bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early urea-to-creatinine ratio to predict rapid muscle loss in critically ill patients with sepsis: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Jiang Jie , Chen Hui , Meng Shan-shan , Pan Chun , Xie Jian-Feng , Guo Feng-Mei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Sepsis patients in the ICU often experience rapid muscle loss. Urea-to-creatinine ratio (UCR) reflects protein metabolism and is often used to assess nutritional metabolic status. This study aimed to investigate whether the UCR can predict the development of rapid muscle loss in patients with sepsis.
Methods
Our retrospective observational study was performed in a university ICU from 2014 to 2021 on adult (≥ 18 years) sepsis patients. The primary outcome was the incidence of rapid muscle loss during ICU hospitalization. We utilized multivariate logistical regression to characterize the association between UCR/ΔUCR and rapid muscle loss. The area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated to quantify the performance of UCR/ΔUCR in predicting rapid muscle loss.
Results
Among all 482 patients, 141 patients (29.2%) had rapid muscle loss during ICU stay. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that ΔUCR was associated with an increased risk of rapid muscle loss, the Odds ratio was 1.02 [95% CI: 1.01,1.02]. The predictive ability of ΔUCR for rapid muscle loss was 0.76[95% CI 0.68–0.83]. The threshold was 19.4 for ΔUCR.
Conclusion
Our findings show that elevated UCR is independently associated with rapid muscle loss, and it can predict rapid muscle loss in sepsis patients. UCR provides a simple bedside marker for early identification and intervention of rapid muscle loss.
A new seed-setting species from the polyploid genus Curcuma of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) based on morphological and molecular data
Authors: Chen Juan , Yan Jia-Wei , Wang Hui-Hong , Zeng Si-Jin , Zeng Lin-Ya , Tian En-Wei , Xia Nian-He 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
The polyploid genus Curcuma L. is an economically important, yet taxonomically rather difficult genus, mainly distributed in South and Southeast Asia. Several Chinese important traditional medicinal herbs are from Curcuma, such as “jianghuang姜黄”, “yujin郁金” and “ezhu莪术”. During field investigation of plant resources in Yunnan, the distribution center of the genus in China, an unknown flowering and seed-setting species of Curcuma was discovered. Its morphological characters were assessed for further taxonomic treatment and molecular analysis was conducted to ascertain its phylogenetic position within the genus as well. Its genome size, chromosome number and ploidy level were evaluated by k-mer distribution analysis and cytological method.
Results
This species resembles Curcuma longa but can be distinctly differed in its yellow rhizomes, sometimes with pubescent abaxial surfaces, green or sometimes with vary faint and narrower purple stripes at the midrib, white tinged with pale purple to pale purple coma bracts. Its chromosome number is 2n = 42. The haploid genome size estimation of Curcuma flavescens based on k-mer distribution is 874.19 Mb. Smudgeplot analysis suggested it is a diploid heterozygous genome (AB). Plastid phylogenomic analyses indicated that this new species is embedded within subg. Curcuma. The comprehensive phylogenetic studies conducted on Curcuma species using nrITS regions showed it is nested with C. montana, a species from India and Bangladesh. Moreover, morphological analysis further reinforced the distinctiveness of this species from C. montana. It revealed several key differences across various anatomical features such as the color of rhizomes, the indumentum of leaves and the morphology of inflorescence and flowers. Our findings make a strong case for using next-generation sequencing to explore phylogenetic relationships and identify new species.
Conclusion
The morphological and molecular evidences support the recognition of Curcuma flavescens as a new species. This provides a good diploidy material for the further breeding work in the genus Curcuma, and might also contribute to the study of the polyploid origin in this genus.
The graphical fascination of NFT: Insights from tree-based methods
Authors: Zhao Yunfei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) have garnered significant attentions as an emerging digital asset class with unique properties that cannot be replicated. In this paper, this study analyzes the graphical factors affecting the pricing of NFTs represented by CryptoPunks using decision trees, random forests and XGB regression methods. This study reveals that various image attributes of CryptoPunks exhibit significant variability and exert an influence on their prices. These finding provides valuable insights into the pricing dynamics of NFTs and shed light on the key attributes that impact their value in the market.
