bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ECG‐based epileptic seizure prediction: Challenges of current data‐driven models
Authors: Kalousios Sotirios , Müller Jens , Yang Hongliu , Eberlein Matthias , Uckermann Ortrud , Schackert Gabriele , Polanski Witold H. , Leonhardt Georg 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectiveUp to a third of patients with epilepsy fail to achieve satisfactory seizure control. A reliable method of predicting seizures would alleviate psychological and physical impact. Dysregulation in heart rate variability (HRV) has been found to precede epileptic seizures and may serve as an extracerebral predictive biomarker. This study aims to identify the preictal HRV dynamics and unveil the factors impeding the clinical application of ECG‐based seizure prediction.MethodsThirty‐nine adult patients (eight women; median age: 38, [IQR = 31, 56.5]) with 252 seizures were included. Each patient had more than three recorded epileptic seizures, each at least 2 hours apart. For each seizure, one hour of ECG prior to seizure onset was analyzed and 97 HRV features were extracted from overlapping three‐minute windows with 10s stride. Two separate patient‐specific experiments were performed using a support vector machine (SVM). Firstly, the separability of training data was examined in a non‐causal trial. Secondly, the prediction was attempted in pseudo‐prospective conditions. Finally, visualized HRV data, clinical metadata, and results were correlated.ResultsThe mean receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) for the non‐causal experiment was 0.823 (±0.12), with 208 (82.5%) seizures achieving an improvement over chance (IoC) classification score (p < 0.05, Hanley & McNeil test). In pseudo‐prospective classification, the ROC‐AUC was 0.569 (±0.17), and 86 (49.4%) seizures were classified with IoC. Off‐sample optimized SVMs failed to improve performance. Major limiting factors identified include non‐stationarity, variable preictal duration and dynamics. The latter is expressed as both inter‐seizure onset zone (SOZ) and intra‐SOZ variability.SignificanceThe pseudo‐prospective preictal classification achieving IoC in approximately half of tested seizures suggests the presence of genuine preictal HRV dynamics, but the overall performance does not warrant clinical application at present. The limiting factors identified are often overlooked in non‐causal study designs. While current deterministic prediction methods prove inadequate, probabilistic approaches may offer a promising alternative.Plain Language SummaryMany patients with epilepsy suffer from uncontrollable seizures and would greatly benefit from a reliable seizure prediction method. Currently, no such system is available to meet this need. Previous studies suggest that changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG) precede seizures by several minutes. In our work, we evaluated whether variations in heart rate could be used to predict epileptic seizures. Our findings indicate that we are still far from achieving results suitable for clinical application and highlight several limiting factors of present seizure prediction approaches.
Medical Resource Scarcity and Inequality in COVID‐19 Fatality Rates: Evidence From Hospitalized Patients in Wuhan, China
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Zhang Xiang‐Ming , Liu Xiao 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTWuhan, China, where SARS‐CoV‐2 was detected first, has been recorded as one of the epicenters with the highest COVID‐19 fatality rates worldwide. High COVID‐19 fatality rates may stem from severe medical resource scarcity, especially in the early stage of the pandemic outbreak. In the first few weeks of the COVID‐19 outbreak, Wuhan experienced the hardship of a severe “hospital run” period, when hospitals operated far beyond their maximum capacity and then soon transformed into “inclusive healthcare,” that is, every infectious person can access free medical treatment. Based on detailed administrative data of hospital admission and medical treatment for 1537 COVID‐19 patients, we investigate how the COVID‐19 fatality rates can be affected by the patient's socioeconomic status (SES) and differences in the effect between the two periods. Our estimation results show that low‐SES patients had higher fatality rates during the “hospital run” period. Differential opportunities for hospitalization do not drive this inequality in fatality rates; rather, they are driven by the medical treatment after hospital admission, namely reduced treatment intensity and limited access to specific medical treatment and medications for COVID‐19. When the government implemented the “inclusive healthcare” policy, severe medical resource scarcity was alleviated, and the inequality in fatality rates ceased to exist. These findings verify the existence of medical inequality among low‐SES people amid severe medical resource shortages and also highlight the importance of rapidly increasing hospital capacity and medical supply in reducing possible unequal treatment and tackling inequalities in medical outcomes, especially during a public health crisis.
