bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiomics based on MRI in predicting lymphovascular space invasion of cervical cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Chongshuang , Wu Min , Zhang Jiancheng , Qian Hongwei , Fu Xiangyang , Yang Jing , Luo Yingbin , Qin Zhihong , Shi Tianliang 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThe objective of this meta-analysis is to assess the efficacy of radiomics techniques utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for predicting lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) in patients with cervical cancer (CC).MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Medline, Scopus, CNKI, and Wanfang, with studies published up to 08/04/2024, being considered for inclusion. The meta-analysis was performed using Stata 15 and Review Manager 5.4. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 and Radiomics Quality Score tools. The analysis encompassed the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). Summary ROC curves were constructed, and the AUC was calculated. Heterogeneity was investigated using meta-regression. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.ResultsThere were 13 studies involving a total of 2,245 patients that were included in the meta-analysis. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the MRI-based model in the Training set were 83% (95% CI: 77%–87%) and 72% (95% CI: 74%–88%), respectively. The AUC, DOR, PLR, and NLR of the MRI-based model in the Training set were 0.89 (95% CI: 0.86–0.91), 22 (95% CI: 12–40), 4.6 (95% CI: 3.1–7.0), and 0.21 (95% CI: 0.16–0.29), respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that the AUC of the model combining radiomics with clinical factors [0.90 (95% CI: 0.87–0.93)] was superior to models based on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) sequence [0.78 (95% CI: 0.74–0.81)], contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging (T1WI-CE) sequence [0.85 (95% CI: 0.82–0.88)], and multiple sequences [0.86 (95% CI: 0.82–0.89)] in the Training set. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of the model integrating radiomics with clinical factors [83% (95% CI: 73%–89%) and 86% (95% CI: 73%–93%)] surpassed those of models based on the T2WI sequence [79% (95% CI: 71%–85%) and 72% (95% CI: 67%–76%)], T1WI-CE sequence [78% (95% CI: 67%–86%) and 78% (95% CI: 68%–86%)], and multiple sequences [78% (95% CI: 67%–87%) and 79% (95% CI: 70%–87%)], respectively. Funnel plot analysis indicated an absence of publication bias (p &gt; 0.05).ConclusionMRI-based radiomics demonstrates excellent diagnostic performance in predicting LVSI in CC patients. The diagnostic performance of models combing radiomics and clinical factors is superior to that of models utilizing radiomics alone.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#myprospero, identifier CRD42024538007.
Analysis of the evolution of placental oxidative stress research from a bibliometric perspective
Authors: Chen Ailing , Tian Mengyuan , Luo Zouqing , Cao Xiaohui , Gu Yanfang 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundResearch on placental oxidative stress is pivotal for comprehending pregnancy-related physiological changes and disease mechanisms. Despite recent advancements, a comprehensive review of current status, hotspots, and trends remains challenging. This bibliometric study systematically analyzes the evolution of placental oxidative stress research, offering a reference for future studies.ObjectiveTo conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the literature on placental oxidative stress to identify research hotspots, trends, and key contributors, thereby providing guidance for future research.MethodsRelevant data were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database and analyzed using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the bibliometrix package. An in-depth analysis of 4,796 publications was conducted, focusing on publication year, country/region, institution, author, journal, references, and keywords. Data collection concluded on 29 April 2024.ResultsA total of 4,796 papers were retrieved from 1,173 journals, authored by 18,835 researchers from 4,257 institutions across 103 countries/regions. From 1991 to 2023, annual publications on placental oxidative stress increased from 7 to 359. The United States (1,222 publications, 64,158 citations), the University of Cambridge (125 publications, 13,562 citations), and Graham J. Burton (73 publications, 11,182 citations) were the most productive country, institution, and author, respectively. The journal Placenta had the highest number of publications (329) and citations (17,152), followed by the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (122 publications). The most frequent keywords were “oxidative stress,” “expression,” “pregnancy,” “preeclampsia,” and “lipid peroxidation.” Emerging high-frequency keywords included “gestational diabetes mellitus,” “health,” “autophagy,” “pathophysiology,” “infection,” “preterm birth,” “stem cell,” and “inflammation.”ConclusionOver the past 3 decades, research has concentrated on oxidative stress processes, antioxidant mechanisms, pregnancy-related diseases, and gene expression regulation. Current research frontiers involve exploring pathophysiology and mechanisms, assessing emerging risk factors and environmental impacts, advancing cell biology and stem cell research, and understanding the complex interactions of inflammation and immune regulation. These studies elucidate the mechanisms of placental oxidative stress, offering essential scientific evidence for future intervention strategies, therapeutic approaches, and public health policies.
