bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Nyctanthes arbor tristis L. Leaf Extract and Evaluation of Its Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Tripathi Ashok Kumar , Dash Alok Kumar , Mishra Jhansee
Published: February 2024

In Nycanthes arbor-tristis, green production of silver nanoparticles has been described. After combining 1% aqueous leaf extract with 1 mM silver nitrate solution and letting it sit for 10 minutes at room temperature in the light, nanoparticles were effectively created. The brown reaction mixture's UV–Vis spectra revealed a strong surface plasmon resonance at 460 nm. It verified that silver nanoparticles are biosynthesised. SEM and TEM were used to characterize the nanoparticles. According to the data, produced nanoparticles have a diameter between 10 and 50 nm. The polycrystalline nature of the biosynthesized nanoparticles was verified by XRD measurements. Compared to extract, silver nanoparticles demonstrated a stronger antidiabetic effect. Every clinical isolate with antidiabetic properties was sensitive to nanoparticles. Additionally, the silver nanoparticles showed strong free radical scavenging capabilities.
Association of HLA-G 3’UTR Polymorphisms with hepatitis B virus infection in Tunisian population
Authors: Laaribi Ahmed Baligh , Mehri Asma , Yahia Hamza Ben , Chaouch Houda , Babay Wafa , Letaief Amel , Ouzari Hadda-Imene , Hannachi Naila , Boukadida Jalel , Zidi Ines
Published: February 2024

Background
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health burden. The mechanisms of immune evasion during chronic HBV (CHB) infection are poorly understood. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G, an immune checkpoint molecule, plays a crucial role in the tolerance mechanisms of various infectious diseases. The 3’untranslated region (3’UTR), including the HLA-G + 3142C > G polymorphism (rs1063320) and the 14-pb Ins/Del (rs66554220) has been strongly suggested to influence HLA-G expression.
Objective
This study conducted a case-control analysis to evaluate the potential correlation between the HLA-G + 3142 C > G polymorphism and HBV infection outcome in a Tunisian cohort.
Methods
The HLA-G + 3142C > G polymorphism was analysed by PCR-RFLP in 242 patients with chronic HBV infection, 241 healthy controls, and 100 spontaneously resolved subjects.
Results
Patients with chronic HBV infection showed a higher frequency of the + 3142 G allele compared to healthy controls and spontaneously resolved subjects (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). An association between the + 3142 G allele and high HBV DNA levels was observed when HBV patients were stratified based on their HBV DNA levels (p = 0.016). Furthermore, the dominant model (GG + GC vs CC) was associated with liver function parameters, including AST, ALT, and high HBV DNA levels (p = 0.04, p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). However, there was no significant association found between this polymorphism and the fibrosis stage (p = 0.32). The haplotype analysis, using a subset of previously published data on the HLA-G 14pb Ins/Del polymorphism, revealed an association between the Ins/G haplotype and chronic HBV infection (H1: InsG, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that the + 3142 G allele is a risk factor for the persistence and progression of HBV infection, while the + 3142 C allele serves as a protective allele associated with the spontaneous resolution of the infection. Additionally, the HLA-G 3’UTR haplotype Ins/G is associated with chronic HBV infection in the Tunisian population.
Identification and experimental validation of a sialylation–related long noncoding RNA signature for prognosis of bladder cancer
Authors: Qiao Yi , Tian Xintao , Li Shengxian , Niu Haitao
Published: February 2024

Background:
The dysregulation of sialylation plays a pivotal role in cancer progression and metastasis, impacting various aspects of tumor behavior. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in relation to sialylation and the functional pathways of Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (Siglec). Additionally, we aimed to develop a signature of sialylation-related lncRNAs in the context of bladder cancer.
Methods:
This study used transcriptomic data and clinical information from the TCGA (the Cancer Genome Atlas) database to screen for sialylation-related lncRNAs and constructed a prognostic model. The relationships between these lncRNAs and biological pathways, immune cell infiltration, drug sensitivity, etc., were analyzed, and the expression of some lncRNAs was validated at the cellular level.
Results:
This study identified 6 prognostic lncRNAs related to sialylation and constructed a risk score model with high predictive accuracy and reliability. The survival period of patients in the high-risk group was significantly lower than that of the low-risk group, and it was related to various biological pathways and immune functions. In addition, this study found differences in the sensitivity of patients in different risk groups to chemotherapy drugs, providing a reference for personalized treatment.
Conclusion:
This study discovers the prognostic value of a group of sialylation-related lncRNAs in bladder cancer, revealing their association with the tumor microenvironment and treatment response, and providing new molecular markers and potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer.
Enhancing Mammography Models: The Impact of Radiologist Recommendations on Algorithmic Precision
Authors: Lahdoudi Youssef , Ghazdali Abdelghani , Khalfi Hamza , Lamghari Nidal
Published: February 2024

