bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of deep learning-based attenuation correction in 99mTc-GSA SPECT/CT hepatic imaging
Authors: Miyai Masahiro , Fukui Ryohei , Nakashima Masahiro , Hasegawa Daisuke , Goto Sachiko 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to generate pseudo CT images for attenuation correction (AC) from non-AC SPECT images and evaluate the accuracy of deep learning-based AC in 99mTc-labeled galactosyl human serum albumin (99mTc-GSA) SPECT/CT hepatic imaging.
Methods
A cycle-consistent generative network (CycleGAN) was used to generate pseudo CT images of 40 patients with normal liver function. The test cohort consisted of one patient with normal liver function and one patient with abnormal liver function. SPECT images were reconstructed without AC (SPECTNC), with conventional CTAC (SPECTCTAC), and with deep learning-based AC using pseudo CT images (SPECTGAN). The accuracy of each AC method was evaluated using the total liver count and the structural similarity index (SSIM) of SPECTCTAC and SPECTGAN. The coefficient of variation (%CV) was used to assess uniformity.
Results
The total liver counts in SPECTGAN were significantly improved over those in SPECTNC and differed from those of SPECTCTAC by approximately 7% in both patients. The %CV values in SPECTCTAC and SPECTGAN were significantly lower than those in SPECTNC. The mean SSIM values in SPECTCTAC and SPECTGAN for patients with normal and abnormal liver functions were 0.985 ± 0.00189 and 0.977 ± 0.00191, respectively.
Conclusions
The accuracy of AC with a deep learning-based method was similarly performed as the conventional CTAC method. Our proposed method used only non-AC SPECT images for AC, which has great potential to reduce patient exposure by eliminating real CT examination.
5' UTR variant in NDP gene leads to incorrect splicing and Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Liu Siping , Xiong Ke , Jiang Xin , Tang Lijun , Chen Leyi , Li Yihong , Jia Bei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous ophthalmic disease that is characterized by incomplete retinal vascular development. NDP gene is the main cause reason of X-linked FEVR.
Methods
Copy Number Variation Sequencing, chromosomal microarray, Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed to find and confirm the candidate variant. The functional effect of the candidate variant was further investigated in HEK293 and HeLa cells with pcMINI and pcMINI-N vectors by minigene splicing assay in vitro. Summary of known pathogenic variants in the 5′-untranslated regions (5’UTR) of the NDP gene and their clinical characteristics.
Results
Whole exome sequencing identified a novel hemizygous 5' UTR variant (NM_000266.4: c.-167_-166delinsAAGG) in the NDP gene. Sanger sequencing confirmed this variant was co-segregated with FEVR in the family. Minigene splicing assay verified that this variant leaded to part of deletions in exon 2. Pathogenic variations in the 5’UTR were distributed in three types: 1. indels in dipyrimidine repeats (exon1); 2. variants in splice region (intron 1); 3. variants in exon2 (5'UTR). Most patients (5/8) with variations in dipyrimidine repeats region were diagnosed with ROP, while Patients (4/6) with splice-site variants in intron 1 were mainly diagnosed with ND and all patients (7/7) with variations in exon2 (5'UTR region) were diagnosed with FEVR.
Conclusions
Our study identified a likely pathogenic variant in 5'UTR of NDP gene and validated it affected splicing of NDP. Our analysis also found the correlation between the location of the variations in 5'UTR and disease, provided assistance in prognosis of disease.
Efficacy, Safety, and Impact of Fluorescein in Frameless Stereotactic Needle Biopsies – A Case Series
Authors: Dellaretti Marcos , Lima Franklin Bernardes Faraj , de Sena Pedro Henrique Velasco Pondé , Figueiredo Hian P. G. , Gomes Fernando Cotrim , Faria Barbara Caroline Dias , Almeida Julio César 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Stereotactic needle biopsy stands as a crucial method for diagnosing intracranial lesions unsuitable for surgical intervention. Nonetheless, the potential for sampling errors necessitates innovative approaches to enhance diagnostic precision. This study contrasts the outcomes of patients undergoing fluorescein-assisted frameless stereotactic needle biopsy with those receiving traditional biopsies to evaluate the impact on diagnostic accuracy and safety.
