bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of morphological fingerprint in perinatal brains using quasi-conformal mapping and contrastive learning
Authors: Wang Boyang , Zheng Weihao , Wang Ying , Zhu Dalin , Sheng Yuchen 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The morphological fingerprint in the brain is capable of identifying the uniqueness of an individual. However, whether such individual patterns are present in perinatal brains, and which morphological attributes or cortical regions better characterize the individual differences of neonates remain unclear. In this study, we proposed a deep learning framework that projected three-dimensional spherical meshes of three morphological features (i.e., cortical thickness, mean curvature, and sulcal depth) onto two-dimensional planes through quasi-conformal mapping, and employed the ResNet18 and contrastive learning for individual identification. We used the cross-sectional structural MRI data of 461 infants, incorporating with data augmentation, to train the model and fine-tuned the parameters based on 40 infants who had longitudinal scans. The model was validated on a fold of 20 longitudinal scanned infant data, and remarkable Top1 and Top5 accuracies of 85.90% and 92.20% were achieved, respectively. The sensorimotor and visual cortices were recognized as the most contributive regions in individual identification. Moreover, the folding morphology demonstrated greater discriminative capability than the cortical thickness. These findings provided evidence for the emergence of morphological fingerprints in the brain at the beginning of the third trimester, which may hold promising implications for understanding the formation of individual uniqueness in the brain during early development.
Integration of Single-Cell and Bulk RNA Sequencing Data using Ecotype Machine Learning for Prognostic Biomarker Discovery in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zheng Yalu , Li Tengzheng , Qi Yunting , Xiong Kai 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
EcoTyper is a new machine learning framework, this work attempted to constructed an EcoTyper-related prognostic model for gastric cancer (GC).
Methods
The scRNA-seq data and bulk RNA-seq data for GC were obtained from the GEO and TCGA databases, respectively. Cell composition deconvolution was performed using CIBERSORTx. EcoTyper was employed for de novo discovery of scRNA-seq cell states and communities. Weighted Correlation Network Analysis was applied to explore the gene co-expression networks in GC. Subsequently, a risk model for ecotypes was constructed using bulk RNA-seq data.
Results
This work revealed the significant differences in cell distribution between normal and primary samples. Primary tumor samples showed a predominant presence of immune cells, including monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils. These immune cells were classified into two EcoTypers, E1 and E2, with E2 closely linked to primary tumor samples. Using ecotype-related risk scores, GC patients were stratified into high-risk (HR) and low-risk (LR) groups. HR patients exhibited worse overall survival and heightened sensitivity to Mirin, Oxaliplatin, Ruxolitinib, VE-822, and MG-132. Notably, the core gene TGM2 was up-regulated in GC cells, and its silencing reduced GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
Conclusion
This study constructed a meaningful EcoTyper prognostic model, which served as a potential prognostic biomarker for GC treatment. This prognostic model showed significant correlations with immunotherapy and chemotherapy. This research has provided a potential valuable target for GC treatment.
How anxiety and depression mediate the link between sleep quality and health perception during crisis periods
Authors: de Menezes-Junior Luiz Antônio Alves , Moura Samara Silva , Machado-Coelho George Luiz Lins , Meireles Adriana Lúcia 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background and objectives: During crisis periods, understanding the impact of sleep quality on self-rated health becomes crucial. However, the role of anxiety and depression as potential mediators in this relationship remains insufficiently explored. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the association of sleep quality with self-rated health, and mediation by anxiety and depression.
Methods:This cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted with 1,762 adults from October to December 2020 in the Iron Quadrilateral region of Brazil. The exposure variable was poor sleep quality, as measured by the PSQI. The outcome was self-rated health. The mediators tested were anxiety and depression, which were evaluated using symptoms, medical diagnoses, and the use of drugs. To test the mediators' factors, the Karlson-Holm-Breen method was used. The direct acyclic graph was used to select a minimal set of adjustments in multivariate analysis.