WITHDRAWN: The value of T2WI-based intratumoral and peritumoral edema radiomics in predicting IDH-1 genotype in gliomas
Authors: Tang Wei , Yang Weixin , Tang Lei , Zhai Zhaohua 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors while they make corrections to the work. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Homology Analysis of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii Genes in Different Regions of Xinjiang
Authors: Luo Bin , Li Zhiwei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is gradually increasing globally, posing a serious burden on patients and society, which is a significant public health issue.Testing the homology of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii clones in hospitals in Xinjiang autonomous region can enable the hospital infection control department to better monitor the source and prevent the spread of drug-resistant characteristics.
Method: Multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii detected in intensive care units of 9 urban hospitals in Xinjiang autonomous region were collected. After drug sensitivity testing, DNA was extracted, and homology analysis was performed.
Conclusion: 72 strains of carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii were multi drug resistant; The resistance rate of this bacterium to polymyxin B (1.3%) and tigecycline (1.7%) was low. The genotype of type 3 was unique to Urumqi; Type 4 is mainly distributed in Changji and Hotan, showing a unique significant band; Type 2 appeared in Urumqi and Hotan, and type 1 was prevalent throughout Xinjiang. It is distributed in all regions, and the similarity coefficient is 99%.
Radiogenomic analysis of the correlation between clinical, ultrasound characteristics and immune-related genes in breast cancer
Authors: Dou Tingyao , Chen Yaodong , Liu Lunhang , Zhang Yaochen , Pei Wanru , Li Jing , Lei Yan , Wang Yanhong , Jia Hongyan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. Breast cancer screening, early diagnosis, and standardized treatment can effectively reduce the mortality of patients. Breast color Doppler ultrasound plays a significant role in the non-invasive screening and diagnosis of breast cancer. The application of immunotherapy for breast cancer can significantly prolong the overall survival rates of patients with advanced breast cancer, which is an important research area of breast cancer treatment. This study analyzed the correlation between the clinical and ultrasound characteristics of breast cancer and immune-related genes.
Methods: First, differential expression of immune-related genes were obtained using the GEO and IMMPORT database. Then, differentially expressed immune-related genes related to the overall survival of breast cancer were obtained using the GEPIA and Kaplan-Meier plotter platforms. Additionally, clinical, ultrasound characteristics and pathological specimens of breast cancer patients’ tumors were collected. Transcriptome sequencing and immunohistochemical staining were performed on the tumor specimens to obtain gene expression.
Results: CXCL2, MIA, NR3C2, PTX3, S100B, SAA1, SAA1, and CXCL9 genes were correlated with each other and with clinical and ultrasonic characteristics. The high expression of MIA was related to the positive expression of PR in breast cancer. The low expression of NR3C2 was correlated with the clinical characteristics of tumor size≥20mm, later stage, Her-2 positive, Ki-67≥20%. NR3C2 was negatively correlated with the value of PKI and AUC in contrast-enhanced ultrasound parameters, and positively correlated with the value of AT and TTP. The expression of the PTX3 gene was also negatively correlated with the value of PKI and Emax of shear wave elastography. SAA2 was related to the presence or absence of burrs on the edge of the tumor characterized by ultrasound. The expression of the CXCL9 gene was associated with the age of onset and tumor stage.
Conclusions: In this study, 8 differentially expressed immune-related genes related to the overall survival rate of breast cancer were screened, which can be further studied in the subsequent immunotherapy of breast cancer. Some clinical and ultrasonic characteristics of breast cancer were significantly correlated with immune-related genes, such as NR3C2, SAA2, and CXCL9. Further analysis of these genes provides new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
A Data-Driven Approach Using Deep Learning for the Classification of Indian Bird Species Facing Climate Change Challenges: Implications for Biodiversity Conservation
Authors: Gavali pralhad , Banu J Saira 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant threat to global biodiversity, particularly impacting bird populations, which face the risk of extinction due to habitat loss and altered environmental conditions. This research addresses the difficulties of identifying and monitoring bird species in biodiversity-rich countries such as India. We propose an innovative approach that employs deep learning techniques to classify Indian bird species impacted by climate change. The study's primary aim is to create a precise and dependable classification algorithm using the advanced Inception-ResNet-v2 architecture, enhanced through transfer learning methods. To improve model reliability, we introduce a novel data augmentation technique that minimizes similarities between different species while refining fine-grained features. Our validation strategy includes a comprehensive approach with data swapping between training and validation sets, alongside fivefold cross-validation, ensuring strong predictive performance. The proposed methodology is evaluated on a diverse range of datasets, encompassing images of Indian bird species captured in various habitats and under differing environmental conditions. Initial findings reveal impressive classification accuracy, averaging 94%, with a precision of 96% across more than eight species categories. These outcomes highlight the model's potential for widespread application in biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts. Future directions for this research include expanding the dataset, enhancing augmentation techniques, and investigating real-time monitoring capabilities. Through this work, we aim to make a meaningful contribution to conservation strategies for Indian bird species amidst the challenges of climate change.
