bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Policy Change on Late-Term Abortion: A Two Decades Analysis
Authors: zlotin marina pekar , Berman Yael Nehama , Melcer Yaakov , Radinsky Igal Igor , Maymon Ron 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective Advances in ultrasound and molecular genetics have changed the field of late termination of pregnancy (LTOP), sparking ethical debates worldwide. In 2007, Israel updated its LTOP policies, requiring a 30% or higher probability of severe handicap for approval of LTOP after 24 weeks’ gestation.
Purpose In this retrospective study we compared LTOP indications and approval rates before (Group 1: 1998–2007) and after (Group 2: 2008–2021) this policy change.
Methods Shamir medical records from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2021 were examined, and yielded 4057 abortions of which 338 were identified as LTOP preformed after 24 weeks’ gestation. These cases were then categorized into two groups. Data including maternal age, obstetric history, indications for abortion, diagnosis, week of termination, and genetic/sonographic findings were analyzed. The approval rates and indications pre- and post- policy change were compared.
Results Group 1 (LTOP 1998–2007) comprised 135 cases (39.9%), and Group 2 (LTOP 2008–2021) was composed of 203 cases (60.1%). Fetal structural anomalies remained the dominant indication for both groups (66.7% and 56.2%, respectively), with a slight increase in confirmed genetic anomalies from 28.1% (Group 1) to 33% (Group 2).
Conclusion Despite the policy changes in 2007, our findings indicate an increase from 39.9–60.1% in the rate of LTOP. Technological advances in genetic evaluation and sonography may have contributed to the increased detection and approval of cases. These results highlight the importance of ongoing ethical reviews and adherence to strict protocols for early detection and termination before 24 weeks’ gestation.
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Does Not Improve Anesthetic Recovery in Rodents
Authors: Goodnough Candida L , Montoya July , Cartusciello Erica B , Floranda Erin L , Gross Eric R 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) is implicated in bioenergetics, DNA repair, and senescence. Depletion of NAD+ is associated with aging and neurodegenerative disease, prompting a growing interest in NAD+ supplementation. With rising over-the-counter use of NAD, understanding their impact on perioperative recovery becomes essential. This study investigates the effect of NADH, a common NAD+ precursor, on anesthesia in rodents. Baseline and post-anesthesia (1.5% isoflurane) open field and Y-maze activity were recorded in adult male and female C57/BL6 mice (n = 8–10/group). NADH (150 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) or vehicle (0.9% normal saline) were given at baseline or during anesthesia. The NADH-treated group exhibited a significant decrease in open-field activity relative to vehicle-treated. This diminished activity was reflected in reduced distance travelled and average velocity after emergence from anesthesia in the NADH-treated group. NADH treatment did not improve Y-maze performance after anesthesia as the number of visits to the novel arm was significantly decreased. This study demonstrates a potentially adverse impact of NADH on recovery from anesthesia. We revealed a depression in open-field activity and Y-maze performance with NADH supplementation, an indicator of cognitive recovery in rodents. The broad implications of NAD+ in aging are likely to shape supplementation trends, highlighting the importance of understanding the potential influence of administering NAD+ on anesthetic sensitivity and recovery.
The cochlear morphology alteration and hearing loss in Cep250 knockout mice
Authors: Nan Benyu , Gu Xi , Wu Xinlei , Chen Keyang , Zhang Chuqin , Fan Qijun , Chen Yingying , Chen Bobei , Huang Xiufeng 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Usher syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by sensorineural hearing loss, progressive vision loss, and in some cases, vestibular dysfunction. It is the most common cause of combined deafness and blindness. Cep250 is a candidate gene for atypical Usher syndrome. This study explores inner ear morphological and auditory functional changes in atypical Usher syndrome using a Cep250−/− mouse model.
Methods: We constructed the Cep250−/− mice using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and analyzed scRNA-seq data derived from studying Cep250 expression in the cochlea of normal mice at different stages. Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were applied to wild-type, heterozygous and homozygous Cep250−/− mice at about P30 to P60 to assess the general function of the inner ear. The swimming test was used to examine the vestibular function of the inner ear. Immunofluorescent staining was applied to observe hair cell morphology and count hair cell numbers.
