bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation Of The Relationship Between Intraoperative Tumor Consistency And Histopathological Subtypes In Patients With Acromegaly: A Prospective Single-Center Study
Authors: Yilmaz Eren , Ozturk Seda Duman , Uzuner Ayse , Yildirim Pinar , Emengen Atakan , Gokbel Aykut , Caklili Melih , Balci Sibel , Danyeli Ayca Ersen , Cabuk Burak , Anik Ihsan , Ceylan Savas 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The nature of somatotroph adenomas has not been clearly revealed in studies. We consider that there are macroscopic differences in intraoperative tumor consistency in acromegaly patients. We aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between intraoperative tumor consistency and histopathological subtypes by planning a prospective study to determine whether these differences are significant. Between August 1997 and December 2021, 1118 patients with GH-secreting tumors underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery at our Pituitary Research Center. Between January 2022 and May 2023, pure GH-secreting adenomas operated via the endoscopic endonasal approach were sequentially categorized into three types(Type-1,2,3) according to the intraoperative tumor consistency. The final patient cohort consisted 218 cases. The ratio of densely granulated adenomas(DG-A) to sparsely granulated adenomas(SG-A) was as follows:Type-1, 89/11; Type-2, 5/95; Type-3, 13/5. Logistic regression revealed that Type-1 tumors were associated with a high remission rate(p = 0.011), and Type-2 were associated with SG-A(p < 0.001). Furthermore, no or weak staining for E-cadherin was associated with Type-2 tumors(p < 0.001). Surgeon could predict the prognosis and histopathological subtype of the pure somatotroph adenoma by observing the intraoperative tumor consistency. This could facilitate better intraoperative planning of patient-specific surgical strategies to increase the remission rates.
Advanced abdominal pregnancy complicating by uterine prolapse: a case report at Issaka Gazoby Maternity of Niamey (Niger)
Authors: Yacouba Maimouna Chaibou , Diouaga Hamidou Soumana , Oumara Maina , Garba Madeleine Ramatou , Nayama Madi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Advanced abdominal pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy. It is is rarely diagnosed mainly in low-income countries and associated with a very high foetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. The management of advanced abdominal pregnancy is based on surgery procedure. Laparotomy was chosen to be better than laparoscopic surgery because of the risk of perioperative haemorrhage, which can be uncontrollable from the implantation site. Uterine prolapse during pregnancy is rare. the aetiology is multifactorial. We report this association to discuss difficulties of management of these two pathologies in areas where health services are unavailable or utilized poorly.
Case presentation A 25-year-old woman is referred in our maternity for uterine prolapse and pregnancy. On examination, the cervix was protruding and oedematous beyond the introitus (Stade IV of POP-Q classification). She has no prenatal consultation and no history of surgery or vaginal delivery complications. The obstetric ultrasound showed an empty uterus and the abdominal pregnancy at 32 weeks, the placenta localisation was unclear. An urgent laparotomy was done, and we discovered the foetus in the abdominal cavity and the placenta is attached on the right ovary and large ligament. We proceeded to the extraction of foetus and placenta successful. The newborn presented an ectodactylia and club foot varus equinus. He developed respiratory distress after 12 hours and died. before her discharged from hospital, she requests sterilization and total hysterectomy was scheluded after 3 months.
Conclusion the association of advanced abdominal pregnancy ant uterine prolapse is exceptional. It can be seen in developing countries because of poor prenatal follow up. The management is based on urgent laparotomy for abdominal pregnancy and hysterectomy for uterine prolapse for women who have completed their family’s life.
Constrained conditional model for screening marker genes through integrated high-throughput transcriptome big data
Authors: Zhou Xiaobei , Wan Jing , Lv Na , Ma Ruiyang , Liu Wensu 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Currently, a large volume of high-throughput transcriptome data are accessible through various public databases. This brings urgent need to integrate transcriptome data sourced from numerous independent studies to extract common characteristics to precisely address specific research questions. Referring to this, we innovatively designed a model framework that leverages integrated transcriptome data with declarative constraints. Here the constraint is used to incorporate the prior knowledge (genes in certain biological pathways, functions or user-specified terms) into the model and drive the model prediction/decision to satisfy these constraints. Distinguishing from existing models or methods, this framework implies tailed non-parametric bootstrapping algorithm to generate millions of samples of p-value of independent analyses to avoid the normal procedure of integrating data with different distribution styles. The model was applied in 5 tumor and 5 non-tumor case studies using 81 downloaded transcriptome datasets with 10,647 samples. High percentage of the selected genes were accordant with published work, co-occurrence results and gene ontology results. Experimental validations including transwell invasion/migration confirmed the identified genes associated with cancer progression in prostate, liver, and endometrial cancer case studies. Therefore our model was effective in extracting marker genes under user-specified conditions and were possessing significance in further understanding specified situations.
Prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic bacteriuria in community-dwelling Korean adults
Authors: Ko Hyun Lee , Lee Soojin , Im Dha Woon , Min Hyang Ki , Lee Sung Woo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The clinical characteristics of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) have not been fully investigated in community-dwelling Asian adults. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the potential risk factors associated with ASB in an Asian population.
Methods
We reviewed the data of 8,508 participants from the Ansung-Ansan cohort study. Urinary bacteria were counted using a flow cytometer and semi-quantitatively reported as numbers ranging from negative to 3+. Bacteriuria was defined when the result was ≥ 1+. ASB was defined as bacteriuria accompanied by a self-reported negative answer to the question: “Have you recently experienced any sudden and frequent need to urinate?”
Results
The prevalence of ASB was 4.6%, the mean age was 52 years, and 48.6% were men. Older age, female sex, and diabetes were associated with increased odds of having ASB, whereas high physical activity and increased serum albumin levels were associated with decreased odds. No statistical difference existed in prevalence between older and younger men. However, the potential ASB risk was higher in younger and older women. Compared with men with lower physical activity and serum albumin levels, those who exercised more and had high albumin levels showed decreased odds of having ASB.
Conclusions
Age, sex, diabetes, physical activity, and serum albumin levels were independently associated with ASB in a population of community-dwelling Korean adults. Increased physical activity and serum albumin levels may contribute to decreased risk of developing ASB in men but not in women. Further studies are warranted to confirm these results.
Enhancing Student Critical Thinking and Learning Outcomes through Innovative Pedagogical Approaches in Higher Education: The Mediating Role of Inclusive Leadership
Authors: Bhuttah Tariq Mehmood , Xusheng Qian , Abid Muhammad Naseem , Sharma Sonia 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This quantitative study examines the influence of innovative pedagogical approaches (IPA) on enhancing student critical thinking (SCT) and student learning outcomes (SLO) in higher education, with an emphasis on the mediating role of inclusive leadership(IL). Using a sample of 321 students from public and private universities in Pakistan, the research reveals that methods such as problem-based learning, flipped classrooms, and interactive teaching significantly boost academic performance and cultivate critical thinking skills. The findings indicate that innovative pedagogical approaches positively and significantly impact student critical thinking (β = 0.536, t = 6.539, p < 0.001) and learning outcomes (β = 0.551, t = 12.725, p < 0.001). Additionally, inclusive leadership mediates the relationship between innovative teaching methods and both student critical thinking (β = 0.331, t = 3.833, p < 0.001) and learning outcomes (β = 0.405, t = 8.662, p < 0.001). Data were collected using survey questionnaires adapted from established studies on inclusive leadership, innovative pedagogical approaches, student critical thinking, and learning outcomes. These results highlight the essential role of inclusive leadership in enhancing the efficacy of innovative pedagogies by creating a supportive and diverse learning environment. The study suggests that implementing active learning strategies and integrating technology in the classroom, along with inclusive leadership practices, can significantly improve student engagement, critical thinking, and overall academic performance. This research offers valuable insights for educators and policymakers seeking to enhance teaching and learning experiences in higher education.
Development of an Interactive 3D Visualization Framework for Ocean Data
Authors: G Preetha K , Saritha S , Jeevan Jishnu , Sachidanandan Chinnu , Maheswaran P A 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Understanding ocean data through visualization techniques is a common strategy to comprehend the complex ocean. The traditional visualization techniques are the 2D plots, graphs, and maps. Due to the evolvement of new computing technologies, both hardware and software, it has become possible to bring 3D visualization to the ocean. Open-source technologies such as Python allow for faster rendering times and better visual effects. This study presents an interactive 3D visualization framework using open-source ocean data technologies, ensuring fewer artifacts. In the proposed methodology, the spatial gaps in the in-situ data are filled with the World Ocean Atlas data before interpolating with the kriging method. It is observed that such enhancement of data density reduces artifacts to a large extent and improves 3D visualization. To reduce the poor visualization effect, the land masses in the ocean region are excluded with the aid of convex hull algorithms, and an effective spatial interpolation is applied. This also paves the way for better visualization results. The experiments performed yielded appreciable 3D and 4D visualization plots for different ocean parameters at standard depths.
Genetic characterization and mapping of the shell-strength trait in peanut
Authors: Israel Gilad Ben , Kunta Srinivas , Mlelwa William , Gupta Kapil , Levy Yael , Galili Shmuel , Hovav Ran 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Shell strength is an important trait in peanuts that impacts shell breakage and yield. Despite its significance, the genetic basis of shell strength in peanuts remains largely unknown, and the current methods for rating this trait are qualitative and subjective. This study aimed to investigate the genetics of shell strength using a segregating recombinant-inbred-line (RIL) population derived from the hard-shelled cultivar ‘Hanoch’ and the soft-shelled cultivar ‘Harari’.
