bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Race and Ethnicity on Glaucoma Progression Detection by Perimetry and Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Beniz Luiz A. F. , Jammal Alessandro A. , Costa Douglas R. da , Mariottoni Eduardo B. , Swaminathan Swarup S. , Medeiros Felipe A. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of race and ethnicity on longitudinal test variability and time to detect glaucoma progression using standard automated perimetry (SAP) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). The sample consisted of 47,003 SAP tests from 5,402 eyes and 25,480 OCT tests from 4,125 eyes, with 20% of participants self-identifying as Black or African American and 80% as White; 29% as Hispanic or Latino and 71% as Not Hispanic or Latino. Variability was measured using standard deviations of residuals from linear regression models for SAP mean deviation (MD) and OCT retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness over time. Results showed significantly greater SAP variability in Black or African American (1.80±1.30dB) compared to White participants (1.56±1.21dB; P<0.001) and in Hispanic or Latino (1.81±1.46dB) compared to Not Hispanic or Latino individuals (1.52±1.10dB; P<0.001). OCT variability was higher in Black or African American (2.3±1.5μm) compared to White (2.1±1.3μm; P<0.001) and in Not Hispanic or Latino (2.2±1.3μm) compared to Hispanic or Latino (2.1±1.2μm; P=0.029). Increased SAP variability delayed progression detection, while OCT showed minimal differences. These findings suggest that higher perimetric variability in Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino may affect glaucoma progression detection using SAP.
18F-FET PET/CT Can Aid in Diagnosing Patients with Indeterminate MRI Findings for Brain Tumors: A Prospective Study
Authors: Chan Sheng-Chieh , Chiu Tsung-Lang , Ng Shu-Hang , Tsai Sheng-Tzung , Kao Hung-Wen , Liu Shu-Hsin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective
This prospective study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of fluorine-18-labeled fluoroethyltyrosine (18F-FET) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing brain tumors within an Asian patient population.
Methods
Patients suspected of having primary or recurrent brain tumors were prospectively recruited. Each patient underwent 18F-FET and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT on separate days within one week. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy to compare the diagnostic performance of the two PET scans. The standardized uptake value (SUV) and tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) of the lesions were determined using static images. Additionally, time-activity curves (TACs) and time-to-peak (TTP) were generated from the dynamic PET images.
Results
From September 2019 to December 2023, 33 subjects were enrolled for reasons including suspected brain tumors (n = 20) or suspicious glioma recurrence (n = 8) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and restaging for glioma (n = 5). Among the patients with suspected brain tumors or glioma recurrence on MRI, 25% had false-positive results. 18F-FET PET/CT accurately identified 86% of these false positives. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of visual interpretation of 18F-FET PET/CT were 96.15%, 85.71%, 96.15%, 85.71%, and 93.90%, respectively. The corresponding 18F-FDG PET/CT values were 73.08%, 71.42%, 90.48%, 41.67%, and 72.70%. 18F-FET PET/CT demonstrated significantly higher sensitivity and accuracy than 18F-FDG PET (p = 0.031 and p = 0.030, respectively). Using TBRmean as an adjunct reference index enhanced the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FET PET/CT, achieving a sensitivity and NPV of 100%. Wash-out TAC or TTP < 20 min was associated with a PPV of 100% for brain tumors.
Conclusions
18F-FET PET/CT appears to be a valuable tool for assessing brain tumors with indeterminate MRI findings in this Asian cohort. 18F-FET PET/CT offers benefits over 18F-FDG PET in differentiating brain tumors from nontumor brain lesions, particularly when using semiquantitative analysis with TBR.
Surgical Outcomes of Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome in Patients with Normal Conus Medullaris and Filum Terminale without Urologic Symptoms
Authors: TABANLI Alper , AKCAY Emrah , YILMAZ Hakan , OZDEMIR Seymen , METE Mesut , SELCUKI Mehmet 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose: In this study, surgical results of tethered spinal cord patients without urologic symptoms with conus medullaris terminating at normal level and filum terminale with normal appearance are presented. Our hypothesis is that patients operated for tethered spinal cord syndrome without urologic symptoms do not develop urologic symptoms during the follow-up period.