Results: We demonstrate that Cep250−/− mice exhibit impaired hearing function, particularly in high-frequency ranges, whereas their vestibular function remains unaffected. Immunofluorescence staining reveals a significant reduction in the number of cochlear hair cells in Cep250−/− mice, confirming the association between Cep250 gene mutation and hearing function loss. Heterozygous mice show no significant changes in hearing, indicating that a single allele mutation in Cep250 is insufficient to affect normal Cep250 expression levels.
Conclusion: Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of atypical Usher syndrome and may guide future research and therapeutic strategies for this condition.
Complete mitochondrial genome of Agropyron cristatum reveals gene transfer and RNA editing events
Authors: Ou Taiyou , Wu Zinian , Tian Chunyu , Yang Yanting , Li Zhiyong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background As an important forage in arid and semi-arid regions, Agropyron cristatumprovides livestock with exceptionally high nutritional value. Additionally, A. cristatum exhibits outstanding genetic characteristics to endure drought and disease. Therefore, rich genetic diversity serves as a cornerstone for the improvement of major food crops. The purposes of this study were to systematically describe mitogenome of A.cristatumand preliminarily analyze its internal variations.
ResultThe A. cristatum mitogenome was a single-ring molecular structure of 381,065 bp that comprised 52 genes, including 35 protein-coding, 3 rRNA and 14 tRNA genes. Among these, two pseudoprotein-coding genes and multiple copies of tRNA genes were observed. A total of 320 repetitive sequences was found to cover more than 10% of the mitogenome (105 simple sequences, 185 dispersed and 30 tandem repeats), which led to a large number of fragment rearrangements in the mitogenome of A. cristatum. Leucine was the most frequent amino acid(n=1087,10.8%) in the protein-coding genes of A. cristatum mitogenome, and the highest usage codon was ATG(initiation codon). The number of A/T changes at the third base of the codon was much higher than that of G/C. Additionally, 81 RNA editing sites were predicted, which were considerably fewer than those reported in other plant mitogenomes. Most of the RNA editing site base positions were concentrated at the first and second condon bases, which were C to T transitions. Moreover, we identified 95 sequencce fragments (total length of 34，343bp) that were transferred from the chloroplast to mitochondria genes, introns, and intergenic regions. The stability of the tRNA genes was maintained during this process. Selection pressure analysis of 23 protein-coding genes shared by 15 Poaceae plants, showed that most genes were subjected to purifying selectionduring evolution, whereas rps4, cob, mttB, and ccmBunderwent positive selection in different plants. Finally, a phylogenetic tree was constructd based on 22 plant mitogenomes, which showed that Agropyronplants have a high degree of independent heritability in Triticeae.
ConclusionThe findings of this study provide new data for a better understanding of A. cristatum genes, and demonstrate that mitogenomes are suitable for the study of plant classifications, such as those of Agropyron. Moreover, it provides a reference for further exploration of the phylogenetic relationships within Agropyron species, and establishes a theoretical basis for the subsequent development and utilization of A. cristatum plant germplasm resources.
Agro-morphological characterization of 100 pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] accessions of Indian National Gene Bank and assessment of diversity present for efficient utilization in pigeonpea improvement programs
Authors: Mishra Anchal , Gore Padmavati , Sahu Mayuri 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Altogether 100 genotypes of pigeonpea including 6 checks viz; KRG- 33, PT-0012, UPAS-120, CORG-9701, BDN-716, C.G ARHAR-2 were evaluated in Augmented Block Design. Characterization and grouping of genotypes for yield specific traits were carried out with the help of descriptor of pigeonpea suggested by PPV&FRA. The knowledge of nature and extent of genetic variation are available in the pigeonpea genotypes, collection, conservation and characterization of genotype is the backbone of any crop improvement program which in turn depends on the extent of genetic diversity in gene pool. Diversity in plant genotypes provides opportunity for plant breeders to develop new and improved cultivars with desirable characteristics, which include both preferred traits viz. earliness and yield attributing traits.In the present study assessment of genetic diversity is done wih the help of D2 Analysis. 100 accessions were grouped into 6 clusters. The intra cluster distance varied from 0 to 1713.60 and the inter cluster varied from 2235.09 to 9750.48 it clearly demonstrated considerable amount of genetic divergence present in material study.
