bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non-parametric MRI Brain Atlas for the Polish Population
Authors: Borys Damian , Kijonka Marek , Psiuk-Maksymowicz Krzysztof , Gorczewski Kamil , Zarudzki Lukasz , Sokol Maria , Swierniak Andrzej 
Published: October 2021

Introduction: The application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to acquire detailed descriptions of the brain morphology in vivo is a driving force in brain mapping research. Most atlases are based on parametric statistics, however, the empirical results indicate that the population brain tissue distributions do not exhibit exactly a Gaussian shape. Our aim was to verify the population voxel-wise distribution of three main tissue classes: gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and to construct the brain templates for the Polish (Upper Silesian) healthy population with the associated non-parametric tissue probability maps (TPMs) taking into account the sex and age influence.Material and Methods: The voxel-wise distributions of these tissues were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. The non-parametric atlases were generated from 96 brains of the ethnically homogeneous, neurologically healthy, and radiologically verified group examined in a 3-Tesla MRI system. The standard parametric tissue proportion maps were also calculated for the sake of comparison. The maps were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The volumetric results segmented with the parametric and non-parametric templates were also analyzed.Results: The results confirmed that in each brain structure (regardless of the studied sub-population) the data distribution is skewed and apparently not Gaussian. The determined non-parametric and parametric templates were statistically compared, and significant differences were found between the maps obtained using both measures (the maps of GM, WM, and CSF). The impacts of applying the parametric and non-parametric TPMs on the segmentation process were also compared. The GM volumes are significantly greater when using the non-parametric atlas in the segmentation procedure, while the CSF volumes are smaller.Discussion and Conclusion: To determine the population atlases the parametric measures are uncritically and widely used. However, our findings suggest that the mean and parametric measures of such skewed distribution may not be the most appropriate summary statistic to find the best spatial representations of the structures in a standard space. The non-parametric methodology is more relevant and universal than the parametric approach in constructing the MRI brain atlases.
Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis to Identify the Gene HMMR Associated With Lung Adenocarcinoma Prognosis and Its Mechanism of Action in Multiple Cancers
Authors: Shi Jianguang , Chen Yingqi , Wang Zishan , Guo Jin , Tong Changyong , Tong Jingjie , Hu Wentao , Li Chenwei , Li Xinjian 
Published: October 2021

BackgroundLung cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in the world, with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) as the most common pathological type. But studies on the predictive effect of a single gene on LUAD are limited. We aimed to discover new predictive markers for LUAD.MethodsDifferentially high-expressed genes at each stage were obtained from the TCGA and GTEx databases. The functions of these genes were investigated through GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analyses. Then, the key genes were selected by applying whole gene overall survival time. The expression of the key gene was studied in LUAD, and survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier mapper, followed by univariate and multifactorial COX analysis. Finally, the gene expression and its prognostic significance in the pan-cancer were examined.ResultsA total of 10,106 DEGs were obtained from the two datasets. The top 266 differentially upregulated genes intersected with the top 1,497 overall survival-related genes, and 87 key genes were identified. High-expressed HMMR was associated with a poor prognosis of LUAD. Univariate and multifactorial Cox analysis showed that HMMR was an independent prognostic factor for LUAD patients. A high HMMR expression was strongly associated with the overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) in 11 cancer types and with poorer OS, DSS, and PFI in 10 cancer types.ConclusionHMMR may be an independent prognostic indicator and an important biomarker in diagnosing and predicting the survival of LUAD patients. Also, HMMR may be a key predictor of a variety of cancers.
A Scoring System for Assessing the Risk of Malignant Partially Cystic Thyroid Nodules Based on Ultrasound Features
Authors: Xin Yuwei , Liu Feifei , Shi Yan , Yan Xiaohui , Liu Liping , Zhu Jiaan 
Published: October 2021

