bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of Sloping Land Conversion Program on regional carbon sinks—Empirical analysis based on PSM-DID
Authors: Chen Xiaojuan , Gong Zhiwen , Huang Huaiyu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The terrestrial ecosystem carbon sink serves as a crucial metric in gauging the carbon sequestration capabilities of ecosystems, forming an intricate bond with the dynamics of land use change.The Sloping Land Conversion Program (SLCP) has caused significant changes in regional land use patterns and has significantly impacted terrestrial ecosystem carbon sinks. By analysing the impacts of the SLCP on the carbon sink effect in Shaanxi Province and revealing the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of the regional carbon sink effect, it is of great significance to consolidate the results of SLCP and to clarify the target areas for quality enhancement and sink enhancement of the SLCP. In this paper, based on the panel data of Shaanxi Province from 1992 to 2020, we used the PSM-DID model to analyze the influence of the carbon sink effect of the SLCP and analyze the heterogeneity of the carbon sink effect of the SLCP in Shaanxi Province. We found that the carbon sink effect of the SLCP was significantly positive without excluding other factors, increasing the vegetation carbon sink by 20.20% and the vegetation cover by 46.21%, respectively; after excluding the influence of other factors, the effect of the SLCP on the vegetation carbon sink and the vegetation cover was significantly enhanced, increasing the vegetation carbon sink by 21.42% and the vegetation cover by 53.51%, respectively. Meanwhile, the results of spatial heterogeneity showed that the effect of the SLCP on carbon sinks was most evident in Northern Shaanxi, followed by Southern Shaanxi and Central Shaanxi; the results of temporal heterogeneity showed that the effect of the SLCP on carbon sinks at each stage was significantly positive, and then the positive effect decreased with the change of time, but it was still statistically significant.
Clinical characteristics and association with immunotherapy outcomes in SMARCA4-deficient NSCLC
Authors: Yang Shuo , Liu Xiaozhen , Jiang Tao , Chen Bin , Yu Jia , Ren Shengxiang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction: SMARCA4, also known as transcription activator, is an ATP-dependent catalytic subunit of SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complexes that participates in the regulation of chromatin structure and gene expression by supplying energy. SMARCA4-deficient lung cancer has been recognized as a distinct subtype based on subtle differences in its clinical, morphological, and immunophenotypic attributes compared to other NSCLC. Chemotherapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors are currently most commonly used in clinical practice, the effect of immunotherapy in SMARCA4-deficient lung cancer is now contradictory. We designed this study to characterize the clinicopathological features and immunotherapy outcomes of SMARCA4-deficient NSCLC patients. Methods: 8827 patients who underwent SMARCA4 detection by immunohistochemistry between January 2018 to January 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective study. 33 patients diagnosed with advanced SMARCA4-deficient NSCLC and 59 operable SMARCA4-deficient NSCLC were selected, and propensity score matching(PSM) was utilized to match the SMARCA4-deficient group. Clinical characteristics were collected and clinical outcomes to treatment were evaluted. Results: Among 8827 patients, 300 patients were advanced stage and 8527 patients were after operation. Of all advanced stage patients, 33(11%) were SMARCA4-deficient. Compared with SMARCA4-intact patients, SMARCA4-deficient NSCLC was significantly associated with smoking history, decreased PD-L1 expression and less squamous carcinoma. 57(0.6%) patients were resectable SMARCA4-deficient NSCLC. Among them, the majority(38.6%) was stage III patients and 15(26.3%) patients had relapsed. Majority patients were negative for markers including p40 and CK5/6. SMARCA4-deficient patients had worse PFS than SMARCA4-intact patients(p = 0.04). Totally 15 patients received immunotherapy, these patients showed better PFS than those without immunotherapy (8.05 months vs 3.8 months), due to the small sample size, the data were not statistically significant(p = 0.26). Conclusion: The current results showed that SMARCA4-deficient NSCLC has unique clinical features and are more aggressive, often diagnosed at advanced stage, tend to relapse after surgery. The efficacy of immunotherapy might bring survival benefits but need to be observed for longer periods.
