bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Prediction of Tooth Restorability Using Artificial Intelligence versus Natural Intelligence: Preliminary Study
Authors: Alshenaiber Rafif , Alharbi Reem , Alzahrani Bandar , AlShehri Khalid , Alnafisah Fahad , Aljulayfi Ibrahim , Alabdulsalam Ziyad , Hashem Qamar 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Artificial intelligence is largely incorporated into dental research and clinical work. Predicting tooth restorability using artificial intelligence would help inexperienced dental professionals in clinical decision-making and education. This study evaluates the agreement in predicting tooth restorability using parallel periapical radiographs between dental interns and a newly developed artificial intelligence model created and trained to predict tooth restorability.
Materials and Methods
A deep learning model was created and trained using a dataset of 53,035 radiographs according to a tooth restorability prediction score from parallel periapical radiographs developed by six dental specialists. Seventeen radiographs were chosen randomly, and the specialists assessed the restorability of each tooth twice, two weeks apart, per the scoring index they developed. The intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the specialists were assessed using Cohen's kappa correlation coefficients. The radiographs were then independently assessed once by artificial intelligence and by 20 dental interns. The inter-rater reliability of the responses of the two groups was assessed using Cohen's and Fleiss's kappa correlation coefficients using SPSS and Excel for statistical analysis (p < 0.05).
Results
A perfect level of agreement was found between and among the specialists' responses, with the coefficient of kappa calculated to be 1. However, there was slight disagreement among the dental interns, with the Fleiss kappa calculated to be -0.03832. There was a statistically significant strong agreement between the dental interns and artificial intelligence responses, as the kappa coefficient was calculated to be 0.883, with a p-value < 0.01.
Conclusion
The performance of the developed and trained preliminary artificial intelligence model was similar to or even better than that of dental interns in predicting tooth restorability using parallel periapical radiographs.
Trial Registration:
Research Centre of Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University approval number: SCBR-178/2023 on November 05, 2023, and the institutional review board of Riyadh Second Health Cluster approval number: FWA00018774 on April 22. 2024.
A New Exponential Family of Distributions with Applications to Engineering and Medical Data
Authors: Sapkota Laxmi Prasad , Bam Nirajan , Kumar Vijay 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This research is centered on exploring a mathematically tractable and versatile family of probability distributions, specifically focusing on one family member. We have used the exponential distribution as a base distribution to create a novel distribution, which we have aptly named the "new odd-type-exponential distribution." In this paper, we provide an overview of the essential characteristics inherent to this innovative distribution. This model showcases a variety of hazard functions, including the reverse-j, decreasing and constant, increasing and constant, and S-shaped shapes. The estimation of the distribution’s parameters is conducted through both classical and Bayesian methods. We validate the accuracy of the classical estimation procedure through simulation studies. These simulations demonstrate a reduction in biases and mean square errors as sample sizes increase, even for smaller samples.
To showcase the practicality of the proposed distribution, we apply it to two sets of real-world data, employing both classical and Bayesian approaches. We evaluate the performance of our suggested distribution model using various model selection criteria and goodness-of-fit test statistics. Empirical evidence from these evaluations confirms that our proposed model surpasses some existing models in the literature. Further, the suggested model was analyzed under the Bayesian approach using the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo method. Its predicting capability was also explored and it can predict the data consistently.
Use of the Brief-BESTest partially instrumented with accelerometry to detect balance deterioration in middle-age
Authors: Baranes Guy , Hayek Roee , Gutman Itai , Frenkel-Toledo silvi , springer shmuel 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Most standardized balance tests cannot detect subtle balance deterioration in middle age, or identify those at higher risk for accelerated balance decline due to a ceiling effect.
Aims
To determine whether the Brief Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Brief-BESTest), partially instrumented with accelerometry, can detect balance deterioration in middle age and identify individuals with poor balance.
Methods
We studied young (25.3±2.3 years), early middle-aged (47.7±2.6 years), and late middle-aged adults (60.6±3.6 years), with 25 participants in each age group. Subjects wore an accelerometer on their lower back while performing the Brief-BESTest. Balance measurements included the Brief-BESTest total and sub-measures scores, and postural sway during the Brief-BESTest standing tasks, calculated by the 95% confidence ellipse trajectory of the center of mass (COM-95% ellipse).