Materials and Methods: This study included patients with contrast-enhancing intracranial lesions, comprising a prospective group undergoing fluorescein-assisted biopsies and a retrospective group undergoing conventional biopsies at the same institution. We've collected data on demographics, procedural specifics, diagnostic outcomes, and postoperative events.
Results: A comparative analysis involved 43 patients who received fluorescein-assisted biopsies against 77 patients who underwent conventional biopsies. The average age was 60.5 years. The fluorescein group exhibited a 93% success rate in diagnosis, markedly higher than the 70.1% in the non-fluorescein group (Odds Ratio = 5.67; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.59-20.24; p=0.0074). The rate of complications was statistically similar across both cohorts. Discussion: Despite its established value, stereotactic needle biopsy is susceptible to inaccuracies and complications. The application of fluorescence-based adjuncts like 5-ALA and fluorescein has been investigated to improve diagnostic fidelity and reduce risks. These technologies potentially minimize the necessity for multiple biopsies, decrease surgical duration, and provide immediate verification of tumor presence.
Conclusion: Fluorescein-assisted stereotactic biopsy emerges as an effective, secure alternative to conventional methods.
Single-cell hdWGCNA reveals Metastatic protective macrophages and development of deep learning model in uveal melanoma
Authors: Sun Yifang , Wu Jian , Zhang Qian , Wang Pengzhen , Zhang Jinglin , Yuan Yonggang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Although there has been some progress in the treatment of primary uveal melanoma (UVM), distant metastasis remains the leading cause of death in patients. Monitoring, staging, and treatment of metastatic disease have not yet reached consensus. Although more than half of metastatic tumors (62%) are diagnosed within five years after primary tumor treatment, the remainder are only detected in the following 25 years. The mechanisms of UVM metastasis and its impact on prognosis are not yet fully understood.
Methods: scRNA-seq data of UVM samples were obtained and processed, followed by cell type identification and characterization of macrophage subpopulations. High-dimensional weighted gene co-expression network analysis (HdWGCNA) was performed to identify key gene modules associated with metastatic protective macrophages (MPMφ) in primary samples, and functional analyses were conducted. Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) clustering and immune cell infiltration analyses were performed using the MPMφ gene signatures. Machine learning models were developed using the identified metastatic protective macrophages related genes (MPMRGs) to distinguish primary from metastatic patients. A deep learning convolutional neural network (CNN) model was constructed based on MPMRGs and cell type associations. Lastly, a prognostic model was established using theMPMRGs and validated in independent cohorts.
Results: Single-cell RNA-seq analysis revealed a unique immune microenvironment landscape in primary samples compared to metastatic samples, with an enrichment of macrophage cells. Using HdWGCNA, MPMφ and marker genes were identified. Functional analysis showed an enrichment of genes related to antigen processing progress and immune response. Machine learning and deep learning models based on key genes showed significant effectiveness in distinguishing between primary and metastatic patients. The prognostic model based on key genes demonstrated substantial predictive value for the survival of UVM patients.
Conclusion: Our study identified key macrophage subpopulations related to metastatic samples, which have a profound impact on shaping the tumor immune microenvironment. A prognostic model based on macrophage cell genes can be used to predict the prognosis of UVM patients.