Methods: This retrospective study included 59 operated patients with tethered spinal cord syndrome who had a normal level terminating conus medullaris and a normal looking filum terminale without urologic symptoms. Of these patients, 38 were female and 21 were male. All patients underwent somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEPs), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The surgical technique used was flavotomy, which involves cutting the filum terminale without performing a laminectomy.
Results: The mean age of the patients included in the study was 22.5 years and SD(13.2). The operated patients did not develop urinary incontinence during a mean postoperative follow-up period of 2.5 years. SSEP also revealed block in 39 (66.1%) patients, a low amplitude in 12 (20.3%) patients and a delayed N22 wave latency, which was observed in 8 patients (13.5%). There is no surgical morbidity and mortality. Postoperatively, the significant improvements were seen in SSEP.
Conclusion: Although filum terminale looks normal in MRI, it may stil cause tethered cord syndrome because of its defective development of the inner structure. Our study concludes that SSEPs are valuable in diagnosis and that urological symptoms do not develop in the long-term follow-up of patients who were operated on without initial urological symptoms.
Interference of Solution Constituents on Corrosion Inhibition of Phosphate Species on Grade 202 Stainless Steel
Authors: Revon M.H.N. , Priyantha Namal 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Strong corrosion resistance of Grade 202 Stainless Steel (SS) in mild acidic conditions is attributed to the presence of chromium which is responsible for the formation of a passive surface film of chromium oxide which inhibits corrosion. Additionally, the deposition of polymer coatings, polymer composites with nanomaterials as well as organic compounds containing hetero atoms such as N, O, S, and P on SS, or other metallic objects leads to high corrosion inhibition efficiency. Nevertheless, the corrosion stability of SS in certain environments, especially under aggressive conditions, is questionable. Investigation of the impact of different chemical constituents under moderate and aggressive acidic conditions on the corrosion of SS, however, has not received sufficient attention despite the widespread use of SS-based machinery in industrial applications. Although the corrosion-inhibitory action of phosphate species on SS has been documented, detailed investigation, especially in the presence of interferents, has not been given due consideration. As such, variation of corrosion inhibition efficiency of HNO3 and H3PO4 on SS at different concentrations, and the impact of HNO3 and H3PO4 in the presence of chloride ions along with the effect of various phosphate species were investigated in this study. Despite the pitting corrosion promotion action of chloride species, mass loss measurements of rectangular stainless-steel specimens immersed separately in HNO3 and H3PO4 acid solutions at different concentrations in the presence of HCl, under ambient conditions, conclusively demonstrate the superior corrosion inhibitory behavior of H3PO4 over HNO3 on SS, even in chloride-rich environments under low acidic conditions. Polarization resistance determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy further supports the corrosion inhibitory action of H3PO4 on SS, while open circuit measurements indicate the strong correlation between H3O+ and surface characteristics. The order of corrosion inhibition ability of phosphate species on SS, as determined by mass loss measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and Tafel slope analysis follows the order, Na3PO4 > Na2HPO4 ~ NaH2PO4 > H3PO4.
N-Dimensional Non-Degenerate Chaos Based on Singular Value Estimation with Application in Dynamic DNA Image Encryption
Authors: Wang Xiaotong , Dai Xu , Wang Yang , Wang Erfu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Due to the truncation effects inherent in implementing chaotic systems on digital circuits, the limited precision reduces the sensitivity of chaotic systems to initial conditions. This ultimately leads to the overlap of adjacent trajectories, causing the system to transition from a chaotic state to a periodic state or fixed point state. The Lyapunov exponent is a quantitative measures of chaotic characteristics, quantifying the average degree of convergence and divergence among chaotic trajectories. This paper proposes a Ndimensional non-degenerate chaotic construction algorithm based on singular value estimation (NC-CSVE) from the perspective of controlling the Jacobian matrix of system, achieving indirect control of the Lyapunov exponents (LEs). Experimental analyses using lyapunov spectrum, joint entropy, sample entropy, and NIST tests indicate that compared to existing nondegenerate chaos construction methods, the system constructed by our method demonstrates superior performance in terms of chaotic dynamic characteristics, algorithm complexity, and construction time expenditure, meeting the needs of practical application scenarios. Additionally, to validate the effectiveness and reliability of this method, this paper proposes a dynamic DNA color image encryption algorithm based on NC-CSVE.
