bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A Nomogram Based on Clinical and Ultrasound Features to Improve the Prediction of Lymph Node Metastases in the Central Compartment
Authors: Ye Jing , Feng Jia-Wei , Wu Wan-Xiao , Hu Jun , Hong Li-Zhao , Qin An-Cheng , Shi Wei-Hai , Jiang Yong
Published: January 2023

Background

Accurate preoperative identification of central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) is essential for surgical protocol establishment for patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). We aimed to develop a clinical and ultrasound characteristics-based nomogram for predicting CLNM.

Methods

Our study included 399 patients who were pathologically diagnosed with PTMC between January 2011 and June 2018. Clinical and ultrasound features were collected for univariate and multivariate analyses to determine risk factors of CLNM. A nomogram comprising the prognostic model to predict the CLNM was established, and internal validation in the cohort was performed. The Cox regression model was used to determine the risk factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and cumulative hazard was calculated to predict prognosis.

Results

Three variables of clinical and US features as potential predictors including sex (odd ratio [OR] = 1.888, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.160-3.075; P =0.011), tumor size (OR = 1.933, 95% CI, 1.250-2.990; P =0.003) and ETE (OR = 6.829, 95% CI, 3.250-14.350; P <0.001) were taken into account. The predictive nomogram was established by involving all the factors above used for preoperative prediction of CLNM in patients with PTMC. The nomogram showed excellent calibration in predicting CLNM, with area under curves (AUC) of 0.684 (95% CI, 0.635 to 0.774). Furthermore, tumor size, multifocality, presence of ETE, vascular invasion, and CLNM were the significant factors related to the RFS.

Conclusion

Through this easy-to-use nomogram by combining clinical and US risk factor, the possibility of CLNM can be objectively quantified preoperatively. This prediction model may serve as a useful clinical tool to help clinicians determine an individual’s risk of CLNM in PTMC, thus make individualized treatment plans accordingly.
Thyroid nodules: Global, economic, and personal burdens
Authors: Uppal Nishant , Collins Reagan , James Benjamin
Published: January 2023

Thyroid nodules have garnered attention due to changes in population surveillance systems and rising concerns about the associated financial burden on healthcare systems, payers, and patients. In this review, we find that prevalence rates vary widely based on method of detection and may particularly pronounced in asymptomatic patients undergoing routine screening. Incidence rates may be particularly rising in lower-income and middle-income countries and may be declining in higher-income countries. Despite high incidence rates, survival rates continue to be as high as 97% for papillary thyroid cancer. Over the last few decades, thyroid nodule workup and management has grown more sophisticated with the advent of fine-needle aspiration biopsy, specialized biomarkers, and molecular testing. However, gaps remain in risk stratification that can lead to substantial costs of care. Certain molecular tests, such as the Afirma Gene Sequencing Classifier can lead to a cost per diagnosis of $17,873 while achieving only mild decreases in diagnostic lobectomies for patients (11.6% to 9.7% in one study). Out-of-pocket costs associated with thyroid nodule management continue to drive significant financial toxicity for patients, especially for individuals with thyroid cancer. Financial toxicity has been defined as a term that describes how direct and indirect medical costs of cancer care strain patients and households via decreased income, assets, and spending on basic necessities. Recent studies suggest that such toxicity can lead to adverse financial outcomes, such as foreclosure and bankruptcy. Additional cost-effectiveness analyses are needed to improve existing thyroid nodule management systems and new clinical tools are needed to avoid unnecessary workup and management.
Research on multi-energy cooperative participation of grid frequency inertia response control strategy for energy storage type doubly-fed wind turbine considering wind speed disturbance
Authors: Sun Dongyang , Zhao Fanqi , Guo Yifen , Meng Fanyi , Zheng Wenyuan , Yu Jixuan
Published: January 2023

With the proposal of carbon peaking and carbon neutralization, the penetration rate of wind power generation continues to increase. This paper focuses on the problem that doubly fed induction wind turbines are vulnerable to input “source” disturbances and have weak frequency modulation ability, which reduces the stability of the power grid. Based on the structural model of energy storage system embedded in doubly fed wind power generation system, it is compared the ability of super capacitor energy storage and releasing rotor kinetic energy to provide inertia response power and energy, and the feasibility of multi-energy coordinated inertia response is analyzed. Based on the inertia time constant of conventional synchronous generator set, the inertia time constant and actual inertia constant of energy storage doubly fed wind power generation system under variable wind speed are defined. An extended state observer is used to estimate the change of captured mechanical power caused by the change of wind speed, and a control strategy for doubly fed induction generator with super capacitor to participate in power grid frequency regulation is designed. Finally, considering the aggregation of wind power and the difference of the state of charge during the operation of distributed energy storage, the 3*3*3 wind farm model is established using Matlab/Simulink simulation software. The feasibility and advantages of the frequency modulation control strategy proposed in this paper are verified by building a power grid frequency modulation simulation involving wind farms and traditional generators.
Equivalent of distribution network with distributed photovoltaics for electromechanical transient study based on user-defined modeling
Authors: Jiang Zhe , Zhao Kang , He Zhenghua , Zhang Zhixuan , Zhou Ning
Published: January 2023