Electroencephalogram Based Music Interventions on Obstructive Sleep Apnea using Brain Connectivity Analysis
Authors: J Rajeswari , S Navaneethan , Sreedha Siva Satya , M Jagannath 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Sleep apnea is a disorder that represents the blockage of air in the upper airway while sleeping. It affects regular breathing repeatedly and poses potential risks. In this proposed study, brain connectivity analysis has been monitored using Indian Carnatic music in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. This study utilized 12 participants who underwent electroencephalogram (EEG) recording in two sessions, with no music and with music 1 (Neelambari) and music 2 (Kapi). After the pre-processing, the EEG signal bands were separated using wavelet packet decomposition (WPD). The absolute values of wavelet coefficients were used to analyze the brain connectivity patterns on both music and no music conditions. Compared to no music, Neelambari's music condition resulted in improved right-hemispheric effective connectivity between the frontal and temporal (F8 and T8) "executive" nodes. The correlation value of the beta band (0.943 & 0.998) and delta band (0.945 & 0.999), respectively, where the moderate right-hemispheric connectivity has been noted among regions in the theta (0.746 & 0.996) and alpha band (0.746 & 0.996). In no music condition, there is moderate right and left hemispheric connection between the frontal and temporal nodes in the delta (0.853 & 0.999) and beta band (0.885 to 0.993). In contrast, there is reduced connectivity in the theta (0.603 & 0.688) and alpha band (0.6883 to 0.9913). This proposed study conveyed that effective connectivity was noted in the Neelambari music condition compared to no music.
Preparation of Environmentally Responsive PDA&amp;DOX@LAC Live Drug Carrier for synergistic tumor therapy
Authors: Liu Lu , Zhao Xuefen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The development of intelligent, environmentally responsive, and biocompatible photothermal system holds significant importance for the photothermal combined therapy of tumors. In this study, inspired by lactobacillus, we prepared a biomimetic nanoplatform, PDA&DOX@LAC, for tumor photothermal-chemotherapy by integrating the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) with dopamine through oxidative polymerization to form polydopamine on the surface of LAC. The PDA&DOX@LAC nanoplatform not only achieves precise and controlled release of DOX based on the slightly acidic microenvironment of tumor tissues, but also exhibits enzyme-like properties to alleviate tumor hypoxia. Under near-infrared light irradiation, it effectively induces photothermal ablation of tumor cells, enhances cellular uptake of DOX with increasing temperature, and thus efficiently inhibits tumor cell growth. Moreover, in vivo experiments further confirmed that photothermal therapy combined with PDA&DOX@LAC induces tumor cells apoptosis, releases tumor-associated antigens, and is engulfed by dendritic cells, activating cytotoxic T lymphocytes, thereby effectively suppressing tumor growth and prolonging the survival period of 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. Therefore, the PDA&DOX@LAC nanoplatform holds immense potential in precise tumor targeting and photothermal combined therapy, providing valuable insights and theoretical foundations for the development of novel tumor treatment strategies based on endogenous substances within the body.
WikiChain: An Improved Resilient, Pseudo-Transparent Knowledge Base
Authors: J Chandra Priya , Priyadharsini S , M Madhavan , She Nikil Sri 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The traditional centralized knowledge base paradigm, exemplified by platforms like Wikipedia, grapples with numerous challenges like a solitary point of collapse, issues related to transparency, and potential integrity concerns in articles. To address these shortcomings, an innovative blockchain-enabled alternative is proposed which leverages the inherent features of transparency and decentralization offered by blockchain technology. This system ensures a secure and tamper-proof recording of articles by capitalizing on the unique attributes of blockchain. However, the integration of blockchain alone does not completely eradicate challenges, as instances of vandalism persist, and a robust validation process for articles within the system is lacking. To overcome these issues, our research aims to proactively prevent the inclusion of falsified articles by implementing a consortium blockchain by utilizing Contenders Selection (CS) and Dynamic Consortium Membership Determination (DCMD) algorithms. Furthermore, we address the challenge of missing articles from the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) using Proof-of-Existence (POE) algorithm. This holistic solution is designed to significantly enhance the efficiency of the system and elevate the overall quality of articles. Our research presents promising results, with the percentage of approved articles compared to proposed articles falling within the range of 10% to 15%. Consequently, the data volume of the blockchain network in our system is 66.7% more effective than the existing decentralized Wikipedia model. Notably, the average block time of our proposed system exhibits a commendable 21% improvement compared to the existing system, emphasizing the potential for increased efficiency and reliability in our blockchain-enabled knowledge base.