Universal prediction of vertebrate species age at maturity
Authors: Budd Alyssa , Yong Suk Yee , Heydenrych Matthew , Mayne Benjamin , Berry Oliver , Jarman Simon 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Animal age at maturity can be used as a universal and simple predictor of species extinction risk. At present, methods to estimate age at maturity are typically species-specific, limiting comparisons among species or are infeasible to do practical constraints. To overcome this, we developed a universal predictor of vertebrate species age at maturity. We show that the frequency of ‘CG’ sequences (CpG sites) in gene promoter regions is a rapid predictor of vertebrate age at maturity. Our models predict age at maturity with remarkable accuracy and generalisability, with median error rates of 30% (less than 1 year) and are robust to genome assemblies of varying quality. We generate age at maturity predictions for 1912 vertebrate species for which this information was previously absent from online databases and envisage these predictions will help to inform management decisions for the many species for which more detailed population information is currently unavailable.
Using an Improved Life Cycle Assessment Method for Environmental Impacts Assessment of Remediation Technologies
Authors: Wang Shunyang , Man Jun , Li Hua , Dong Jingqi , Luo Yongming 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The urgent need to address the persisting issue of contaminated sites necessitates the exploration and implementation of effective remediation technologies. Given the diversity of contaminated sites, selecting an appropriate technology that not only achieves optimal outcomes but also minimizes environmental repercussions is crucial. To address this concern, the present study adopts the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. Augmenting LCA with the “Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)” and “Techniques for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS)” methods offer an improved evaluation framework. The specific focus of this investigation centers on two distinct remediation alternatives, i.e., the cement kiln collaborative disposal technology and the in-situ chemical oxidation technology, in the context of remediating a coking site. By employing the model calculation, the environmental impact values of these technologies are determined to be 0.501 and 0.499, the environmental cost of these technologies are determined to be 65.74 yuan and 66.67 yuan, and the combined impact values are determined to be 0.545 and 0.455, respectively. The results indicate that the cement kiln co-disposal technology exerts a greater environmental impact than the in-situ chemical oxidation technology, as assessed by environmental impact and cost considerations. This study contributes valuable insights towards addressing contaminated sites efficiently and sustainably.
Empiric embolization by vasospasm therapy for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding: a preliminary report.
Authors: Liang Huei-Lung , Li Ming-Feng , Chiang Chia-Ling 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To report the preliminary result of empiric embolization for angiographycally-negative lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) by using the pharmaco-induced vasospasm technique with or without the adjunctive use of intra-arterial multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT).
Materials and Methods
23 LGIB patients with positive MDCT findings but negative angiographic results underwent empiric embolization. The presumed bleeding artery was semi-selectively catheterized, and a segment of bowel was temporarily embolized with bolus injection of epinephrine and 4-hours’ vasopressin infusion. The rebleeding, primary and overall clinical success rates were reported.
Results
MDCT showed 19 bleeders in the SMA territory and 4 bleeders in the IMA territory. Early rebleeding was found in 6 patients (26.1%): 2 local rebleeding, 3 from new-foci bleeding and 1 uncertain. Of the 10 small bowel bleeding patients, only 1 out of the 7 who underwent intra-arterial MDCT showed rebleeding, whereas 2 out of the 3 without intra-arterial MDCT rebled. No patients exhibited procedure-related major complications, including bowel ischemia. The overall clinical success rate was 91.3% (21/23) with a 30-day mortality rate of 26.1%.
Conclusion
Vasospasm empiric embolization, when localized with/without adjunctive intra-arterial MDCT, seems to be a safe and effective method to treat angiographically-negative LGIB patients.
