bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Image Segmentation Model in Computing Void Percentage with Mask RCNN
Authors: Ling Calvin , Abas Mohamad Aizat , Cheng Kai Chew , Azahari Muhammad Taufik 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Automating quality control has been an ongoing effort, especially when manufacturing large flip-chips. One such method is through employing the convolutional neural network (CNN). This work studied the optimum setup of the Mask RCNN model's accuracy in analysing asymmetrical, large-amount ball grid array (BGA) flip-chip underfilling void formation and its size relative to the underfill region. Experimental images of the through-scan acoustic microscope (TSAM) of BGA underfill are collected, pre-processed, and trained with the Mask RCNN model by tweaking its backbone architecture and hyperparameter. Extraction of the detected region size is computed with a histogram. Otsu's thresholding method and the model's performance in generating the results with its accuracy relative to real-scale images are evaluated based on the customisation done with the CNN and thresholding model. The Mask RCNN-ResNet101-FPN-Custom with Otsu's thresholding method yields the best-performing result in both capturing void(s) in TSAM images up to 96.40% in accuracy and computing the void percentage relative to the underfilling region with a low percentage error of 1.70%. The study provides insight to improve further capturing and computing void presence and size, allowing manufacturers to leverage optimised CNN architecture and image segmentation thresholding algorithm to expedite automated quality checking in a manufacturing process, reducing lead cost.
Induction of conidial traps in the nematode-trapping fungus
Drechslerella dactyloides
by soil microbes
Authors: Zhang Ling , Zhang Tao , Xu Yan-Rui , Sun Jia-Mei , Pan Xue-Rong , Gu Kun-Ze , Zhang Ke-Qin , Zhang Zhi-Gang , Liang Lian-Ming 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Nematode-trapping fungi, renowned for their specialized predatory structures that ensnare nematodes, offer a promising biological approach to managing plant-parasitic nematodes. However, the efficacy of these fungi is frequently hampered by biotic and abiotic factors within the soil, which can significantly impede fungal germination (fungistasis). To counteract these environmental challenges, certain nematode-trapping fungi have evolved to produce traps from their conidia, referred to as conidial traps. This adaptation allows them to bypass the inhibitory effects of their surroundings, enhancing their predatory capabilities. In this study, we explored how soil affects conidial trap formation in
Drechslerella dactyloides
. Our findings revealed that
Acinetobacter
spp. and
Pantoea
spp. present in soil extracts play pivotal roles in triggering the development of these traps. Using metagenomic sequencing, we mapped the shifts in bacterial communities and their relative abundances before and after incubation for up to 24 hours to optimize soil induction effects. This analysis highlighted the enrichment of specific functional genes in soil microbes and provided insights into the mechanisms driving conidial trap formation, based on changes in soil characteristics. Furthermore, through bacterial isolation procedures, we successfully cultured and characterized the bacteria responsible for this phenomenon, confirming their potent ability to stimulate the production of conidial traps in nematode-trapping fungi. This study not only underscores the critical role of bacterial diversity in modulating the life cycle transitions of nematode-trapping fungi but also sets the stage for the development of more effective and sustainable strategies to harness these fungi in the battle against pathogenic nematodes.

