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance Consensus Algorithm Based on Credit Bidirectionally Waning
Authors: Wang Zhen-Fei , Liu Shi-Qi , Wang Pu , Zhang Li-Ying
Published: May 2023

The consensus algorithm, as one of the cores of blockchain technology, plays a very critical role. As one of the mainstream consensus methods, PBFT has the advantages such as low energy consumption and large throughput. However, the traditional PBFT algorithm also has disadvantages, such as high network bandwidth occupation, for PBFT needs broadcasting information for all nodes in stage 3 and 4; limited expandability. With the increase of nodes, the bandwidth overhead of the blockchain network will increase significantly, which leads to a decrease in throughput, so that cause a crash of the blockchain network. We proposed an improved PBFT consensus based on a credit value bidirectionally waning, named BW-PBFT. The algorithm first elects some nodes to form a committee according to the ballot and the credit value, and then the committee nodes use the PBFT algorithm for consensus, and calculate the credit value of the nodes according to the performance in the consensus process. If nodes do not get punishment anymore, their credit value will approach 50 with the increase of the blockchain height. Theoretical analysis and experiments prove that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the quality of the nodes involved in the consensus.
Defect Detection for Gear System of Station Wagon by Extensive Empirical Wavelet Decomposition and Deep Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Huang Xuebin , Liu Hongbing , Chen Fangyuan , Ye Bingcheng
Published: May 2023

Gear system is the one of the most important components of station wagon, so it is very important to study the defect detection method for gear systemof station wagon. Defect detection for gear system of station wagon by extensive empirical wavelet decomposition and deep extreme learning machine is proposed in this paper. As the features the time-frequency image based on extensive empirical wavelet decomposition (EEWT) are clearer than those of empirical wavelet decomposition (EWT), EEWT is used to decompose the vibration signals of gear system of station wagon, and create the time-frequency images of the vibration signals of gear system of station wagon. Deep extreme learning machine (DELM) is formed by stacking multi-layer extreme learning auto-encoders, so it can extract higher-level features and has higher classification and recognition accuracy than traditional ELM, thus, DELM is used to defect detection for gear system of station wagon. The experimental results demonstrates that the defect detectionaccuracy of EEWT-DELM is higher than EWT-DELM,EWT-ELM, and traditional ELM, and EEWT-DELM is suitable for defect detection of gear system of station wagon.
The effects of curcumin on serum galactin-3, rat behavior, cognition, and total antioxidant capacity in the streptozotocin-induced Alzheimer's model in rats
Authors: Hosseini Razieh , Mirshekar Mohammad Ali , Montazerifar Farzaneh , Soltanmohammadi Mozhgan , Behrasi Fatemeh
Published: May 2023

Aims: To our knowledge, no previous study has investigated the effect of curcumin (CUR) on galectin 3 (Gal3) as a factor associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of CUR on serum Gal3 and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in rat models with AD.
Methods: In this study, 32 adult male Wistar rats were utilized as test subjects. The animals were randomly divided into four groups with eight rats in each group as follows: (1) Sham (animals that received normal saline (NS)), (2) streptozotocin (STZ), (3) CUR, and (4) CUR -STZ. Animals were treated for 56 consecutive days and finally the level of Gal3, TAC and cognitive function were evaluated.
Results: The result of study showed that a significant effect of CUR intake on the reduction of serum Gal3 in the CUR-STZ as compared to the STZ group (P = < 0.001). There was a markedly effect of CUR intake on the TAC in the CUR-STZ as compared to the STZ group (P = < 0.001). Additionally, it was markedly lower in the STZ group than in controls (P = < 0.05)
Conclusions: The present study found that CUR consumption improved TAC and reduced Gal3 in rat models of AD. However, more studies are needed to elucidate CUR’s neuroprotective mechanisms.
Preparation of mechanically tunable non-isocyanate polyurethane based on thiol-ene click reaction and amine structure
Authors: Li Shuai , Zhong Jiang , Gao Fei , Yang Yuping , Zhong Yuting , Shen Liang , Qiao Yongluo
Published: May 2023