Results:There were 22.6% of people with poor health ratings, 52.5% with bad sleep, 35.1% with worry, and 24.7% with depression. According to the multivariate analysis, individuals with poor sleep quality were 2.82 times more likely to self-assess their health as poor. The presence of anxiety and depression explained 16.57% and 5.99% of the association between poor sleep quality and poor self-rated health, respectively, in the mediation analysis.
Conclusion:During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals who had poor sleep quality had lower self-rated health. Furthermore, symptoms of anxiety and depression explained a portion of the association. Our study emphasizes the importance of evaluating individuals' sleep quality and mental health during a crisis.
Incidence, persistence, and clearance of cervical Human Papillomavirus among gynecological outpatients in Kunming, Yunnan, China from 2019-2023: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Huang Yafei , Wei Xiangcong , Guo Yan , Su Ting , Duan Qiuting , Fan Xin , Wan Jinxiu , Zhang Yufan , Zhang Guiqian , Sun Yi , Xu Ya 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary driver of cervical cancer development and progression. This study aimed to determine the incidence, persistence, and clearance of type-specific HPV infections in Yunnan.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted between October 2019 and August 2023 on female gynecological outpatients residing in Yunnan, Southwest China. HPV genotyping was performed using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction and capillary electrophoresis. We investigated the incidence, persistence, and clearance of HPV in women who tested again at various times following the initial test.
Results
This study included 45,149 participants; overall incidence of HPV infection was 36.84% with HPV 52 having the highest incidence, followed by HPV 51, 81, 58, and 16. The age ranges–30–39 and 40–49 y had the highest incidence rates. The overall persistence rate of the HPV infection was 55.56%, while HPV subtypes 42, 52, 58, 81, and 56 showed the highest rates of persistent infection. The highest rates of persistent infection were found in the < 30 and > 59 y age groups. The overall HPV clearance rate was 74.43%, and it increased with age. The most probable HPV subtypes to be cleared were 26, 83, 11, 82, and 44, least likely HR HPV subtypes were 58, 52, and 35, and least likely LR HPV subtypes were 42, 81, and 43.
Conclusions
Women in Yunnan had a higher likelihood of incident and persistent infections and a lower likelihood of being cleared of HPV 58, 52, 42, and 81. Older adults are more prone to persistent HPV infection, whereas younger individuals are more likely to recover from infection.
Exploring bite force as an indicator of frailty phenotype: a pilot study
Authors: Ferreira Luciano Maia Alves , Scoz Robson Dias , Silva Josie Resende Torres , Silva Marcelo Lourenço , Brito José , Amorim César Ferreira , Júdice André , Mendes José João , Machado Vanessa , Botelho João 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objectives The aim of the study was to explore the correlation between bite force and grip strength as measures of frailty in the elderly. Materials and Methods Elderly people completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, protocols for measuring bite force, handgrip strength using dynamometry and body composition analysis using electrical bioimpedance. Statistical analyses were carried out to assess the association between these variables. Results We assessed 59 participants. The results indicate a positive correlation between bite force and grip strength, even after controlling for age and body mass index (BMI). There are positive and significant correlations between BITE and GRIP forces, which means that increases (decreases) in bite force values are accompanied by increases (decreases) in handgrip force values. Conclusion Our results suggest that decreased bite strength may increase the risk of frailty over time. In conclusion, the study suggests that bite force can serve as a useful indicator of frailty risk in the elderly and calls for further research to validate these initial results in larger samples. This correlation emphasises the importance of oral health in the care of the elderly and in frailty prevention strategies.