Results
Compared to the two middle-aged groups, young adults had better total Brief-BESTest and sub-measures scores, apart from the Stability-in-Gait sub-measure, and less postural sway during the Sensory-Orientation sub-measure. The total Brief-BESTest scores as well as the Biomechanical-Constraints and Sensory-Orientation sub-measures differed also between early and late middle-aged adults. Both the Brief-BESTest total scores and the Sensory-Orientation postural sway values demonstrated increased variation with age, allowing to identify subjects with poor balance. A moderate negative correlation (r = -0.43) was found between the Brief-BESTest total score and the COM-95% ellipse size, and a moderate agreement (k = 0.56) in identifying subjects with poor performance in the early but not the late middle age group.
Conclusions
The Brief-BESTest test combined with accelerometry could be a suitable screening tool to identify middle-aged people with early balance deterioration and potentially identify those with poor balance and a possible higher risk for falls. Clinicians and policymakers can use our findings to implement balance assessment programs in patients <65 years, leading to preventive strategies before the risk increases.
Examination of Intestinal Microbiota Abundance of Honey Bees Supplemented and Unsupplemented with Probiotic Bacteria by QPCR
Authors: Sinekçi Yaren , Afşaroğlu Emre , Kabak Büşra , Sarıçayır Selin , Soytemiz Ihsan , OZDEMIR Guven 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Aim
The aim of this study is to compare the bacterial load in the intestines of honey bees supported and unsupplemented with probiotic supplements.
Methods and Results
To investigate the effects of a commercial bee probiotic containing different Lactobacillus species and different spice extracts on the composition of the gut microbiota of honey bees, QPCR counts of Lactobacillus spp. and Firmicutes phylum gene copies in gut mixtures from 12 different bee groups with and without probiotic supplementation were performed. There was a significant difference between the levels of lactic acid bacteria in the intestines of both groups. When the lactic acid bacteria levels in the intestines of honey bees not given probiotics were compared to the lactic acid bacteria levels in the intestines of honey bees given probiotics, it was determined that there was an approximately 5.5-fold difference.
However, it was observed that there was no significant difference in the total bacterial load in the bee intestines of both groups.
Conclusion
These findings show that the applied probiotic formulation significantly affects the intestinal microbiome of healthy individuals and provides a proportional change in microbial abundance, especially in terms of Lactobacillus spp.
Impact Statement
Although probiotic bacteria are very important for the health of honey bees, if they are applied to honey bees as a supplement, they may not create abundance in the intestines of honey bees. In this study, we showed that there was a proportional increase in total microorganisms in the intestines of honey bees to which honey bee probiotics were applied, and the findings confirm the positive effect that bee producers see on bee health after the application.
Anterolateral ligament of the bilateral knees: assessment of morphological profiles on multi-planar reformatted magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Liu Yu , Wang Lixue , Li Jie , Liang Jianchao , Lan Zhihong , Yu Xiangrong , Zheng Zhuozhao 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The anterior lateral ligament (ALL) plays a pivotal role in providing rotational stability to the knee. We aimed to evaluate the visualization and symmetry of the bilateral ALL by utilizing multi-planar reformatted (MPR) MRI, which was clinical significance for surgical reconstruction procedures.
Methods
Between January 2021 and October 2022, 162 patients who underwent bilateral knee MRI scans were included. Two professional osteoarticular-oriented radiologists assessed the visibility, length, and thickness of the ALL on MPR images. The visibility of the ALL can be classified as "visible", "partially visible", and "invisible". Inter-observer consistency of the ALL profiles was assessed using Fleiss’ kappa or intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The McNemar-Bowker test and t-test were used to analyze ordered categorical and continuous variables, respectively.