Adding natural regeneration and trait-based models on the functional trajectory analysis for monitoring tropical forests under ecological restoration
Authors: MANHAES ADRIANA , Saavedra Mariana , Pansonato Marcelo P. , Andrade Moab T. , Camelo Beatriz , Machado Frederico , Paes Jorge Eduardo , Sansevero Jerônimo B. B. , Martini Adriana , Mantuano Dulce 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Monitoring restoration areas is crucial for understanding how ecological succession and plant community trajectories evolve in a rapidly changing climate. The trait-based approach offers significant potential for restoration assessment due to its direct link with ecosystem functionality. We assessed the functional trajectory of a 10-year-old restoration community in a tropical forest, comparing two different planting designs: tree plantations (2 x 2 m spaced) and applied nucleation (0.3 m spaced). Using a multidimensional analysis of six key functional traits (leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, seed mass, wood density, and potential height), we enhanced the traditional Functional Trajectory Analysis (FTA) by incorporating natural regeneration and trait-based models for potentially redirecting undesirable trajectories. Our results indicated that natural regeneration pushed the trajectory away from the reference ecosystem, as the community under restoration was more functionally acquisitive, resembling an early succession stage. Natural regeneration within tree plantations exhibited distinct plant-size traits compared to those in the passive strategy, increasing trajectory length and distance from reference and planted community. By targeting higher functional diversity in the trait-based models, we compared the observed and estimated species abundances within planted communities and identified the species to be removed or added. These models can be a useful management tool when the functional trajectory does not align with the expected direction. Incorporating natural regeneration and trait-based models for species abundance estimation into FTA can significantly enhance monitoring and management. We offer a robust functional approach to guide restoration projects toward desired ecological outcomes.
Phase-dependent Sympathetic Dysinnervation in Takotsubo Syndrome Revealed with Transparent Heart Short title: Sympathetic Dysinnervation in Takotsubo Syndrome
Authors: Masuyama Kiyoshi , Lee Jong-Kook , Yokoyama Teruki , Li Jun , Yasutake Hideki , Kuramoto Yuki , Hidaka Kyoko , Sakata Yasushi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute cardiac syndrome characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction. Although the wall motion abnormality resolves completely, the prognosis is poor. Defect of 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine uptake, interpreted as sympathetic impairment, persisted in TTS patients, but the mechanism is not fully understood. We aimed to elucidate morphological sympathetic nerve change in a TTS model mouse using three-dimensional imaging techniques, with a particular focus on the role of factors in these alterations. The TTS model was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 2.0 mg/kg adrenaline to C57BL/6 mice, resulting in transient akinesis localized to the inferior apical region of the heart. Three-dimensional morphological assessment revealed that sympathetic nerve length within the inferior apical area of TTS mice reduced during the chronic phase compared with the sham mice. Notably, the study observed a pattern of denervation during the acute phase, followed by re-innervation and subsequent denervation in the chronic phase. The neurotrophic factors expressions changed in a time-dependent manner, corresponding to the phase-specific damage both to cardiomyocytes and sympathetic neurons. The bimodal change in sympathetic nerves and altered neurotrophic factors in TTS mice provide novel insights into the pathophysiological mechanism of TTS to establish therapeutic strategies for TTS.
EF-UV: Feature Enhanced fusion of U-Net and VIT Transformer for Brain Tumor MRI Image Segmentation
Authors: Sun Xinxin , Bhatti Uzair Aslam , Huang Mengxing , Zhang Yu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Medical image segmentation is important for medical diagnosis, and deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have made significant progress in this area. However, CNNs are deficient as they mainly focus on localized features. In contrast, the Transformer architecture is able to consider the entire input sequence and is therefore more effective in capturing global contextual information of medical images. In this study, we introduce an innovative approach to enhance the detailed information of images by firstly using three methods, namely, Contrast Constrained Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE), Modified Binary Otsu-Based Histogram Equalization (MBOBHE), and Modified Partitioned Histogram Equalization (MPHE), and then combining U-Net with the VIT Transformer framework for the further processing of MRI brain tumor medical images for further processing. Three methods are proposed in this study, the preprocessing method using CLAHE is called EF-UVit1, the method using MBOBHE is called EF-UVit2, and the method using MPHE is called EF-UVit3. This study achieves particularly outstanding results in the recognized dataset Brats2020, and the results of the evaluation metrics of the three methods proposed in this study are all more than 98%, and the results in the MSD dataset, although slightly inferior to the Brats2020 dataset, still compare favorably with other algorithms.
