bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 2 Predicts Right Ventricular Reverse Remodeling and Improvement of Concomitant Tricuspid Regurgitation After Transcatheter Edge‐to‐Edge Mitral Valve Repair
Authors: Gröger Matthias , Felbel Dominik , Paukovitsch Michael , Schneider Leonhard Moritz , Markovic Sinisa , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Keßler Mirjam 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundConcomitant right ventricular (RV) failure and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) are common comorbidities in patients undergoing mitral valve transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair (M‐TEER) and are associated with worse prognosis. Improvement of TR after M‐TEER occurs frequently, however determinants of this course are poorly understood. This study aimed to analyze serum biomarkers that are differentially regulated in patients with TR and to identify biomarkers predictive of the course of TR after M‐TEER.Methods and ResultsBiomarker expression was analyzed in 242 prospectively included patients undergoing M‐TEER. Patients with moderate‐to‐severe TR had significant comorbidities (median EuroSCORE II 5.2 in patients with severe TR, 4.9 in moderate TR, 3.2 in no/mild TR; p = 0.002) and a large number of biomarkers was upregulated including IGFBP‐2 (1.4‐fold in severe TR compared to no/mild TR, p = 0.005). Echocardiographic follow‐up 3 months after M‐TEER was carried out in 99 patients. RV reverse remodeling (RVRR) as defined by improvement of concomitant TR by at least one grade and/or RV diameter downsizing of at least 10% compared to baseline was seen in 50 patients (50.5%). IGFBP‐2 (Odds Ratio 2.078) and presence of chronic pulmonary disease (Odds Ratio 15.341) proved independent predictors of non‐development of RVRR within 3 months after M‐TEER.ConclusionsIn patients undergoing M‐TEER with concomitant moderate or severe TR, numerous cardiometabolic biomarkers including IGFBP‐2 are upregulated. Higher levels of IGFBP‐2 at baseline are independently associated with persistent TR and/or RV dilation after M‐TEER.
Degradation of the Antibiotic Sulfamethoxazole by Ozonation: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Martini Jéssica , Ighalo Joshua O. , Emenike Ebuka Chizitere , Georgin Jordana , Carissimi Elvis 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTSulfamethoxazole (SMX) is an antibiotic widely used for the treatment of several diseases, especially respiratory and urinary. Due to its widespread use, its presence in the environment has been on the rise. This study discusses the degradation of the antibiotic SMX through the ozonation process. SMX is preferentially degraded by the direct action of O3 on the molecule, starting by breaking the double bonds in the aromatic ring. Through ozonation it is possible to obtain complete SMX degradation within 10 min, but the mineralization of the solution is not achieved, reaching total organic carbon removal efficiencies of 5%–60%, depending on the reaction time. Factors such as the presence of organic matter (OM) and the pH of the solution interfere with the degradation of SMX. The OM acts as a radical scavenger, decreasing the efficiency of degradation, while the pH interferes with the decomposition of O3 into radicals and the dissolution of the oxidant in the medium, in addition to influencing the state of ionization of the SMX making it more or less prone to reactions. In general, most other remediation processes are carried out on a laboratory scale. To increase the level of these processes to a full scale, more pilot‐scale studies are needed. In addition, it is necessary to focus on the practice of reusing materials, avoiding the generation of secondary pollution, and increasing the useful life of the material. The review also discusses the reaction mechanisms, intermediate compounds formed, mineralization of the solution, and factors that influence the process, which can help in making decisions for future studies to be carried out in the area. Prospects in the research area revolve around using metal–organic frameworks as molecular imprinting technology to modify heterogeneous catalysts, integration of external energy, bimetallic systems, and evaluation of deactivation mechanisms.