Association of PM 2.5 and its components with hospital admissions, length of hospital stay, and hospital costs due to type 2 diabetes in Shanghai
Authors: Liang Hongyu , Zhou Wenyong , Wen Zexuan , Wei Jing , Wang Weibing 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The short-term influence of particles with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and its individual elements on hospital costs, the length of hospital stay (LOS), and hospital admissions caused by type 2 diabetes remains unclear. A generalized additive model (GAM) was utilized to assess the association with these indicators for every 10 µg/m3 rise in PM2.5 and its components. For every 10 µg/m3 rise in PM2.5 and its components, with a lag time of 0 days, there was a significant increase in daily hospital costs, LOS and hospital admissions for type 2 diabetes. The three indicators increased approximately linearly with organic matter (OM) concentration at all concentrations tested while they increased linearly with a specific concentration range for PM2.5 and other components concentrations. These findings suggested that short-term exposure to elevated levels of PM2.5 as well as its components increased the risk of hospital costs, LOS, and hospital admissions due to type 2 diabetes.
A Multi-Task Learning-based applicable AI model precisely predicts stage, histology, grade and LNM for cervical cancer
Authors: Wang Zhixiang , Gao Huiqiao , Wang Xinghao , Grzegorzek Marcin , Li Jinfeng , Sun Hengzi , Ma Yidi , Zhang Xuefang , Zhang Zhen , Dekker Andre , Traverso Alberto , Zhang Zhenyu , Qian Linxue , Xiao Meizhu , Feng Ying 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose To build a Multy-Task Learning (MTL)-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) model that can precisely predict clinical stage, histology, grade and LNM for cervical cancer simultaneously.Methods A retrospective database with preoperative clinical information of cervical cancer was used as training set. A prospective database was collected as independent validation set. The ANN algorithm was used to build a MTL based AI model. The accuracy and weighted F1 score were calculated as evaluation indicators. The performance between MTL model and Single-Task Learning (STL) model was compared. Furthermore, the Turing test was performed by gynecologists and compared with this AI model.Results A total of retrospectively 223 and 58 prospectively cervical cancer cases were enrolled into the training set and independent validation set. The accuracy of this cervical cancer AI model constructed with ANN algorithm in predicting stage, histology, grade and LNM were 75%, 95%, 86% and 76%, respectively. And the corresponding weighted F1 score were 70%, 94%, 86%, and 76%, respectively. The average time consumption of AI simultaneously, doctor, and doctor with AI predicting stage, histology, grade and LNM for cervical cancer was 0.01s (95%CI: 0.01–0.01) ,581.1s (95%CI: 300.0-900.0) ,and 534.8s (95%CI: 255.0-720.0) per 20 patients, respectively. Except for LNM, both the accuracy and F-score of the AI model were significantly better than STL AI, doctors and AI-assisted doctors in predicting stage, grade and histology. (P < 0.05) The time consumption of AI was significantly less than that of doctors’ prediction and AI-assisted doctors’ results. (P < 0.05)Conclusions A multi-task learning AI model can simultaneously predict stage, histology, grade and LNM for cervical cancer preoperatively with minimal time consumption.
