bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gait Recognition with Global-Local Feature Fusion Based on Swin Transformer-3DCNN
Authors: Wang Ting , Zhou Guanghang , Pu Yanfeng , Moreno Ramón , Yang Guoping 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Gait recognition is a biometric technology that can be used for identification over long distances and has great application prospects in the field of public security. Currently, the majority of gait recognition approaches rely on either global or local information from gait features for the representation. However, representing global information frequently leads to the loss of intricate details of gait features, while local information may neglect the interrelations among different local features. Therefore, in this paper, a novel Swin Transformer-Conventional Neural Network Gait framework is proposed to effectively integrate both global and local information of gait features for the recognition. Within the framework, the Swin transformer module is incorporated to extract global information. The Swin transformer employs shift windows for hierarchical feature extraction, facilitating improved capture of global features and long-range dependencies in images. Within local branches, feature maps are segmented for feature extraction by using multiple 3D Convolutional Neural Networks to enhance the capture of local information. Furthermore, attention module is introduced to boost the locally extracted information from Convolutional Neural Network. Through results of experiments, our approach has substantially enhanced performance in gait recognition, achieving optimal recognition across most conditions.
Identification and Low-Temperature Stress Expression Analysis of Wheat MIKC-Type MADS-box Gene Family
Authors: Zhang Junbao , Chen Yushu , Wang Xuesong , Cao Jiaang , Yang Sen , Shao Qingyi , Yu Mengdi , Jin Zhongmin , Liu Lijie 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

MIKC-type genes play crucial roles in the growth and development stages of plants. Identifying MIKC-type genes in wheat and exploring their expression patterns under low-temperature conditions lays a foundation for subsequent research on gene function. Bioinformatics websites and software were utilized to identify MIKC-type genes in the wheat transcriptome under low-temperature conditions, and the expression changes of these genes were verified using RT-qPCR methods. A total of 90 MIKC-type genes were identified, which could be classified into two major categories and nine subfamilies, distributed across 21 chromosomes. There were numerous inter-chromosomal duplications of MIKC-type genes in wheat. Transcriptome analysis revealed that under low-temperature conditions, the expression of 14 MIKC-type genes was altered, with seven genes significantly upregulated and three genes significantly downregulated. The validation results for TaMIKC30 and TaMIKC68 were consistent with the transcriptomic data, and the results also indicated that the expression of these two genes differs slightly between different tissues. These findings suggest that MIKC-type genes may be involved in the response of wheat to low-temperature stress.
A single strand-based library preparation method for unbiased virome characterization
Authors: Zhai Xichuan , Gobbi Alex , Kot Witold , Krych Lukasz , Nielsen Dennis Sandris , Deng Ling 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The gut virome is an integral component of the gut microbiome, playing a crucial role in maintaining gut health. However, accurately depicting the entire gut virome is challenging due to the inherent diversity of genome types (dsDNA, ssDNA, dsRNA, and ssRNA) and topologies (linear, circular, or fragments), with subsequently biases associated with current sequencing library preparation methods. To overcome these problems and improve reproducibility and comparability across studies, universal or standardized virome sequencing library construction methods are highly needed in the gut virome study.
Results
We repurposed the ligation-based single-stranded library (SSLR) preparation method for virome studies. We demonstrate that the SSLR method exhibits exceptional efficiency in quantifying viral DNA genomes (both dsDNA and ssDNA) and outperforms existing double-stranded (Nextera) and single-stranded (xGen, MDA + Nextera) library preparation approaches in terms of minimal amplification bias, evenness of coverage, and integrity of assembling viral genomes. The SSLR method can be utilized for the simultaneous library preparation of both DNA and RNA viral genomes. Furthermore, the SSLR method showed its ability to capture highly modified phage genomes, which were often lost using other library preparation approaches.
Conclusion
We introduce and improve a fast, simple and efficient ligation-based single-stranded DNA library preparation for gut virome study. This method is compatible with Illumina sequencing platforms and only requires ligation reagents within 3 h library preparation, which is similar or even better than the advanced library preparation method (xGen). We hope this method can be further optimized, validated and widely used to make gut virome study more comparable and reproducibly.