Association of Handgrip Strength Weakness and Asymmetry with Cognitive Decline and Depressive Symptoms in Older Chinese Adults
Authors: Abudukelimu Nazhakaiti , Du Jing , Zhang Peng , Li Min , Shen Yupei , Mao Yanyan , Wang Difei , Zhu Qianxi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the association betweenhandgrip strength (HGS) asymmetry and weakness with cognitive function and depressive symptoms among 920 adults aged above 60 years in suburban Shanghai. Participants were selected using a multistage cluster-stratified sampling approach. Assessments included HGS measured with a dynamometer, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) for cognition, and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) for depressive symptoms. Restricted cubic splines revealed a positive association between dominant HGS and MoCA scores, indicatingbetter cognitive performance, and a negative association with GDS scores, suggesting fewer depressive symptoms. The association between the HGS ratio and MoCA scores and the HGS ratio and GDS scores varied by sex. Women with HGS weakness alone (odds ratio (OR)=2.00, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.17–3.37), asymmetry alone (OR=1.93, 95% CI=1.14–3.29), or both had a significantly increased risk of mild cognitive impairment, with no such associations observed in men. These findings suggest that a sufficiently dominant and symmetrical HGS may be associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline and depressive symptoms, particularly in women. This study emphasizes the need for sex-specific assessments and prevention strategies to address cognitive and mental health issues among older adults.
Upward Lumbar Disc Extrusion: An Unusual Case Study with Unique Clinical Implications
Authors: Zhou Junge 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background Lumbar disc extrusion is a common spinal disease, but very high-grade lumbar disc extrusion is relatively rare, especially among young patients. This study reports a case of very high-grade lumbar disc extrusion in a young male patient and explores its clinical features, treatment, and prognosis. Case Report: A 36 year-old male patient with a previously healthy medical history was admitted to the hospital due to "low back pain and leg pain for half a month, with aggravation for 4 days." Lumbar MRI plain scan and enhancement revealed an abnormal signal in the vertebral canal at the level of the L3 vertebra, suggesting: 1. Disc cyst; 2. Epidural hematoma. Surgical exploration of the vertebral canal and excision of the extruded lumbar disc were performed, resulting in complete resolution of the patient's symptoms of low back pain and leg pain. Conclusion Very high-grade lumbar disc extrusion in young patients is a rare case. Through literature review, the epidemiological characteristics, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment methods of this disease were summarized, providing suggestions for its diagnosis and treatment.
Kinetic Modeling of Escherichia coli Removal Mechanisms in Faecal Sludge on Unplanted Sand-Drying Beds Using Moringa Oleifera as a Conditioner
Authors: Mmasi Doglas Benjaminn , Sanka Paulo Martin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study explores the mechanisms behind the removal of Escherichia coli in unplanted sand drying beds using Moringa Oleifera (MO) as a natural conditioner. A comprehensive model predicting the bacterial removal rate (Ko) was developed by examining factors like adsorption, diffusion, filtration, solar radiation, temperature, and MO conditioning. Field experiments were conducted at the University of Dar es Salaam's dewatering facility, involving different sand bed configurations and operating conditions. The data showed a non-normal distribution of fecal sludge characteristics, necessitating non-parametric statistical tests. Adsorption, diffusion, and filtration accounted for 64.3% of bacterial removal, while MO conditioning contributed 34.7%. Solar radiation and temperature had negligible effects and were excluded from the model. The kinetic model for Ko was formulated as Ko = 1.5 * 10− 6 * (µ/d) * (T/µ)0.66 * (t)−0.33 + 5.54/(tCn), involving sludge viscosity, particle diameter, temperature, contact time, MO concentration, and dilution factor. The model showed strong correlation (R²=0.8526) with experimental data when validated. The study highlights MO's efficacy as a sustainable, eco-friendly conditioner for enhancing bacterial removal in fecal sludge treatment.
Influence of COVID-19 Vaccination on Treatment-Related Adverse Events and Oncologic Outcomes of Non-metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Minglong , Zhang Bin , Pan Yufei , Lin Xiaoping , Luo Guanhong , Xie Yuan , Ruan Xiaolan , Pan Yu , Liang Yi , Wang Defeng , Wei Yuejia , Chen Hengwei , Tang Guorong , Jiang Wei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: The influence of COVID-19 vaccination on treatment of non-metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) who were newly diagnosed after the widespread vaccination against COVID-19 and subsequently treated withchemoradiotherapy is not known.
Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study, patients in the vaccinated group had received at least one COVID-19 vaccination before chemoradiotherapy and those in the control group had not. Propensity score matching was used to minimize potential selection bias between groups. Primary endpoints were acute and late treatment-relatedadverse events (TRAEs). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS) at 2 years.
Results: Our study enrolled 893 patients with newly diagnosed non-metastatic NPC between May 2020 and December 2021. At last follow-up on December 31, 2023, the median follow-up was 31.6 months (interquartile range [IQR], 28 to 35.5 months). On propensity score matching analysis, vaccinated group had higher prevalence of grade-3–4 neutropenia (24.2% vs. 18.0%, P=0.048), grade-1–2 fatigue (41.9% vs. 23.9%, P＜0.001), grade-1–2 nausea/vomiting (66.7% vs. 58.4%, P=0.026) during induction chemotherapy, and grade-1–2 fatigue (58.4% vs. 43.1%, P＜0.001) during radiotherapy. No significant differences were observed in OS (97.6% vs. 98.5%, P=0.401), PFS (91.7% vs. 87.9%, P=0.097), DMFS (93.2% vs. 91.4%, P=0.385), or LRRFS (95.3% vs. 94.1%, P=0.494) at 2 years in matched groups.
Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination is associated with higher prevalence of acute TRAEs, while no significant influence is observed on the oncologic outcomes of patients with non-metastatic NPC.
Healthcare Professionals' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Respiratory Support
Authors: Cui Tao , Lui Jie , Chen Bin , Yu Chuangwei , Hu Yunli , Bao Chuanfei , Zhao Shuguang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background To investigate healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding the application of respiratory support. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 15,2023 to December 14,2023 at Multiple hospitals. Demographic information, alongside scores measuring knowledge and attitudes, was gathered through the dissemination of questionnaires. Results A total of 517 valid questionnaires were enrolled, including 284 (54.9%) nurses, and 269 (52%) had worked for less than 10 years. The median of knowledge, attitude, and practice were 20 (possible range: 11–22), 26 (possible range: 7–35), and 38 (possible range: 9–45), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that lower than 20 of knowledge score (OR = 0.441, 95% CI: [0.297, 0.657], P < 0.001), lower than 26 of attitude score (OR = 0.493, 95% CI: [0.335, 0.724], P < 0.001), lower than 40 of MBI-GS Scale score (OR = 1.857, 95% CI: [1.256, 2.746], P = 0.002), aged 40 years and above (OR = 0.470, 95% CI: [0.264, 0.837], P = 0.010), being nurse (OR = 0.627, 95% CI: [0.424, 0.928], P = 0.020), and no training in respiratory support in the last six months (OR = 0.590, 95% CI: [0.403, 0.866], P = 0.007) were independently associated with practice. Conclusions Healthcare professionals had sufficient knowledge, positive attitudes, and proactive practices regarding the application of respiratory support. Healthcare institutions should prioritize continuous education and training programs focusing on respiratory support, especially for nurses and older professionals, to enhance clinical practice and patient outcomes.
miRNA biomarkers to predict risk of primary non-function of fatty allografts and drug induced acute liver failures
Authors: Schönberg Juliette , Borlak Jürgen 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Primary non-function (PNF) of an allograft defines an irreversible graft failure and although rare, constitutes a life-threatening condition that requires high-urgency re-transplantation. Equally, drug induced acute liver failures (ALF) are seldom but the rapid loss of hepatic function may require orthotropic liver transplantation (OLT). Recently, we reported the development of a PNF-disease model of fatty allografts and showed that a dysfunctional Cori and Krebs cycle and inhibition of lactate transporters constitute a mechanism of PNF. We identified highly regulated miRNAs and their target genes and selected 15 miRNA-biomarker candidates for clinical validation. Our study aimed at their clinical validation. Additionally, we assessed their diagnostic value in ALF. We performed RT-qPCRs of 15 miRNA-biomarker candidates in well-documented PNF cases following OLT of fatty allografts. To assess specificity and selectivity, we compared their regulation in pre- and intraoperative liver biopsies and post-operative in blood samples of patients undergoing elective hepatobiliary surgery.