A Multispectral Automated Transfer Technique (MATT) for machine-driven image labeling utilizing the Segment Anything Model (SAM)
Authors: Gallagher James , Gogia Aryav , Oughton Edward 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Segment Anything Model (SAM) is drastically accelerating the speed and accuracy of automatically segmenting and labeling large Red-Green-Blue (RGB) imagery datasets. However, SAM is unable to segment and label images outside of the visible light spectrum, for example, for multispectral or hyperspectral imagery. Therefore, this paper outlines a method we call the Multispectral Automated Transfer Technique (MATT). By transposing SAM segmentation masks from RGB images we can automatically segment and label multispectral imagery with high precision and efficiency. For example, the results demonstrate that segmenting and labeling a 2,400-image dataset utilizing MATT achieves a time reduction of 87.8% in developing a trained model, reducing roughly 20 hours of manual labeling, to only 2.4 hours. This efficiency gain is associated with only a 6.7% decrease in overall mean average precision (mAP) when training multispectral models via MATT, compared to a manually labeled dataset. We consider this an acceptable level of precision loss when considering the time saved during training, especially for rapidly prototyping experimental modeling methods. This research greatly contributes to the study of multispectral object detection by providing a novel and open-source method to rapidly segment, label, and train multispectral object detection models with minimal human interaction. Future research needs to focus on applying these methods to (i) space-based multispectral, and (ii) drone-based hyperspectral imagery.
“Dentists are never seen”: Perspectives of key policy actors on multiple job holding among dentists in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Ogada Cyril , Rispel Laetitia C. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Multiple job holding (MJH), the phenomenon of working in more than one paid job simultaneously, affects the achievement of universal health coverage. The dearth of research on MJH among dentists, especially in Africa, forms the backdrop to this study.
Objective
This study aimed to explore the perspectives of key policy actors on MJH among dentists in Nairobi, Kenya.
Methods
This qualitative study combined semi-structured interviews with key informants and in-depth interviews with dentists who are engaged in MJH. The key informants were selected purposively from the Kenyan government, the regulator, representative organizations of dentists, and oral health researchers and/or experts in human resources for health. The dentists were selected from the government, the private sector, and faith-based organizations, using snowball sampling. The interviews focused on knowledge and/or experiences of MJH, reasons for, and the consequences of MJH. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results
30 interviews were conducted, comprising 20 key informants, and 10 dentists. MJH among dentists is seen as a normative practice, facilitated by a profession characterized by high rewards and few or no adverse consequences from absenteeism. Although additional income is the primary motivation for MJH, low job satisfaction, the lack of continuing professional development, perverse incentives, and a dysfunctional and resource-constrained public health sector exacerbate MJH. The lack of regulation compounds the practice, while a strong private health sector provides opportunities for multiple sources of income, that negatively affects the provision of oral health services in the public sector.
Conclusion
MJH among dentists requires a multi-pronged approach that combines individual, system, and structural interventions.
An Elevated Triglyceride-Glucose Index Correlates with a Higher Risk of Gout: NHANES 2009-2018
Authors: Chen Yanhao , Li Xiang , Bao Jie , Fan Yongsheng , Huang Shuo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Gout, characterized by recurrent inflammation, results from excessive uric acid deposition. The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a reliable tool for assessing insulin sensitivity. However, the specific connection between the TyG index and gout is currently not well understood. To bridge this gap, our research aims to analyze the linkage between the TyG index and gout in U.S. adults.
Method: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) provided data covering 2009 to 2018. To guarantee a rigorous analysis, we selected participants older than 20 years with complete data on the TyG index and gout. Additionally, the research applied multiple regression and subgroup analysis to explore the distinct association linking the TyG index with gout.
Results: Ultimately, the study included 12,378 participants, presenting an average TyG index of 8.59 ± 0.68, with 604 (4.88%) suffering from gout. Employing fully adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis, the model reveals the positive correlation linking the TyG index with the incidence of gout (Model 3: OR=1.44, 95% CI: 1.25-1.67). Additionally, interaction analysis revealed that gender, diabetes, hypertension, smoking status, marital status, and education level had no significant influence on the connection linking the TyG index with gout.
Conclusion: A higher TyG index suggests an elevated risk of gout. Given the TyG index's critical role in evaluating insulin resistance (IR), initiating early interventions for IR might reduce gout occurrences.