Evaluation of the zygomatic bone prior to the quad zygoma surgery: Virtual implant placement study on cone beam computed tomography
Authors: ŞAHİN Onur , ATALAY Denizcan , Koçyiğit İsmail Doruk , Hacılar Mustafa , Rzazade Fuad , Aytuğar Emre 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Quad zygoma surgery is challenging procedure that requires an accurate prosthetic and implant planning. The objective of our study was to evaluate zygomatic implants placed according to quad zygoma protocol in the severely absorbed maxilla on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans using an virtual implant placement program and to compare the variables according to gender.
Methods
56 zygomatic bones from 28 patients were examined using CBCT scans. A total of 112 zygomatic implants were evaluated to zygomatic bone-implant contact (BIC) lenght, the relationship zygomatic implants between the maxillary sinus and zygomaticofacial foramen were compared and analyzed by gender on the virtually placed anterior and posterior implants on the three-dimensional reconstruction images.
Results
The average zygomatic BICs length in males was found to be 11.77 ± 3.47 mm, in females 11.23 ± 2.61 mm. Among the anterior and posterior exit profile according to zygoma anatomy-guided approach (ZAGA) classification, respectively, 1.7% and 7.2% were classified as ZAGA 0, 7.2% and 7.2% as ZAGA 1, 16.1% and 21.4% as ZAGA 2, 55.3% and 14.2% as ZAGA 3, 19.7% and 50.0% as ZAGA 4. No statistically significance found between gender-related parameters that were investigated. However, it was found that the contact to zygomaticofacial foramen was significantly higher in implants with an anterior exit profile compared to implants placed posteriorly (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Examining the anatomy of the region with three-dimensional imaging techniques before quad zygoma surgery and conducting surgical rehearsals with programs that allow virtual surgery are crucial to prevent potential complications.
Modeling human retinal vascular pattern around foveal avascular zone.
Authors: Yoshimura Kotaro , Sugihara Kei , Maruko Ichiro , Iida Tomohiro , Miura Takashi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Human retinas have unique anatomical structures called the macula and an associated characteristic vascular pattern. Despite its clinical importance, the mechanism of the unique vascular pattern formation in humans remains unknown because there are limitations in experimental approaches using primate samples. In this study, we developed a mathematical model of human retinal vascular development by considering endothelial cells and astrocytes. We assumed that retinal vessels are formed in angiogenesis according to the gradient of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and that astrocytes dynamically expand while avoiding the fovea, providing scaffolds for angiogenesis. Our model recapitulated various features of human retinal vascular pattern such as a radially outward vascular pattern from the optic disc, inferior and superior temporal arcades, foveal avascular zone (FAZ) formation, a radially inward vascular pattern around FAZ, and vertically facing pattern toward the horizontal vascular raphe. These results also suggest the importance of astrocyte dynamics in human retinal vascular pattern formation. Our modeling framework can be extended to abnormal vascular patterns observed in diseases, including retinopathy of prematurity.
Screening effect of phase angle and calf circumference in different stages of sarcopenia in patients with maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Zeng Ying , Chen Yang , Yang Yujie , Qiu Ying , Yuan Huaihong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective
To compare the screening ability of the phase angle (Pha) and the calf circumference (CC) alone and combined detection in the diferent stages of sarcopenia in patients with maintenance hemodialysis.
Methods
Data were retrospectively collected from outpatient under going MHD at Wenjiang Hemodialysis Center in the Departmalet of Nephrology in West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China. AWGS 2019 and EWGSOP 2010 were used to define the diferent stages of sarcopenia. Pha was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Muscle strength was evaluated using handgrip strength (HGS), and physical function was assessed by short physical performance battery (SPPB), and skeletal muscle index (SMI) was assessed by the BIA, and CC was measured at the widest part of the calf with a retractable tape measure when the foot is pressed against a hard surface.