Rosettes in a matrix: Predicting spatial variation in density of a large felid in a forest‐production mosaic
Authors: Paul Anish , Kumar Nitish , Mukherjee Tonmoy , Chhetri Amir Kumar , Kshettry Aritra 
Published: November 2024

AbstractLarge carnivores are keystone for ecosystems and flagships for conservation efforts but face severe threats globally. Protected areas are vital for the conservation of these charismatic species along with a host of ecological processes. However, the extent and scope of protected areas for conservation of all threatened species is limited, especially in the global south. Considering larger landscapes that can be compatible with large carnivore conservation goals is an alternative approach to ensure their persistence. This study explores the potential of multi‐use landscapes for the persistence of a globally threatened large felid, the Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca). This study investigated the spatial variability of leopard densities across a land‐use gradient using spatially explicit capture‐recapture framework in a tea‐plantation‐dominated forest‐production landscape mosaic in the Duars region of northeastern India. While the density of leopards in this landscape was estimated to be 7.96 ± 1.56 (SE) per 100 km2, significant (p = .048, t = 2.02, df=61) differences in estimates were observed between tea‐plantations (11.53 ± 2.72 (SE) leopards per 100 km2) and the forested habitats (4.67 ± 2.07 (SE) per 100 km2). Densities between tea plantations and protected areas (a subset of the forested habitat) were found to be comparable (9.19 ± 4.55 (SE) per 100 km2). The study posits that conservation‐compatible land use in landscapes shared with people can host a higher density of adaptable large felids like leopard than forested areas and that conservation planning needs to move beyond the dominant PA‐centric paradigm. The study also reinforces the importance of multi‐use landscapes for wildlife conservation, especially for an adaptable large felid.
The Impact of NO2 on Epithelial Barrier Integrity of a Primary Cell‐Based Air–Liquid Interface Model of the Nasal Respiratory Epithelium
Authors: Moratin Helena , Lang Josephine , Picker Magdalena‐Sophie , Rossi Angela , Wilhelm Christian , von Fournier Armin , Stöth Manuel , Goncalves Miguel , Kleinsasser Norbert , Hackenberg Stephan , Scherzad Agmal , Meyer Till Jasper 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTNitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a pervasive gaseous air pollutant with well‐documented hazardous effects on health, necessitating precise toxicological characterization. While prior research has primarily focused on lower airway structures, the upper airways, serving as the first line of defense against airborne substances, remain understudied. This study aimed to investigate the functional effects of NO2 exposure alone or in combination with hypoxia as a secondary stimulus on nasal epithelium and elucidate its molecular mechanisms because hypoxia is considered a pathophysiological factor in the onset and persistence of chronic rhinosinusitis, a disease of the upper airways. Air–liquid interface cell cultures derived from primary nasal mucosa cells were utilized as an in vitro model, offering a high in vitro–in vivo correlation. Our findings demonstrate that NO2 exposure induces malfunction of the epithelial barrier, as evidenced by decreased transepithelial electrical resistance and increased fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐dextran permeability. mRNA expression analysis revealed a significant increase in IL‐6 and IL‐8 expressions following NO2. Reduced mRNA expression of the tight junction component occludin was identified as a structural correlate of the damaged epithelial barrier. Notably, hypoxic conditions alone did not alter epithelial barrier integrity. These findings provide information on the harmful effects of NO2 exposure on the human nasal epithelium, including compromised barrier integrity and induction of inflammatory responses. Overall, this study contributes to our understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying also upper airway respiratory diseases associated with air pollution exposure and emphasizes the importance of mitigating NO2 emissions to safeguard respiratory health.