The encryption techniques include three-dimensional six-direction bit diffusion (TDSBD), bit-plane global shift and local rotation scrambling (B-GSLR), DNA calculation rule extension (DNA-CRE) and DNA dynamic mutation (DNA-DM), achieving fast encryption of color images. Statistical test results show that the algorithm exhibits higher efficiency and excellent resistance to attacks. The encrypted images approach ideal values in terms of information entropy, histograms and pixel correlation, confirming the effectiveness and reliability of the algorithm.
Monitoring March 2024 solar and geomagnetic storm using broad-band seismometers
Authors: Diaz Jordi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The abrupt variations in the magnetic field due to the May 2024 geomagnetic storm have been recorded by broadband seismometers distributed around the world for a time interval of more than 55 hours. Signals related to magnetic field variations can be identified in seismic data for frequencies below 10 mHz, but are clearer between 1.5 and 5 mHz, the frequency band corresponding to Pc5 magnetic pulsations. The number of seismological stations that detect these signals varies significantly between the various seismic networks analyzed, but in general they do not exceed 50–60%. The origin of these signals appears to be related to the interaction between telluric currents induced by magnetic field disturbances associated with the geomagnetic storm and the detection systems in broadband sensors, which measure the current intensity necessary to keep the mass of the seismometer fixed. Although detailed calibration of each seismometer will be necessary to use the seismic data to model the waveforms and amplitudes of the magnetic pulsations, the analysis of this data provides a significant densification with respect to the magnetic observatory data, as is of interest to analyze the temporal and regional evolution of the magnetics disturbances associated to the May 2024 solar storm.
Role of Hog1-mediated stress tolerance in biofilm formation by the pathogenic fungus Trichosporon asahii
Authors: Matsumoto Yasuhiko , Nakayama Mei , Shimizu Yuta , Koganesawa Sachi , Kanai Hiromi , Sugiyama Yu , Kurakado Sanae , Sugita Takashi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Trichosporon asahii, a dimorphic fungus, causes bloodstream infections in immunocompromised patients with neutropenia. Biofilms are formed on the surfaces of medical devices such as catheters as T. asahii transitions morphologically from yeast to hyphae in the host environment. Oxidative stress tolerance and morphological changes of T. asahii are regulated by Hog1, a mitogen-activated protein kinase. The role of Hog1 in the biofilm formation by T. asahii, however, has remained unknown. In the present study, we demonstrated that a hog1 gene-deficient T. asahii mutant formed excess biofilm under a rich medium in vitro, but did not form biofilm in an in vivo evaluation system using silkworms. The hog1 gene-deficient T. asahii mutant formed a greater amount of biofilm than the parent strain in vitro. Under an oxidative stress condition in vitro, however, lower amounts of biofilm were formed by the hog1 gene-deficient T. asahii mutant than by the parent strain. In an in vivo evaluation system using silkworms, lower amounts of biofilm were formed by the hog1 gene-deficient T. asahii mutant than by the parent strain. Our findings suggest that Hog1 regulates biofilm formation by T. asahii in response to host environmental conditions, including oxidative stress.