Results
The interobserver reliability in the visualization, length, and thickness of the bilateral ALL was good to excellent. The ALL was visible in 116 (71.6%) left and 99 (61.1%) right knees, partially visible in 14 (8.6%) left, and 20 (12.3%) right knees, and invisible in 32 (19.8%) left and 43 (26.5%) right knees. The bilateral ALL was judged as visible in 90 (55.6%), partially visible in 5 (3.1%), and invisible in 29 (17.9%) cases. In the measurable cases, the length and thickness of the bilateral ALLs were non-significant (all P > 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that the visibility of bilateral ALL was significantly different in the minors and males.
Conclusion
The integrity of the ALL differs between bilateral knees, and the ALLs were asymmetric in the minors and males.
RAB23 facilitates clathrin-coated nascent vesicle formation at the plasma membrane and modulates cell signaling
Authors: Hasan Md. Rakibul , Takatalo Maarit , Nieminen Pekka , Rice Ritva , Mustonen Tuija , Rice David P 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

RAB23 is known to regulate several growth factors signaling during organogenesis. RABs and other small GTPases function as molecular switches during cellular membrane trafficking. However, what has not been established is how RAB23 functions during cellular membrane trafficking and how this influences cell signaling. To address this, we characterized RAB23’s localization in the endocytic pathway and determined the route of endocytosis. We find that RAB23 interacts with β-adaptin (AP2β1) subunit of the clathrin adaptor protein 2 (AP-2) complex, suggesting RAB23’s involvement in clathrin-dependent endocytosis at the plasma membrane. Our results show that RAB23 might function at multiple steps during clathrin-coated nascent vesicle formation. We find that RAB23 interacts with clathrin assembly protein PICALM, vesicle curvature protein endophilin A2, and a protein linked with vesicle scission, cortactin. To understand the functionality of RAB23, we performed time-lapse live cell imaging of transferrin uptake, which showed that clathrin-dependent endocytosis is affected in RAB23 deficient osteoprogenitors with inefficient cargo internalization. Our results show that deficiency of RAB23 reduced the interaction between β-adaptin and clathrin. We demonstrate that vesicle formation upon BMP stimulation and subsequent signal transduction is aberrant in RAB23-deficient cells. We further show evidence by providing microarray data-driven hypergeometric test of differentially expressed genes in WT and RAB23-deficient samples which suggests RAB23’s participation in vesicle formation, endocytosis and cell signaling. Collectively, our data indicate a role for RAB23 in vesicle formation, membrane trafficking, and cell signaling.
Corrosion performance of Cu doped AlCrFeNiMn HEA synthesized via Arc-Melting
Authors: Mpofu P , Malatji N. , Shongwe M. B , Kanyane Lehlogonolo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The development of novel corrosion-resistant components is essential since malfunction of materials like super alloys during industrial applications might cause financial loss. Arc-melting and casting were used to create AlCrFeCuNi high entropy alloys (HEAs), which were then doped with various atomic percentages of copper (Cu). Investigations were conducted into the effects of Cu on the evolution of microstructural features, corrosion behavior in various solutions, nano hardness, and thermal stability. The alloy samples had a dendritic microstructure with three different phase zones, as seen by scanning electron micrographs, and EDS validated the elements that were included into the alloys. The behavior of the HEAs' nano hardness and corrosion resistance significantly improved with the addition of Cu. In NaOH and Na2SO4 solutions, 3 at.% Cu samples demonstrated superior resistance to corrosion. With NaCl and H2SO4 solutions, 5 at.% Cu samples displayed greater corrosion resistance. The sample with 1 at.% Cu showed superior corrosion resistance in HCl solution.
Recombinant thrombomodulin and recombinant antithrombin attenuate pulmonary endothelial glycocalyx degradation and neutrophil extracellular trap formation in ventilator-induced lung injury
Authors: Kikuchi Kenichiro , Kazuma Satoshi , Yamakage Michiaki 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Vascular endothelial damage is involved in the development and exacerbation of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). Pulmonary endothelial glycocalyx and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are endothelial protective and damaging factors, respectively; however, their dynamics in VILI and the effects of recombinant thrombomodulin and antithrombin on these dynamics remain unclear. We hypothesized that glycocalyx degradation and NETs are induced by VILI and suppressed by recombinant thrombomodulin, recombinant antithrombin, or their combination.