IMPORTANCE

Predatory nematode-trapping fungi are important microbial antagonists of nematodes and can be developed into biocontrol agents. However, microbial biocontrol agents often suffer from inconsistent efficacy, primarily due to biotic and abiotic stresses in the rhizosphere soil.
Drechslerella dactyloides
, a nematode-trapping fungus, produces conidial traps in soil, serving as a survival strategy to overcome these stresses. In this study, we optimized soil suspensions to efficiently induce the formation of conidial traps. We found that bacteria in the soil directly trigger this formation. Metagenomic sequencing revealed bacterial enrichment during optimization, and we isolated and purified these bacteria with inducible activity. Our research deepens the understanding of this survival strategy of nematode-trapping fungi in nature, laying the foundation for enhancing the effectiveness of nematode biocontrol using this mechanism.
New insights on the predictive value of hypoperfusion intensity ratio in thrombectomy: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis with multiple cut-offs
Authors: Jazayeri Seyed Behnam , Zamarud Aroosa , Derhab Mohamed , Ghozy Sherief , Mirbeyk Mona , Heit Jeremy J , Kallmes David F 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundThe hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR) has emerged as a vital measure of tissue-level collateral blood flow, helping to identify patients who are likely to benefit from mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We aimed to assess the HIR’s predictive accuracy for clinical outcomes following MT in patients with acute ischemic stroke.MethodsPubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched to identify studies comparing good versus poor HIR groups based on studies’ reported cut-offs. We pooled binary outcomes to calculate odds ratios (OR) and continuous outcomes to calculate mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using random-effects models. PROSPERO registration code: CRD42024609185.Results14 studies with 2987 patients, 1553 with good HIR and 1434 with poor HIR, were included in this meta-analysis. Patients with poor HIR exhibited a significantly higher baseline infarct volume compared with those with good HIR (MD 30.6 mL, 95% CI 20.8 mL to 40.3 mL, P<0.01), though baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (P=0.12) and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) (P=0.35) were comparable between groups. The rates of infarct growth (MD 22.4 mL, 95% CI 6.7 mL to 38.0 mL, P<0.01) and 3-month mortality (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.04 to 4.58, P=0.04) were higher among the poor HIR group and good functional recovery (modified Rankin Scale 0–2 at 3 months) was lower (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.80, P<0.01). The rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (P=0.37) and successful reperfusion (P=0.47) were comparable among groups.ConclusionThis meta-analysis highlights the significant negative impact of poor HIR on patient outcomes. These findings emphasize the need for personalized treatment strategies for patients with poor HIR.
Exploring the Role of Language in Spiritual Health Consultations: Insights From an Ecological Model of Recovery on Depression and Anxiety
Authors: Tercyak Samuel , Vyas Ishani , Kaplan Deanna M. , Palmer Patricia K. , Shelton Maureen , Raison Charles L. , Grant George H. , Idler Ellen , Mascaro Jennifer S. 
Published: February 2025

Objective Consultations conducted by spiritual health clinicians (SHC; also known as healthcare chaplains) offer a unique context for patients to express themselves and are associated with reduced stress and enhanced satisfaction. The language used during these consults may provide insights into emotions and recovery trajectories. This study aimed to characterize patient language in spiritual health consults and examine its relationship to mental health outcomes, evaluated within the Ecological Model of Recovery (EMR) framework. Methods SHCs conducted consultations with 212 patients in five acute-care hospitals in the urban south. Pre-consult distress and post-consult anxiety and depression were measured. Consults were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC-22). Linguistic indicators of emotion and EMR-related variables were examined. Spearman’s rank-order correlation and Mann-Whitney U tests assessed the relationship between patient language and mental health outcomes. Results Language reflecting confidence and discussions about lifestyle and religious topics were associated with lower post-consult anxiety and depression, highlighting the importance of positive self-perception and structured, meaningful activities in recovery. Language related to social connections was negatively associated with depression, while language indicative of differentiation or conflict correlated with higher depression levels. Conclusion This study underscores the relationship between patient language during spiritual health consultations and mental health outcomes, emphasizing the therapeutic value of expressive communication. Verbal expression plays a crucial role in emotional recovery, as linguistic patterns in healthcare settings can reflect and influence psychological well-being. Prospective research is needed to fully explore these effects.
Clinical Characteristics and Pathological Features of “Crawling-type” Early Gastric Carcinoma: A Retrospective Series of Eight Cases
Authors: Li Kehan , Zhuang Xiaofeng , Yao Bingyue , Zhang Li , Xu Qinwei , Chen Tao , Cao Jia 
Published: February 2025