New Continual Federated Learning System for Intrusion Detection in SDN‐Based Edge Computing
Authors: Chetouane Ameni , Karoui Kamel 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTSoftware Defined Networking (SDN) is an open network approach that has been proposed to address some of the main problems with traditional networks. However, SDN faces cybersecurity issues. To provide a network defense against attacks, an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) needs to be updated and included into the SDN architecture on a regular basis. Machine learning methods have proved effective in detecting intrusions in SDN. Moreover, these techniques pose the problem of significant computational overload and the absence of regular updates when new cyber‐attacks appear. To address these issues, we propose a new SDN‐based cloud intrusion detection system called Continual Federated Learning (CFL). In CFL, we modify the classical federated learning process by granting a more important and dynamic role to each participating client. On the one hand, it can trigger this process whenever a new type of intrusion is detected. On the other hand, once the new model has been identified, the customer can decide whether or not to deploy it in his network. In addition, to verify the accuracy of the CFL system, we have formally specified it by a communication protocol. This specification organizes the exchanges between the different communicating entities involved in the CFL. To verify the accuracy of this specification, we described it using the PROMELA language and checked with the associated SPIN tool. On the experimental side, we deployed this specification of the CFL system in an SDN computing environment. We defined different scenarios, and we proposed that each client decides locally to deploy or not the newly obtained intrusion detection model. The decision is based on a modified metric where we integrate the severity of the intrusions. Experimental results using private local datasets show that the proposed CFL system can efficiently and accurately detect new types of intrusions while preserving client confidentiality. Thus, it can be considered a promising system for SDN‐based edge computing.
CRISPR/Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein Nucleofection for Genome Editing in Primary Human Keratinocytes: Knockouts, Deletions, and Homology‐Directed Repair Mutagenesis
Authors: Bamundo Martina , Palumbo Sara , D'Auria Ludovica , Missero Caterina , Di Girolamo Daniela 
Published: November 2024

AbstractKeratinocytes are the most abundant cell type in the human epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. For years, primary human keratinocytes (HKs) have been used as a crucial tool for studying the pathogenesis of a wide range of skin‐related diseases. To mimic the physiological and pathological behavior of human skin, organotypic 3D skin models can be generated by in vitro differentiation of HKs. However, manipulation of HKs is notoriously difficult. Liposome‐mediated gene delivery often results in low transfection rates, and conventional electroporation results in high mortality, is difficult to optimize, and requires high cell numbers without necessarily achieving maximum efficiency. Additionally, HKs have a short lifespan in vitro, with a limited number of cell divisions before senescence, even when cultured on a feeder layer. Therefore, the possibility to use an efficient CRISPR/Cas9 system in HKs is not without challenge in terms of transfection technology and clonal selection. In this article, we provide detailed protocols to perform efficient gene knock‐out (KO) or genomic deletion in a small number of HKs without clonal selection of edited cells. By nucleofecting ribonucleoprotein complexes, we efficiently generate KO cells as well as deletion of specific genomic regions. Moreover, we describe an optimized protocol for generating site‐specific mutations in immortalized keratinocytes (N/TERT2G) by exploiting the homology‐directed repair system combined with rapid single‐clone screening. These methods can also be applied to other immortalized cells and tumoral cells of epithelial origin. Together, these protocols provide a comprehensive and powerful tool that can be used to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying different skin diseases. © 2024 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Knock‐out generation by indel mutation in primary human keratinocytes using nucleofection of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexBasic Protocol 2: Deletion of specific genomic region using RNPs via nucleofectionBasic Protocol 3: Use of homology‐directed repair system to introduce site‐specific mutations
Mapping the Use of Artificial Intelligence–Based Image Analysis for Clinical Decision‐Making in Dentistry: A Scoping Review
Authors: Chen Wei , Dhawan Monisha , Liu Jonathan , Ing Damie , Mehta Kruti , Tran Daniel , Lawrence Daniel , Ganhewa Max , Cirillo Nicola 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivesArtificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging field in dentistry. AI is gradually being integrated into dentistry to improve clinical dental practice. The aims of this scoping review were to investigate the application of AI in image analysis for decision‐making in clinical dentistry and identify trends and research gaps in the current literature.Material and MethodsThis review followed the guidelines provided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR). An electronic literature search was performed through PubMed and Scopus. After removing duplicates, a preliminary screening based on titles and abstracts was performed. A full‐text review and analysis were performed according to predefined inclusion criteria, and data were extracted from eligible articles.ResultsOf the 1334 articles returned, 276 met the inclusion criteria (consisting of 601,122 images in total) and were included in the qualitative synthesis. Most of the included studies utilized convolutional neural networks (CNNs) on dental radiographs such as orthopantomograms (OPGs) and intraoral radiographs (bitewings and periapicals). AI was applied across all fields of dentistry ‐ particularly oral medicine, oral surgery, and orthodontics ‐ for direct clinical inference and segmentation. AI‐based image analysis was use in several components of the clinical decision‐making process, including diagnosis, detection or classification, prediction, and management.ConclusionsA variety of machine learning and deep learning techniques are being used for dental image analysis to assist clinicians in making accurate diagnoses and choosing appropriate interventions in a timely manner.