Exponential series approximation of the SIR epidemiological model
Authors: Prodanov Dimiter 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionThe SIR (Susceptible-Infected-Recovered) model is one of the simplest and most widely used frameworks for understanding epidemic outbreaks.MethodsA second-order dynamical system for the R variable is formulated using an infinite exponential series expansion, and a recursion relation is established between the series coefficients. A numerical approximation scheme for the R variable is also developed.ResultsThe proposed numerical method is compared to a double exponential (DE) nonlinear approximate analytic solution, which reveals two coupled timescales: a relaxation timescale, determined by the ratio of the model’s time constants, and an excitation timescale, dictated by the population size. The DE solution is applied to estimate model parameters for a well-known epidemiological dataset—the boarding school flu outbreak.DiscussionFrom a theoretical standpoint, the primary contribution of this work is the derivation of an infinite exponential, Dirichlet, series for the model variables. Truncating the series yields a finite approximation, known as a Prony series, which can be interpreted as a sequence of coupled exponential relaxation processes, each with a distinct timescale. This apparent complexity can be approximated well by the DE solution, which appears to be of main practical interest.
The contributions of rainfall and fog to leaf water of tree and epiphyte communities in a tropical cloud forest
Authors: Yang Qingqing , Zhang Zijing , Zhang Hui , Yang Huai , Pandey Shree , John Robert 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionTropical cloud forest ecosystems are expected to face reduced water inputs due to climatic changes.MethodsHere, we study the ecophysiological responses of trees and epiphytes within in an Asian cloud forest to investigate the contributions of rainfall, fog, and soil to leaf water in 60 tree and 30 vascular epiphyte species. We measured multiple functional traits, and δ2H, and δ18O isotope ratios for leaf water, soil water, rainfall, and fog in the wettest (July) and driest (February) months. Using a Bayesian stable isotope mixing model, we quantified the relative contributions of soil water, fog, and rainfall to leaf water.Results and discussionRainfall contributes almost all the leaf water of the epiphytes in July, whereas fog is the major source in February. Epiphytes cannot tap xylem water from host trees, and hence depended on fog water when rainfall was low. Most of leaf water was absorbed from soil water in July, while fog was an important source for leaf water in February despite the soil moisture content value was high. In February, lower temperatures, along with reduced photosynthesis and transpiration rates, likely contributed to decreased soil water uptake, while maintaining higher soil moisture levels despite the limited rainfall. These contrasting contributions of different water sources to leaf water under low and high rainfall and for different plant groups outline the community-level ecophysiological responses to changes in rainfall. While direct measurements of water flux, particularly in roots and stems, are needed, our results provide valuable insights on tropical cloud forest hydrology under scenarios of decreased fog immersion due to climatic changes.