Knowledge and Perception of Medical Students on Genetics in the Genomic Era
Authors: Lizbeth Morales-Rios , Ramírez-Aranda José M , Villarreal Laura Elía Martínez-de , Ibarra-Ramírez Marisol 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The significance of medical genetics in modern healthcare highlights the urgent need for comprehensive education for physicians, addressing both the fundamentals and ethical concerns, to bridge the existing knowledge gap and improve early diagnosis. In Latin America, the genetic knowledge level among healthcare workers, especially medical students, remains largely unexplored. This study focuses on evaluating the knowledge and attitudes towards genetic testing among final-year medical students at a public university in Monterrey, Mexico. Utilizing a cross-sectional, observational, and anonymous survey, the research administered the International Genetic Literacy and Attitudes Survey version 3 (iGLAS3) from October 1, 2019, to August 16, 2020. This online survey assessed demographic details, genetic knowledge, and opinions, among other factors, choosing items most relevant to our research objectives. Statistical analyses provided descriptive statistics and measures of central tendency. Out of 323 distributed surveys, 201 participants completed essential sections, revealing a moderate to high level of genetic knowledge with an average score of 70 ± 11.5. The demographic breakdown included 58.7% women, 40.3% men, and 0.5% non-binary individuals, with an average age of 24 years. Most participants showed openness to genetic testing, predominantly through private entities, although there were significant concerns about the potential misuse of genetic data. These findings emphasize the necessity of enhancing genetic education and incorporating practical genetic training in medical curricula to address the evolving challenges in this field effectively.
Colour Image Multilevel Thresholding Segmentation Using Trees Social Relationship Algorithm
Authors: Fakheri Soheil , Alimoradi Mahmoud , Yamaghani Mohammad Reza 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Colour image segmentation is an essential task in image processing and computer vision that aims to divide an image into meaningful and homogeneous regions. One of the most widely used techniques for colour image segmentation is multilevel thresholding, which selects a set of optimal threshold values to separate the image pixels into different classes. However, finding the optimal thresholds is a complex and computationally intensive problem requiring efficient optimization. In this paper, we propose a novel colour image multilevel thresholding segmentation method based on the Trees Social Relationship Algorithm (TSR), a new metaheuristic algorithm inspired by the social and cooperative behaviour of trees in the forest. TSR mimics trees' hierarchical and collective life and uses four operators: growth, reproduction, competition, and death. We use TSR to optimize Kapur’s entropy as the objective function, which measures the information content of the segmented image. We compare the performance of our method with other established metaheuristic algorithms, including the Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm (PSO), Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), Bat Optimization (BAT), Bacterial Foraging Algorithm (BFO), Backtracking Search Optimization Algorithm (BSA), Cuckoo Search (Cuckoo), Differential Evolution (DE), Electromagnetic Field Optimization (EFO), Firefly Algorithm (FA), and Wind Driven Optimization (WDO), on several benchmark colour images. We also use various evaluation metrics such as GCE, PRI, VOI, PSNR, FSIM, and SSIM to assess the quality of the segmentation results. The experimental results show that our method achieves better results than the other algorithms in accuracy, robustness, and convergence speed.
Optimizing clinical genomic analysis of FFPE specimens for enhanced data quality, reduced artefacts, and ensured reliability
Authors: Lim Jongsung , Heo Dong-hyuk , Kim Seong-Gwang , Kim Minji , Park Jiin , Park Misun , Yi Jina , Park Kyeongmee , Paik Soonmyung , Hong Seong-Eui 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) samples are routinely used for genome sequencing as companion diagnostics for targeted therapies for cancer patients. While targeted sequencing of FFPE tissue usually provides accurate assessment of hotspot mutations, whole exome or genome sequencing data are loaded with artefacts. Standardized and optimized methods are needed to overcome these obstacles and ensure the reliability of clinical exome/genome sequencing data. We evaluated the impact of the choice of DNA extraction kits, fragmentation methods, and input amount on data quality. We also evaluated the ability of repair enzymes and bioinformatics algorithms to remove FFPE induced artefacts and mutation signatures. This study discovered that employing the ReliaPrep extraction kit significantly enhances DNA yield from FFPE samples. Notably, the application of DNA repair enzymes emerged as a pivotal factor in suppressing artefacts, thereby enhancing the reliability of somatic mutation identification. Ultrasonication-based fragmentation proves more advantageous in reducing artefacts and improving the reproducibility. Additionally, bioinformatic algorithms efficiently eradicated any remaining artefacts, leading to improved reproducibility and accurate mutation signature identification. These findings provide a comprehensive methodology for handling FFPE samples in clinical research, ensuring the reliability and relevance of genomic data for personalized medicine and cancer treatment strategies.