This study demonstrates the substantial benefits of integrating advanced image classification techniques into the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Our comprehensive approach utilizes deep learning algorithms, with a focus on enhancing the reliability and efficiency of mammography image classification. Specifically, we employ YOLOv5 for precise image segmentation and Densenet121 for extracting informative features from segmented regions of interest (ROIs). The dataset, comprising 54,706 mammography images, facilitates both visual and numerical analyses. To optimize breast cancer diagnosis, we strategically examine a separate set of 100 challenging cases, randomly selecting 50 positive and 50 negative instances, ensuring a balanced representation of both benign and malignant cases. Careful validation involves curating 50 consensus cases for reliability. To address class imbalance, we employ a hybrid Upsampling/Downsampling approach. Moreover, we fine-tune 14 algorithms, comparing outcomes with and without radiologists' recommendations. The analysis, particularly focusing on the AUC (Area Under the Curve), reveals compelling results. Without radiologists' recommendations, the model achieves a 99.8\% AUC during testing and 59.5\% during validation. Incorporating radiologists' insights notably boosts AUC to 99.9\% for testing and 93.5\% for validation. These findings emphasize the pivotal role of expert guidance in refining diagnostic accuracy. This study delves into the interplay between algorithmic precision, dataset characteristics, and expert recommendations in breast cancer diagnosis, providing valuable insights for leveraging advanced technologies and expert knowledge for improved medical outcomes.
Marine carbon sink after temperature overshoot is dominated by biological pump carbon
Authors: Koeve Wolfgang , Landolfi Angela , Oschlies Andreas , Frenger Ivy
Published: February 2024

With potentially delayed CO2-mitigation efforts, net-negative CO2-emissions may be required to return to acceptable limits of climate warming as defined by the Paris Agreement. The ocean is an important CO2 sink under increasing atmospheric pCO2, when physico-chemical CO2-uptake dominates. The processes that govern its role under net-negative CO2-emission regimes are, however, unclear. Here we assess changes in marine CO2-uptake and storage mechanisms under a range of idealized temperature-overshoot scenarios in an Earth System model of intermediate complexity over centennial timescales. We show that while the fate of CO2 from physical-chemical uptake is very sensitive to future atmospheric boundary conditions, storage associated with the biological carbon pump continues to increase and may even dominate marine excess CO2 storage on multi-centennial time scales. Since change in biological pump carbon is strongly linked to the oxygenation status of the ocean, improved prediction of marine deoxygenation turns out to be a key to better forecast the future of the marine carbon sink on multi-centennial time scales.
Electronic patient-reported outcome assessments: evaluating patient preference for the number of items per screen
Authors: Lord-Bessen Jennifer , Rodriguez Danielle , Coyne Karin , Schaff Spencer , Kalpadakis-Smith Alexandra
Published: February 2024

Background: In clinical trials, the single-item-per-screen format is commonly used for electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs). However, participant preferences for this format over multiple items per screen have not been investigated. This study evaluated participant preferences for single-item-per-screen vs. multiple-items-per-screen ePRO formats, the effect on completion times, and the comparability of scores between formats.
Methods: Participation in this randomized, crossover, observational study involved ePRO completion in both single-item-per-screen and multiple-items-per-screen formats on an electronic tablet device during two study visits. A paper-based preference questionnaire was completed at each visit.
Results: Thirty-seven adults (mean [SD] age=49.6 [15.4] years; 51.4% female; 54.1% White) enrolled and 36 participants completed both visits. Twelve participants (33.3%) preferred the multiple-item format, 12 (33.3%) preferred the single-item format, 10 (27.8%) had no preference, and 2 (5.6%) did not notice a difference. Seventeen participants (47.2%) preferred the single-item format when participating in a clinical trial, and most (n=20; 55.6%) believed that others would prefer this format in a clinical trial. The ePRO completion time (minutes: seconds) was longer for the single-item format than the multiple-item format (mean [SD], 6:42 [2:24] vs. 6:21 [2:22]; p = 0.1540). The ePRO scores were similar across both formats.
Conclusion: This study provided evidence that both single-item and multiple-items-per-screen presented on an electronic tablet device are acceptable to users and that format preference may be specific to each individual. Thus, clinical programs need to consider the targeted study population, the purpose of use, and the overall the trial design when designing ePRO solutions.
Predictive Characteristics of Childhood emergency injury presentations in a non-urban area of Victoria, Australia.
Authors: Peck Blake , Terry Daniel , Kloot Kate
Published: February 2024