Refugees’ integration and emotional distress over the course of 9 months
Authors: Potter Flurina , Dohrmann Katalin , Rockstroh Brigitte , Crombach Anselm 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundHigh prevalence rates of mental disorders are reported in refugees due to experiencing substantial pre-, peri-, and post-migration stress. While long-term studies indicated that emotional distress of refugees either stagnates or ameliorates over time, long-term research on refugees’ integration and its’ interaction with emotional distress is limited. The examined long-term predictors for refugees’ emotional distress and integration in this study were, amongst others, severe physical abuse in childhood, residence status and length of stay.MethodsThe sample included 46 refugees, 91.3% male, mean age 20.8 years. Trained psychologists screened for emotional distress with the use of the Refugee Health Screener in a semi-structured interview. Integration progress was screened using the Integration Index with the subdimensions psychological, economic, political, social, linguistic and navigational integration. Longitudinal differences for emotional distress and integration sub-dimensions were evaluated by sign tests and t-tests. The longitudinal course of integration was evaluated with a Mixed ANOVA. Further, two hierarchical regression analyses were performed to analyze longitudinal predictors of emotional distress and integration.ResultsOverall, emotional distress decreased, and integration increased over time. In particular, the sub-dimensions of social, economic, and linguistic integration increased significantly over time. Two regression analyses determined significant predictors of (a) emotional distresst1 (adjusted R2 = 0.46): psychotherapy (ß = 0.35, p = 0.020), emotional distresst0 (ß = 0.34, p = 0.031), and integrationt0 (ß = −0.29, p = 0.043), and one significant predictor of (b) integrationt1 (adjusted R2 = 0.70): integrationt0 (ß = 0.89, p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThis is the first study to longitudinally examine the Integration Index with all subdimensions. Over the course of 9 months refugees’ overall integration, and the sub-dimensions of social, economic, and linguistic integration increased. Whilst the emotional distress of initially highly distressed refugees ameliorated over the course of nine months, their symptom severity remained clinically significant. Results emphasize the importance of early integration for the long-term development of mental health and integration in refugees. Refugees’ emotional distress and integration are intertwined and need to be addressed promptly after refugees’ entry into the host country.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward advanced precision radiotherapy among patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Guo Zhanfei , Cai Qingrui , Liu Bingbing , Zhao Liufang , Xie Yanyan , Li Zhijia , Liu Rui , Wang Yunxiao , Chen Xiaodan , Zhang Zhiwei 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundAdvancements in radiotherapy (RT) technology have led to the prominence of precision RT in head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment. The new progress in precision RT offers more efficient therapy, potentially improving outcomes for HNC patients.ObjectiveThe present cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of patients in advanced precision RT for HNC treatment.MethodsThis study enrolled HNC patients at the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering between October 2023 and May 2024. Then, the demographic data and KAP scores were collected using an investigator-designed questionnaire. Afterwards, descriptive statistics were provided for all study variables, and the relationship among KAP was analyzed using appropriate statistical tests, including Spearman correlation, logistic regression, and path analysis.ResultsA total of 436 participants with a mean age of 52.03 ± 12.19 years old were included. The mean knowledge score, attitude score, and practice score were 18.33 ± 4.21, 36.14 ± 1.71, and 26.26 ± 1.83, respectively. Although most of the participants were unfamiliar with advanced precision RT, they expressed a high willingness to follow their doctor's recommendation for this treatment. The multivariable analysis revealed a positive association between attitude score and proactive practice. The path analysis revealed that knowledge directly influenced attitude and practice, while attitude directly impacted practice.ConclusionHNC participants had poor knowledge of advanced precision RT techniques, but had a positive attitude and the willingness to undergo treatment when recommended by their physicians. These results suggest that improving patients' awareness for advanced precision RT can help to promote better attitude and advanced precision RT practice.