Background “Crawling-type” early gastric carcinoma (EGC) is a rare subtype of gastric cancer (GC) that is challenging to diagnose at an early stage due to its low-grade nuclear heterogeneity and morphology that mimics intestinal metaplasia. This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics and pathological features of patients with crawling-type EGC. Methods This case series study retrospectively included patients with crawling-type EGC who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or gastrectomy at the East Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University between January 2019 and March 2022. Results 8 patients (mean age 63.5 ± 7.8 years) were included: 4 underwent ESD, and 4 underwent partial gastrectomy. In 4 patients, the tumors were primarily located in the gastric cardia and the basal gland area of the upper stomach, while the other 4 patients had tumors in the antral region. Preoperative gastroscopy revealed atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia in all patients. The lesions were generally flat in morphology. Submucosal infiltration was found in only one case. Signet ring cells were present in the tumors of 5 patients. The mucinous type was observed in 7 patients. Seven tumors were of the gastrointestinal mixed type. Curative resection was achieved in all patients. No recurrence events were observed in any patient at 1 year after surgery. Conclusions The crawling-type EGC may exhibit distinct clinical characteristics and pathological features compared with classical GC. Curative resection was achieved in all patients. The short-term prognosis of surgical treatment may be favorable.
CT features of confirmed nasopharyngeal stenosis in 12 cats
Authors: Kang Kevin , Brash Robert 
Published: February 2025

Objectives CT is frequently utilised in the assessment of upper respiratory tract disorders. The aim of the present study was to further describe the CT features in cats with confirmed nasopharyngeal stenosis (NPS). Methods CT images of the heads of cats with NPS confirmed via retroflex nasopharyngoscopy between 2011 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed to describe the imaging features of NPS and other concurrent findings. Results In total, 12 cats were included. All but one cat had pre- and post-contrast images available. All CT studies demonstrated focal, abrupt narrowing of the nasopharyngeal lumen by a variably thickened, homogeneous, soft tissue attenuating band. One cat appeared to have two separate NPS, giving a total of 13 NPS. All NPS were located in the caudal third of the nasopharynx, which resulted in a marked reduction in the luminal cross-sectional area. The narrowing of the nasopharyngeal lumen was either concentric (11/13) or lateral-to-lateral (2/13). Mild homogeneous contrast enhancement of the soft tissue band was observed in 8/11 cats (73%). The soft palate was focally dorsally deviated at the NPS site in 8/12 cats (67%) and was best seen in the sagittal plane. Other concurrent findings included non-contrast-enhancing soft tissue attenuating material within the nasal cavity (7/12) and tympanic bullae (4/12), and mild medial retropharyngeal lymphadenomegaly (2/12). Conclusions and relevance The most frequently observed CT features in cats with NPS are marked, focal, abrupt narrowing of the nasopharyngeal lumen by a mildly contrast-enhancing soft tissue band in the caudal third of the nasopharynx and focal deviation of the soft palate dorsally at the NPS site. Identifying any of these CT features in the presence of compatible clinical signs should prompt further evaluation with retroflex nasopharyngoscopy to confirm the diagnosis of NPS and to direct appropriate treatment.
Is There a “Weekend Effect” on In-Hospital Outcomes of Type a Aortic Dissection Repair? A Population-Based Analysis of National Inpatient Sample From 2015-2020
Authors: Li Renxi , Huddleston Stephen J. 
Published: February 2025