Parkinson’s Disease - Functional Movement Battery (PD-FUNC): a simple tool to objectively evaluate functional movement capacity of patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Smits-Engelsman Bouwien , Duysens Jacques 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Clinicians require quantitative measures of functional movement to inform care decisions for persons with Parkinson’s disease (PWPs). To address this need, we developed the Parkinson’s Disease - Functional Movement Battery (PD-FUNC), which includes valid items from existing assessments and evaluates five key areas from the MDS-UPDRS-III: manual dexterity, functional strength, locomotion, static balance, and activities of daily living. This study assessed the PD-FUNC’s ability to distinguish between PWPs and healthy controls based on effect sizes and analyzed differences according to disease progression using years since diagnosis and MDS-UPDRS-III scores, as well as Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) stages. The test was administered to 81 PD patients (H&Y stages 1–3) and 81 age-matched controls. All items, except grip force, discriminated effectively, with dexterity tasks showing the highest sensitivity (effect size r = 0.52–0.63). The PD-FUNC distinguished PD stages well, revealing early symptoms through dexterity tests (p = 0.001) and late-stage symptoms via dynamic stability tests. The PD-FUNC provides a comprehensive assessment within 30–40 minutes and could be used to evaluate disease progression and medication effectiveness at home and in clinical settings.
The impact of league quality and player distribution on the performance of women’s national football teams
Authors: Wang Sihang , Shen Miao , Qin Yang , Li Pei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of league quality and player distribution on the women’s football performance of national teams. 50 European teams for three consecutive seasons (2021-2024) were analyzed. The league rankings and player distribution of 50 European countries were obtained through the official websites, the scores were assigned according to the respective leagues/clubs rankings, and finally correlation and regression analyses were conducted to analyze the league rankings, the league distribution rankings, and the rankings of the top clubs of each women’s national team. The results show that the league ranking, player league distribution, and player top club distribution have a highly positive correlation with FIFA world ranking in the past three seasons, and the R values are all greater than 0.7. The results of linear regression analysis show that the league ranking, the player distribution of league and top clubs have a significant positive influence on FIFA ranking, among which the leagues distribution has the highest degree of explanation for FIFA ranking (Adjusted R2=0.685, CI:1.878-2.762, P<0.001***). Therefore, these information encourages countries with lower rankings should prioritize league development and enhance the competitiveness of their football leagues to cultivate elite players.
Health system responsiveness to maternity care expectations: The case of African-born women residing in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Bali Ayele Geleto , Vasilevski Vidanka , Sweet Linda 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Migrants come to host countries with different health needs, requiring access to new and complex health systems. Health system responsiveness is an important consideration in the delivery of both clinical and non-clinical care to migrant communities. Migration of women of childbearing age from African countries is increasing in Australia, however, the responsiveness of the health system to their maternity care needs has not been well studied. This study aimed to assess the health system responsiveness to maternity care expectations of African-born women living in Melbourne, Australia.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted from August to December 2023 among African-born women residing in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. A standardised tool was used for data collection and a total of 248 complete responses were received. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in STATA 18 software.
Results
Most respondents, 205 (82.7%), rated the Australian health system responsiveness as ‘acceptable’. The quality of basic amenities domain received the highest scores, while the choice for service providers obtained the lowest score. Health system responsiveness was more likely to be considered ‘unacceptable’ among women aged 26–35 years old compared to women younger than 25 years old (AOR: 4.71, 95% CI: (1.17–19.02) and migrant women as compared to humanitarian entrants (AOR: 2.51, 95% CI: (1.29–7.67). However, women who worked in non-professional jobs were less likely to report ‘unacceptable’ health system responsiveness as compared to women working in professional jobs (AOR: 0.54, 95% CI: (0.23–0.93).
Conclusions
This study suggested that the Australian health system was mostly responsive to the maternity care needs of African-born women. The domains that were rated with low scores, such as, choice for service providers, communication, autonomy, and prompt attention, could be addressed by improving African-born women’s health literacy using tailored strategies to support informed decision making.