Background Injury is the leading cause of death and disability amongst those between 0–16 years of age. Routinely associated with a social gradient of health, childhood injury is reportedly higher in rural and regional areas. The Rural Acute Hospital Data Register (RAHDaR), which includes previously non-reported data, provides a more accurate understanding of injury emergency presentation events and the factors associated with these presentations. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study collected de-identified emergency injury presentation data from nine health services in regional Victoria for children aged 0–14 years between 2017 and 2022. Demographic and presentation data were collated along with the Victorian Emergency Minimum Dataset (VEMD). Emergency injury presentation incidence rates and predictor variables were analysed using hierarchical multiple regression. Significance was determined at p < 0.05. Results Among the 15,884 emergency injury presentations, 35.2% (n = 5,597) occurred at health services who did not previously report data to the VEMD. This increase in our understanding of emergency injury presentations demonstrates a rate of 141.63 presentations per 1000 children per year. Key factors such as age, gender, local attendance rates of free three-and-a-half year final stage child health assessment and pre-school, an increasing number of GPs per head of population and Index of Education and Occupation were associated with emergency injury presentation events across gender, while socioeconomic status was not predictive. Interestingly, local rates of attendance at free three-and-a-half year final stage child health assessments and attending pre-school were specifically predictive among the 0–4 age group. Conclusions Although some findings are consistent with current research, this study high- lights previously unrecognized specific factors that are predictive of injury among 0-4-year-old children that require deeper investigation. These findings provide more accurate insights for healthcare workers and policymakers as they seek to support people with injury and accurately address health inequities.
Relationship Between Prostate-Specific Antigen, Alkaline Phosphatase Levels, and Time- to-Tumor Shrinkage: Understanding the Progression of Prostate Cancer in a Longitudinal Study
Authors: Liaqat Madiha , Khan Rehan Ahmad , Fischer Florian , Kamal Shahid
Published: February 2024

Background: This study delves into the complex interplay among prostate-specific antigen, alkaline phosphatase, and the temporal dynamics of tumor shrinkage in prostate cancer. By investigating the longitudinal trajectories and time-to-Prostate cancer tumor shrinkage, we aim to untangle the intricate patterns of these biomarkers. This understanding is pivotal for gaining profound insights into the multifaceted aspects of prostate cancer progression. The joint model approach serves as a comprehensive framework, facilitating the elucidation of intricate interactions among these pivotal elements within the context of prostate cancer.
Methods: A new joint model under shared parameters strategy is proposed for mixed bivariate longitudinal biomarkers and an event time data, to get good estimates in case of missingness in covariates. The main objective of this research is to provide a model-based approach to get full information from prostate cancer data collected with patients’ baseline characteristics (Age, Body mass index, Gleason Score, Grade, and Drug) and two longitudinal endogenous covariates (Platelets and Bilirubin).
Results: The results reveal a clear association between prostate-specific antigen and alkaline phosphatase biomarkers in the context of time-to-Prostate cancer tumor shrinkage. This underscores the interconnected dynamics of these key indicators in gauging disease progression.
Conclusions: The analysis of the prostate cancer dataset, incorporating a joint evaluation of mixed longitudinal prostate-specific antigen and alkaline phosphatase biomarkers alongside tumor status, has provided valuable insights into disease progression. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed joint model, as evidenced by accurate estimates. The shared variables associated with both longitudinal biomarkers and event times consistently deviate from zero, highlighting the robustness and reliability of the model in capturing the complex dynamics of prostate cancer progression. This approach holds promise for enhancing our understanding and predictive capabilities in the clinical assessment of prostate cancer.
Not all dolmens are oriented to the Sun. Or are they? Use of astronomical models help overturn dominant cultural-astronomy hypotheses in Iberia
Authors: Higginbottom Gail , García A. César González , Boado Felipe Criado
Published: February 2024

This paper challenges the notion that each Neolithic dolmen targets either a single astronomical body at a specific time of year or perhaps two, one in each direction of the monument alignment. By applying Silva and Pimenta’s 2012 statistical models of lunar cycles connected to the Sun through time to our Galician orientation data, we produced more astronomically correct and complete information about the most likely targets of these Galician dolmens. Silva and Pimenta’s work included chronological distributions of particular events for the solar year related to latitude, allowing us to consider astronomical bodies correlated with the time of year and place. Ultimately, we now more fully understand the integrated complexity of the previously simplified perception of dolmens concerning their connection to astronomical phenomena. Principally, it now seems that not only do multiple working targets more readily fit the data, but so, too, do several times throughout the year. Further, dolmen axes are oriented in both directions. These findings led us to conclude that the Neolithic people chose to highlight particular seasonal ranges through the orientations of their tombs. So the Sun, whilst remaining relevant to dolmen architectural design, is no longer considered a solitary target. This paper also explains why.
Long-term prognosis of patients with pT1-2 colorectal cancer unaffected by lymph node metastasis
Authors: Song Bolun , Wang Liming , Chen Yinggang , Hirano Yasumitsu
Published: February 2024