As more and more distributed photovoltaics (PVs) are installed in distribution networks, the dynamic characteristics of PVs affect the operation of the bulk power system. Accurate simulation of PV characteristics is essential for the needs of power system transient security and stability analysis. However, because of the large number of distributed PVs, detailed modeling of each PV significantly increases the electromechanical transient simulation time. The equivalent study of distribution networks with distributed PVs is needed to improve simulation efficiency. However, existing equivalent methods of PVs mainly focus on centralized PVs but are unsuitable for distributed PVs with significantly different dynamic characteristics. To improve simulation efficiency, this paper proposes an equivalent method of the distribution network with distributed PVs for electromechanical transient study based on user-defined (UD) modeling. Firstly, the equivalent structure of the distribution network is established. The static equivalent of the transmission lines and the dynamic equivalent model of loads are carried out. Then, a UD model based on PSASP is established for the dynamic equivalent of the distributed PVs. Compared with the current PV models in simulation software, the UD model has multiple sets of parameters for the equivalent of distributed PVs with different dynamic characteristics. Finally, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to obtain the parameters of the equivalent PV. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified under an example of a distribution network with PVs in PSASP.
Engineered column treatment of greywater using raw and pyrolyzed coconut husk powder
Authors: Taylor Theodora Sophia , Appiah-Effah Eugene , Akodwaa-Boadi Kofi , Obeng Ernest , Ofei-Quartey Muriel Naa Lamiokor
Published: January 2023

Reclaimed water from wastewater has become a prominent water source option to manage water scarcity. This study explores the potential of coconut husk biomass, a common waste material in Ghana, as a valuable low-cost resource for greywater treatment. Engineered column treatment was applied to investigate the influence of pyrolysis and biochar properties of coconut husk biomass waste on greywater treatment. Coconut husk biomass waste was pyrolyzed at 600°C and characterized using SEM, FTIR, and XRD. Three engineered columns with 1) raw coconut husk powder (RCHP), 2) charred coconut husk powder (CCHP), and 3) sand-gravel filters (control setup) were used. A hydrostatic head of greywater with a throughput of 8.0 ml/min and a hydraulic retention time of 45 min was maintained for engineered columns. The SEM image suggested an increased surface area and pores due to the pyrolysis of the husk biomass. RCHP and CCHP contributed to 63% and 95% turbidity removal, respectively. Experimental results showed high removal efficiencies of 71% COD for CCHP. The nitrate removal efficiency of 78.93%, 88.38%, and 28.65% was observed for RCHP, CCHP, and control respectively. The log removal of faecal coliform by CCHP was two orders of magnitude higher than RCHP. Faecal and total coliform removal was 2.87 log units for CCHP. Significant differences were observed between CCHP and RCHP, p < 0.05 for electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids of effluents. CCHP showed a promising potential for greywater treatment. Pyrolyzed coconut husk powder is a promising adsorbent applicable to greywater treatment.
Contribution of different types of terrestrial protected areas to carbon sequestration services in China: 1980–2020
Authors: Tian Jing , Feng Chunting , Fu Gang , Fan Luqiong , Wang Wei
Published: January 2023

Exploring the contribution of protected areas to carbon sequestration services is meaningful to enhance the role of protected areas in climate change mitigation globally. However, less attention has been paid to the contribution of different types of protected areas to carbon sequestration services as well as their changes, which is not conducive to provide more effective solutions in the context of future climate change. Here, we identified the status and changes of carbon sequestration in different types of terrestrial protected areas in China and calculated the amount of carbon sequestration in different ecosystems in terrestrial protected areas and in different climatic zones. Our results indicated that carbon sequestration of China’s terrestrial protected areas had shown a significant increasing trend over the past 40 years (1980–2020) (R2 = 0.862, p < 0.05). Among the different types of terrestrial protected areas in China, nature reserves had the greatest carbon sequestration, accounting for 64–66% of the carbon sequestration in China’s terrestrial protected areas from 1980 to 2020. Although the carbon sequestration per unit area of forest parks was the highest among all types of protected areas, the proportion of carbon sequestration of forest parks tended to decrease significantly over the past 40 years. Carbon sequestration of protected areas in the humid zone had been mainly contributed by forest ecosystems, while grassland and desert ecosystems in terrestrial protected areas in regions with low rainfall (e.g., semi-arid and arid) had made more contribution to carbon sequestration services. Our study showed that China’s terrestrial protected areas had played an important role in carbon sequestration over the past 40 years, but there are still some gaps compared to the global level, and the planning and establishment of protected areas need to be further strengthened in the future.
Pharmacogenomics and health disparities, are we helping?
Authors: Shaaban Sherin , Ji Yuan
Published: January 2023