Results
The AUC of Pha in the screening of possible sarcopenia was 0.680, the sensitivity was 64.29%, the specifcity was 66.17%, and the cut-of value was 5.6°. The AUC of the combined Pha and CC for possible sarcopenia was 0.618, the sensitivity was 42.86%, and the specifcity was 76.69%. The AUC of CC for the screening of sarcopenia was 0.771, the sensitivity was 66.67%, the specifcity was 81.36%, and the cut-of value was 29 cm. The AUC of the combined Pha and CC for sarcopenia was 0.767, the sensitivity was 66.67%, and the specifcity was 86.02%. The AUC of Pha in the screening of severe sarcopenia was 0.865, the sensitivity was 86.67%, the specifcity was 78.26%, and the cut-of value was 4.9°. The AUC of CC in the screening of severe sarcopenia was 0.880, the sensitivity was 93.33%, the specifcity was 73.04%, and the cut-of value was 30 cm. The AUC of the combined Pha and CC for severe sarcopenia was 0.922, the sensitivity was 93.33%, and the specifcity was 81.30%.
Conclusions
The screening ability of Pha alone or in combination was higher than that of CC in the screening of possible sarcopenia. The screening ability of CC alone or in combination was higher than that of Pha in the screening of sarcopenia.Their combined assay performed better in screening for the severe sarcopenia stage compared with CC and Pha alone, which provided references for clinical identification of different stages of sarcopenia in MHD patients.
History Matters: Evolutionary and Demographic Reconstruction of the Southwest Atlantic Loggerheads (Testudinata: Cheloniidae)
Authors: Ludwig Sandra , Amorim Laís , Xavier Alberty , Guimarães Paula Rodrigues , Vargas Sarah Maria 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The Southwest Atlantic (SWA) is an important region for the Caretta caretta characterized by unique genetic lineages; however, their life history is still misunderstood. In this study, we evaluated the demographic patterns of four SWA rookeries using D-loop and microsatellites data looking for expansion and bottlenecks signals. Then, we simulated several colonization scenarios for the SWA using Approximate Bayesian Computation. The best-supported scenario indicated that loggerheads might have colonized the SWA region once by the ancient lineage of ES/k4 that signals a sharing ancestry history, and from it originated the other lineages by divergence and introgression processes, explaining the high admixture levels between their rookeries and genetic clusters. The D-loop recovered population stability in the past, but microsatellites identified sharp recent bottleneck events, which may have been triggered by the Last Glacial Maximum, El Niño Southern Oscillation, and anthropogenic actions. Thus, we provide, for the first time, a complete assessment of the life history and colonization of loggerhead into the SWA, demonstrating differences between markers (matrilinear and biparental) that may bias our understanding of their genetic and demographic patterns, and which should be considered for conservation programs at a global scale.
Stage -Specific Antimalarial Activity of Alkaloidal Fractions of the Avicennia africana P. Beauv. (Avicenniaceae) Leaf Extract
Authors: Ahmed Mustapha A. , Ackah-Armah Francis , Ghartey-Kwansah George , Fynn Patrick M. , Zoiku Felix K. , Ofori-Attah Ebenezer , Adokoh Christian K. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The global call for malaria eradication rested on finding drugs that not only act against asexual but also sexual forms of the parasite. The drawbacks in disease control and prevention due to drug-resistant clones of the parasite piqued our interest in exploring for alternative antimalarial drugs from the mangrove resources.
Aims
This study evaluates the stage-specific anti-malarial and cytotoxic activities of the fractions of crude alkaloidal extracts from Avicennia africana leaves.
Methods
The crude and alkaloidal extracts (AAA and AAQ) from A. africana were fractionated using column chromatography and further analysed using GC-mass spectroscopy. The fractions were then tested for antimalarial activity against the trophozoites, schizonts, and gametocyte stages of chloroquine-sensitive strains of 3D7 P. falciparum using the SYBR Green 1 assay. The cytotoxic effects of the fractions were evaluated using the MTT-based assay.