Background/Aim: Our goal was to investigate patients with pT1-2 colorectal cancer (CRC) in terms of lymph node metastasis (LNM) and its clinical implications, perhaps questioning the staging of such tumors.
Patients and Methods: This retrospective cohort study took place at a high-volume cancer center in Japan. We stratified patients with pT1-2 CRC (n=1288) by presence (LNM+) or absence (LNM-) of LNM, assessing overall (OS), cancer-specific (CSS), and relapse-free (RFS) survival rates in both groups before and after propensity score matching (PSM). COX multivariate analysis served for screening of prognostic risk factors.
Results: Lymph node metastasis was ultimately confirmed in 256 study subjects (19.9%). Before matching, tumors of the LNM+ (vs LNM-) group were more inclined to be fairly large (≥2 cm: 76.6% vs 61.2%; p<0.001), with greater propensity for infiltrating or ulcerative features (55.1% vs 36.2%; p<0.001) and histotypes of lesser differentiation (Mod/Poor/Sig/Muc: 65.6% vs 45.8%; p<0.001). Likewise, they showed greater tendency for aggressive growth (91.1% vs 81.1%; p<001), lymphatic (44.5% vs 19.4%; p<0.001) or vascular (59% vs 35.1%; p<0.001) invasion, and prolific lymph node harvesting (23.6±12.2 vs 21.7±12.3; p=0.025). Although similar in terms of OS (LNM-, 94.2%; LNM+, 91.8%; p=0.339), the LNM- (vs LNM+) group displayed significantly better CSS (99.5% vs 96.9%; p<0.001) and RFS (97.2% vs 89.5%; p<0.001).
After matching, RFS still proved significantly better in the LNM- (vs LNM+) group (95.9% vs 89.8%; p=0.016), with multivariate analysis identifying LNM+ as an independent risk factor for RFS before and after PSM. A higher recurrence rate was also evident in the LNM+ (vs LNM-) group (before matching: 10.5% vs 2.8%, [p<0.001]; after matching: 10.2% vs 4.1% [p=0.008]), involving liver and lymph nodes primarily. Neither OS nor CSS differed significantly by group.
Conclusion: In patients with pT1-2N+ CRC, we found greater risk of hepatic or nodal recurrence, compared with node-negative counterparts. However, long-term survival was unaffected. Appropriate downstaging of pT1-2N+ CRC from stage IIIA is therefore a reasonable prospect.
A rare variation of the infraorbital nerve, entrapping the infraorbital artery
Authors: Stoyanov Stoyanov D.
Published: February 2024

Anatomical variations are a common feature of the human anatomy. Variation can explain some pathological conditions and is important to keep them in mind during surgical procedures. The relations between nerves and their adjacent arteries have been proposed to play a role in the generation of peripheral trigger migraines. Close opposition between nerves and arteries can lead to vascular compression on the nerve that triggers episodes of pain. We did a routine dissection of the infratemporal fossa and orbital floor by opening the maxillary sinuous. Here we report a case where the infraorbital nerves form a nervous loop entrapping the infraorbital artery in the infraorbital channel. Similar cases of close nervous and arterial apposition are described for the auriculotemporal, and occipital nerves. We think that accumulating knowledge of these rare variations could expand our understanding of rare conditions such as primary infraorbital neuralgia.
Development and Clinical Validation of Global Tau Severity Score in Young- and Late- Onset Alzheimer's Disease Using Florzolotau (18F) PET
Authors: Liu Mu-N , Huang Chi-Wei , Huang Shu-Hua , Chang Hsin-I , Hsu Shih-Wei , Lin Kun-Ju , Ho Tsung-Ying , Huang Kuo-Lun , Cheng Chih-Ming , Chang Chiung-Chih
Published: February 2024

Background
Tau-specific positron emission tomography (tau-PET) holds promise in distinguishing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and elucidating the spatial distribution of tau deposition. In particular, the phenotypic differences between the young-onset AD [YOAD] and late-onset AD [LOAD] likely arise from the distinct biological properties of tau proteins to their downstream pathways. This study aimed to establish a global tau severity (gTS) scale based on Florzolotau (18F) PET, a highly specific second-generation tau tracer for diagnosing AD, for standardizing tau burden quantification.
Methods
A total of 186 participants were enrolled and divided into a pilot group (15 cognitive unimpaired controls [CTLs] and 15 AD patients) and a validation group (27 CTLs, 67 patients with YOAD, and 62 patients with LOAD). The pilot group results were utilized to create an AD-specific tau mask and determine the optimal Florzolotau (18F) reference region based on effect size. In the validation group, cutoffs for diagnosing YOAD and LOAD using the gTS score were calculated. Regression models were used to assess the impact of amyloid centiloid, gTS score, and hippocampal volume on cognitive outcomes.
Results
The white matter region was determined to be the most suitable reference for Florzolotau (18F). The gTS cutoff values of 24.1 for both AD and YOAD and 34.1 for LOAD demonstrated highest diagnostic accuracy, as indicated by the area under the curve. The gTS scores significantly predicted total scores and subdomains on cognitive ability screening instruments. Cognitive-gTS curve features were found to have quadratic and linear relationships with YOAD and LOAD, respectively, illustrating the direct effect of tau pathology on cognition.
Conclusions
The gTS score, derived from Florzolotau (18F) PET scans, provides a robust method for assessing global tau burden. The scale reveals different cognition–tau relationships in YOAD and LOAD, indicating distinct pathological property of tau on disease progression.
Neutrophil Elastase Inhibitor (Sivelestat) in the Treatment of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Induced by COVID- 19: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Li Yuting , Zhao Jianjun , Wei Jiahui , Zhang Yanhong , Zhang Haitao , Li Ying , Liao Ting , Hu Yang , Yuan Bo , Zhang Xinmei , Liu Wanyan , Liu Changgang , Cui Qingsong , Wu Shunzi , Jiang Hongmei , Liu Wenge , Liu Weiheng , Xu Hongguang , Li Gang , Cai Yuyan , Chen Liting , Chen Bingwei , Zhang Dong
Published: February 2024