Background “Weekend effect” in type A aortic dissection (TAAD) repair has been identified in several countries where weekend admission is associated with higher mortality rates. However, in the US, findings have been mixed regarding the “weekend effect” on TAAD outcomes. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive, population-based analysis of the association between weekend admission and the in-hospital outcomes of TAAD repair using a large-scale national registry. Methods Patients who underwent TAAD repair were identified in National Inpatient Sample from Q4 2015–2020. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to compare in-hospital outcomes between patients admitted on the weekend vs weekday, where demographics, comorbidities, hospital characteristics, primary payer status, and transfer-in status were adjusted. Results There were 1007 and 3275 patients who underwent TAAD repair under weekend and weekday admission, respectively. Patients admitted on the weekend were more likely to get transferred in from a different acute care hospital and have renal malperfusion. After multivariable analysis, patients admitted on the weekend and weekday had comparable times from admission to operation (0.88 ± 2.64 vs 0.92 ± 2.99 days, P = 0.64) and in-hospital mortality (15.99% vs 14.84%, aOR = 1.119, 95 CI = 0.914-1.37, P = 0.28). All other in-hospital outcomes, hospital length of stay, and total hospital charge were similar between the 2 cohorts. Conclusion Patients admitted on weekends and weekdays had comparable times from admission to operation, as well as similar in-hospital mortality and morbidities. These findings suggest the effectiveness of weekend emergency care protocols for TAAD patients and the lack of a “weekend effect” on TAAD repair in the United States.
Nomogram Predicting Progression-Free Survival in Locally Advanced Papillary Thyroid Cancer with Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Invasion
Authors: Song Yixuan , Ning Yudong , Li Han , He Yuqin , Liu Yang , Liu Shaoyan 
Published: February 2025

Objectives The recurrence rate of T4a papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is relatively high, but research on the prognosis of T4a PTC is rarely investigated. This study aims to analyze the prognosis of T4a PTC patients with recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) invasion. Methods Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were employed to identify prognostic factors for the progression-free-survival (PFS) of PTC patients. A nomogram was constructed based on essential prognostic factors to predict the risk of disease progression in T4a PTC patients with RLN invasion. Results A total of 418/602 (69.4%) T4a PTC patients with RLN invasion underwent surgery, the 5-year PFS rate was 89.8%. The multivariable analyses showed that age ≥55 years, preoperative vocal cord paralysis (VCP), microvascular invasion, and the number of cervical lymph node metastases (CLNM) >10 were prognostic risk factors of PFS in T4a PTC patients with RLN invasion. Our nomogram provided good discrimination, with a C-index of 0.778 in the training set and 0.793 in the validation set. No statistical difference ( P = .918) was found between PFS and the surgical methods of RLN. By following up on the patient’s voice condition, the RLN function was restored in approximately 82.7% of patients after RLN separation. Conclusion T4a PTC patients with RLN invasion are prone to disease progression under the following conditions: age ≥55 years old, preoperative VCP, microvascular invasion, and CLNM >10. The RLN nerve preservation surgery does not increase the risk of disease progression.
Mapping the distribution of radial artery atherosclerosis by optical coherence tomography
Authors: Wang Yuntao , Yan Rui , Li Zixuan , Liu Zijing , Wang Yujie , Song Jiahui , Wang Senhu , Wu Yongxia , Wang Haotian , Guo Jincheng 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Radial artery plaque (RAP) can influence the function of arterial conduits after revascularization and hinder the maturation of arteriovenous fistulas in patients undergoing hemodialysis patients. However, the preferred in vivo sites for RAP development have not been systematically investigated. This study measured and evaluated RAP to map the distribution of RAP in the radial artery (RA) using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods
OCT images of the entire RA in 300 patients at 1 mm intervals were analyzed to assess RAP phenotypes and measure the distance of RAP from the radial artery ostium. The RA was evenly divided into three segments: proximal, middle, and distal. Patients were categorized into two groups: the RAP group (n = 68) and the non-RAP group (n = 232).

Results
Among the 300 patients with 300 radial arteries studied, 68 patients (22.7%) developed 180 distinct RAPs. The distal segment was the most susceptible to RAP formation (51 patients; 17.0%).In plaque level analysis, Most RAPs (55%) were located ≥ 150 mm from the RA ostium. The distal segment exhibited a significantly higher median cumulative plaque index compared with the proximal and middle segments (p = 0.031). Logistic regression analysis identified aging, smoking, diabetes mellitus, and multi-vessel coronary disease (MVCD) as independent risk factors for RAP occurrence.