Pharmacogenomics has been at the forefront of precision medicine during the last few decades. Precision medicine carries the potential of improving health outcomes at both the individual as well as population levels. To harness the benefits of its initiatives, careful dissection of existing health disparities as they relate to precision medicine is of paramount importance. Attempting to address the existing disparities at the early stages of design and implementation of these efforts is the only guarantee of a successful just outcome. In this review, we glance at a few determinants of existing health disparities as they intersect with pharmacogenomics research and implementation. In our opinion, highlighting these disparities is imperative for the purpose of researching meaningful solutions. Failing to identify, and hence address, these disparities in the context of the current and future precision medicine initiatives would leave an already strained health system, even more inundated with inequality.
Exploring the Italian equine gene pool via high-throughput genotyping
Authors: Capomaccio Stefano , Ablondi Michela , Colombi Daniele , Sartori Cristina , Giontella Andrea , Cappelli Katia , Mancin Enrico , Asti Vittoria , Mantovani Roberto , Sabbioni Alberto , Silvestrelli Maurizio
Published: January 2023

Introduction: The Italian peninsula is in the center of the Mediterranean area, and historically it has been a hub for numerous human populations, cultures, and also animal species that enriched the hosted biodiversity. Horses are no exception to this phenomenon, with the peculiarity that the gene pool has been impacted by warfare and subsequent “colonization”. In this study, using a comprehensive dataset for almost the entire Italian equine population, in addition to the most influential cosmopolitan breeds, we describe the current status of the modern Italian gene pool.

Materials and Methods: The Italian dataset comprised 1,308 individuals and 22 breeds genotyped at a 70 k density that was merged with publicly available data to facilitate comparison with the global equine diversity. After quality control and supervised subsampling to ensure consistency among breeds, the merged dataset with the global equine diversity contained data for 1,333 individuals from 54 populations. Multidimensional scaling, admixture, gene flow, and effective population size were analyzed.

Results and Discussion: The results show that some of the native Italian breeds preserve distinct gene pools, potentially because of adaptation to the different geographical contexts of the peninsula. Nevertheless, the comparison with international breeds highlights the presence of strong gene flow from renowned breeds into several Italian breeds, probably due to historical introgression. Coldblood breeds with stronger genetic identity were indeed well differentiated from warmblood breeds, which are highly admixed. Other breeds showed further peculiarities due to their breeding history. Finally, we observed some breeds that exist more on cultural, traditional, and geographical point of view than due to actual genetic distinctiveness.
Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with increased age in sub-Saharan Africa: Results from a cross-sectional comparative analysis
Authors: Feutseu Charly , Kowo Mathurin Pierre , Boli Anne Ongmeb , Katte Jean Claude , Guewo-Fokeng Magellan , Zemsi Sylvain , Dehayem Mesmin Yefou , Choukem Simeon Pierre , Sobngwi Eugene
Published: January 2023

Background

Several epidemiological studies have established the association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the determinants and reasons for the high prevalence of HCV infection in people with T2DM are not well understood especially in sub-Saharan African populations. In this study, we aimed to assess determinants of the association between HCV infection and T2DM.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study amongst 442 T2DM patients recruited from an out-patient adult diabetes clinic in a tertiary hospital and 442 non-diabetic controls recruited from the general population. Serological testing for HCV antibody was performed using standard ELISA technique. Anti-HCV antibody prevalence was reported by age group in participants with diabetes and the non-diabetic controls. Logistic regression was used to examine for factors associated with the HCV infection in patients with diabetes.

Results

We reported an overall HCV prevalence of 11.5% [95% CI: 9.4-13.6] irrespective of diabetes status in this study. The seroprevalence of HCV infection in diabetics patients was 17.6% [95% CI: 14.0-21.2] compared to 5.5% [95% CI: 3.4-7.6] in non-diabetics (p< 0.001). We did not find a significant HCV seropositivity difference in diabetic patients with common risk factors of HCV infection. When investigating the HCV seroprevalence by age group in diabetic and non-diabetic patients, no case of HCV infection was found in patients less than 30 years old while the highest HCV seropositivity was reported in patients older than 60 years (36.7% T2DM and 11.1% for non-diabetics) followed by the patients belonging to 50-59 years age group (16% in T2DM and 5.8% in non-diabetics) and those in 40-49 years age group (4.4% in diabetic, 0.8% in non-diabetic). To support this finding, in a multivariate logistic regression, only diabetic patients belonging to age group > 65 years had a significant risk (OR: 16.7 [95% CI: 1.7-160.0]) to acquire HCV infection.