Results
The fractions AAA1-AAA5 and AAQ1-AAQ5 produced promising trophozoitocidal activities with an IC50 value range of 0.399–45.690 µg/mL, with the artesunate (ref drug) yielding 0.09x103 µg/mL. The schizonticidal and gametocytocidal activities of selected fractions demonstrated high potency with IC50s of 0.622–18.820 µg/mL against artesunate (ref drugs) with 1.800x10-3 and 5.100x10-3 µg/mL, respectively. The cytotoxic effect of fractions produced CC50 that was higher than 100 µg/mL with negligible cytotoxicity on erythrocytes and SI that ranged from 2.189 to 280.899. The major compounds identified in fractions AAA1, AAQ1, and AAQ2 were 8-carbomoylquinoline, razoxane, and dexrazoxane, respectively.
Conclusion
The fractions exhibited promising trophozoitocidal, schizonticidal, and gametocytocidal effects with no significant cytotoxic effects on RBCs. Quinoline-based alkaloids and iron chelators in this plant are implicated as possible lead-compound transmission blockers of the parasite.
Companion basil plants prime the tomato wound response through volatile signaling in a mixed planting system.
Authors: Yoshida Riichiro , Taguchi Shoma , Wakita Chihiro , Serikawa Shinichiro , Miyaji Hiroyuki 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Within mixed planting systems, companion plants can promote growth or enhance stress responses in target plants. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain poorly understood. To gain insight into the molecular nature of the effects of companion plants, we investigated the effects of basil plants (Ocimum basilicum var. minimum) on the wound response in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum cv. ‘Micro Tom’) within a mixed planting system. The results showed that the expression of Pin2, which specifically responds to mechanical wounding, was induced more rapidly and more strongly in the leaves of tomato plants cultivated with companion basil plants. This wound response priming effect was replicated through the exposure of tomato plants to an essential oil (EO) prepared from basil leaves. Tomato leaves pre-exposed to basil EO showed enhanced expression of genes related to jasmonic acid, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling after wounding stress. Basil EO also enhanced ROS accumulation in wounded tomato leaves. The wound response priming effect of basil EO was confirmed in wounded Arabidopsis plants. Loss-of-function analysis of target genes revealed that MAPK genes play pivotal roles in controlling the observed priming effects. Spodoptera litura larvae fed tomato leaves pre-exposed to basil EO showed reduced growth compared with larvae fed control leaves. Thus, mixed planting with basil may enhance defense priming in both tomato and Arabidopsis plants through the activation of volatile signaling.
Soil salinization trend from 2003 to 2022 across the globe response to climate change
Authors: Shi Zhou , Wang Nan , Chen Songchao , Huang Jingyi , Taghizadeh Ruhollah , Peng Jie , Wigneron Jean-Pierre , Frappart Frédéric 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Climate change affects soil salinization and is responsible for food production threats and unsustainable development. However, global salinization trend and its temporal response to climate remains unclear. Here we show global soil salinization changes from 2003 to 2022 at 500 m resolution estimated by a machine learning approach, remote sensing, climate, and geographical data. Globally, soil showed a stable trend with an average trend slope value of -0.00002 ± 0.000024 dS m-1. The trend shows a large variability across the globe depending on local water regimes, and soil salinization has intensified in semi-arid and humid areas. Soil salinization trends are influenced by soil hydro-thermal conditions. Reduced terrestrial water reserves intensify salinization, and soil moisture patterns drive salinization through a three-year lag time and a three-year accumulation effect. A soil salinity change equation was proposed describing vegetation, soil moisture, climate, and topography which can be used for guiding salinization trend evaluation. Our findings reveal the global soil salinization trend and its response to climate change, providing detailed guidance for improving soil quality under different climate and hydrological conditions.
Assessment of implementation of the clinical practice guidelines among family medicine doctors at primary health care facilities in Khartoum and Gezira states/ Sudan
Authors: Abdelgadir Hiba Salah , Bajouri Sahar , Abdelgadir Hind Salah 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
The health system in Sudan faces several challenges, including increasing numbers of patients, shortages of health supplies, and disparities in the distribution of health services. Guidelines implementation improves patients’ outcomes and ensures efficient use of the resources in such a resources limited country. The study aimed to assess the implementation of the clinical practice guidelines among family medicine doctors working in the primary health care centers in Khartoum and Gezira states to provide baseline data about the current practice in Sudan.