Quantitative Estimation of Iron and Fat Content in Prostate Cancer by Multiparametric MRI and Its Application in Optimizing D'Amico Score
Authors: Zhao Yunshu , Li Guangzheng , Tian Zhen , Zhu Mengying , Han Shuting , Jin Minmin , Huang Yuhua , Li Yonggang 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundThe risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR) in prostate cancer (PCa) is typically assessed using D'Amico score. However, iron and fat content in PCa are closely related to tumor cell proliferation and the risk of BCR may be estimated using multiparametric MRI (mpMRI).PurposeTo noninvasively estimate fat and iron content in PCa and to evaluate their utility in enhancing D'Amico scores for predicting BCR in PCa patients.Study TypeProspective.SubjectsForty‐eight male patients in the BCR group (age 71.31 ± 5.74 years) and 27 male patients in the non‐BCR group (age 70.3 ± 6.04 years).Field Strength/Sequence3.0 T, Turbo‐spin echo T2‐weighted imaging, diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) imaging, Gradient echo Q‐Dixon sequence.AssessmentThe mean fat fraction (FF) and T2* values of lesions were extracted from the FF map and the T2* map. Additionally, prostate volume, mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, periprostatic fat thickness (PPFT), subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), blood lipid content, pre‐ and post‐operative prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) values were collected.Statistical TestsStepwise‐COX regression analysis was employed to identify the significant predictors of BCR, which led to the construction of an improvement‐adjusted (IA) model. Then the IA model as well as the D'Amico score were evaluated using C‐index and time‐dependent AUC, decision‐curve analysis, and Kaplan–Meier curve. P < 0.05 was statistically significant.ResultsSignificant differences were observed in PSA, D'Amico score, ISUP grade, T2*, FF, and ADC values of the lesions in the BCR group compared with the non‐BCR group. Mean T2*, FF, and ADC values of the lesions were screened to construct the IA model incorporated into the D'Amico score (IA Model: C‐index = 0.749; AUC = 0.812; D'Amico score: C‐index = 0.672; AUC = 0.723).Data ConclusionThis study demonstrated that mpMRI can quantitatively estimate fat and iron within PCa lesions. By integrating ADC, FF, and T2* values into the D'Amico score, the preoperative‐risk assessment for BCR can be improved.Evidence Level2Technical EfficacyStage 2
Leaf Anatomical Adaptation and Chloroplast Ultrastructure Changes Upon Magnesium Foliar Application of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Grown Under Drought Stress
Authors: Parisa Divya , Repnik Urska , Abdalla Muna Ali , Mühling Karl Hermann 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundDrought stress (DS) impedes plant growth and development by impairing the uptake of nutrients, such as magnesium, which is central to many physiological processes, particularly photosynthesis. Leaf application was proposed to be an effective strategy to compensate for inadequate Mg2+ supply from the nutrient solution.AimThe present study is designed to investigate the role of Mg2+ leaf application in ameliorating leaf anatomy and chloroplast ultrastructure changes in faba beans grown under DS.MethodsHydroponically grown plants were subjected to DS under various levels of Mg2+, that is, sufficient (0.5 mM), deficient (0 mM), and leaf‐application (250 mM). Light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were conducted to examine leaf anatomy and ultrastructural changes.ResultsMg2+ deficiency alone and under DS significantly affected plant biomass and photosynthesis. Additionally, sucrose concentration, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation were increased. Accordingly, the excessive deposition of photoassimilates in source organs due to the inhibition of phloem loading results in a disruption of the thylakoid structures leading to chloroplast damage. In the current study leaf application of Mg2+ partially ameliorated physiological functions, most notably chlorophyll concentration, photosynthesis and transpiration rate, plant biomass, and preservation of ultrastructure of the chloroplast.ConclusionAlthough the Mg application via roots enhanced drought tolerance, compared to Mg2+ leaf application. However, Mg2+ leaf application was proven to be an efficient strategy in mitigating DS in field trials. Therefore, Mg2+ foliar application should be prioritized for further investigation under relevant environmental stress conditions.