Methods: VILI was induced in male C57BL/6J mice by intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide injection (20 mg/kg) and high tidal volume ventilation (20 mL/kg). In the intervention groups, recombinant thrombomodulin, recombinant antithrombin, or their combination was administered at the start of mechanical ventilation. Glycocalyx degradation was quantified by measuring serum syndecan-1, fluorescence-labeled lectin intensity, and glycocalyx-occupied area in the pulmonary vascular lumen. Double-stranded DNA in the bronchoalveolar fluid and fluorescent areas of citrullinated histone H3 and myeloperoxidase were quantified as NET formation.
Results: Serum syndecan-1 increased, and lectin fluorescence intensity decreased in VILI. Electron microscopy revealed decreases in glycocalyx-occupied areas within pulmonary microvessels in VILI. Double-stranded DNA levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and the fluorescent area of citrullinated histone H3 and myeloperoxidase in lung tissues increased in VILI. Recombinant thrombomodulin, recombinant antithrombin, and their combination reduced glycocalyx injury and NET marker levels. There was little difference in glycocalyx injury and NET makers between the intervention groups.
Conclusion: VILI induced glycocalyx degradation and NET formation. Recombinant thrombomodulin and recombinant antithrombin attenuated glycocalyx degradation and NETs in our VILI model. The effect of their combination did not differ from that of either drug alone. Recombinant thrombomodulin and antithrombin have the potential to be therapeutic agents for biotrauma in VILI.
Bifunctionalised acid-base hierarchically structured monolithic micro-/mesoreactors for continuous-flow tandem catalytic processes. A case study of cyanocinnamate synthesis
Authors: Ciemięga Agnieszka , Maresz Katarzyna , Mrowiec-Białoń Julita 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The results on zirconia-amine bifunctional modification of hierarchically porous silica monoliths for continuous-flow processes are presented. The study reports the synthesis and properties of the modified porous monoliths and their performance in tandem process of deacetalisation-Knoevenagel condensation reaction. Thermal and FTIR spectroscopy analyses and activity studies were carried out. It was found that the both active centres were uniformly distributed along the monolithic cores. The performance of the bifunctional microreactors was checked and compared with cascade-connected monofunctional microreactors and batch reactor. The yield of cyanocinnamate product obtained in both flow systems was comparable - c.a. 78%, however flow resistance/pressure drop in the bimodified reactor was only half of that in cascade. The effective way of water supply to the continuous flow catalytic system has been proposed. The research demonstrates the benefits of using flow-through structured micro-/mesoreactors to boost tandem reaction processes.
Integrated Evaluation of Inland Lake Water Quality under the Influence of Ecological Water Conveyance
Authors: Aili Aishajiang , Hailiang Xu , Waheed Abdul , Xinfeng Zhao , Peng Zhang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Taitema Lake, situated at the terminus of the Tarim River Basin in Northwest China, represents a crucial ecological resource impacted by climate variability and anthropogenic interventions. In this study, we investigate the dynamic changes in Taitema Lake's area and water quality resulting from the implementation of an ecological water transfer project since 2000. Leveraging Landsat remote sensing data and comprehensive water quality monitoring, we analyze the relationship between lake area variations and shifts in water quality parameters. Notably, our findings reveal a significant increase in Taitema Lake's area from 9.4 km² in 2000 to 320 km² in 2013. Concurrently, water quality indicators exhibited marked fluctuations, with total salt content ranging from 45,323.6 mg/L in 2000 to 970.4 mg/L in 2010, before increasing to 14,586.3 mg/L by 2014. Furthermore, a linear regression analysis highlights the moderate positive correlation between lake area and mineralization (R²=0.506) and sodium levels (R²=0.4907). Additionally, chloride (R²=0.5681) and sulfate (R²=0.6213) concentrations demonstrated a strong negative correlation with lake area, indicative of a dilution effect. Furthermore, a comparison of water quality indicators between the years of minimum (2008) and maximum (2013) lake area underscores improvements in pH, chemical oxygen demand, and anionic surfactant concentrations as lake area increased. Our study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of ecological water management strategies in restoring and maintaining the ecological health of Taitema Lake, thereby informing evidence-based decision-making for the sustainable management of freshwater resources in arid environments.