Non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) is one of the hot spots in the scientific research of polyurethane. In this work, mechanically regulable NIPU were prepared by ring-opening polymerization of cyclic carbonates via diamines. Cyclocarbonates with different functionalities were firstly synthesized by thiol-ene click reaction, which was characterized through nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FITR). Subsequently, the controllable performance of NIPU films were obtained by using diamines with different structures. The mechanical and thermal properties of prepared NIPU films were studied by swelling experiment, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile test and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Experimental results suggested that the control of functionality and reactivity endowed the material with an adjustable crosslinking density. The Young's modulus of the material could be regulated from 51.31 MPa to 765.07 MPa. Furthermore, the studied films also showed good thermal stability.
Prognostic and Therapeutic Response Analysis of Breast Cancer Based on Post-translational Ubiquitin and Ubiquitin-Like Modification-Related Signature
Authors: Zhou Nanyang , Kong Dejia , Lin Qiao , Yang Xiaojing , Zhou Dan , Lou Lihua , Lou Xiangming
Published: May 2023

Background: Ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like (UUL) modifications play pleiotropic functions and are subject to fine regulatory mechanisms frequently altered in cancer. However, the comprehensive impact of UUL modification on breast cancer remains unclear.
Methods: Transcriptomic and clinical data of breast cancer were downloaded from TCGA and GEO databases. Molecular subtyping of breast cancer was conducted using the NMF and CIBERSORT algorithms. Prognostic genes were identified via univariate, lasso and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Clinical pathological features, immune cell infiltration, immune therapeutic response and chemotherapy drug sensitivity were compared between groups using the Wilcoxon test. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test.
Results: In breast cancer, 63 UUL modification-related genes were differentially expressed, with 29 up-regulated and 34 down-regulated genes. These genes were used to generate two UUL modification patterns that exhibited significant differences in prognostic features and immune cell infiltration. The UUL modification patterns were associated with 2038 differentially expressed genes that were significantly enriched in nuclear division, chromosome segregation, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, cell cycle, and other biological processes. Of these genes, 425 were associated with breast cancer prognosis, which enabled the classification of breast cancer into two clusters with significantly distinct prognoses. We developed a prognostic model, UULscore, which comprised nine genes and showed a significant correlation with partial immune cell infiltration. Furthermore, UULscore demonstrated potential predictive value in breast cancer overall survival prediction, immune therapeutic response, and chemotherapy drug sensitivity. UULscore, stage, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were identified as independent prognostic factors for breast cancer. Based on these factors, a nomogram model was constructed, which demonstrated exceptional prognostic predictive performance.
Conclusion: In conclusion, we identified two UUL modification-derived molecular subtypes in breast cancer, and have successfully constructed a risk scoring model that holds potential value in prognosis, immune infiltration, immune therapeutic response, and chemotherapy drug sensitivity.
The Role of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Other Physiological and Hormonal Factors in Predicting Pregnancy Outcomes in Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Treatments
Authors: Sun Xingyu , Yang Liu , Xiong Junjun , Cheng Hui , Yin Chengliang , Liu Ling
Published: May 2023

Objective This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with pregnancy outcomes and identify potential predictive parameters in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatments.Methods A total of 213 women of reproductive age who underwent their first cycle of IVF or ICSI were included in the study. Demographic, hormonal, metabolic, and endocrine data were collected. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between various factors and pregnancy outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to assess the predictive performance of the significant factors.Results The multivariate analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (Vitamin_D) were significantly associated with pregnancy outcomes. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that BMI, FSH, HbA1c, and Vitamin_D levels showed moderate predictive performance for pregnancy outcomes, with area under the curve (AUC) values ranging from 0.574 to 0.648.Conclusions This study suggests that BMI, FSH, HbA1c, and Vitamin_D levels may play crucial roles in predicting pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing IVF and ICSI treatments. Clinicians should consider these factors when counseling and managing patients undergoing assisted reproductive treatments.
Brain tumor pathological image segmentation based on residual U-net ++ network
Authors: Pu Qiumei , Tian Jinglong , Li Guonan , Xing Rongchang , Zhao Zhe , Wu Liyuan , Zhao Lina
Published: May 2023