Background
Recent studies suggest that neutrophil elastase inhibitor (Sivelestat) may improve pulmonary function and reduce mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. We examined the association between receipt of sivelestat and improvement in oxygenation among patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) induced by COVID-19.
Methods
A large multicentre cohort study of patients with ARDS induced by COVID-19 who had been admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). We used propensity score matching to compare the outcomes of patients treated with sivelestat to those who were not. The differences in continuous outcomes were assessed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Kaplan-Meier method was used to show the 28-day survival curves in the matched cohorts. A log-rank P-test stratified on the matched pairs was used to test the equality of the estimated survival curves. A Cox proportional hazards model that incorporated a robust sandwich-type variance estimator to account for the matched nature of the data was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR). All statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 26.0 and R 4.2.3. A two-sided p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
A total of 387 patients met inclusion criteria, including 259 patients (66.9%) who were treated with sivelestat. In 158 patients matched on the propensity for treatment, receipt of sivelestat was associated with improved oxygenation, decreased Murray lung injury score, increased non-mechanical ventilation time within 28 days, increased alive and ICU-free days within 28 days (HR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.29 to 2.64; log-rank p < 0.001), shortened ICU stay and ultimately improved survival (HR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.32 to 5.88; log-rank p = 0.0074).
Conclusions
Among patients with ARDS induce by COVID-19, sivelestat administration is associated with improved clinical outcomes.
Monocytic fibrocyte-like cell enrichment and myofibroblastic adaptation causes nucleus pulposus fibrosis and associates with disc degeneration severity
Authors: Leung Victor , Sun Yi , Peng Yan , Su Ze-zhuo , So Kyle , Lu Qiu-ji , Lyu Mao-jiang , Zuo Jian-wei , Huang Yong-Can , Guan Zhi-ping , Cheung Kenneth , Zheng zhaomin , Zhang Xin-tao
Published: February 2024

Fibrotic remodeling of nucleus pulposus (NP) leads to structural and mechanical anomalies of intervertebral discs that prone to degeneration, leading to low back pain incidence and disability. Emergence of fibroblastic cells in disc degeneration has been reported, yet their nature and origin remain elusive. In this study, we performed an integrative analysis of multiple single-cell RNA sequencing datasets to interrogate the cellular heterogeneity and fibroblast-like entities in degenerative human NP specimens. We found that disc degeneration severity is associated with an enrichment of fibrocyte-like phenotype, characterized by CD45 and collagen I dual positivity, and expression of myofibroblast marker α-smooth muscle actin. Refined clustering and classification distinguished the fibrocyte-like populations as subtypes in the NP cells - and immunocytes-clusters, expressing disc degeneration markers HTRA1 and ANGPTL4 and genes related to response to TGF-β. In injury-induced mouse disc degeneration model, fibrocyte-like cells were found recruited into the NP undergoing fibrosis and adopted a myofibroblast phenotype. Depleting the fibrocyte-like cells in CD11b-DTR mice in which monocytic lineages were ablated by diphtheria toxin could markedly attenuate fibrous modeling and myofibroblast formation in the NP of the degenerative discs, and prevent disc height loss and histomorphological abnormalities. Marker analysis supports that disc degeneration progression is dependent on a function of CD45+COL1A1+ and αSMA+ cells. Our findings reveal that fibrocyte-like cells play a pivotal role in NP fibrosis and may therefore be a target for modifying disc degeneration and promoting its repair.
A Comprehensive Survey of ArtificialIntelligence in Precision Healthcare:Shedding Light on Interpretability
Authors: MK Nagashruthi , KS Hemanth , Buhari Seyed M
Published: February 2024

Trust levels of the popularity of deep learning models is enhanced throughXAI, which provides explanations and interpretations on the decisionsmade and also in making more interpretable decisions and explainableoutcomes. Recently, there has been a surge of interest in developingXAI models in medical fields such as oncology, ophthalmology pedi-atrics and orthopedics. In particular XAI is also advancing rapidly inpredicting psychological health conditions such as depression, stress, anxiety, ADHD, schizophrenia, neuropsychiatric problems and many others.The primary objective of this article is to review the recent findingsof the XAI models that are used for explanations for different diseaseswhich uses deep learning models with various forms of data. Finally,the focus is made on few issues and possibilities in medicine XAI.
Vascular segment bifurcation detection and key point calculation based on CT radiomics
Authors: Chang Huimin , Diao Zhendu , Wang Zixuan , Qi Quan
Published: February 2024