ObjectiveTo assess the ultrasound (US) features of partially cystic thyroid nodules (PCTNs) and to establish a scoring system to further improve the diagnostic accuracy.MethodsA total of 262 consecutive nodules from September 2017 to March 2020 were included in a primary cohort to construct a scoring system. Moreover, 83 consecutive nodules were enrolled as an validation cohort from May 2018 to August 2020. All nodules were determined to be benign or malignant according to the pathological results after surgery or ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (US-FNA). The US images and demographic characteristics of the patients were analyzed. The ultrasound features of PCTNs were extracted from primary cohort by two experienced radiologists. The features extracted were used to develop a scoring system using logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the scoring system in both the primary cohort and validation cohort. In addition, the radiologists evaluated the benign and malignant PCTNs of the validation cohort according to the ACR TI-RADS guidelines and clinical experience, and the accuracy of their diagnosis were compared with that of the scoring system.ResultsBased on the eight features of PCTNs, the scoring system showed good differentiation and reproducibility in both cohorts. The scoring system was based on eight features of PCTNs and showed good performance. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.876 (95% CI, 0.830 - 0.913) in the primary cohort and 0.829(95% CI, 0.730 - 0.903) in the validation cohort. The optimal cutoff value of the scoring system for the diagnosis of malignant PCTNs was 4 points, with a good sensitivity of 71.05% and specificity of 87.63%. The scoring system (AUC=0.829) was superior to radiologists (AUC= 0.736) in diagnosing PCTNs and is a promising method for clinical application.ConclusionsThe scoring system described herein is a convenient and clinically valuable method that can diagnose PCTNs with relatively high accuracy. The use of this method to diagnose PCTNs, which have been previously underestimated, will allow PCTNs to receive reasonable attention, and assist radiologist to confidently diagnose the benignity or malignancy.
Development of a Margin Determination Framework for Tumor-Tracking Radiation Therapy With Intraoperatively Implanted Fiducial Markers
Authors: Kim Jihun , Han Min Cheol , Chang Jee Suk , Hong Chae-Seon , Kim Kyung Hwan , Byun Hwa Kyung , Park Ryeong Hwang , Koom Woong Sub , Park Seong Yong , Kim Jin Sung 
Published: October 2021

PurposeTo develop an internal target volume (ITV) margin determination framework (or decision-supporting framework) for treating multiple lung metastases using CyberKnife Synchrony with intraoperatively implanted fiducial markers (IIFMs). The feasibility of using non-ideally implanted fiducial markers (a limited number and/or far from a target) for tracking-based lung stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) was investigated.MethodsIn the developed margin determination framework, an optimal set of IIFMs was determined to minimize a tracking uncertainty-specific ITV (ITVtracking) margin (margin required to cover target-to-marker motion discrepancy), i.e., minimize the motion discrepancies between gross tumor volume (GTV) and the selected set of fiducial markers (FMs). The developed margin determination framework was evaluated in 17 patients with lung metastases. To automatically calculate the respiratory motions of the FMs, a template matching-based FM tracking algorithm was developed, and GTV motion was manually measured. Furthermore, during-treatment motions of the selected FMs were analyzed using log files and compared with those calculated using 4D CTs.ResultsFor 41 of 42 lesions in 17 patients (97.6%), an optimal set of the IIFMs was successfully determined, requiring an ITVtracking margin less than 5 mm. The template matching-based FM tracking algorithm calculated the FM motions with a sub-millimeter accuracy compared with the manual measurements. The patient respiratory motions during treatment were, on average, significantly smaller than those measured at simulation for the patient cohort considered.ConclusionUse of the developed margin determination framework employing CyberKnife Synchrony with a limited number of IIFMs is feasible for lung SABR.
Prophylactic Heme Arginate Infusion for Acute Intermittent Porphyria
Authors: Kuo Hung-Chou , Lin Chia-Ni , Tang Yi-Fen 
Published: October 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of long-term weekly prophylactic heme arginate (HA) infusions in reducing attack frequency and severity in female AIP patients.Methods: We report the results of five female AIP patients with frequent recurrent attacks (&gt;9/year) before and after institution of weekly prophylaxis with heme arginate (3 mg/kg body weight). All five cases had confirmed disease-associated mutations in the porphobilinogen deaminase gene, and all had received genetic and clinical counseling about AIP.Results: In the five included patients, average annual attack rate (AAR) in the year prior to HA prophylaxis was 11.82 (range 9.03–17.06), and average total HA usage was 32.60 doses (range: 13.71–53.13). After 2.58–14.64 years of HA prophylaxis, average AAR was reduced to 2.23 (range 0.00–5.58), and attack severity (i.e., doses required per attack) was reduced from 2.81 to 1.39 doses/attack. Liver and renal function remained stable during weekly administration of HA prophylaxis. The most common complications were port-A catheter-related events. No other complications or safety concerns occurred with long-term use of HA prophylaxis.Conclusion: Our study demonstrated women with AIP receiving weekly prophylactic HA infusions resulted in fewer episodes that required acute HA treatment while maintaining stable renal and liver function. Weekly prophylactic HA infusions effectively prevent frequent porphyric attacks and reduce attack severity.
The Multimodal MOPr/DOPr Agonist LP2 Reduces Allodynia in Chronic Constriction Injured Rats by Rescue of TGF-β1 Signalling
Authors: Fidilio Annamaria , Grasso Margherita , Turnaturi Rita , Caruso Giuseppe , Spitale Federica Maria , Vicario Nunzio , Parenti Rosalba , Spoto Salvatore , Musso Nicolò , Marrazzo Agostino , Chiechio Santina , Caraci Filippo , Pasquinucci Lorella , Parenti Carmela 
Published: October 2021