The incidence of brain tumors has been on the rise, highlighting the need for early and accurate diagnosis. Deep learning in image segmentation can assist in automated diagnosis and diagnostic efficiency. This study proposes an improved U-Net + + network with a jump short connection instead of a long connection to be more sensitive to edge information. The residual structure replaces the convolutional blocks to prevent the model from degradation, while the residual blocks are batch normalized for increasing convergence speed. The improved U-Net + + was validated on the Tumor Imaging Archive dataset, with a Dice factor of 0.927, Accuracy of 0.995, and Sensitivity of 0.913. The improved U-Net + + network can better fuse features of different depths and update the weights of the network in time. This allows the network to approach the true value without degradation during the training process, and the segmentation accuracy of the training model is also increased.
Assessment of Atrial Fibrillation Substrate: Correlation between Left Atrial Function and Myocardial Fibrosis by Non-Invasive Imaging
Authors: Paz Dulman O. Pineda-De , Montserrat Sílvia , Tirapu Laia , Cascos Enric , Caixal Gala , Olivas Dahyr , Alarcón Francisco , Garre Paz , Borràs Roger , Prat-González Susana , Perea Rosario J. , Tolosana José M. , Roca Ivo , Guasch Eduard , Mont Lluis , Sitges Marta
Published: May 2023

Purpose The atrial fibrillation (AF) substrate can be characterized by left atrium (LA) fibrosis assessed by delayed-enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), potentially guiding therapeutic strategies and predicting outcomes in patients with AF undergoing the catheter ablation (CA) procedure. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) can assess LA function and has been shown to be predictive of CA success. This study evaluated the correlation between LA function by 2D-STE and LA fibrosis by delayed-enhancement CMR in patients with paroxysmal AF before the CA procedure.Methods This was a single-centre, prospective study of patients undergoing the CA procedure due to symptomatic drug-refractory paroxysmal AF. LA function was assessed by 2D-STE. Strain (S) and strain rate (SR) curves were obtained for the assessment of reservoir (LASs, LASRs), conduit (LASe, LASRe) and booster pump (LASa, LASRa) phases. Quantification of LA fibrosis was obtained using delayed-enhancement CMR according to the Utah classification. LA fibrosis was defined as Utah stage > 1 (≥ 10%).Results Eighty-six patients were studied. LASa and LASRa were abnormally low in all Utah fibrosis stages. LASs, LASe, LASRs and LASRe significantly decreased as the burden of fibrosis increased. LASRe proved to be an independent predictor of LA fibrosis by delayed-enhancement CMR with a cut-off point of -1.6 s-1, AUC of 0.72, sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 75% with PPV 0.52 and NPV 0.89.Conclusions LASRe was the strongest independent predictor of LA fibrosis by delayed-enhancement CMR. Further investigations are needed to assess to long-term the ablation success / freedom from arrhythmia after catheter ablation, which should be correlated with the potential of LASRe to predict LA fibrosis.
Cellulose based electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds as a novel transdermal patch; Survey on their thermophysical and biological proficiencies
Authors: Tashakkorian Hamed , Kazemi Sohrab , Abedian Zeinab , moghadamnia Ali Akbar
Published: May 2023

Cellulose derivatives due to their biocompatibility, bioactivity and biomechanics are among the most used resources for biomedical applications. In this study mats using different amounts of cellulose acetate (CA)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/ polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) of blended nanofibers were prepared via co-electrospinning technique by employing double nozzle for jetting solutions of CA/PVP and PVA, separately. The chemical structure, morphology, thermal stability and tensile analyses of the prepared nanofibrous samples were fully characterized. Moreover, MTT assay and cell culture studies using human skin fibroblast cell lines were also carried out to determine the cytocompatibility, viability and proliferation of the cells on the surface of the prepared scaffolds. To survey on the release kinetics,ex-vivoskin permeation studies were performed on the mat with the most suitable ratio, using Franz cell diffusion system. According to the obtained thermophysical and biological results, the synthesized electrospun nanofibrous mat unveil great potentials in biomedical applications especially in cell culture, tissue engineering and also as a drug loaded transdermal patch.
Detailed Probabilistic seismic hazard analysis of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Authors: Poudyal Dibyashree , Nordin Norhaiza , Gupta Kunal , Satyam Neelima , Roslan Siti Nur Aliaa , Dahal Bhim kumar
Published: May 2023