Conclusion

The seroprevalence of HCV infection is higher among T2DM adult patients than in non-diabetic patients, and is associated with increased age. This age-dependent association may suggest a generational exposure that may no longer exist overtime.
ZIKV: Epidemiology, infection mechanism and current therapeutics
Authors: Dahiya Nisha , Yadav Mahima , Singh Hitesh , Jakhar Renu , Sehrawat Neelam
Published: January 2023

The Zika virus (ZIKV) is a vector-borne flavivirus that has been detected in 87 countries worldwide. Outbreaks of ZIKV infection have been reported from various places around the world and the disease has been declared a public health emergency of international concern. ZIKV has two modes of transmission: vector and non-vector. The ability of ZIKV to vertically transmit in its competent vectors, such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, helps it to cope with adverse conditions, and this could be the reason for the major outbreaks that occur from time to time. ZIKV outbreaks are a global threat and, therefore, there is a need for safe and effective drugs and vaccines to fight the virus. In more than 80% of cases, ZIKV infection is asymptomatic and leads to complications, such as microcephaly in newborns and Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) in adults. Drugs such as sofosbuvir, chloroquine, and suramin have been found to be effective against ZIKV infections, but further evaluation of their safety in pregnant women is needed. Although temoporfin can be given to pregnant women, it needs to be tested further for side effects. Many vaccine types based on protein, vector, DNA, and mRNA have been formulated. Some vaccines, such as mRNA-1325 and VRC-ZKADNA090-00-VP, have reached Phase II clinical trials. Some new techniques should be used for formulating and testing the efficacy of vaccines. Although there have been no recent outbreaks of ZIKV infection, several studies have shown continuous circulation of ZIKV in mosquito vectors, and there is a risk of re-emergence of ZIKV in the near future. Therefore, vaccines and drugs for ZIKV should be tested further, and safe and effective therapeutic techniques should be licensed for use during outbreaks.
Trends and variability in local abundances of sailfish Istiophorus platypterus in Pacific waters of Costa Rica: Controls and effects on recreational fisheries
Authors: Marrari Marina , Chaves-Campos Johel , Mug Villanueva Moisés , Martínez-Fernández Damián , Marín Sandoval Henry , Staley Meier Todd
Published: January 2023

Fishing tourism represents a vital industry in Costa Rica, generating over US$520 million and attracting 150,000 tourists every year. The main objective of this study is to examine trends and variability in local abundances of sailfish Istiophorus platypterus, the main sportfish in Pacific waters of Costa Rica, and quantify the influence of environmental and anthropogenic factors. We compiled and analyzed sailfish information collected from sportfishing operations. Sailfish abundances were examined in relation to environmental conditions and commercial fishing. Timeseries analyses showed significant declining trends in local abundances of sailfish in the southern and central Pacific of Costa Rica over the last decade. Bycatch records from the commercial purse seine fleet operating in Costa Rican waters also show a declining trend in sailfish numbers. On the other hand, commercial landings from the national longline fleet show a significant increase of 108%, on average, over the past decade. Different numerical models indicated that fishing pressure from the national fleet and also sea surface temperature with different time lags affect local abundances of sailfish. While other countries in Central and North America protect sailfish and other species of tourist interest, Costa Rica still allows the landing and sales of billfishes as seafood. The results presented in this study highlight the need to allow for the recovery of local abundances of sailfish and promote the development of the coastal communities that depend on marine tourism as their main source of income.
Development and application of a 6000-meter double decelerating lander
Authors: Guo Lei , Yang Xiuqing , Xue Gang , Wang Cheng , Fei Zihang , Zhang Shaotong , Liu Yanjun , Lu Kai , Yang Yuan
Published: January 2023

The deep-sea lander is an important equipment for in-situ detection and monitoring. It is of great significance to understand the benthic boundary layer’s physical, chemical, and ecological environment. A 6000-meter double decelerating lander was created to meet the deployment requirements of underwater detection and monitoring, allowing for long-term in-situ monitoring of several benthic boundary layer components. Protection of the installed ocean bottom seismometer (OBS) is required due to the lander’s and OBS’s different impact resistances. The double decelerating unit enables the OBS to avoid colliding with the seabed when the lander lands and then collides with the seabed at a slow speed rather than the speed at which the lander falls, which is intended to safeguard OBS from damage. To ensure a safe deployment, the lander’s static analysis and simulation were performed using ANSYS, and the motion characteristics of the application process were derived. Numerous data have been obtained after the lander’s successful application in the South China Sea. The lander provides an investigation approach for marine science and geochemistry, complementing a technical approach to marine environmental investigations.
Mixed convective eyring-powell ferro magnetic nanofluid flow suspension towards a stretching surface with buoyancy effects through numerical analysis
Authors: Duraihem Faisal Z. , Sher Akbar Noreen , Saleem Salman
Published: January 2023

This article examines the impact of buoyancy on the magnetic Eyring-Powell nanofluid flow toward a stretching surface. Coupled similarity equations are created from the governing flow equations. For the particular instance of pure fluid flow, the numerically computed self-similar results are matched with the available literature and found to be in acceptable harmony. The shooting approach was used to arrive at numerical computations to the constitutive ordinary differential equations. The impacts of different fluid flow parameters, nano concentration parameters and heat transfer, are shown graphically for both aiding and opposing flows. It has been discovered that for both aiding and opposing problems, the skin friction is less affected by the buoyant force brought on by temperature differences. Under buoyancy, the rate of heat transfer increments for aiding flow problem while it declines for opposing flow.
Autophagy-dependent ferroptosis in kidney disease
Authors: Yang Yuanting , Cheng Jiayi , Lin Qisheng , Ni Zhaohui
Published: January 2023