What Is to Be Expected from Heterogeneous Catalysis in the Pipeline to Circular Economy?
Authors: Melchionna Michele , Fornasiero Paolo 
Published: November 2024

AbstractModern society requires a change in the philosophy of doing science, which faces the enormous challenge of being compatible with the new sustainability principles. Inorganic chemistry holds the keys to accelerate the transition given that most chemical processes or technology devices rely on the use or integration of inorganic materials. In particular, heterogeneous catalysis has a central role in promoting the transition from a linear economy to a circular one. To accomplish this, it is imperative that the modern schemes for catalysis will adopt a holistic approach based on sensible choice of raw materials, reliance on clean energy inputs and establishment of a robust framework of resource use and recovery. Some of these concepts are analysed here and discussed in Ref. [to a few selected examples.
Coming to light: How effective are sediment gravity flows in removing fine suspended carbonate from reefs?
Authors: Baas Jaco H. , Hewitt William , Lokier Stephen , Hendry James 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCoral reefs are hard calcified structures, mainly found in warm tropical water. These ecosystems serve important roles as, for example, a source of food, shelter and nursery for different organisms, and in coastal protection. Reef‐building organisms have evolved to inhabit a narrow ecological niche and thus are particularly susceptible to rapid changes in their environment, for example, under predicted climate‐change scenarios. Anthropogenic climate change is widely accepted as the leading cause of rising ocean temperatures, sea water acidity and sedimentation rate, which all affect a coral's productivity, health and, to some extent, skeletal strength. High‐energy weather events, such as storms and hurricanes, can erode reefs, thereby increasing the amount of suspended sediment and consequently the turbidity of the water. The removal of suspended sediment from the reef is vital for the health of reef producers, and a natural process that removes suspended sediment from reefs are sediment gravity flows. A key factor that controls the ability of sediment gravity flows to transport sediment is cohesion, as cohesion determines the run‐out distance of a flow through changes in its rheological properties. This study examines the cohesive nature of sediment gravity flows laden with fine‐grained CaCO3. These gravity flows laden with mud‐grade calcite are compared with flows carrying non‐cohesive, silt‐sized, silica flour, weakly cohesive kaolinite clay and strongly cohesive bentonite clay, by means of laboratory experiments. The results of these experiments show that the mud‐grade calcite flows behave more akin to the silica‐flour flows by reaching maximum mobility at considerably higher volumetric suspended sediment concentrations (47% for silica flour and 53% for CaCO3) than the kaolinite and bentonite flows (22% for kaolinite and 16% for bentonite). Fine CaCO3 gravity flows can therefore be regarded as physically non‐cohesive, and their high mobility may constitute an effective mechanism for removing suspended sediment from coral reefs, especially at locations where a slope gradient is present, such as at the reef front and forereef. However, biological cohesion, caused by ‘sticky’ extracellular polymer substances produced by micro‐organisms, can render mud‐grade calcite cohesive and sediment gravity flows less mobile. The present study should therefore be seen as a first step towards a more comprehensive analysis of the efficiency of removal of suspended sediment from coral reefs.