Results: Initially, a quantitative method was developed using a texture analyzer, focusing on the proximal part of isolated shells with a P/5 punching probe. This method revealed significant differences between Hanoch and Harari. Shell strength was then measured in 235 RILs across two distinct environments, revealing a normal distribution with some RILs exhibiting shell strength values beyond those of the parental lines, indicating transgressive segregation. Analysis of variance indicated significant effects for the RILs, with no effects of block or year, and a broad-sense heritability estimate of 0.675, indicating a substantial genetic component. Using an existing genetic map, we identified three QTLs for shell strength, with one major QTL (qSSB02) explaining 18.7% of the phenotypic variation. The allelic status of qSSB02 corresponded significantly with cultivar designation for in-shell or shelled types over four decades of Israeli peanut breeding. Physical and compositional analyses revealed that Hanoch has a higher shell density than Harari, rather than any difference in shell thickness, and is characterized by increased levels of lignin, cellulose, and crude fiber.
Conclusions: These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic and compositional factors that influence shell strength in peanut, laying a foundation for marker-assisted selection in breeding programs focused on improving pod hardness in peanuts.
Overlapping Handwritten Text Identification Based Forgery Detection in Bank Cheques using PHLS and SGCIP-CNN Techniques
Authors: Chaitanyaswami Hitesh , Dobariya Ashwin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Segmentation of handwritten Bank Cheque Images (BCI) aids in extracting significant details and makes smoother transactions. Nevertheless, overlapped Handwritten Texts (HT) with Printed Texts (PT) were not focused in previous works, thereby disrupting the segmentation process. Thus, Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) and Pseudo Letter with Height-based Segmentation (PLHS) are utilized in this framework to efficiently remove the overlapped texts for accurate HT segmentation. Initially, for obtaining a denoised enhanced image, the BCI is preprocessed. The overlapped HT with PTs are recognized and segmented separately from the enhanced BCI using ICR and PHLS, respectively. After that, by utilizing Nanonets, the date, signature, name, and amount from HT are separately identified. Then, by using texture inpainting, the faded texts are redrawn followed by edge detection and contour formation. Lastly, by utilizing a Sigmoidal Growing Cosine Intermap Pooling-based Convolutional Neural Network (SGCIP-CNN), the recognized texts are categorized as forged and genuine cheques with a classification accuracy of 98.7899% for effective money transactions. Hence, the proposed work performed better than the prevailing techniques.
DPO: Differential reinforcement learning with application to optimal configuration search
Authors: Bajaj Chandrajit , Nguyen Minh 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Reinforcement learning (RL) with continuous state and action spaces remains one of the most challenging problems within the field. Most current learning methods focus on integral identities such as value functions to derive an optimal strategy for the learning agent. In this paper, we instead study the dual form of the original RL formulation to propose the first differential RL framework that can handle settings with limited training samples and short-length episodes. Our approach introduces Differential Policy Optimization (DPO), a pointwise and stage-wise iteration method that optimizes policies encoded by local-movement operators. We prove a pointwise convergence estimate for DPO and provide a regret bound comparable with the best current theoretical derivation. Such pointwise estimate ensures that the learned policy matches the optimal path uniformly across different steps. We then apply DPO to a class of practical RL problems with continuous state and action spaces, and which search for optimal configurations with Lagrangian rewards. DPO is easy to implement, scalable, and shows competitive results on benchmarking experiments against several popular RL methods.
Characterization of extracted pectins from the ripe grape pomace using both ultrasound- assisted and conventional extraction techniques
Authors: Vakilian Kianoush , Nateghi Leila , Javadi Afshin , Anarjan Navideh 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Ripe grape pomace is a waste of grape juice processing that can be considered a valuable source for pectin extraction. The pectin was extracted via optimization using both ultrasound-assisted procedure (UAE-PRGP) and conventional extraction procedure (CE-PRGP). The pH values were 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 for both techniques, the temperatures were set at 50, 60, 70°C for UAE, and 60, 75, 90°C for CE. The process time levels of the selected techniques were also different as 10, 20, 30 min for UAE and 60, 90, 120 min for CE. The yield (EY) of pectin extraction, the esterification degree (DE), and galacturonic acid (GA) were determined for optimization. The optimum values of pH, temperature, and time for UAE were 2.99, 58.81°C and 30 min, respectively, and for CE were 2.99, 66.42°C, and 120 min, respectively. The optimum values for EY, DE, and GA were 24.25%, 27.77%, and 61.39%, respectively, in CE, and 16.45%, 42.94%, 52.05%, respectively, for UAE. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that UAE-PRGP had lower DE than CE-PRGP. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed that UAE-PRGP had slightly greater thermal stability than CE-PRGP while commercial pectins (apple and citrus) had higher thermal stability than both extracted pectins. The apparent viscosity values of commercial pectins were higher than those of CE-PRGP and UAE-PRGP while all pectins indicated pseudoplastic manner. The UAE-PRGP showed higher stability and emulsifying activity than CE-PRGP, while lower than commercial pectins. UAE-PRGP with more GA and EY and less DE can be potentially used in various dairy food.