Ferroptosis is a new type of cell death caused by the lack of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and the imbalance of cellular redox. It is characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides on cell membranes. Multiple regulatory pathways of ferroptosis include the GPX4, glutamate-cystine antiporter (System Xc–), lipid metabolism, and iron metabolism pathways. Recent studies have reported that autophagy-dependent ferroptosis (ferroptosis meditated by ferritinophagy, lipophagy, and clockophagy) plays a significant role in the occurrence of several diseases, including diseases affecting the nerves, liver, lungs, and kidneys. This review provides an overview of research progress made on autophagy-dependent ferroptosis in kidney diseases.
A two-stage framework for optical coherence tomography angiography image quality improvement
Authors: Cao Juan , Xu Zihao , Xu Mengjia , Ma Yuhui , Zhao Yitian
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) is a new non-invasive imaging modality that gains increasing popularity for the observation of the microvasculatures in the retina and the conjunctiva, assisting clinical diagnosis and treatment planning. However, poor imaging quality, such as stripe artifacts and low contrast, is common in the acquired OCTA and in particular Anterior Segment OCTA (AS-OCTA) due to eye microtremor and poor illumination conditions. These issues lead to incomplete vasculature maps that in turn makes it hard to make accurate interpretation and subsequent diagnosis.

Methods

In this work, we propose a two-stage framework that comprises a de-striping stage and a re-enhancing stage, with aims to remove stripe noise and to enhance blood vessel structure from the background. We introduce a new de-striping objective function in a Stripe Removal Net (SR-Net) to suppress the stripe noise in the original image. The vasculatures in acquired AS-OCTA images usually exhibit poor contrast, so we use a Perceptual Structure Generative Adversarial Network (PS-GAN) to enhance the de-striped AS-OCTA image in the re-enhancing stage, which combined cyclic perceptual loss with structure loss to achieve further image quality improvement.

Results and discussion

To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, we apply the proposed framework to two synthetic OCTA datasets and a real AS-OCTA dataset. Our results show that the proposed framework yields a promising enhancement performance, which enables both conventional and deep learning-based vessel segmentation methods to produce improved results after enhancement of both retina and AS-OCTA modalities.
In silico prediction of molecular mechanisms of toxicity mediated by the leptospiral PF07598 gene family-encoded virulence-modifying proteins
Authors: Chaurasia Reetika , Vinetz Joseph M.
Published: January 2023

Mechanisms of leptospirosis pathogenesis remain unclear despite the identification of a number of potential leptospiral virulence factors. We recently demonstrated potential mechanisms by which the virulence-modifying (VM) proteins—defined as containing a Domain of Unknown function (DUF1561), encoded by the PF07598 gene family—found only in group 1 pathogenic Leptospira—might mediate the clinical pathogenesis of leptospirosis. VM proteins belongs to classical AB toxin paradigm though have a unique AB domain architecture, unlike other AB toxins such as diphtheria toxin, pertussis toxin, shiga toxin, or ricin toxin which are typically encoded by two or more genes and self-assembled into a multi-domain holotoxin. Leptospiral VM proteins are secreted R-type lectin domain-containing exotoxins with discrete N-terminal ricin B-like domains involved in host cell surface binding, and a C-terminal DNase/toxin domain. Here we use the artificial intelligence-based AlphaFold algorithm and other computational tools to predict and elaborate on details of the VM protein structure-function relationship. Comparative AlphaFold and CD-spectroscopy defined the consistent secondary structure (Helix and ß-sheet) content, and the stability of the functional domains were further supported by molecular dynamics simulation. VM proteins comprises distinctive lectic family (QxW)3 motifs, the Mycoplasma CARDS toxin (D3 domain, aromatic patches), C-terminal similarity with mammalian DNase I. In-silico study proposed that Gln412, Gln523, His533, Thr59 are the high binding energy or ligand binding residues plausibly anticipates in the functional activities. Divalent cation (Mg+2-Gln412) and phosphate ion (PO4]−3-Arg615) interaction further supports the functional activities driven by C-terminal domain. Computation-driven structure-function studies of VM proteins will guide experimentation towards mechanistic understandings of leptospirosis pathogenesis, which underlie development of new therapeutic and preventive measures for this devastating disease.
Potentials of grinding process simulations for the analysis of individual grain engagement and complete grinding processes
Authors: Wiederkehr Petra , Grimmert Adina , Heining Ines , Siebrecht Tobias , Wöste Florian
Published: January 2023