Italian Translation and Cultural Adaptation of the FACE-Q Skin Cancer Module
Authors: Cozzi Silvia , Cherubino Mario , Garutti Leonardo , Paganini Ferruccio , Vecchio Giulia Del , Corsini Beatrice , Matarazzo Sara , Carminati Marcello , Valdatta Luigi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background. The concept of health-related quality of life (QOL) captures the patient's perspective on how the illness and its treatment affect their well-being. The FACE-Q Skin Cancer Module represents a validated patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument, specifically developed for patients undergoing facial skin cancer surgery.
Methods. Upon authorization and licensing from the Q-Portfolio® team, the authors engaged the process of translation and cultural adaptation of this questionnaire into Italian, in accordance with the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
Results. In the first step, two Italian translations are produced and reconciled into one. In the second step, the reconciled Italian version is reverse-translated into English. As third step, the back-translation was reviewed and approved by the Q-Portfolio team. A representative sample of the questionnaire’s potential target was interviewed, and final refinements were made in the fourth and final step. At the end of these phases, a validated and conceptually equivalent Italian version of the FACE-Q Skin Cancer Module was achieved.
Conclusions. This tool is currently ready and available for clinical and research purposes. The introduction of an Italian version marks a significant step towards enhancing its accessibility and relevance, ensuring tangible benefits for both clinicians and patients.
High Performance Dual-Core Bilateral Surface Optimized PCF SPR Biosensor for Early Detection of Six Distinct Cancer Cells
Authors: Nagavel B , Dagar Hitesh , Krishnan Prabu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This work presents a Photonic Crystal Fiber (PCF) based Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) biosensor with dual cores and bilateral-surface detection capability to enhance the early identification of cancerous cells. The biosensor processes cell samples with varying refractive indices, including both malignant and healthy samples. Due to its dual-side detection capabilities, enhanced sensitivity and identification accuracy in terms of resolution are achieved. The bilateral-surface precision SPR biosensor allows for continuous tracking of dynamic biomolecular interactions by detecting changes in resonance conditions. This biosensor can distinguish between MCF-7, PC12, Basal, MDAMB-231, HeLa, and Jurkat malignant cell types. The suggested biosensor is evaluated numerically using the Finite Element Method (FEM). Its performance is assessed for several malignant cells over a refractive index range of 1.360 to 1.401. The MCF7, MDAMB-231, PC12, HeLa, Jurkat, and Basal cells had wavelength sensitivities of 5714.28, 5714.28, 4285.72, 4285.71, 3333.33, and 3000 nm/RIU, respectively. The maximum wavelength sensitivity is 5714.28 nm/RIU, and the maximum amplitude sensitivity is 899.248 RIU´1 for the MCF7 cell. The greatest sensor resolution is 3.33 × 10´5 RIU, achieved by the Basal cell.
Anti-leishmanial activity of Hypericum Scabrum extract against Leishmania major
Authors: Saberi Reza , zad Zaynab Jamshid , Karimi Elaheh , Abdi Jahangir , Naserifar Razi , Mirzaei Asad 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease and one of the most significant neglected tropical diseases. Current anti-leishmanial treatments are often ineffective over extended periods and are associated with toxic side effects, highlighting the urgent need for new, effective, and safe alternative treatments for this infectious disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-leishmanial effects of a hydroalcoholic extract of Hypericum scabrum (H. scabrum), comparing its efficacy to that of the control drug glucantime against the standard strain of Leishmania major. The H. scabrum plants were collected from the western regions of Iran. A hydroalcoholic extract was prepared from the flower and stem of the plant using a maceration method. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis was conducted to identify the chemical compounds present in the extract. Promastigotes of L. major were cultured, and the anti-leishmanial activity of the extracts was assessed at concentrations ranging from 12.5 to 800 µg/ml using the MTT [3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide] assay. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for the H. scabrum plant extract at 24, 48, and 72 hours were 2245.47, 141.25 and 85.11 µg/ml, respectively. The IC50 values for glucantime (the control drug) at 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours were 30.19, 21.37, and 12.58 µg/ml, respectively. While the H. scabrum extract exhibited a lower effect compared to the control drug, it still demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on the promastigote form of L. major. Given that the plant extract of H. scabrum has demonstrated promising anti-leishmanial effects against L. major promastigotes, further studies are warranted to evaluate the efficacy of these extracts in animal models of leishmaniasis.