Results: We confirmed regulation of 11 PNF-associated miRNAs in clinical PNF cases and found expression of miRNA-27b-3p, miRNA-122-3p, miRNA-125a-5p, miRNA-125b-5p and miRNA-192-5p to correlate with the hepatic steatosis grade. Furthermore, we demonstrate selectivity and specificity for the biomarker candidates with opposite regulation of let-7b-5p, miRNA-122-5p, miRNA-125b-5p and miRNA-194-5p in blood samples of patients following successful OLTs and/or liver resection. Strikingly, and based on 21 independent studies, eight PNF-associated miRNAs are also regulated in ALF.
Conclusions: We report miRNAs highly regulated in PNF and ALF. Their common regulation in different diseases broadens the perspective as biomarker candidates for an identification of patients at risk for PNF and ALF.
Genetic structure of Saccharina japonica in Japan and finding of a potential mitochondrial region for identification of geographic origin
Authors: Chizaki Kenta , Kawagoe Chikara , Ito Keiko , Mizuta Hiroyuki , Yoshida Yuya , Uji Toshiki , Fujita Daisuke , Akita Shingo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Essential information for the conservation unit is still unclear in commercially important kelpSaccharina japonica. Previous analyses of population genetic structure have yielded inconsistent results regarding the number of clusters, especially in Japan. Thus, the genetic structure ofS. japonicain Japan was studied using the mitochondrialnad3-16S rDNA region. We detected 88 haplotypes in the 483 individuals collected from 46 localities. Unique haplotypes and one or a few shared haplotypes at a local scale were found in most localities. The observed genetic structure revealed cryptic invasions ofS. japonicawithin Japan and the potential for thenad3-16S rDNA region to identify the geographic origin. Bayesian Analysis of Population Structure analysis andFSTsuggested genetic distinctiveness in southwestern Hokkaido. The haplotype network showed a more detailed starburst pattern compared with the results of previous studies based on mitochondrialCOIandtrnW-trnI. Accordingly,S. japonicain Japan may represent one genetic group that experienced a recent expansion. Unique or locally shared haplotypes and similarity in haplotype diversity on various coasts of Hokkaido could be explained by the refugia ofS. japonicaduring the Last Glacial Maximum on various coasts. Furthermore, the present study also recognized inconsistencies in the genetic structure and distribution ofS. japonicavarieties.Therefore, further investigations focused on the taxonomic validation of varieties are needed.
Experimental Verification of Digitally Controlled Interleaved PFC Converter with Input Power Limiting Technique
Authors: Shetty Anup , K Suryanarayana , Prabhu L.V. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Rise in use of electronic gadgets and rapid electrification of automotive sector is leading to increase in number of equipment connected to the power grid. Switched mode power supplies are commonly used to power up the electronic equipment in the view of compact size and best efficiency. Total harmonic content injection to the grid is required to be under the limits set by the international standards to ensure the highest power quality. Power factor correction technique is largely adapted as front end in majority of power supplies to regulate the Total Harmonic Distortion and to achieve highest power factor. In addition, it is required to limit the input current drawn from the power socket as prescribed by the international standards in order to get commercial license. In this paper, design investigation of digitally controlled interleaved converter with input current limiting is discussed. Mathematical modelling of the CCM operated interleaved PFC is carried out along with controller design approach with nonlinear voltage loop control is presented. Two current limiting techniques based on type of digital control technique employed in the PFC are investigated and results are analyzed. Simulation model of the system is developed and simulation results are supported and verified with hardware implementation and validation.