Grinding processes are very complex due to the multitude of influencing parameters, resulting from the stochastic tool topography with numerous geometrically undefined abrasive cutting edges. Thus, the efficient design and optimization of these processes is a challenging task. Process simulations can be used as a flexible tool for analyzing interdependencies between several process parameters and identifying suitable process parameter values. For a precise process analysis, the choice of a process model with a corresponding model scale as well as the representation of optimization-relevant process effects are necessary. While macroscopic model approaches can be used to estimate the thermo-mechanical loads occurring in the contact zone, explicit modeling of the individual abrasive grains is required to predict the resulting surface topographies. In this paper, the use of simulation approaches for different scales for the analysis of different process parameters is discussed on the basis of selected application examples. The analysis of surface structuring in NC form grinding processes, e.g., was conducted by using an explicit geometric modeling of the individual abrasive grains in a geometric-physically based simulation approach to estimate wear-dependent resulting surface topographies. The parameterization of the empirical models used was based on numerical approaches for the detailed analysis of individual grain interventions. Using the complex production process of a turbine blade as an example, the utilization of a macroscopic simulation model for estimating the thermo-mechanical loads and the resulting temperatures in the workpiece during profile grinding processes is discussed.
Toward deep learning replacement of gadolinium in neuro-oncology: A review of contrast-enhanced synthetic MRI
Authors: Moya-Sáez Elisa , de Luis-García Rodrigo , Alberola-López Carlos
Published: January 2023

Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) have become a crucial part of MRI acquisitions in neuro-oncology for the detection, characterization and monitoring of brain tumors. However, contrast-enhanced (CE) acquisitions not only raise safety concerns, but also lead to patient discomfort, the need of more skilled manpower and cost increase. Recently, several proposed deep learning works intend to reduce, or even eliminate, the need of GBCAs. This study reviews the published works related to the synthesis of CE images from low-dose and/or their native —non CE— counterparts. The data, type of neural network, and number of input modalities for each method are summarized as well as the evaluation methods. Based on this analysis, we discuss the main issues that these methods need to overcome in order to become suitable for their clinical usage. We also hypothesize some future trends that research on this topic may follow.
Evaluating the transduction efficiency of systemically delivered AAV vectors in the rat nervous system
Authors: Yang Olivia J. , Robilotto Gabriella L. , Alom Firoj , Alemán Karla , Devulapally Karthik , Morris Abigail , Mickle Aaron D.
Published: January 2023

Gene delivery or manipulation with viral vectors is a frequently used tool in basic neuroscience studies. Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are the most widely used vectors due to their relative safety and long-term efficacy without causing overt immunological complications. Many AAV serotypes have been discovered and engineered that preferentially transduce different populations of neurons. However, efficient targeting of peripheral neurons remains challenging for many researchers, and evaluation of peripheral neuron transduction with AAVs in rats is limited. Here, we aimed to test the efficiency of systemic AAVs to transduce peripheral neurons in rats. We administered AAV9-tdTomato, AAV-PHP.S-tdTomato, or AAV-retro-GFP systemically to neonatal rats via intraperitoneal injection. After 5 weeks, we evaluated expression patterns in peripheral sensory, motor, and autonomic neurons. No significant difference between the serotypes in the transduction of sensory neurons was noted, and all serotypes were more efficient in transducing NF200 + neurons compared to smaller CGRP + neurons. AAV-retro was more efficient at transducing motor neurons compared to other serotypes. Moreover, PHP.S was more efficient at transducing sympathetic neurons, and AAV-retro was more efficient at transducing parasympathetic neurons. These results indicate that specific AAV serotypes target peripheral neuron populations more efficiently than others in the neonatal rat.
NeuroCARE: A generic neuromorphic edge computing framework for healthcare applications
Authors: Tian Fengshi , Yang Jie , Zhao Shiqi , Sawan Mohamad
Published: January 2023

Highly accurate classification methods for multi-task biomedical signal processing are reported, including neural networks. However, reported works are computationally expensive and power-hungry. Such bottlenecks make it hard to deploy existing approaches on edge platforms such as mobile and wearable devices. Gaining motivation from the good performance and high energy-efficiency of spiking neural networks (SNNs), a generic neuromorphic framework for edge healthcare and biomedical applications are proposed and evaluated on various tasks, including electroencephalography (EEG) based epileptic seizure prediction, electrocardiography (ECG) based arrhythmia detection, and electromyography (EMG) based hand gesture recognition. This approach, NeuroCARE, uses a unique sparse spike encoder to generate spike sequences from raw biomedical signals and makes classifications using the spike-based computing engine that combines the advantages of both CNN and SNN. An adaptive weight mapping method specifically co-designed with the spike encoder can efficiently convert CNN to SNN without performance deterioration. The evaluation results show that the overall performance, including the classification accuracy, sensitivity and F1 score, achieve 92.7, 96.7, and 85.7% for seizure prediction, arrhythmia detection and hand gesture recognition, respectively. In comparison with CNN topologies, the computation complexity is reduced by over 80.7% while the energy consumption and area occupation are reduced by over 80% and over 64.8%, respectively, indicating that the proposed neuromorphic computing approach is energy and area efficient and of high precision, which paves the way for deployment at edge platforms.
Patient perspectives on the need for improved hearing rehabilitation: A qualitative survey study of German cochlear implant users
Authors: Hunniford Victoria , Kühler Robert , Wolf Bettina , Keppeler Daniel , Strenzke Nicola , Moser Tobias
Published: January 2023