eGFR slope as predictor of mortality in heart failure patients
Authors: Verstreken Sofie , Beles Monika , Oeste Clara L. , Moya Ana , Masuy Imke , Dierckx Riet , Heggermont Ward , Dauw Jeroen , Hens Dries , Bartunek Jozef , Vanderheyden Marc 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAimsHeart failure (HF) leads to an imbalance between heart and kidney function, resulting in poor outcomes. However, the prognostic significance of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) trajectory in HF patients remains unclear. We analysed electronic health records (EHRs) of real‐world HF patients, assessing eGFR trajectories and their impact on mortality.Methods and resultsRetrospective clinical data of HF patients were processed using natural language processing. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was evaluated, and eGFR trajectories were analysed using linear mixed‐effects models. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the relationship between baseline variables and mortality, while joint modelling combined eGFR trends and mortality. The dataset comprised 1986 patients, with a mean age of 74.8 years (SD ± 11.7) and 58% male. At the time of HF diagnosis, 58% of patients were diagnosed with CKD, and 39% presented with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The median follow‐up duration was 3.16 years, during which 399 patients (20%) died. Patients with CKD were significantly older and exhibited a higher prevalence of myocardial infarction (P = 0.048), coronary revascularization (P = 0.004), stroke (P < 0.001), atrial fibrillation (P < 0.001) and type 2 diabetes (P < 0.001). Mortality rates at 1 and 2 years were nearly twice as high in CKD patients compared with those without (P < 0.001). Notably, CKD was significantly less prevalent among survivors (55% vs. 71%, P < 0.001). Key predictors of mortality included older age, beta‐blocker use, prior stroke, lower serum haemoglobin levels, and elevated potassium and NT‐proBNP levels. Each 10 mL/min/1.73 m2 decrease in eGFR was associated with a 1.22 (95% CI: 1.10–1.35, P < 0.001) increase in mortality hazard. Additionally, a 1‐year decline of 10 mL/min/1.73 m2 in eGFR resulted in a mortality hazard of 1.97 (95% CI: 1.45–2.69, P < 0.001).ConclusionsCKD is prevalent in a real‐world HF population and is an independent predictor of mortality. The current eGFR value and the eGFR slope from the previous year have the potential to be used for assessing individual mortality risk in the clinical follow‐up of HF patients.
Drip Fertigation Improves Maize Yield, Resource Utilization, and Economic Benefits by Increasing Light Interception Under Dense Planting in Southwest China
Authors: Song Li , Liu Guangzhou , Yang Yunshan , Guo Xiaoxia , Zhang Hua , Lu Tingqi , Qing Chunyan , Hu Dan , Li Shaokun , Hou Peng 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTSeasonal drought and traditional water‐fertilizer management limit the increase in the grain yield of summer maize in Southwest China. Drip fertigation mode (HM) can effectively improve crop yields. However, research on drip fertigation has not been conducted in Southwest China. A 2‐year field experiment about HM was carried out with the traditional water‐fertilizer management mode (FM) as control. The plant densities were 5.25 × 104 plants ha−1 and 8.25 × 104 plants ha−1 in 2022 and 6.00 × 104 plants ha−1 and 9.00 × 104 plants ha−1 in 2023. The effects of HM on the aboveground biomass, leaf area index, yield, and resource utilization rate of summer maize were studied. Compared with the FM treatment, the HM treatment significantly increased the yield (25.18%), aboveground biomass (25.58%), leaf area index (34.87%), and leaf area duration (29.60%). HM optimized the canopy structure with an 11.05% improvement in light transmission at the top and a significant 61.32% increase in cumulative light radiation interception per unit area at the bottom of the canopy. The nitrogen partial factor productivity (NPFP), radiation utilization efficiency (RUE), heat utilization efficiency (HUE), and economic benefits of the HM treatment significantly increased by 39.58%, 49.45%, 25.92%, and 32.53%, respectively. In addition, dense planting increased the irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) by 14.25%. In summary, drip irrigation combined with water and fertilizer can significantly improve maize grain yield, resource utilization efficiency, and economic benefits by increasing light interception in Southwest China. This study will lay a theoretical foundation for filling the relevant research gap in the region.