A Comparative Study on Efficacy and Safety of Modified Partial Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy versus that of Conventional Hemorrhoidectomy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kim Tae Gyu , Lee Chul Seung , Lee Dong Geun , Chung Chun Sik , Kim Seung Han , Yu Sang Hwa , Lee Jeong Eun , Lee Gwan Cheol , Kang Dong Woo , Kim Jeong Sub , Jeong Gyu Young 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The long-term outcomes and efficacy of partial stapled hemorrhoidopexy (PSH) compared with those of conventional hemorrhoidectomy (CH) are not well understood. This study aimed to introduce a modified PSH and compare its clinical efficacy and safety with those of CH.
Methods
A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. This study was performed at a single hospital and involved six colorectal surgeons. In total, 110 patients were enrolled between July 2019 and September 2020. Patients were randomly assigned to undergo either PSH (group 1, n = 55) or CH (group 2, n = 55).
Results
The duration of analgesia requirement was shorter in the PSH group than that required in the CH group, although the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.096). However, the laxative requirement duration (P < 0.01), return to work (P < 0.01), satisfaction score (P < 0.01), and incontinence score (P = 0.014) were significantly better in the PSH group. The average and peak postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in the PSH group during the first 15 days after surgery. The overall complication rate in both groups was 9.1%, with no significant difference between the groups (P = 0.867).
Conclusions
Modified PSH demonstrated better improvement in symptoms, lower pain scores, and greater patient satisfaction than CH. Therefore, this surgical technique appears to be a safe and effective alternative for CH.
Effect of normal seminal plasma replacement on cryopreservation of sperm in patients with non-liquefied semen
Authors: Shao Shuai , Jiang Mei , Raymond Cespuglio , Zhang Nianping 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective: To explore the effects of normal seminal plasma replacement on cryopreservation of human non-liquefied spermatozoa.
Methods: Sixty Semen samples (30 samples of normal semen and 30 samples of non-liquefied semen) were collected from infertile male patients in the Reproductive Medicine Center of Jingmen People's Hospital. After centrifugation, spermatozoa were divided into 5 aliquots, of which 2 aliquots were added with non-liquefied and normal seminal plasma, respectively. Computer-assisted semen analysis system (CASA) measured sperm motility after various periods of incubation (0, 0.5, 1 and 2 h). The remaining 3 aliquots of sperm were employed as follows for cryopreservation: a seminal plasma-free group in which sperm was preserved by adding sperm cryoprotectants; a non-liquefied semen-derived seminal plasma group for which sperm was added with non-liquefied plasma; a normal seminal plasma group for which sperm was added with normal seminal plasma. After the freezing-thawing process, sperm parameters, DNA integrity and ability to resist oxidative stress damage were again examined for these 3 groups.
Results: Incubation of normal semen plasma, without liquefaction, can improve the sperm motility. After cryopreservation, sperm parameters were significantly lower versus those of the sample not cryopreserved. Normal semen plasma can reasonably protect the sperm of unliquefied semen and maintain the sperm parameters. It can also maintain the DNA integrity and prevent oxidative stress injury.
Conclusion: Normal seminal plasma can maintain the semen key parameters after cryopreservation of non-liquefied semen. Protective effects observed with this normal seminal liquid might be due to the antioxidants remaining within the seminal liquid.
Limited transmission of microbial species among coral reef fishes from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Authors: Costa Vincenzo A. , Bellwood David R. , Mifsud Jonathon C.O. , Geoghegan Jemma L. , Harvey Erin , Holmes Edward C. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Reef fishes account for one-third of all extant marine fishes and exhibit enormous biodiversity within a highly interactive ecosystem. Despite this, relatively little is known about the diversity and evolution of microbial species (bacteria, viruses, and eukaryotes) associated with reef fish, even though this may provide valuable insights into the factors that shape microbial communities within vertebrate hosts as well as the extent and pattern of cross-species transmission.