Background

The electrical cochlear implant (eCI) partially restores hearing in individuals affected by profound hearing impairment (HI) or deafness. However, the limited resolution of sound frequency coding with eCIs limits hearing in daily situations such as group conversations. Current research promises future improvements in hearing restoration which may involve gene therapy and optical stimulation of the auditory nerve, using optogenetics. Prior to the potential clinical translation of these technologies, it is critical that patients are engaged in order to align future research agendas and technological advancements with their needs.

Methods

Here, we performed a survey study with hearing impaired, using an eCI as a means of hearing rehabilitation. We distributed a questionnaire to 180 adult patients from the University Medical Center Göttingen’s Department of Otolaryngology who were actively using an eCI for 6 months or more during the time of the survey period. Questions revolved around patients needs, and willingness to accept hypothetical risks or drawbacks associated with an optical CI (oCI).

Results

Eighty-one participants responded to the questionnaire; 68% were greater than 60 years of age and 26% had bilateral eCIs. Participants expressed a need for improving the performance beyond that experienced with their current eCI. Primarily, they desired improved speech comprehension in background noise, greater ability to appreciate music, and more natural sound impression. They expressed a willingness for engaging with new technologies for improved hearing restoration. Notably, participants were least concerned about hypothetically receiving a gene therapy necessary for the oCI implant; but expressed greater reluctance to hypothetically receiving an implant that had yet to be evaluated in a human clinical trial.

Conclusion

This work provides a preliminary step in engaging patients in the development of a new technology that has the potential to address the limitations of electrical hearing rehabilitation.
The risk of malnutrition in patients with spinal cord injury during inpatient rehabilitation–A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Flury Irene , Mueller Gabi , Perret Claudio
Published: January 2023

Background and aim

Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) show an increased risk of malnutrition. Studies found that about 50% of patients with a recent SCI are affected by malnutrition when they enter a rehabilitation institution. However, there is a lack of data during the course and at discharge of initial rehabilitation as well as missing knowledge about the factors promoting such a risk. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of malnutrition in individuals with SCI 3 months post injury and at the end of inpatient rehabilitation and to identify factors associated with a high risk of malnutrition.

Methods

Retrospective, monocentric, longitudinal cohort study, using the data set of the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study and additional data from the patients’ medical records. Individuals with SCI were assessed for the risk of malnutrition using the Spinal Nutrition Screening Tool 3 months post injury and at discharge from initial inpatient rehabilitation. Odds ratios (OR) for potential risk parameters were calculated.

Results

Of the 252 participants included, 62% were at risk for malnutrition 3 months post injury and 40% at discharge (p = 0.000). Moderate to high risk of malnutrition was found regardless of age and BMI. The highest odds for an increased risk at 3 months post injury was identified in ventilator-dependent persons (OR 10.2). At discharge from inpatient rehabilitation, pressure injury (OR 16.3) was the most prominent risk factor.

Conclusion

In the population with SCI the risk of malnutrition is widespread during inpatient rehabilitation, but also at discharge. Ventilated persons and persons with pressure injuries are clear risk groups and need special attention. Based on these findings and the known negative impact of malnutrition on clinical outcomes, the awareness of malnutrition should be increased in the population with SCI. Therefore, a regular and standardized screening of the malnutrition risk is highly recommended.
Tumor budding as a predictor for prognosis and therapeutic response in gastric cancer: A mini review
Authors: Xue Chi , Du Yuwei , Li Yuegang , Xu Huimian , Zhu Zhi
Published: January 2023

In recent years, the role of tumor budding in gastric cancer has received increased attention across a number of disciplines. Several studies have found associations between tumor budding and the prediction of lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer, prognosis of advanced gastric cancer, predictors of therapeutic response to immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as microsatellite instability (MSI), and therapeutic targets of molecular targeted therapy, such as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2). Therefore, tumor budding is a major element in the formulation of risk stratification and precision medicine strategies for patients with gastric cancer.
Real-world data to build explainable trustworthy artificial intelligence models for prediction of immunotherapy efficacy in NSCLC patients
Authors: Prelaj Arsela , Galli Edoardo Gregorio , Miskovic Vanja , Pesenti Mattia , Viscardi Giuseppe , Pedica Benedetta , Mazzeo Laura , Bottiglieri Achille , Provenzano Leonardo , Spagnoletti Andrea , Marinacci Roberto , De Toma Alessandro , Proto Claudia , Ferrara Roberto , Brambilla Marta , Occhipinti Mario , Manglaviti Sara , Galli Giulia , Signorelli Diego , Giani Claudia , Beninato Teresa , Pircher Chiara Carlotta , Rametta Alessandro , Kosta Sokol , Zanitti Michele , Di Mauro Maria Rosa , Rinaldi Arturo , Di Gregorio Settimio , Antonia Martinetti , Garassino Marina Chiara , de Braud Filippo G. M. , Restelli Marcello , Lo Russo Giuseppe , Ganzinelli Monica , Trovò Francesco , Pedrocchi Alessandra Laura Giulia
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods are being increasingly investigated as a means to generate predictive models applicable in the clinical practice. In this study, we developed a model to predict the efficacy of immunotherapy (IO) in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using eXplainable AI (XAI) Machine Learning (ML) methods.