Unnecessary Medical Imaging and Determinant Factors in a District Hospital of Iran: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Gholipour Kamal , Iezadi Shabnam , Badrzadeh Fariba , Ghiasi Akbar , Azimzadeh Solmaz , Rezapour Ramin 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsDue to the increasing use of imaging services, this study aimed to estimate the number of unnecessary imaging services, normal and abnormal imaging examinations, and their determinant factors.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was conducted at a district hospital in East Azerbaijan, Iran. Retrospective data were collected from the electronic medical records of patients referred to the Imaging Department between March and August 2022, using the Hospital Information System (HIS). Descriptive statistics and χ2 tests were performed, followed by hierarchical logistic regression with AOR, 95% CI, using SPSS‐24 for analysis.ResultsAbout 28% of imaging examinations with abnormal results and 21% of the examinations with normal results were unnecessary. The probability of ultrasound abnormal imaging results was 67% lower than computed tomography (CT) scan (CT‐scan) (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.33 (0.212–0.50); p < 0.001). One year increase of patient age is associated with a 1% lower likelihood of having normal imaging (AOR = 0.99 (0.98–0.99); p < 0/001). Women were 20% less likely than men to have abnormal imaging results (AOR = 0.80 (0.65–0.98); p = 0.035). The probability of necessary imaging decreases by 1% for 1 year increase in patient age (p = 0.017), on the other hand, the probability of unnecessary chest radiography was 5% higher than a brain CT‐scan imaging (AOR = 2.05 (1.19–3.51); p = 0.009).ConclusionsUnnecessary imaging were more frequently performed on the older patients. Additionally, ultrasound was less likely than CT‐scans to show abnormal findings, while chest radiography was more frequently deemed unnecessary compared to brain CT‐scans. These insights highlight the need for age‐ and modality‐specific guidelines to reduce unnecessary imaging and improve diagnostic efficiency.
Is COVID‐19 Vaccination Beneficial for Tumor Patients: A Cross‐Sectional Investigation in China
Authors: Wang Sixiu , Zhu Yan , Chen Tao , Lin Chunying , Chen Liming , Niu Yongdong , Li Congzhu 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionTumor patients take a high risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, high incidence of serious events, poor prognosis and high mortality in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) epidemic, but there is still lack of supporting evidence that the COVID‐19 vaccination is beneficial for tumor patients to encourage them to receive the vaccination.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted in Shantou, China and questionnaires were collected in the hospitals from February 13, 2023 to April 23, 2023. Using the receiving of COVID‐19 vaccination as the primary outcome, descriptive, univariate and multivariate analyses were generated.Results161 out of 241 patients (66.80%) had received at least one dose of COVID‐19 vaccine and 61.00% patients had been infected with SARS‐CoV‐2. Patients with general symptoms (p = 0.013) and others (p = 0.022) had a higher proportion of nonvaccinated patients than vaccinated ones. In the multivariate analysis, age (aOR = 0.971, 95% CI = 0.946–0.997, p = 0.031), the cognition of vaccines' impact on tumor treatment (aOR = 4.475, 95% CI = 1.772–11.299, p = 0.002), time since tumor diagnosis (aOR = 4.586, 95% CI = 2.122–9.909, p < 0.001) were identified as factors of COVID‐19 vaccination uptake.ConclusionCOVID‐19 vaccination in China offers numerous advantages for tumor patients, helping to alleviate symptoms following infection and potentially decreasing the chances of tumor metastasis and recurrence.