Protective effects of Bacillus velezensis on texture, physicochemical properties, and lipid oxidation of grass carp fillets during repeated freeze–thaw cycles
Authors: Gao Yanyan , Zhu Wenwu , Lou Xiangdi , Zhou Qiang , Tian Tong , Gong Weitao , Xiong Jianhua 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundProbiotics have excellent antioxidant and antibacterial effects and are also considered to be promising natural biological preservatives. This study examined the freeze–thaw stability of the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of probiotic Bacillus velezensis PJP10, and evaluated the effect of different concentrations of PJP10 (106, 107, and 108 CFU mL−1) on microbial growth, textural characteristics, physicochemical properties, and lipid oxidation of grass carp fillets during repeated freeze–thaw cycles.ResultsFreeze–thaw cycles had little effect on the antioxidant and antibacterial stability of PJP10. Treatment with the PJP10 strain slowed effectively the increase in Aeromonas spp. counts (ASC), pH, total volatile basal nitrogen (TVB‐N), and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values of the freeze–thaw fish fillets. It maintained the textural quality of fillets, inhibiting the reduction of hardness, springiness, gumminess, cohesiveness, chewiness, and resilience values, and reduced lipid oxidation, as evidenced by decreased carbonyl values and conjugated diene values after multiple freeze–thaw cycles.ConclusionProbiotic B. velezensis PJP10 had protective effects on microbiological, textural, and physicochemical properties, and lipid oxidation of grass carp fillets during repeated freeze–thaw storage, suggesting a potential application of this strain in the freeze–thaw preservation of freshwater fish. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
A Randomized Pilot Trial of Virtual Reality Surgical Planning for Head and Neck Oncologic Resection
Authors: Nunes Kathryn L. , Jegede Victor , Mann Derek S. , Llerena Pablo , Wu Richard , Estephan Leonard , Kumar Ayan , Siddiqui Sana , Banoub Raphael , Keith Scott W. , Tuluc Madalina , Thal Arielle G. , Goldman Richard , Mady Leila J. , Cognetti David M. , Luginbuhl Adam J. , Topf Michael C. , Curry Joseph M. 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveApplication of virtual reality (VR) for surgical planning may improve clinical outcomes for head and neck cancer (HNC) resection. There is a lack of randomized trials and meaningful metrics to assess such technological applications. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of a VR protocol for oncologic surgical planning and assess the impact on surgical outcomes.MethodsA randomized controlled trial utilizing a VR Case Enhancement Protocol (VRCEP) versus standard of care (SOC) surgical planning was conducted. The primary endpoint was feasibility, defined as >80% successful VRCEPs. Metrics included surgeon task‐load burden (TLB) using the NASA Task‐Load Index and “margin events,” defined as "the need for defect‐driven margins, positive frozen margins, and/or positive final margins." Margin events were used to calculate a margin event score (MES) per case and margin event rate (MER) per cohort.ResultsThirty‐four patients were included in the final analysis (17 VRCEP, 17 SOC) with 94.4% of eligible VRCEP cases completed (17/18). Surgeon TLB was unchanged with VRCEP. Cases undergoing VRCEP were associated with a lower mean MES (0.27 vs. 0.94, p = 0.014) and MER (11.6% vs. 35.6%, p = 0.0041). VRCEP was associated with decreased defect‐driven margins (10% vs. 53.3%, p = 0.032). Although not statistically significant, positive frozen and final margin rates were lower in VRCEP.ConclusionCompletion of the VRCEP was feasible with no significant increase in surgeon TLB appreciated. VRCEP yielded fewer MEs. Further investigation into the benefit of VR in HNC resection is warranted. Margin events may represent useful metrics for assessing novel surgical technologies.Level of Evidence2 Laryngoscope, 135:1090–1097, 2025
EPI proton resonant frequency temperature mapping at 0.5T in the brain: Comparison to single‐echo gradient recalled echo
Authors: Martinez Diego F. , Wiens Curtis N. , Harris Chad T. , Handler William B. , Chronik Blaine A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPurposeEvaluate the use of both single‐echo gradient recalled echo (SE‐GRE) and EPI approaches to creating temperature maps on a mid‐field head‐only scanner, both in vivo and on a tissue mimicking gel.MethodsThree 2D protocols were investigated (an SE‐GRE, single‐shot EPI, and an averaged single‐shot EPI). The protocols used either a gradient recalled acquisition or an echo planar acquisition, with EPI parameters optimized for the longer at lower field‐strengths. Phantom experiments were conducted to evaluate temperature tracking while cooling, comparing protocol to measurements from an optical fiber thermometer. Studies were performed on a 0.5T head only MR scanner. Temperature stability maps were produced in vivo for the various protocols to evaluate precision.ResultsThe use of an EPI protocol for thermometry improved temperature precision in a temperature control phantom and provided an 18% improvement in temperature measurement precision in vivo. Temperature tracking using a fast (<2 s) update rate EPI thermometry sequence provided a similar precision to the slower SE‐GRE protocol.ConclusionWhile SE‐GRE PRF thermometry shows good performance, EPI methods offer improved tracking precision or update rate, making them a better option for thermometry in the brain at mid‐field.