The Kathmandu Valley, situated in a region with high seismic activity, has experienced numerous earthquakes in the past. The Gorkha earthquake in Nepal has increased the probability of significant earthquakes happening in the future along this orogenic belt, including the Valley. In this study, an effort has been made to conduct a detailed probabilistic seismic hazard analysis of the Kathmandu Valley by considering earthquakes between 1900 and 2023. A complete catalog of the quake was compiled, encompassing entire seismic events within a 300 Kilometers range. The earthquake catalog was employed to homogenize the magnitude into moment magnitude (Mw) scale using global relationships, and Gardner and Knopoff's algorithm for declustering was used to filter dependent events. Catalog completeness was evaluated using Stepp's technique, and recurrence parameters were calculated using Gutenberg-Richter's law, which is necessary for probabilistic seismic hazard analysis. This study uses a seismic hazard analysis tool R-CRISIS. Global attenuation models within a logic tree were employed to evaluate interface events in Nepal. The findings were presented through maps depicting an Arias intensity, peak ground acceleration, and peak ground velocity for 50-year periods with 2% and 10% risk of exceedance. This study of ground motion will assist in future seismological analysis before developing future infrastructures.
ALOX5 and ALOX5AP as an mRNA metric predicts unfavorable prognosis in lower-grade glioma
Authors: Zhang Ping , Han Yujing , Zhang Yu
Published: May 2023

The role of leukotrienes in glioma remains less understood. In this study, we explore the prognostic implication of leukotriene biosynthesis-related genes ALOX5 and ALOX5AP in lower-grade glioma (LGG) associated molecular underpinnings. The average expression of ALOX5 and ALOX5AP is defined as the ALOX score, which was positively associated with the malignant phenotype of LGG. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression analysis disclose that an increased expression of the ALOX score predicts an unfavorable outcome, and acts as an independent risk factor. Besides, a tumor microenvironment characterized by a high ALOX score contains more innate immune cells and an active inflammatory response than the ALOX score low group. At single-cell resolution, ALOX5 and ALOX5AP were predominantly expressed by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). The ALOX score gives a good performance in predicting immunosuppressive cell gene signature especially myeloid-derived suppressor cells and T-cell dysfunction. Together, these results provide preliminary evidence of the role of leukotriene biosynthesis genes in the glioma microenvironment and may offer a novel therapeutic target for LGG.
A Hybrid Text Recognition Approach based on Involution Operators and Graph Convolution Neural Networks
Authors: Tong Guoxiang , Li Yang , Dong Ming , Peng Dunlu
Published: May 2023

Scene text recognition as a subsequent task of text detection is to convert the detected text regions into computer readable and editable characters, words or text lines. To improve the recognition of long text, a text recognition method based on the involution operator and graph convolutional network (GCN) is proposed. The method builds a new feature sequence extraction network based on the involution operator, which can extract text features within a larger sense field and generate feature sequences. Furthermore, the addition of gate recurrent unit (GRU) and GCN can help the model to remember useful text features while forgetting useless visual information, and enhance the contextual semantic information of feature sequences from multiple perspectives. Comparative experiments on ICDAR (International Conference on Document Analysis and Recognition) 2013, ICDAR 2015 and SVT (Street View Text) datasets show that the method can effectively recognize multi-scale ambiguous and adherent text. The F-score reaches 94.2%, 89.7%, and 93.8% without lexicon supervision, respectively.
Prognostic biomarkers for bladder cancer based on differentially expressed exosome-related genes
Authors: Shen Chong , Han Jingwen , Zhou Xiaoliang , Zhang Yu , Chen Changsheng , Fan Zhenqian , Hu Hailong
Published: May 2023

Background In cancer, exosomes play an important role in cell-to-cell communication, cancer metastasis,neovascularization, and drug resistance. Due to the lack of mechanistic studies regarding exosomes in bladder cancer (BCa), the goal of this study was to identify the significance of exosome-related genes in BCa.Methods Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. DEGs closely associated with BCa patient survival were identified using Cox regression, least absolute shrinkage, and selection operator analyses. A prognostic model about exosomes was then developed and validated. To predict survival, a nomogram was developed.Results A prediction model was constructed using seventeen of the six hundred and fifty-six DEGs related to exosomes. A low-risk and high-risk group was then established for patients with BCa. Patients at high-risk group had a significantly worse prognosis than those at low-risk group. Further analysis showed a lower risk score was associated with higher expression of immune cell infiltration, including T cells regulatory (Tregs) and Mast cells activated, and immune checkpoint genes, including LGALS9 and TNFRSF14.Conclusions Using exosome-related genes, this study identified a novel biomarker that may be used to predict the outcome of BCa in the future.
Do the state of governance, military expenditure, institutional quality and economic growth have temporal causal links?
Authors: Pradhan Rudra P , Arvin Mak B , Nair Mahendhiran , Dabir-Alai Parviz
Published: May 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
2020-2021 Field Seasons of Maize G x E Project within Maize Genomes to Fields Initiative
Authors: Lima Dayane Cristina , Aviles Alejandro Castro , Alpers Ryan Timothy , Perkins Alden , Schoemaker Dylan L. , Costa Martin , Kaeppler Shawn , Ertl David , Romay Maria Cinta , Gage Joseph L. , Holland James , Beissinger Timothy , Bohn Martin , Buckler Edward , Edwards Jode , Flint-Garcia Sherry , Gore Michael A. , Hirsch Candice N. , Knoll Joseph E. , McKay John , Minyo Richard , Murray Seth C. , Schnable James , Sekhon Rajandeep S. , Singh Maninder P. , Sparks Erin E. , Thomison Peter , Thompson Addie , Tuinstra Mitchell , Wallace Jason , Washburn Jacob , Weldekidan Teclemariam , Xu Wenwei , de Leon Natalia
Published: May 2023