Hepatic vascular neoplasms often occur at the bifurcation of hepatic blood vessels, making them vulnerable to ruptures and bleeding, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, accurately detecting and localizing hepatic vascular bifurcation is crucial for diagnosing hepatic vascular tumors and planning surgeries. However, existing research methods have limited sensitivity to noise and vascular deformations. To address this issue, we propose a classification algorithm based on radiomic feature extraction and machine learning (ML) techniques. We begin by segmenting and processing the original hepatic vascular CT images using Gaussian filtering to remove small connected regions. This process generates vessel mask images through alignment. Next, these images are annotated, and 1042 features are extracted through radiomic feature extraction. To simplify the model, we employ Lasso regression for feature selection, resulting in the identification of 82 optimal features. We then establish and experimentally validate a machine learning classification model. Our experimental results demonstrate that the SVM classification model performs the best, achieving a validation accuracy of 0.932, precision of 0.900, recall of 0.936, F1-score of 0.915, and AUC value of 0.987. Additionally, we compute the key points of vessel segments using both the projection method and the direct thinning method. Experimental comparisons reveal that the direct thinning method yields more accurate results.In conclusion, our proposed classification algorithm, utilizing radiomic feature extraction and machine learning techniques, is crucial for rapidly and accurately detecting hepatic vascular bifurcation. These findings have significant implications for improving the diagnosis and treatment of hepatic vascular tumors.
Automated pupillometry to detect residual consciousness in acute brain injury
Authors: Othman Marwan H. , Olsen Markus H. , Hansen Karen Irgens Tanderup , Amiri Moshgan , Jensen Helene Ravnholdt , Nyholm Benjamin , Møller Kirsten , Kjaergaard Jesper , Kondziella Daniel
Published: February 2024

Background.
Identifying residual consciousness in patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) in the intensive care unit (ICU) is crucial for treatment decisions, but sensitive low-cost bedside markers are missing. We investigated whether automated pupillometry combined with passive and active cognitive paradigms can identify residual consciousness in ICU patients with traumatic or non-traumatic DoC.
Methods.
In a prospective observational cohort study, clinically low- or unresponsive ICU patients with traumatic and non-traumatic DoC were enrolled from neurological and non-neurological ICUs at a tertiary referral center (Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark). Age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers served as controls. Participants with eye disorders were excluded. Patients were categorized into those without (coma or unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, ≤UWS) or with (minimally conscious state or better, ≥MCS) clinical signs of residual consciousness. Using automated pupillometry, we recorded pupillary dilation as a response to passive (visual and auditory stimuli) and active (mental arithmetic) cognitive paradigms, with success criteria depending on the specific task (e.g., ≥ 3 of 5 pupillary dilations on 5 consecutive mental arithmetic tasks).
Results.
We obtained 699 pupillometry recordings at 178 time points from 91 brain-injured ICU patients (mean age 60±13.8 years; 31% women; 49.5% non-traumatic brain injuries). Recordings were also obtained from 26 matched controls (59±14.8 years, 38% women). Passive paradigms yielded limited distinctions between patient groups and controls. However, active paradigms involving mental arithmetic enabled discrimination between different states of consciousness. With mental arithmetic of moderate complexity, ≥ 3 pupillary dilations were seen in 50.0% ≥MCS patients and 17.8% ≤UWS patients (OR 4.56; 95% CI 2.09–10.10, p < 0.001). In comparison, 76.9% healthy controls responded with ≥ 3 pupillary dilations (p = 0.028). Results remained consistent across sensitivity analyses using different thresholds for success. Spearman's Rank analysis underscored the robust association between pupillary dilations during mental arithmetic and consciousness levels (rho = 1, p = 0.017). Notably, one behaviorally unresponsive patient demonstrated persistent command-following behavior two weeks before overt signs of awareness, suggesting a state of prolonged CMD.
Conclusions.
Automated pupillometry combined with mental arithmetic can identify cognitive efforts, and hence residual consciousness, in ICU patients with acute DoC.
Evidence of hybridization between the Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors) and Red Shoveler (Spatula platalea)Evidencia de hibridización entre pato medialuna Spatula discors y pato cuchara Spatula platalea
Authors: Cabrera Carlos , Zarco Agustín
Published: February 2024

The Blue-winged Teal ( Spatula discors ) is a species that reproduces in North America and migrates to South America during the boreal winter. Although instances of hybridization with other duck species have been observed in the wild, this has never occurred with an endemic species from the southern cone. We detected a male individual of this species that remained at its wintering site for over a year and recorded hybridization with a South American species: the Red Shoveler ( Spatula platalea ).
Lead-induced liver fibrosis and inflammation in mice by the AMPK/MAPKs/NF-κB and STAT3/TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathways: the role of Isochlorogenic acid A
Authors: Guo Juntao , Li Hanyu , Shi Jiaxue , Ruan Hainan , Li Jun , Liu Chanmin
Published: February 2024