Prediction of COVID-19 in-hospital mortality in older patients using artificial intelligence: a multicenter study
Authors: Fedecostante Massimiliano , Sabbatinelli Jacopo , Dell’Aquila Giuseppina , Salvi Fabio , Bonfigli Anna Rita , Volpato Stefano , Trevisan Caterina , Fumagalli Stefano , Monzani Fabio , Antonelli Incalzi Raffaele , Olivieri Fabiola , Cherubini Antonio 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundOnce the pandemic ended, SARS-CoV-2 became endemic, with flare-up phases. COVID-19 disease can still have a significant clinical impact, especially in older patients with multimorbidity and frailty.ObjectiveThis study aims at evaluating the main characteristics associated to in-hospital mortality among data routinely collected upon admission to identify older patients at higher risk of death.MethodsThe present study used data from Gerocovid-acute wards, an observational multicenter retrospective-prospective study conducted in geriatric and internal medicine wards in subjects ≥60 years old during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seventy-one routinely collected variables, including demographic data, living arrangements, smoking habits, pre-COVID-19 mobility, chronic diseases, and clinical and laboratory parameters were integrated into a web-based machine learning platform (Just Add Data Bio) to identify factors with the highest prognostic relevance. The use of artificial intelligence allowed us to avoid variable selection bias, to test a large number of models and to perform an internal validation.ResultsThe dataset was split into training and test sets, based on a 70:30 ratio and matching on age, sex, and proportion of events; 3,520 models were set out to train. The three predictive algorithms (optimized for performance, interpretability, or aggressive feature selection) converged on the same model, including 12 variables: pre-COVID-19 mobility, World Health Organization disease severity, age, heart rate, arterial blood gases bicarbonate and oxygen saturation, serum potassium, systolic blood pressure, blood glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, PaO2/FiO2 ratio and derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio.ConclusionBeyond variables reflecting the severity of COVID-19 disease failure, pre-morbid mobility level was the strongest factor associated with in-hospital mortality reflecting the importance of functional status as a synthetic measure of health in older adults, while the association between derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and mortality, confirms the fundamental role played by neutrophils in SARS-CoV-2 disease.
Investigating the role of starch in the structuring of meat alternatives from mung bean and pea protein isolates via heat-induced gelation
Authors: Baig Mohammad Affan , Mostafa Hussein , Sivapragasam Nilushni , Aslam Raouf , Zhou Weibiao , Maqsood Sajid 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionThe structuring of plant-based meat alternatives is a complex process which is highly dependent on qualitative and quantitative proportion of different ingredients. In the present study, starch, protein, and oil concentrations were optimized for the formulation of meat alternative (MA) using response surface methodology (RSM).MethodsProtein isolates of mung bean and pea protein, &amp; corn starch were used along with sunflower oil to formulate meat alternatives using heat-induced gelation. The protein functionality of mungbean protein isolate (MBPI) and pea protein isolate (PPI) were analyzed. In addition, the effects of constituent composition on the physicochemical properties of meat alternatives were studied using RSM.ResultsThe protein content exhibited an elevation with increased levels of MBPI and PPI in 15:15 ratio. Moisture and hardness were chiefly influenced by oil content, as they displayed a decline with increasing oil levels. The color (L*) was principally affected by starch and oil, where the L* reduced with increasing levels of both variables. Springiness was influenced by the interaction of protein ratio (MBPI:PPI) and starch, as it showed a lowest value at the lowest level of protein and the highest level of starch. Chewiness was influenced by the interaction of hardness and springiness. The microstructure analysis showed dense protein matrix in the meat alternative.DiscussionOverall, the study shows that starch facilitated the structuring of meat alternative formulated using MBPI and PPI which could be utilized as potential materials for enhanced textural properties of the meat alternatives.