Objectives:
This release note describes the Maize G x E project datasets within the Genomes to Fields (G2F) Initiative. The Maize G x E project aims to understand genotype by environment (G × E) interactions and use the information collected to improve resource allocation efficiency and increase genotype predictability and stability, particularly in scenarios of variable environmental patterns. Hybrids and inbreds are evaluated across multiple environments and phenotypic, genotypic, environmental, and metadata information are made publicly available.
Data description:
The datasets include phenotypic data of the hybrids and inbreds evaluated in 30 locations across the US and one location in Germany in 2020 and 2021, soil and climatic measurements and metadata information for all environments (combination of year and location), ReadMe, and description files for each data type. A set of common hybrids is present in each environment to connect with previous evaluations. Each environment had a collaborator responsible for collecting and submitting the data, the G x E coordination team combined all the collected information and removed obvious erroneous data. Collaborators received the combined data to use, verify and declare that the data generated in their own environments was accurate. Combined data is released to the public with minimal filtering to maintain fidelity to the original data.
Seismic performance evaluation of a tall building with dual lateral system consisting of moment frames and Tuned Mass Dampers
Authors: Matinrad Pezhman , Banazadeh Mehdi , Taslimi Arsam
Published: May 2023

This study is devoted to evaluate the seismic performance of a 30-story steel special moment frame equipped with Tuned Mass Dampers (TMDs) using six different strategies, including conventional TMD, multi TMD and high-mass-ratio TMDs. The primary steel moment frame was designed according to the latest code provisions such that only the strength of the elements was satisfied, as the drift limits were going to be controlled using the TMDs. The building models were subjected to a set of 11 far-field ground motions scaled to the DBE level. The seismic responses of the models, including the maximum inter-story drifts, the maximum story displacements, the maximum story accelerations and the maximum base shears were compared to clarify the efficacy of each TMD retrofitting method. The results indicated that structural responses were decreased as the mass ratio of TMDs was increased. The effect of high-mass ratio TMDs to reduce the lateral drifts was more than the conventional TMDs, whereas controlling the displacements at the level of isolation could be challenging. Moreover, multi TMDs seemed to be an efficient solution to combat the detrimental seismic effects compared to the rest of the TMD types used in this study.
Topological types of convergence for nets of multifunctions
Authors: Przemski Marian
Published: May 2023

This article proposes a unified concept of topological types of convergence for nets of multifunctions from one topological space (X, τ) to another (Y, σ). Any kind of convergence is representable by a (2n+2)-tuple, n = 0, 1,..., of functions u and l, such that the compositions u∘l and l∘u mean Choquet's supremum and infimum operations, respectively, on filters considered in terms of the upper Vietoris topology on the hyperspace of (Y, σ). Convergence operators are obtained by composing functions from such (2n+2)-tuples. An allocation of places for the two distinguished functions in a convergence operator reflects the structure of the arguments of the used composition. The structure expresses a relationship between the directed set (Σ, ⪯) of the studied nets and the topological space (X, τ). The set of all possible structures is an infinite monoid of the special three-parameter functions F(p,q) ◦ τn : X → P2n+2(Σ × X), where p ≤ q ≤ 2n. The set of all convergence operators forms a finite monoid whose neutral element determines the pointwise convergence and possesses the structure given by the neutral element of the monoid of structures. We demonstrate the construction process of every convergence operator and show that the notions of the presented concept can characterize many well-known classical types of convergence. Of particular importance are the types of convergence derived from the concept of continuous convergence introduced by O. Frink in 1942. We establish some general theorems about the necessary and sufficient conditions for the continuity of limit multifunctions without any assumptions about the type of continuity of the members of the nets.
My wife will be attractive to other men: views of Ugandan men on LARCs
Authors:   1.	Ronald Arineitwe Kibonire#*, Ditaba* David Mphuthi
Published: May 2023