Conclusions
RAP was observed in 22.7% of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), with a predominant localization in the distal segment, both at the patient and plaque level. Significant risk factors included aging, smoking, diabetes mellitus, and MVCD.
Unveiling the role of chromosome structure morphology on gene function through chromosome conformation analysis
Authors: Zhan Yuxiang , Yildirim Asli , Boninsegna Lorenzo , Alber Frank 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Single-cell chromosome conformations vary significantly among individual cells. We introduce a two-step dimensionality reduction method for density-based, unsupervised clustering of single-cell 3D chromosome structures from simulations or multiplexed 3D-FISH imaging. Our method clusters up to half of all structures into 5–12 prevalent conformational states per chromosome. These states are distinguished by subdivisions into chromosome territory domains, whose boundary locations influence subnuclear positions and speckle associations of certain genes and establish long-range structural variations of more than 10 Mb. Territory domain boundaries are found at few sequence locations, shared among cell types and often situated at syntenic breakpoints.
Using Bursaphelenchus mucronatus to demonstrate the potential nematicidal effect of Beauveria bassiana on pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) under in vivo conditions
Authors: Sánchez-Gómez Tamara , Zamora Paula , Díez Julio Javier , Herrero Baudilio , Poveda Jorge , Martín-García Jorge 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Key message
This study demonstrates the potential of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.—Criv.) Vuill. to control Bursaphelenchus mucronatus (Mamiya and Enda), which is close to Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner and Buhrer) Nickle but is a non-quarantine pathogen and, therefore, may be used as an alternative organism on which to perform in vivo assays without biological risk.

Context
Pine wilt disease (PWD) is a serious threat for conifer forests worldwide. It is caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the pine wood nematode (PWN). In affected areas, eradication and subsequent disease containment measures are being implemented. The latter are, to date, based on control strategies for the insect vectors (Monochamus spp.) and on screening for genetic resistance in tree hosts. However, an integrated pest management strategy which also implements nematode control is still not fully developed.

Aims
This study aimed to use Bursaphelenchus mucronatus, as an organism on which to demonstrate the nematicidal potential of Beauveria bassiana, an entomopathogenic fungus successfully tested on Monochamus spp., on PWN under in vivo conditions.

Methods
To this end, a pathosystem was built to simulate these conditions and to bring the nematode B. mucronatus, the insect vector, and the fungus into contact.

Results
The results show (i) very similar responses of the two nematodes confronted to the fungus and its mycotoxin beauvericin under in vitro conditions and (ii) a remarkable antagonistic effect of B. bassiana on B. mucronatus also on the abovementioned pathosystem (in vivo conditions).

Conclusion
Our findings have significant implications for the pine wilt disease control. In particular, this study demonstrates the potential of B. bassiana as a biological control tool to be implemented in a future integrated disease management strategy.
Environmental friendly warp yarn coating from feather wastes with enhanced toughness and tenacity via thiol-ene click chemistry grafting modification
Authors: Pan Xing , Qin Daen , Song Kaili , Dong Aixue 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The development of biodegradable and environmental friendly wrap sizing agent is beneficial for reducing the impact of textile desizing effluent on environment. In this work, green and biodegradable keratin sizing agent with enhanced toughness and tenacity was prepared by adjusting side chain tails structure via thiol-ene click chemistry grafting modification for warp yarn slashing against film thermal-embrittlement and fracture during weaving. Feather keratin from waste feather has become an attractive target to replace petroleum-based Poly (vinyl alcohol) sizes due to its easy film-forming ability, excellent adhesive property, biodegradability and low cost. However, keratin yarn coating showed brittleness and easily peeled off from weaving yarn which highly restrict its application. Thus, polymer branched side chain tails with a structure that similar to the wrap yarn was grafted onto keratin molecular chain by utilizing its distinctive thio group as anchor point by means of click chemistry. The results showed that grafting modification could obviously improve the adhesiveness of keratin sizing by the principle of similarity compatibility. The sizing performance, desizing performance as well as its degradability were comprehensively studied. Successful utilization of modified keratin sizes will bring opportunities for the green and sustainable development of textile industry.

Graphical Abstract