Metabolome and Metagenome Integration Unveiled Synthesis Pathways of Novel Antioxidant Peptides in Fermented Lignocellulosic Biomass of Palm Kernel Meal
Authors: Qamar Hammad , He Rong , Li Yuanfei , Song Min , Deng Dun , Cui Yiyan , Yu Miao , Ma Xianyong 
Published: October 2024

Approximately one-third of the entire world’s food resources are deemed to be wasted. Palm kernel meal (PKM), a product that is extensively generated by the palm oil industry, exhibits a unique nutrient-rich composition. However, its recycling is seldom prioritized due to numerous factors. To evaluate the impact of enzymatic pretreatment and Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus reuteri fermentation upon the antioxidant activity of PKM, we implemented integrated metagenomics and metabolomics approaches. The substantially enhanced (p < 0.05) property of free radicals scavenging, as well as total flavonoids and polyphenols, demonstrated that the biotreated PKM exhibited superior antioxidant capacity. Non-targeted metabolomics disclosed that the Lactobacillus fermentation resulted in substantial (p < 0.05) biosynthesis of 25 unique antioxidant biopeptides, along with the increased (p < 0.05) enrichment ratio of the isoflavonoids and secondary metabolites biosynthesis pathways. The 16sRNA sequencing and correlation analysis revealed that Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Pediococcus acidilactici, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, and polysaccharide lyases had significantly dominated (p < 0.05) proportions in PMEL, and these bacterial species were strongly (p < 0.05) positively interrelated with antioxidants peptides. Fermented PKM improves nutritional value by enhancing beneficial probiotics, enzymes, and antioxidants and minimizing anti-nutritional factors, rendering it an invaluable feed ingredient and gut health promoter for animals, multifunctional food elements, or as an ingredient in sustainable plant-based diets for human utilization, and functioning as a culture substrate in the food sector.
Vertical Shear, Diapycnal Shear and the Gradient Richardson Number
Authors: Pelegrí Josep L. , Claret Mariona , Sangrà Pablo 
Published: October 2024

In Cartesian coordinates x,y,z, the gradient Richardson number Ri is the ratio between the square of the buoyancy frequency N and the square of the vertical shear S, Ri=N2/S2, where N2=−g/ρ ∂ρ/∂z and S2=∂u/∂z2+∂v/∂z2, with ρ potential density, u,v the horizontal velocity components and g gravity acceleration. In isopycnic coordinates x,y,ρ, Ri is expressed as the ratio between M2≡N−2 and the squared diapycnal shear Sρ2=ρ/g2∂u/∂ρ2+∂v/∂ρ2, Ri=M2/Sρ2. This could suggest that a decrease (increase) in stratification brings a decrease (increase) in dynamic stability in Cartesian coordinates, but a stability increase (decrease) in isopycnic coordinates. The apparently different role of stratification arises because S and Sρ are related through the stratification itself, Sρ=S/N2. In terms of characteristic times, this is equivalent to τ≡Sρ=to2/td, which is interpreted as a critical dynamic time τ that equals the buoyancy period to≡N−1 normalized by the ratio td/to, where td=S−1 is the deformation time. Here we follow simple arguments and use field data from three different regions (island shelf break, Gulf Stream and Mediterranean outflow) to endorse the usefulness of the isopycnal approach. In particular, we define the reduced squared diapycnal shear σρ2=Sρ2−M2 and compare it with the reduced squared vertical σ2=S2−N2, both being positive (negative) for unstable (stable) conditions. While both Ri and σ2 remain highly variable for all stratification conditions, the mean σρ2 values approach Sρ2 with increasing stratification. Further, the field data follow the relation σρ2=1−Ri/N2Ri, with a subcritical Ri=0.22 for both the island shelf break and the Mediterranean outflow. We propose σρ2 and Sρ2 to be good indexes for the occurrence of effective mixing under highly stratified conditions.
DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INDIVIDUAL TRAJECTORY OF THE TEACHER'S PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF THE PEDAGOGICAL HERITAGE OF A. MAKARENKO
Authors: STRELNIKOV V. 
Published: October 2024

The article examines the principles of designing and implementing the individual trajectory of a teacher's professional development in an institution of continuing education, in particular, the experience of the M. V. Оstrohradskyi Poltava Academy of Continuous Education in the development of technologies for effective management of teacher professional development processes in the context of A. Makarenko's pedagogical legacy is shown.
Theoretically grounded, based on the ideas of A. Makarenko, nine principles of designing and implementing the individual trajectory of a teacher in the conditions of war: continuity, awareness, scientificity, clarity, objectivity, developmental training, democratization of advanced training, self-development of the teacher's personality on advanced training courses, psychological support for the professional development of the personality of teachers on advanced training courses according to an individual educational trajectory.