Results
Through metatranscriptomic sequencing we characterised the viruses, bacteria, and single-celled eukaryotes from 126 reef fish species inhabiting Lizard Island and Orpheus Island on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. We assessed whether microbial communities differed between islands that are separated by approximately 450 kilometres, and to what extent viruses were able to emerge in new hosts. Notably, despite strong ecological interactions in the reef environment, and the presence of the same families and subfamilies of viruses and bacteria on both islands, there was minimal evidence for the cross-species transmission of individual microorganisms among fish species. An exception was the high prevalence of the opportunistic bacterial pathogen Photobacterium damselae among apparently healthy cardinalfishes from both islands, indicating that these fish species are natural reservoirs within the reef system.
Conclusions
These data suggest that reef fishes have microbial-host associations that arose prior to the formation of the Great Barrier Reef, leading to strong host barriers to cross-species microbial transmission and hence infectious disease emergence, even within a highly interactive and species-rich environment.
Improving The Quality Of Rye-Wheat Bread Varieties With The Use Of Non-Traditional Plant Raw Materials
Authors: Baiysbayeva Meruyet , Moldakulova Zilikha , Iskakova Galiya , Batyrbayeva Nurgul , Irmatova Zhyldyz , Izembayeva Assel 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The article considers the possibility of solving the problem of increasing the nutritional and biological value of rye-wheat bread by enriching them with products of processing of local non-traditional plant raw materials - flaxseed flour and dietary fiber from rice husks. The research was carried out in two stages: firstly, flax flour was added to the recipe of rye-wheat bread in the amount of 5;10;15;20% to the mass of wheat flour. Secondly, to these experimental samples were added dietary fibers (hereinafter referred to as DF), which are prepared from rice husk without removal of amorphous silicon dioxide in the amount of 0,3;0,5;0,7% to the total mass of rye-wheat flour. The regularities of the influence of linseed flour and DF on the rheological properties of dough are given. The obtained results allow characterizing flour mixtures from rye-wheat and flax flour with the addition of DF as "average in strength", giving bread with sudficient volume. According to the results of the research the authors proposed the optimal dosage of flax flour (15%), DF (0.5%) and modes of technological process, allowing to obtain bread with good consumer properties. Addition of DF up to 0.5% and linseed flour in the amount of up to 15% allows to increase the nutritional and biological value of finished products, improves the gas-holding capacity and crumb structure, increases the moisture-holding capacity of bread, which in turn prevents the process of staling and thus increases the shelf life of finished products.
Short-wave infrared reflection for proximal caries detection
Authors: Litzenburger Friederike , Kunzelmann Karl-Heinz , Walter Elias , Schwendicke Falk , Hickel Reinhard , Heck Katrin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This in vitro study analyzed the diagnostic performance of short-wave infrared reflection at 1050, 1200, 1300 and 1550 nm for proximal caries detection.
Materials and Methods
250 extracted posterior teeth with sound or carious proximal surfaces were examined using reflection imaging at 1050–1550 nm. Digital bitewing radiography served as an alternative index test and micro-computed tomography as reference standard. Two examiners independently evaluated all images and the reference standard twice using method-specific classification systems.
Results
The overall accuracy of reflection imaging at 1550 nm and bitewing radiography were similar between 72.4 and 73.2%. Reflection at 1050–1300 nm revealed higher values than bitewing radiography (78.4–80.0%). Short-wave infrared reflection showed increasing sensitivity and decreasing specificity for proximal carious lesions with increasing wavelength. Radiography revealed lower values of sensitivity paired with higher values of specificity than short-wave infrared reflection. Reflection imaging at increasing wavelength revealed increasing false positive and decreasing false negative ratings. Intra- and inter-examiner reliability revealed almost perfect agreement for all assessments.
Conclusions
Short-wave infrared reflection holds high diagnostic potential for proximal caries detection. At 1050 nm, reflection imaging reveals higher diagnostic accuracy than bitewing radiography and less tendency to overestimate caries than at 1200–1300 nm. The application of wavelengths longer than 1050 nm improves sensitivity and reduces specificity of short-wave infrared reflection. Clinical Relevance: As an alternative to bitewing radiography, short-wave infrared reflection at 1050 nm demonstrated the highest diagnostic potential and proved to be a clinically relevant non-ionizing option for the detection of proximal caries.