Mechanical properties and vibration characteristics of multiaxial carbon/glass hybrid fiber composites
Authors: Jiang Xin , Wang Ziyu , Jiang Yiming , Zhao Ke , Gao Mingze , Ren Peiyong , Sun Jiayi , Wang Guoyu 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn this paper, the mechanical properties and vibration characteristics of Carbon‐Glass Hybrid Fiber Composites (CGHFC) are experimentally investigated with varying axial directions and blending ratios. The experimental results demonstrate a significant increase in the tensile strength of the CGHFC with an increasing content of carbon fibers. The biaxially CGHFC exhibits a maximum static tensile strength of 413.27 MPa in the 0° direction and 466.33 MPa in the 90° direction, surpassing both the quadratic and uniaxial directions. Notably, compared to biaxially oriented glass fiber material, the tensile strength of CGHFC is enhanced by 44.36%, thereby significantly improving its overall performance, making them particularly suitable for blade structures subjected to simultaneous tensile and vibratory loads. By optimizing the fiber orientation and blend ratio, the CGHFC provides good vibration control and fatigue resistance while ensuring high strength, thus maximizing the overall performance and service life of the blades. The results of this paper provide important data and theoretical support for the selection and design of wind turbine blade materials and help to promote the development of composite materials in wind turbine blade structure and design.Highlights
CGHFCs show enhanced tensile strength with more carbon fibers.
Biaxial CGHFCs have max tensile strength at 0° and 90° directions.
CGHFCs' strength improves by 44.36% over glass fiber materials.
Optimized CGHFCs offer superior vibration control and fatigue resistance.
Research supports wind turbine blade material innovation.
Comparing the roles of secondary schools and universities in the formation of British cabinet ministers, 1922–2022
Authors: Hogan John , Feeney Sharon 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe role played by the education system in the creation and reproduction of governing elites, and its countervailing potential to create a more meritocratic and egalitarian society, has been a topic of enduring concern. However, these debates have been rendered opaque by an inability to directly compare elite formation systems both within and between countries. To resolve this problem, we employ elite formation quantitative indices to compare the roles of the secondary school and higher education systems, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in the formation of its political elite—cabinet ministers—between 1922 and 2022. Our findings show that the universities educating cabinet ministers have been more elite and influential than the secondary schools, but not more exclusive. Additionally, while only a small number of universities and schools supplied more than one cabinet minister over the century, a very small number of universities and schools supplied a great many.
Multifunctional Applications of Gd‐Doped ZnO Nanoparticles Prepared Easily by the Coprecipitation Method
Authors: Hareeshanaik S. , Prabhakara M. C. , Bhojya Naik H. S. , Vishnu G. , Viswanath R. , Adarshgowda N. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe present work involves the preparation of pure ZnO and gadolinium‐doped ZnO nanoparticles with the general formula GdxZn1−xO (X = 0–0.05) by wet chemical coprecipitation technique. XRD outcomes confirmed that these nanoparticles exhibited a hexagonal wurtzite structure of zinc oxide lacking any secondary phase. The calculated average crystallite size declined from 33 to 28 nm. Through SEM analysis, the shape and morphology of the sample were determined, which showed nanoflakes‐like structures, and EDS analysis confirmed the elemental composition of Gd‐doped ZnO nanoparticles. UV–vis DRS spectral studies indicate good optical capabilities with a decline in the bandgap from 3.4 to 2.6 eV with an incline in doping concentration. Photoluminescence studies exhibited a green emission peak at 378 nm. Additionally, photodegradation of these nanoparticles was assessed through degradation of MB dye, which showed 94% of dye degradation. Synthesized nanoparticles show good electrochemical performance in CV studies. Pure ZnO and Gd‐ZnO were examined against Gram‐positive Enterococcus faecalis and Gram‐negative Escherichia coli bacteria, and it was initiated that the zone of inhibition of antibacterial activity improved with gadolinium doping compared to the pure ZnO nanoparticles.