Methods

We prospectively collected real-world data from patients with an advanced NSCLC condition receiving immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) either as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy. With regards to six different outcomes - Disease Control Rate (DCR), Objective Response Rate (ORR), 6 and 24-month Overall Survival (OS6 and OS24), 3-months Progression-Free Survival (PFS3) and Time to Treatment Failure (TTF3) - we evaluated five different classification ML models: CatBoost (CB), Logistic Regression (LR), Neural Network (NN), Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). We used the Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) values to explain model predictions.

Results

Of 480 patients included in the study 407 received immunotherapy and 73 chemo- and immunotherapy. From all the ML models, CB performed the best for OS6 and TTF3, (accuracy 0.83 and 0.81, respectively). CB and LR reached accuracy of 0.75 and 0.73 for the outcome DCR. SHAP for CB demonstrated that the feature that strongly influences models’ prediction for all three outcomes was Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR). Performance Status (ECOG-PS) was an important feature for the outcomes OS6 and TTF3, while PD-L1, Line of IO and chemo-immunotherapy appeared to be more important in predicting DCR.

Conclusions

In this study we developed a ML algorithm based on real-world data, explained by SHAP techniques, and able to accurately predict the efficacy of immunotherapy in sets of NSCLC patients.
GPBAR1 is associated with asynchronous bone metastasis and poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Nan , Wang Jieqing , Zhou Lei , Hu Baiqiang , Chen Yinzhong , Zhu Zhuangchen
Published: January 2023

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in China. Asynchronous metastasis is the main reason for HCC recurrence, but the current assessment of HCC metastasis and prognosis is far from clinically satisfactory.

Materials

In our study, we investigated the expression of G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor (GPBAR1) in HCC tissues and tumor-adjacent tissues by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The associations between GPBAR1 expression, clinicopathological factors, and asynchronous metastases were assessed by the Chi-square test. The overall survival curves of different variables were plotted with the Kaplan–Meier method, and the statistical significance between different subgroups was analyzed with the log-rank test. The independent prognostic factors were identified by the Cox regression hazard model.

Results

GPBAR1 was more highly expressed in HCC tissues than in tumor-adjacent tissues. GPBAR1 expression in HCC was significantly higher than that in liver cirrhosis, followed by normal liver tissues. GPBAR1 was significantly associated with poor prognosis in HCC and can be regarded as an independent prognostic biomarker. Interestingly, GPBAR1 expression in HCC was significantly correlated with asynchronous metastasis to the bone but not to the liver or lung.

Conclusions

GPBAR1 was found to be an independent, unfavorable prognostic factor of HCC, as well as an indicator of asynchronous bone metastasis but not liver or lung metastases. Our results could provide a new aspect for HCC metastasis studies and help identify high-risk HCC patients, which helps ameliorate the prognostic assessment of HCC.
Epidemiology and survival of patients with central nervous system solitary fibrous tumors: A population-based analysis
Authors: Lu Taikun , Xu Haiyang , Dong Xuechao , Jin Zheng , Wang Yubo
Published: January 2023

Background

The objective of this study was to determine population-based estimates of the epidemiology and prognosis of central nervous system solitary fibrous tumors (cSFTs).

Methods

We extracted the data of patients diagnosed with cSFTs between 2004 and 2018 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. We analyzed the distribution of patients according to their demographic and clinical characteristics. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to predict which patients would be diagnosed with malignant cSFT. Possible prognostic indicators were analyzed by multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

A total of 650 cases were included. The majority of patients were diagnosed at 50-59 years old, and the median age at diagnosis was 55 years. A total of 13.4% of the tumors were located in the spinal canal, and 24% of the tumors were benign. Most of the tumors were larger than 3 cm, but distant metastasis was rare. Tumor resection was the first choice of treatment for these patients, and total resection was achieved in 51.1%. Radiation therapy after surgery was also administered to 42.3% of the patients. The median survival was 57 months. Intracranial tumors and tumors with distant metastasis tended to be malignant. The results of the log-rank test showed that the patients who underwent total resection had better overall survival (OS), but the effect of radiation therapy after surgery was not significant.

Conclusion

cSFT is a rare and aggressive type of tumor. Tumor resection is the first choice for treatment, and radiation therapy after surgery does not improve OS. Patients older than 60 years of age who are diagnosed with intracranial tumors, malignant tumors and distant metastasis have worse OS outcomes than their counterparts.