Many women Complications during pregnancy, labour, and the postpartum period are the leading causes of death worldwide. Contraceptives, particularly long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), are the most important and effective interventions for reducing maternal mortality. LARCs assist the mother in delaying pregnancy and permit extended intervals between births. However, the utilization of LARCs remains low globally and in Uganda due to inadequate male partner support. The aim of this study was to ascertain the perceptions of rural indigenous Ugandan men regarding the use of LARCs by rural women. Using purposeful sampling, 65 married men aged 20 to 49 were selected for focus group interviews, and 30 were selected for individual interviews. The research was conducted in the Ugandan districts of Rubanda and Kiboga. For individual and focus group interviews, the researcher used semi-structured questions. Data analysis was performed by transcribing the interviews, arranging the field notes, organising, and preserving the data, listening to recordings, perusing field notes and interviews, and then coding and categorizing the data to identify the phenomenon's emergent themes. The study found that rural indigenous Ugandan men had perceptions regarding their rural women's use of LARCs, and these perceptions acted as barriers to use. These included adverse effects, fears, and desires. The study suggests strengthening social and behavioural change in communication, service delivery for LARCs, monitoring and evaluation systems for LARCs. In addition, policymakers should foster a conducive environment to the provision of LARC services, and the Ministry of Education and Sports should prepare pre-service and in-service healthcare professionals to provide LARC services through health training Institutions and Universities.
Efecto del magnesio y silicio en la producción de maíz amarillo duro, en La Molina, Lima - Perú
Authors: De Jesus Lucero Rafael Victor Antonio , Rafael Hidalgo Bertha Luz , Orbegoso Rivera Vicky
Published: May 2023

El maíz amarillo duro (Zea mays L.) es un cultivo de gran importancia a nivel mundial debido a que es el insumo clave en la fabricación balanceada de alimentos para animales. El presente trabajo consistió en evaluar el efecto de la fertilización complementaria con diferentes fuentes de magnesio y silicio en las características biométricas, las variables relacionadas al rendimiento y rendimiento de grano del híbrido DK-7088, bajo condiciones de La Molina. El ensayo se realizó en el Campo Agrícola Experimental de la Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, durante los meses de Junio a Diciembre del 2021. En las características biométricas de la planta, el tratamiento con mayor altura de planta, altura de inserción de mazorca y diámetro de tallo fue el T3 (N – P - K + Magnekling nacional), con 228.20 cm, 135.35 cm y 28.73 mm, respectivamente; asimismo el T4 (N – P - K + Magnesoil + Sulfato de magnesio) presentó 14 hojas activas/planta, fue el mayor numéricamente. En los parámetros relacionadas al rendimiento de mazorca, el tratamiento con mayor diámetro de mazorca, número de granos/hilera, peso de mazorca y peso de granos/mazorca fue el T4 (N – P - K + Magnesoil + Sulfato de magnesio), con 4.85 cm, 34.90, 201.90 g y 173.21 g, respectivamente; mientras que, para el número de mazorcas/planta, número de hileras/mazorca y peso de 100 granos, el tratamiento con mayor resultado fue T3 (N – P - K + Magnekling nacional) con 2.35, 16.35 y 37.90 g, respectivamente; y el T2 (N – P - K + Magnekling importado) presentó mayores resultados en longitud de mazorca y porcentaje de desgrane, con 16.99 cm y 85.86%, respectivamente. Para el caso de rendimiento de grano, los tratamientos que tuvieron mejores resultados fueron T3 (N - P - K + Magnekling nacional), T4 (N - P - K + Magnesoil + Sulfato de magnesio) y T2 (N - P - K + Magnekling importado) que alcanzaron las medias de 12,310.82 kg/ha, 12,238.38 kg/ha y 11,625.18 kg/ha, respectivamente.