Investigating the Mechanism of Qingjie Yifei Miao Fang in Synergistic Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with Gefitinib Based on the PTEN/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Tang Wenchao , Pan Yue , Xiao Yuanyuan , Li Tongyao , Xie Youliang , Liu Wei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: To investigate the mechanism of Qingjieyifei Miao Fang (QJYFMF) combined with gefitinib (GE) against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Methods: Network pharmacology was applied to obtain the key targets and signaling pathways of QJYFMF in NSCLC treatment. An A549 cell culture model of QJYFMF and a mouse model of lung cancer surface transplantation were established in vivo and in vitro, respectively. The therapeutic effect of QJYFMF on NSCLC was investigated by CCK-8, flow cytometry, wound healing, and transwell assay. The expression of key proteins in the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was verified by western blot and qRT-PCR assay.
Results: A total of 98 active components and 901 targets of QJYFMF were obtained, which were mainly concentrated in the PI3K-AKT, MARK, and apoptosis signaling pathways. Compared with the control group, QJYFMF significantly inhibited the A549 cell proliferation rate, promoted cell apoptosis, and reduced the A594 cell migration and invasion abilities. Furthermore, the transplanted tumor volume and weight were decreased, the PTEN, caspase-9, and BAD protein expression levels were increased, the PI3K/p-PI3K, AKT/p-AKT, p-caspase-9 and p-BAD expression levels were decreased, and the BAD and caspase-9 mRNA expression levels were increased. The combined use of GE+QJYFMF displayed greater efficacy.
Conclusion: QJYFMF significantly inhibited NSCLC proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted cell apoptosis. The combination of GE+QJYFMF can increase the efficacy of GE, and the mechanism may be through the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Comparative performance of tuberculin and defined-antigen cocktails for detecting bovine tuberculosis in BCG-vaccinated cattle in natural settings
Authors: Fromsa Abebe , Conlan Andrew J.K. , Sriniva Sreenidhi , Gumi Balako , Bedada Wegene , Zeleke Miserach , Worku Dawit , Lakew Matios , Tadesse Biniam , Bayissa Berecha , Sirak Asegedech , Abdela Musse Girma , Mekonnen Getnet Abie , Chibssa Tesfaye , Veerasami Maroudam , Jones Gareth , Vordermeier H. Martin , Juleff Nick , Wood James L.N. , Ameni Gobena , Kapur Vivek 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a threat to cattle health and public safety. The current control programs are hampered by wildlife reservoirs and socioeconomic barriers. Vaccinating cattle with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) effectively reduces transmission, offering a potential solution for controlling bTB. A key component of the vaccination strategy is the use of defined antigens to differentiate infections among vaccinated animals (DIVA). We compared tuberculin with a DIVA peptide cocktails (ESAT-6, CFP-10, and Rv3615c) in 67 unvaccinated and 67 BCG-vaccinated cattle exposed to M. bovis in natural settings. The cattle were tested every four months with a skin test and every two months with interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) over a year of exposure. Before exposure, the DIVA skin, DIVA IGRA, and tuberculin tests showed 100% specificity in unvaccinated control calves. In vaccinated calves, the DIVA IGRA and DIVA skin tests had specificities of 98.5% and 94.0%, respectively, while tuberculin tests induced greater skin thickness and INF-γ production, showing a lack of specificity. After exposure, the DIVA skin, DIVA IGRA, and comparative cervical tuberculin (CCT) tests had relative sensitivities of 47%, 42%, and 43%, respectively, indicating comparable performance and potential utility of DIVA antigens with BCG vaccination. All tests had positive predictive values (PV+) of over 90% but low negative predictive values (PV-) of less than 18%. In high-prevalence herds, test and slaughter control strategies using tests with low sensitivity and predictive value are expected to be ineffective in controlling bTB. Therefore, BCG vaccination is recommended, which reduces disease transmission. Overall, this study highlights the need to improve the sensitivity of diagnostic tests for bTB.