Methods:
Descriptive cross-sectional facility-based survey, conducted from April to December 2021, on 373 of the practicing family-medicine doctors. A total of 101 Primary health care centers were surveyed (77 centers in Khartoum state and 24 in Gezira state). The questionnaire was pilot tested on a small group of physicians to improve clarity and reduce response bias. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data and analyzed by frequency tables. Chi square and logistic regression tests were used to determine the association between categorized variables. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results:
Most of the practicing family-medicine doctors (98.4%) reported implementation of the guidelines. Moreover, (68.6%) of them received training programs which were organized and funded by the Sudan Ministry of Health. The local Sudanese guidelines were difficult to access and not regularly updated. Services unavailability and inaccessibility (87.1%), health insurance factors (83.9%), and patient factors (81.2%) were the most frequent barriers to guidelines implementation. Service cost (79.9%), lack of regular training programs (79.9%), absence of local guidelines (77.2%), lack of continuity in the comprehensive care process (63.0%), and lack of time (57.1%) were also reported as barriers to guidelines implementation.
Conclusion:
Guidelines implementation is limited by unavailability and inaccessibility of the health services and the health insurance limited coverage. Expansion of the health insurance coverage, organization of continuous training programs, encouragement of regular auditing and issuing regulations to ensure the use of updated guidelines, dissemination of the updated national guidelines along with establishing clinical governance in Sudan are highly recommended.
Regulated Expression of Interleukin-17 System at the Endometrial-Myometrial Interface: Implications for Adenomyosis
Authors: Hsu Le-Tien , Lu Pei-Chen , Wang Yi-Wen , Wu Hsien-Ming , Chen I-Ju , Huang Hong-Yuan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Adenomyosis involves the infiltration of endometrial glands and stroma deep into the uterine tissue, causing disruption to the interface between the endometrium and myometrium. The role of interleukin-17 (IL-17), a cytokine associated with immune responses, has been extensively studied in endometriosis, but its involvement in adenomyosis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the expression of IL-17 in ectopic and eutopic endometrium of individuals with adenomyosis, comparing its levels between these two types of endometrium.
Methods
Paired tissues of eutopic endometrium and adenomyoma were collected from 16 premenopausal women undergoing hysterectomy due to clinical symptoms related to adenomyosis. IL-17 system was demonstrated in paired tissue samples by the immunochemistry study. Gene expression levels of IL-17A and IL-17 receptor (IL-17R) were assessed through quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Comparative gene transcript amounts were calculated using the delta-delta Ct method.
Results
By immunohistochemical staining, CD4, IL-17R, and IL-17A proteins were detected in both endometrium and adenomyosis, with higher expression in epithelial cells. DAB staining revealed greater IL-17A expression in adenomyosis compared to endometrium. Quantitative RT-PCR showed significantly higher fold change levels of IL-17A and IL-17R in adenomyosis (IL-17A: p = 0.047, IL-17R: p = 0.027) versus endometrium.
Conclusions
We found significantly higher IL-17 levels in adenomyosis compared to endometrium, suggesting immune system involvement in adenomyosis pathogenesis.
Leveraging Deep Learning for Breast Cancer Detection : An Comprehensive study
Authors: Theja A S Girish , M Revathi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Breast cancer is a significant health concern globally, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnostic tools for early detection and treatment. In this research, we propose a novel methodology leveraging deep learning techniques for classifying breast histopathology images as benign or malignant. We employ state of the art convolutional neural networks (CNNs), including VGG16, VGG19, ResNet50, ResNet101, and a custom CNN architecture, to extract discriminative features from histopathology images. One of the key contributions of this work is the incorporation of class weights into the training process, aiming to address class imbalance in the da-taset and enhance model performance. We evaluate the efficacy of our approach using various performance metrics, including accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score, on the publicly available BreaKHis dataset.