Research on Hyperspectral Image Reconstruction Based on Spatial Attention and Channel Attention
Authors: Li Gong , Wan Gang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Hyperspectral images contain more information than RGB images and theoretically have a wider range of applications. However, they are limited by the high cost of hyperspectral imaging equipment, complex data processing, and other issues. Currently, they are mainly used in remote sensing, military applications, astronomy, and other specific fields. In recent years, scholars have proposed using mathematical methods to reconstruct hyperspectral images from RGB images, which can significantly expand the application scope of spectral imaging. Hyperspectral image reconstruction is enhanced by incorporating spatial attention and channel attention. This addresses the challenge of capturing global context features and addressing the lack of correlation information within channels. The addition of a spatial attention model and a channel attention model to the hollow convolution residuals results in the calculation of a shared attention weight vector for all spatial locations with minimal parameters, establishing dependency between different channels. Experimental results demonstrate that both the spatial attention model and the channel attention model effectively enhance feature extraction ability, leading to significant reduction in reconstruction error when used together.
Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Intra-articular Injection of High versus Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid in Idiopathic Adhesive Capsulitis; A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Mir Mahshad , Mohebbi Rezvaneh , Mohammadnezhad Ghader , Raeissadat Ahmad , Parhizgar Alireza , Esmaily Hadi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Adhesive capsulitis (AC) of the shoulder is an inflammatory condition with pain and limitation in range of motion (ROM) in the glenohumeral joint. The main goal in managing AC is pain reduction and returning the joint function. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) has recently been considered as a safe modality in AC. However, the clinical properties of HA are associated with its molecular weight. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of intra-articular injection of low molecular weight (LMW) with high molecular weight (HMW) HA in patients with AC.
Methods: Fifty-six eligible patients with AC were randomized in this triple-blinded clinical trial. All patients underwent standard physical therapy as a baseline care. The follow-up visits were at 4, 12, and 24 weeks after LMW-HA or HMW-HA injection. The primary outcome was the visual analog scale (VAS) and others were the Oxford shoulder score (OSS), active ROM, and patient satisfaction.
Results: No significant differences were detected in between-group variables at baseline. Within-group analysis showed VAS, OSS, and active ROM were markedly improved over time in both groups, also between-group analysis showed VAS and OSS decreased significantly (P<0.001). Four-week follow-up showed the LMW-HA group had lower pain (P= 0.049), conversely, the trend of VAS at 12 weeks and 24 weeks favors HMW-HA (P<0.001). Regarding satisfaction, this parameter had significantly improved in both groups between four-, 12-, and 24 weeks. And there was no significant difference between groups.
Conclusion: HMW-HA is a more effective intervention than LMW-HA in patients with AC.
Faster Club Hockey Athletes Have Reduced Upper Leg Muscular Co-contraction During Maximal-Speed Sprinting
Authors: Williams Jason , Watso Joseph C. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Most electromyographic (EMG) data for muscular activation patterns during ambulation is limited to older adults with existing chronic disease(s) walking at slow velocities. However, we know much less about the lower extremity muscle co-contraction patterns during sprinting and its relation to running velocity (i.e., performance). Therefore, we compared lower extremity muscular activation patterns during sprinting between slower and faster collegiate club hockey athletes. We hypothesized that faster athletes would have lower EMG-assessed co-contraction index (CCI) values in the lower extremities during over-ground sprinting.