Neuropathic pain is one of the most disabling forms of chronic pain and it is characterized by hyperalgesia and allodynia linked to an aberrant processing of pain transmission and to neuroinflammation. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine, which protects against neuroinflammation. It has been demonstrated that TGF-β1 and opioid receptors signalling crosstalk results in an improvement of endogenous opioid analgesia, but it is not known whether mu opioid peptide receptor (MOPr) or delta opioid peptide receptor (DOPr) agonists can positively modulate TGF-β1 pathway. In the present study, we examined the correlation between anti-allodynic effect of LP2, a dual-target MOPr/DOPr agonist, and TGF-β1 signalling in the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model. We detected a significant decrease of active TGF-β1 and of its type II receptor TGFβ-R2 levels in the spinal cord from CCI rats and a selective deficit of TGF-β1 in microglia cells both at days 11 and 21 post-ligature, as assessed by immunofluorescence analysis. LP2, when administered from the 11 days post-ligature to 21 days, was able to reduce CCI-induced mechanical allodynia by rescue of TGF-β1 and TGFβ-R2 levels. Our data suggest that the rescue of TGF-β1 signalling by dual-target MOPr/DOPr agonist LP2 could be mediated by DOPr activation in spinal microglia, thus the dual-target approach could represent a novel pharmacological approach to increase the analgesic efficacy of MOPr agonists.
The Psychometric Properties of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 Items: A Test in the U.S. General Population
Authors: Lee Sangha , Lee Jihoon , Yoo Soyoung , Suh Sooyeon , Chung Seockhoon , Lee Sherman A. 
Published: October 2021

Objectives: Many individuals around the world are suffering from psychological distress due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The aim of this study is to explore the validity and reliability of the English version of Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 (SAVE-6), which measures the anxiety response of the general population to the viral epidemic.Methods: A cross-sectional web-based study with self-reporting measures was conducted. A total of 314 United States residents were recruited via online platform in exchange for payment. The participants were asked to an anonymous questionnaire, collecting information on demographics, psychiatric history, SAVE-6, Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale.Results: The result from confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) demonstrated that a single-factor model [χ(9)2 = 11.53, p = 0.24] yielded excellent fit for all of indices [χ2/df ratio = 1.28; CFI = 1.00; TLI = 1.00; SRMR = 0.02; RMSEA = 0.03 (0.00, 0.07; 90% CI)] and yielded strong internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.88). The results from multigroup CFAs showed that there were no gender differences [Δχ(6)2 = 3.20, p = 0.78, ns] and no race differences [Δχ(6)2=3.60, p = 0.73, ns] between the models, along with excellent model fits.Conclusions: The results of this study support the reliability and validity of SAVE-6 with strong psychometric properties for the English version of the U.S. population.
Schoolteachers' Resilience Does but Self-Efficacy Does Not Mediate the Influence of Stress and Anxiety Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic on Depression and Subjective Well-Being
Authors: Cho Inn-Kyu , Lee Jihoon , Kim Kyumin , Lee Joohee , Lee Sangha , Yoo Soyoung , Suh Sooyeon , Chung Seockhoon 
Published: October 2021

Objectives: In the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, schoolteachers experience stress from addressing students or performing school tasks that may result in burnout. This study aimed to observe whether teachers' stress and anxiety due to the pandemic can influence their depression or psychological well-being and examine whether their resilience or self-efficacy mediates this association.Methods: During March 4–15, 2021, 400 teachers participated and responded voluntarily to an online survey that included the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-9 items (SAVE-9), the Teacher-Efficacy Scale, the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, and the Patients Health Questionnaire-9 items.Results: High psychological well-being of teachers in COVID-19 pandemic era was expected by a low SAVE-9 score (aOR = 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91–0.99), a high level of self-efficacy (aOR = 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01–1.06), and a high BRS score (aOR = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.10–1.27). Moreover, teachers' resilience mediated the effects of stress and anxiety from the COVID-19 pandemic on their subjective well-being or depression.Conclusions: Schoolteachers' subjective well-being and depression were influenced by high levels of stress and anxiety of the viral epidemic, and their resilience mediated this relationship in this COVID-19 pandemic era.
Estimating Global Prevalence of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease in Overweight or Obese Children and Adolescents: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Jiaye , Mu Chunyang , Li Kewei , Luo Han , Liu Yong , Li Zhihui 
Published: October 2021

Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a new terminology updated from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aim to estimate the global prevalence of MAFLD in overweight or obese children and adolescents, by repurposing existing data on fatty liver disease.Methods: We screened relevant articles published up to December 2020. Pooled prevalence was calculated using Logit transformations.Results: Our search returned 35,441 records, of which 156 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of MAFLD was 33.78% in the general population and 44.94% in a special population based on child obesity clinics, regardless of the diagnostic techniques. For subgroup analysis, MAFLD prevalence was significantly higher in boys compared to girls (36.05 vs. 26.84% in the general population; 50.20 vs. 35.34% in the child obesity clinics-based population). Interestingly, based on study source, the pooled prevalence of MAFLD was 1.5-fold higher in other “fatty liver disease” studies compared to the classical “NAFLD” studies in the general population.Conclusion: MAFLD is highly prevalent in overweight or obese children and adolescents. Raising awareness and urgent actions are warranted to control the MAFLD pandemic across the globe.
Impact of Weather Conditions on the Operation of Power Unit Cooling Towers 905 MWe
Authors: Buryn Zbigniew , Kuczuk Anna , Pospolita Janusz , Smejda Rafał , Widera Katarzyna 
Published: October 2021

The paper presents the results of measurements and calculations concerning the influence of weather conditions on the operation of wet cooling towers of 905 MWe units of the Opole Power Plant (Poland). The research concerned the influence of temperature and relative humidity of air, wind and power unit load on the water temperature at the outlet from the cooling tower, the level of water cooling, cooling efficiency and cooling water losses. In the cooling water loss, the evaporation loss stream and the drift loss stream were distinguished. In the analyzed operating conditions of the power unit, for example, an increase in Tamb air by 5 °C (from 20–22 °C to 25–27 °C) causes an increase in temperature at the outlet of the cooling tower by 3–4 °C. The influence of air temperature and humidity on the level of water cooling ΔTw and cooling efficiency ε were also found. In the case of ΔTw, the effect is in the order of 0.1–0.2 °C and results from the change in cooling water temperature and the heat exchange in the condenser. The ε value is influenced by air temperature and humidity, which determine the wet bulb temperature value. Within the range of power changes of the unit from 400 to 900 MWe, the evaporated water stream m˙ev, depending on the environmental conditions, increases from 400–600 tons/h to the value of 1000–1400 tons/h. It was determined that in the case of the average power of the unit at the level of 576.6 MWe, the average values of the evaporation and drift streams were respectively 0.78% and 0.15% of the cooling water stream. Using statistical methods, it was found that the influence of wind on the level of water cooling, cooling efficiency and cooling water losses was statistically significant.
BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF DRILLING WATER INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION IN FOUR PREFECTURES IN THE SAVANNAH REGION OF TOGO
Authors: Gambogou Banfitebiyi , MENSAH Raouf Tony , KANGNI-DOSSOU Messanh , DJERI Bouraïma , AMEYAPOH Yaovi 
Published: October 2021

According to the latest SDG recommendations, guidelines on access to safe drinking water have enabled the construction of boreholes in remote areas of developing countries. In Togo, particularly in the savannah region where access to drinking water remains a major problem for the population, many boreholes have been built for this purpose. The objective of this study is to evaluate the bacteriological quality of the waters of some boreholes built in four (04) prefectures of the savannah region in Togo.
A total of 68 samples of drilling water intended for human consumption were collected between January and February 2019 for bacteriological analysis. These analyses were carried out according to the standardized routine methods of the French Association for Standardization (AFNOR). The parameters sought or counted in these samples are those retained by the 2007 European Union criteria for water intended for human consumption. The analysis reveal that the samples of borehole water are at 50% and 90% of unsatisfactory hygienic quality respectively compared to the Total Coliforms (CT) and the Total Aerobic Mesophilic Flora (FAMT) which are indicative germs of hygiene failure. The correlation of the germs sought made it possible to distinguish two groups of indicators of contamination: those responsible for hygiene failures and old fecal contamination (ASR)
Conclusion: Since the majority of the borehole water analyzed is contaminated by germs indicating hygiene deficiencies, adequate treatment of these waters and monitoring of their quality are necessary in order to protect the population of the savannah region against probable diseases linked to faecal contamination germs.
Performance analysis of a point-absorber wave energy converter with a single buoy composed of three rigidly coupled structures
Authors: Ruezga Aldo , Cañedo C. José M. , Verduzco-Zapata Manuel G. , Ocampo-Torres Francisco J. 
Published: October 2021

A single-body point absorber system is analysed to improve its power absorption at a finite water depth. The proposed wave energy converter consists of a single floating body coupled to a direct-drive power take-off system placed on the seabed. The structure of a cylindrical buoy with large draft is changed by a single body composed of three structures rigidly coupled, reducing its volume and improving its frequency-dependent hydrostatic parameters that are obtained through a numerical analysis tool called NEMOH. The undamped natural frequency of the oscillating system is tuned to a specified wave period and the performance of the WEC system is obtained assuming a linear Power Take-Off system. In time domain, the performance of the WEC device is carried-out under a regular (sinusoidal) and irregular incident wave profile. Comparing the performance of the WEC system using the cylindrical and the proposed buoy outcomes that the system with the proposed buoy is able to absorb more energy from incident waves with a wider frequency range, whereas the oscillating system is kept as simple as possible.