Forecasting the soil microbiome at a continental scale
Authors: Werbin Zoey , Averill Colin , Bhatnagar Jennifer , Dietze Michael 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Despite the critical role of soil microorganisms in ecosystem processes, it is unclear how well we can anticipate changes in the Earth's microbiome before they occur. To test this, we integrated continental-scale, standardized soil genomic and environmental surveys to develop the first forecasts of soil microorganisms across biomes and time. We find that the abundance of fungi and bacteria can be predicted with 50% and 91% accuracy, respectively, for up to a year ahead of time, by simulating seasonal cycles in taxon abundances. Forecasts perform best for microbes grouped at broad taxonomic ranks or by ecological groups, such as decomposers and plant symbionts, and the presence of plant-associated seasonal cycles increases the predictability of microbial groups. We highlight strengths and weaknesses in our capacity to predict the future of microorganisms on Earth and propose future directions to improve longer-term projections of soil organisms and the processes they drive.
Data reconstruction from machine learning models via inverse estimation and Bayesian inference
Authors: Hartoyo Agus , Ciupek Dominika , Malawski Maciej , Crimi Alessandro 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study explores the task of data reconstruction from machine learning models via inverse estimation and Bayesian inference, with the goal of recovering the original dataset solely based on the trained model. We introduce a novel theoretical framework that investigates the factors affecting the data reconstruction quality. Specifically, we derive expressions that quantify how variations in key variables influence the divergence between true and estimated posteriors by examining the concurrent behavior of their partial derivatives with respect to independent variables. This derivative-based approach establishes theoretical correlations between the variables, demonstrating that the fidelity of the recovered data is governed by two primary factors: (1) the accuracy of the assumed prior, and (2) the accuracy of the machine learning model. Empirical results across multiple benchmark datasets and machine learning algorithms corroborate these theoretical predictions, reinforcing the validity and robustness of our theoretical framework. Practically, our data reconstruction method enables the creation of synthetic models that closely replicate the performance of the original models. This work contributes to advancing the theoretical understanding and practical techniques for data reconstruction and model introspection within the context of machine learning.
WITHDRAWN: Peripheral Venous Pressure Measurements to Evaluate Congestion in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Coşkun mükremin , Evlice Mert , yıldırım abdullah , çetin abdullah eren , paçacı emre , sezici emre , coşkun halil , kurt ibrahim halil 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors due to author disagreement with the posting of the preprint. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Estimation of Genetic Parameters, Heritability and Genetic Advance for Yield Related Traits in Black cumin (Nigella sativa) Genotypes in South Wollo Ethiopia
Authors: Endris Adem , Gedamu Yohannes 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) is an annual spice valued for its use in flavoring food, cosmetics, and various industrial products. One of the main issues affecting the productivity of black cumin is the lack of improved varieties, which stems from limited information regarding the genetic diversity of Ethiopian black cumin populations. To address this gap, A study was carried out to assess the genetic variability and the interrelationships among traits associated with seed yield in various black cumin genotypes. A total of 25 genotypes were tested using a 5x5 simple lattice design in Hara, Tehuledere woreda during the 2022/2023 growing season. The broad-sense heritability (H2) and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (GAM) varied significantly, with values ranging from 8.24% for days to 90% maturity to 89.56% for the number of tertiary branches per plant, and 4.51% for days to 90% maturity to 84.85% for the number of tertiary branches per plant, respectively. Notably, high to moderate estimates of genetic and phenotypic coefficients of variation (GCV and PCV), heritability, and GAM were observed for the number of tertiary branches per plant, number of flowers, number of capsules, biological yield, seed yield, and harvest index. The study concluded that there is significant variability among the black cumin genotypes, highlighting a substantial opportunity to utilize existing genetic variations for targeted selection to enhance specific traits.