Edge-Side Highly Configurable Accelerator With Efficient Automatic Structure Search Scheme
Authors: xiang haobin , wu wentao , yu miao , shao xinnan , li chunlei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

As the integration of artificial intelligence and industry becomes increasingly interwined, there is a growing focus in both academia and industry on promoting neural networks to achieve real-time high-performance implement on resource-limited devices. Edge computing usually suffers limitations in terms of storage space, size, and power consumption, it’s a great challenge to deploy exisiting convolutional neural networks (CNN) such devices. To tackle this challenge, one of the effective approachs is network pruning, which aims to reduce the size of neural networks by elimination unnecessary parameters and connections. However, most existing network pruning schemes formulate the importance criteria manually, which introduced a lot of additional parameters, leading to insufficiently stable pruning effects, and the setting of design and parameters for pruning methods heavily relies on expert experience. In this paper, we proposed a new channel pruning method based on subtractive average optimizer, which can automatically search for the optimal network model substructure, called SABOPruner. In addition, a highly configurable lightweight and high-performance CNN accelerator is proposed. On this basis, we then designed a pipelined inference architecture based on local-aware region convolution to achieve highly parallel processing of fearures and weights and buffer scheduling. Inorder to verify the effectiveness of the above approach,VGG16 and ResNet56 were deployed on Xilinx XC7Z035 platform, and the experimental results showed that VGG16 can achieve 4.4 frames per second (FPS) and 1.26 times higher memory density compared to state-of-the-art designs, and ResNet56 can achieve 40FPS based on CIFAR-10 dataset.%MCEpastebin%
Trans-Arterial Chemoembolization or Bland Embolization for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Propensity Score Analysis
Authors: Ramos-Esqu Allan , Solis Bruno , Araya Wilberth , Garita-Rojas Esteban , Marenco-Flores Ana , Umañan Carlos 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Although Trans-Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE) is the most common procedure for the treatment of intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), scarce data have demonstrated the superiority of this approach over bland embolization (TAE).
Aim
In this study we aimed to compare the effectiveness and liver-related complications of these two procedures through a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of patients with HCC treated with first-line TAE (using Lipiodol ®) or TACE (using a chemotherapy-lipiodol emulsion or drug-eluting beads) in two referral centers between 2019 and 2021. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). A Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify predictors for OS after adjustment using a PSM.
Results
A total of 114 patients were analyzed, with 73 and 41 of them receiving TACE or TAE, respectively. All included patients had diagnosis of advanced chronic liver disease, with a Child-Pugh score A in 72.8%. After a median follow-up of 17.9 months and PSM adjustment, no difference in terms of OS (HR: 1.19; 95%CI: 0.64–1.96 p = 0.69) was observed between patients receiving TACE or TAE. After multivariate analysis, only the Child-Pugh score was independently associated to OS. The frequency of liver-related complications was similar among both groups (5 vs 7.5%; p = 0.17).
Conclusions
After PSM, TAE and TACE provide comparable long-term outcomes and liver-related complications in patients with HCC.
Associations between sleep quality, fatigue, social isolation, and depressive symptoms in patients with heart failure: a parallel mediation analysis
Authors: Zhang Aiping , Wang Yuxuan , Tang Baizan , Wang Yuwei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Depression is a common comorbidity in patients with heart failure (HF) which could lead to increased mortality and morbidity. Meanwhile, a majority of patients with HF suffer from poor sleep quality which has negative impacts of patients’ physical, social, and mental health, leading to a risk of fatigue, social isolation, and depressive symptoms. However, the interrelationships among the four factors remain unclear in the literature. This study aimed to assess the rate of depressive symptoms and the interrelationships among sleep quality, fatigue, social isolation, and depressive symptoms in patients with HF in China.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted at a general hospital in China. A convenience sample of 300 patients with HF was recruited from January to March 2024. Self-reported instruments were used to measure sleep quality, fatigue, social isolation, and depressive symptoms. Descriptive, Pearson correlation, and parallel mediation analyses were conducted via SPSS 26.0.
Results
Results showed that 72.3% of the participants had moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Fatigue and social isolation performed parallel mediation effects on the relationship between sleep quality and depressive symptoms.
Conclusion
These findings highlight the prevention and management of depressive symptoms in patients with HF. Future studies are needed to design and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions that incorporate multiple components on improving sleep quality, social isolation, and fatigue in patients with HF.