Results
Twenty-two males (age = 21[1] yrs (median[IQR]); body mass = 77.1 ± 8.6 kg (mean ± SD)) completed two 20-m over-ground sprints with concomitant EMG and asynchronous force plate testing. We split participants using median running velocity (FAST: 8.5 ± 0.3 vs. SLOW: 7.7 ± 0.3
Conclusions
m/s, p < 0.001). Faster athletes had lower CCI between the rectus femoris and biceps femoris (group: p = 0.05), particularly during the late swing phase of the gait cycle (post hoc p = 0.02). In agreement with our hypothesis, we found lower CCI values in the upper leg musculature during maximal-speed over-ground sprinting. These data from collegiate club hockey athletes corroborate other reports in clinical populations that the coordination between the rectus femoris and biceps femoris is associated with linear over-ground sprinting velocity.
Examining the Exploitation Strategies of Common Natural Resource (Game Theory Approach)
Authors: Salimian Salah , Mamipour Siab , Salimian Sattar 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Exploitation of natural resources such as oil and gas fields, coal and water basins is very important in the economic growth of countries. The importance of this issue for countries, especially the common natural resources, is twofold. Exploitation of common resources between countries is of particular importance due to its special role in economic growth, increasing stability, reducing political tensions and promoting cooperation between countries. This study focuses on modeling the exploitation of common natural resources through the design of a static game between two countries. The modeling performed addresses the effect of each country's share of the common resource and the impact of sanctions on the benefits obtained by both parties, using a mathematical approach. The results showed that the adoption of cooperation policy by each country depends on the share of each country and the level of sanctions imposed on the interested parties. In general, each country only adopts the policy of cooperation in the exploitation of common resources if the level of sanctions imposed against the other party is low and insignificant. In other words, increasing the level of sanctions drives countries towards adopting a non-cooperative policy.
JEL Classification:L72, F51, C72, C62.
An Uncommon Presentation: Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage Associated with Solid Organ Tumor-Case Report
Authors: Singh Priyanka , Vasan Amit Simgh , Choudhary Robin , Madakshira Manoj Gopal , Sharma Anmol 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction- Hemoptysis as a presenting complaint in a patient is treated as an emergency and it warrants meticulous evaluation for confirming diagnosis and timely treatment. It can occur due to a myriad of causes and needs urgent diagnostic confirmation and timely treatment to prevent mortality and morbidity. The cause of DAH can be multiple including autoimmune and connective tissue diseases, infections, toxins, and rarely malignancies. However solid organ malignancy presenting as DAH has rarely been reported in literature.
Case- We present a rare case of a young male who presented with DAH and was later diagnosed as a case of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and managed at our center with corticosteroids to good clinical recovery.
Conclusion- DAH is a potentially life-threatening condition. It can cause acute respiratory failure with bilateral alveolar infiltrates. Hemoptysis may be absent in 33% of patients. Although solid malignancy is a rare etiology of DAH, it is imperative to perform bronchoscopy in such cases to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other etiologies.
The first 20 years at the Cape of Good Hope (1652-1671): Weather, Climate and Society
Authors: Grab Stefan , Naidoo Ravany 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The Dutch arrived at the Cape (southernmost Africa) in April 1652 to establish a permanent station to replenish ships sailing between Europe and the East. We use the Dutch East India Company day registers to construct a weather and climate chronology for central Cape Town (CT) over the years 1652-1671. We also investigate weather/climate impacts on society over these years, and the associated coping/adaptive measures undertaken. Daily weather information (e.g. rainfall, wind, temperature, storms, hail, snow, frost) was extracted from the registers and chronologically organized. Weather-related impacts (including on shipping) and societal responses are explored within temporal contexts (monthly to inter-annual). The CT climate of 1652-1671 had relatively (compared with more recent times) few rain days, yet experienced heavy rains at times, with consequential flooding. Summers were hot at times, windy and very dry. Winters seemed particularly cold, stormy and harsh at times, more so than those of the 19th-21st centuries, as evidenced by accounts of snow, frost and hail. The early 1650s and early to mid-1660s were particularly anomalous climatic periods and likely reflect conditions associated with reduced solar heating and increased volcanic forcing during the early Maunder Minimum.