Increasing Stability, Antioxidant, and Antidiabetic Activity of L-Theanine through Chelation with Zinc
Authors: Pan Xiaoya , Wang Hongyue , Zhang Tong , Li Xinnan , Zhang Xiangrong 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The study aimed to use L-theanine (LT) to improve the stability, antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of zinc via chelation. The chelation mechanism between the Zn2+ and LT was investigated by ultraviolet-visible, fourier transform infrared, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The L-theanine-Zn chelate (LT-Zn) optimal conditions for the chelation were the LT and zinc citrate ratio of 3:1, at pH 6 and 70 ℃ for 180 min. The results revealed the amino and carboxyl groups of LT were the chelating sites, and the composition of the chelation was further validated by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The morphology of LT-Zn was characterized using scanning electron microscopy with the element analyzed by energy dispersive spectroscopy. The chelate exhibited higher solubility and improved stability under 100 ℃, various pH, and different concentrations of glucose and NaCl (p < 0.05). Compared to sulfate zinc and zinc gluconate, the LT-Zn showed better stability during simulated gastrointestinal digestion. The chelate also exhibited excellent antioxidant activity, as well as an inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Overall, the LT-Zn provided a novel approach to preparing zinc nutraceuticals with antioxidant and antidiabetic effects.
Influence of MHC on genetic diversity and testicular expression of linked olfactory receptor genes
Authors: Kang Mingue , Ahn Byeongyong , Shin Jae Yeol , Cho Hye-sun , Lee Jongan , Park Chankyu 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Olfactory receptor (OR) genes are highly polymorphic and form extensive families that recognize a wide range of vertebrate odorants. Although OR gene clusters are dispersed across many regions of vertebrate genomes, ORs expressed in the testes exhibit major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-linked structural conservation.
Results
In this study, we selected nine MHC-linked OR genes based on their expression levels in pig testes and developed a sequence-based typing method for these genes. We then performed high-resolution typing of these OR genes, along with three major classical MHC class I genes (SLA-1, -2, and − 3), in 48 pigs across six breeds. We observed significantly higher allelic diversity (P < 0.01) in ORs with strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) to SLA compared to those with weak or no LD, and we identified 48 SLA class I-OR haplotypes using the expectation-maximization algorithm. The genetic diversity of SLA-linked ORs was positively correlated with their expression levels in the testis. Specifically, SLA-linked ORs with higher testicular expression (FPKM ≥ 0.1) exhibited an increase in the number of codons under mutually diversifying selection with SLA compared to those with lower expression (FPKM < 0.1).
Conclusions
Our results suggest the presence of evolutionary interactions between the MHC and linked OR genes. These characteristics of SLA-linked ORs support the potential involvement of MHC-linked ORs in MHC-based mate selection.
Stomach parasite burden and health status of stranded common dolphins, Delphinus delphis
Authors: Alwis H.A.S.S. , Albrecht Sofia , Murphy Sinéad , O'Donovan Jim , Berrow Simon , Daly Mags , Levesque Stephanie , O'Dwyer Katie 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Short-beaked common dolphins are important top predators in marine ecosystems, and inevitably they encounter a range of pressures in their environment. Parasite infections pose one such possible pressure and examining parasite burdens of common dolphins, and any possible impacts of infection, enables us to better understand these pressures. Here we examined the stomach parasite burden of 69 stranded common dolphins collected along the Irish coastline between 2017–2019. After isolating the parasites from the stomachs, all were identified as nematodes belonging to the genus Anisakis. Additional to adult nematodes, L3 and L4 larval stages were observed. A total of 319,344 anisakid specimens were estimated from all stomach compartments of the animals. Parasite prevalence was 94%, mean abundance was 4,630 worms, and mean intensity was 4,910 worms. A generalised linear model with negative binomial error structure revealed that dolphin body length, nutritional status and year of stranding were significantly associated with parasite burden. The results presented highlight the high parasite burdens that may be carried by common dolphins and their potential interaction with health parameters such as nutritional status. To gain a comprehensive overview it is important to include parasite infection investigations along with other parameters when evaluating the health status of marine mammals.