Pb is a nonessential heavy metal, which can cause many health problems. Isochlorogenic acid A (ICAA), a phenolic acid present in tea, fruits, vegetables, coffee, plant-based food products, and various medicinal plants, exerts multiple effects, including anti-oxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic functions. Thus, the purpose of our study was to determine if ICAA could prevent Pb-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. We divided five groups of ICR mice into control and experimental groups and treated them for three months. The control group received a normal diet, while the experimental groups consumed lead-containing water (1 g/L lead acetate) with or without ICAA. An evaluation was performed on oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis, and related signaling. The results indicate that ICAA attenuates Pb-induced abnormal liver function. ICAA reduced liver fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress caused by Pb. ICAA abated Pb-induced fibrosis and decreased inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). ICAA abrogated reductions in activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Masson stain staining revealed that ICAA reduced collagen fiber deposition in Pb-induced fibrotic livers. Western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses showed ICAA increased phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) expression. ICAA also reduced the expression of collagen I, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), phosphorylated c-jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), p-p38, phosphorylated signal transducer and phosphorylated activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), and p-Smad2/3 in livers of mice. Overall, ICAA ameliorates Pb-induced hepatitis and fibrosis by inhibiting the AMPK/MAPKs/NF-κB and STAT3/TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathways.
Assessment of Antibiotic Utilization Pateern, Comparision With Guidelines and Infection Diagnosis Strategies at the Clinic of Mizan Prison, Bench Sheko Zone, South-west Ethiopia Retrospective Cross Sectional Study
Authors: TEKELE MEKURIAW DEREJE
Published: February 2024

Background: Antibiotics are strong and effective medicines which are used to treat most different bacterial infections. Antibiotics prescribing should be appropriate and restricted since inappropriate use may contribute to the emergence of resistant microorganisms may lead to unnecessary adverse drug events and has been associated with increased health care costs.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess antibiotic utilization pattern in clinic of Mizan prison. from August 1-October 30, 2023.
Methods: Retrospective cross sectional study was conducted in clinic of Mizan prison to assess antibiotic utilization pattern from August 1-October 30, 2023.The data was analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21.0
Result: This study was intended to assess antimicrobial utilization pattern, a total of 187 medical records containing antimicrobial agents were evaluated and analyzed at clinic of Mizan prison. From a total patients, number of male patients 127(67.9%) and females 60(32%).Most of the patients were from 19-35 age and the least number of patients belonged to age group of ≥69.
Conclusion :This study gives an overview of antibiotic utilization in clinic of Mizan prison. amoxaicilin, metronidazole, ciprofloxacin were the most frequently prescribed individual drugs.Ineffective drug therapy, need additional drug therapy, unnecessary drug therapy most encountered drug therapy problem followed by dose too high, dose too low, adverse drug reaction and patient compliance.
Investigating the Development and Progression of Myocarditis through the lens of the Genetic Architecture of Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Shafi Ovais , Khan Waleed Azam , Virk Luqman Naseer
Published: February 2024

Background:
Myocarditis-induced inflammation disrupts the intricate genetic architecture governing cardiomyocyte development and function. Understanding the specific disruptions in key regulators, such as Isl1, Nkx2–5, GATA4, and signaling pathways like Wnt and BMPs, is crucial for unraveling the molecular underpinnings of cardiac dysfunction. This investigation holds paramount importance in informing targeted therapeutic strategies to mitigate inflammation-induced genetic disruptions, offering potential breakthroughs in the management of myocarditis and improving outcomes for affected individuals.
Methods:
Databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, were searched for published articles without any date restrictions, focusing on cardiac genes, signaling pathways, and transcription factors, with an emphasis on NF-κB in myocarditis. This study adheres to relevant PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses).
Results:
This study reveals profound disruptions in the genetic architecture of cardiomyocytes. Transcriptional regulatory networks crucial for cardiomyocyte differentiation, including Isl1, Nkx2–5, GATA4, and Tbx5, exhibit altered expression patterns, suggesting compromised maturation processes. The Brg1/Baf60 – Smarcd3 complex, HAND1/2, and MYOCD, essential for cardiogenic regulation, are susceptible to inflammatory damage, impacting cell fate determination. NF-κB-mediated damage to BMPs and the Wnt-signaling pathway results in downstream shifts, affecting gene expression dynamics. These disruptions, coupled with compromised survival mechanisms and heightened apoptotic susceptibility, contribute to cardiac dysfunction and increased arrhythmogenic risk. Altered ECM remodeling and fibrosis further underscore the complexity of myocarditis-induced genetic alterations. Insights from these results hold implications for developing targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating inflammation-induced genetic disruptions and preserving cardiac health in the context of myocarditis.
Conclusion:
Myocarditis-induced inflammation disrupts the intricate genetic architecture of cardiomyocytes, compromising key regulators like Isl1, Brg1/Baf60 complex, Nkx2–5, GATA4, Tbx5, Mef2c, HAND1/2, MYOCD, MSX2, HOPX, Wnt signaling, Notch, FGF, and BMPs. This disruption leads to impaired cardiomyocyte differentiation, compromised survival mechanisms, dysregulated ECM remodeling, and heightened pro-inflammatory responses, collectively resulting in cardiac dysfunction and structural abnormalities. Targeted therapeutic interventions to mitigate inflammation-induced genetic disruptions are crucial for preserving optimal cardiac function in the challenging landscape of myocarditis.
What factors drive higher demand for dairy milk in terms of the regional Economics and Politics
Authors: Kim Hyeonjoo
Published: February 2024

Dairy products, unlike other industrial products, are not subject to national taxation, and government regulations can have a significant impact on the supply and demand curves of commodities in the market, This study aims to reveal how government regulation may affect dairy milk demand in the absence of a sales tax. As a normal good, higher income does not guarantee higher demand. However, demand for milk may increase due to population growth, restrictions on other beverages, taxes on soft drinks, government subsidies, and health programs.
Timing Termination of a Biofumigant Cover Crop for Weed Suppression in Chile Pepper
Authors: Bajagain Akash , Lehnhoff Erik A. , Creamer Rebecca , Steiner Robert , Schutte Brian J.
Published: February 2024

Overwinter mustard cover crops incorporated into soil may suppress early-season weeds in chile pepper (Capsicum annuum). However, the potential for mustard cover crops to harbor beet leafhoppers (Circulifer tenellus) is a concern because beet leafhoppers transmit beet curly top virus to chile pepper. The objectives of this study were to determine the amounts of a biopesticidal compound (sinigrin) added to soil from ‘Caliente Rojo’ brown mustard (Brassica juncea) cover crops ended on three different days before beet leafhopper flights during spring and to determine the effects of the cover crop termination date on weed densities and hand-hoeing times for chile pepper. To address these objectives, a field study was conducted in southern New Mexico. In 2019–20, the cover crop was ended and incorporated into soil 45, 31, and 17 days before beet leafhopper flights. In 2020–21, cover crop termination occurred 36, 22, and 8 days before beet leafhopper flights. Treatments also included a no cover crop control. Cover crop biomass and sinigrin concentrations were determined at each termination. Chile pepper was seeded 28 days after the third termination date. Weed densities and hand-hoeing times were determined 28 and 56 days after chile pepper seeding. In 2019–20, the third termination (17 days before beet leafhopper flights) yielded the maximum cover crop biomass (820 g⋅m−2) and greatest sinigrin addition to soil (274 mmol⋅m−2). However, only the second termination (31 days before beet leafhopper flights) suppressed weeds in chile pepper. In 2020–21, the third termination (8 days before beet leafhopper flights) yielded the maximum cover crop biomass (591 g⋅m−2) and greatest sinigrin addition to soil (213 mmol⋅m−2), and it was the only treatment that suppressed weeds. No cover crop treatment reduced hand-hoeing times. These results indicate that overwinter mustard cover crops can be ended to evade beet leafhopper flights and suppress weeds in chile pepper.
Citizen Science and Urban Home Gardeners’ Attitudes Toward Gardening
Authors: Campbell Catherine G. , Lugones Daniela Perez , Gomez Celina
Published: February 2024

Citizen science is a participatory research method that enlists community members as scientists to collect data at a scale that would not be possible for researchers on their own and in research contexts that are difficult for researchers to reach. Although the contribution of citizen science to scientific data collection is well-known, a new area of research investigates the impact that citizen science programs have on the citizen scientists. Gardening can support healthy dietary patterns, food access, and food system resilience in urban communities. Leveraging home gardening can be a good way for cooperative extension and community groups to support the health and wellbeing of their community members. However, to reap the health and community benefits of gardening, individuals need to adopt the behavior of gardening. In this study, researchers from University of Florida conducted a home gardening citizen science program between Mar 2022 and Jul 2022 for the purpose of assessing whether participating in a citizen science home gardening program increases the likelihood of participants’ future home gardening. Researchers used a matched pretest and posttest evaluation design to assess whether participation in this program affected the citizen scientists’ (n = 112) beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions of home gardening. Citizen science program participants improved their attitudes and beliefs about home gardening but had limited improvement in their self-efficacy about home gardening after participation in the program. A 1-year follow-up survey found that program participants had adopted new gardening behaviors and reported benefits of participating in the program beyond gardening. These results highlight the value of citizen science to facilitate intentions to home garden and show the importance of information and program support to ensure the success of program participants.
Genetic Analyses of the Shape and Volume of Onion Bulbs and Daylength Effects on Bulbing
Authors: Havey Michael J.
Published: February 2024

The formation of onion (Allium cepa) bulbs is affected by photoperiod length and onion germplasm is commonly classified as short- (SD), intermediate-, or long-day (LD) types. The objectives of this study were to develop a segregating family from a cross between doubled haploids (DHs) of LD and SD onions and complete genetic analyses of bulb shape and volume, as well as daylength effects on bulbing. DH parents and F1 and F2 progenies were grown in a greenhouse under lengthening days. The diameters of the neck constriction and pseudostems were measured weekly and their ratio was used as the determinant of bulbing. Bulbs were harvested when the foliage collapsed and the diameters and heights of individual bulbs were measured and used to calculate a shape index (diameter divided by height) and bulb volume. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped and a genetic map of 112 SNPs constructed. Genetic analysis revealed two highly significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) affected bulbing under increasing daylengths, and both QTL showed significant additive effects with no dominance. One highly significant QTL was detected for bulb-shape index and explained 30% of phenotypic variation for bulb shape. Three additional QTL were slightly above the significance threshold, and together these four QTL explained over 50% of the phenotypic variation for bulb shape. No significant QTL were detected for bulb volume. These results reveal that bulb-shape and daylength effects on bulbing are relatively simply inherited, and this research should facilitate introgression of traits between onion populations of different daylength sensitivities and efforts to modify bulb shape.