bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Scale Effect of Sand and Gravel Materials in Riverbed Cover Layers Based on Large-Scale Triaxial Tests
Authors: Zhao Mengdie , Kang Ruiyu , Chen Shoukai , Wang Shuaibin , Zhai Ninghuan , Zhang Chao 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In response to the difficulty of conducting in-situ tests on the gravel materials of riverbed cover layers, this study investigates their mechanical properties using a scaled-down grading method. Three methods, namely the equivalent substitution method, the similar grading method, and the hybrid method, are employed based on the original grading of the gravel materials from riverbed cover layers. Through large-scale triaxial consolidation drainage shear tests, the study investigates the effects of the reduction factor 𝑀 of the maximum particle size and confining pressure on the stress-strain relationship, fractal dimension, particle breakage, and parameters of the Duncan-Chang E-B model. It reveals the influence pattern of scaling based on fractal dimension and particle breakage rate on the strength and deformation of gravel materials. The results indicate significant differences in the scaling effects among the three scaling methods. Among them, under the same confining pressure, the gravel material strength obtained by the similar grading method is the highest, with the smallest difference in fractal dimension before and after the test and the lowest particle breakage rate, followed by the hybrid method. Moreover, with the increase in 𝑀 value, the peak stress gradually increases, manifested by the increase in the parameters k and Kb of the E-B model, with the values increasing by 4.5 times and 3.3 times, respectively, when M = 15 compared to 𝑀 =0. The research findings can provide important experimental basis for the stability analysis and deformation analysis of dam bodies.
Study of types of cataracts in Damascus Hospital patients
Authors: alfawares maamoun , ALRmman Rama , abdulmawla Marwan , Dayoub Lujain , Alhalaby Mazen , Haddeh Yusra 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective
purpose of this study was to investigate the various forms of cataracts, associated risk factors, and their impact on VA [VA] in patients who visited the outpatient clinics and ophthalmology department at Damascus Hospital [Al-Mujtahid].
Methods and materials
This is a retrospective study that included 202 patients diagnosed with one of types of cataracts during a period extending from 1-7-2019 and 31-1-2020. Statistical analysis was conducted using Excel and SPSS-28, study data was analyzed according to age, gender, risk factors, types of cataracts, and risk factors: VA was used to categorize patients into four groups: [1 or less/10], [2–4/10], [5–7/10], and [8–10/10]. Patients were divided into four age groups [12–30 years], [31–50 years], [51–70 years], [older than 70 years], effect of bilateral and unilateral cataracts on VA was evaluated in both eyes.
Results
This study included 202 patients, there were 464 cataract cases [250 unilateral and 214 bilateral] that had more than one type of cataract. The majority of patients [60.4% of all patients] were between 51 and 70, followed by those older than 70 [22.8% of all patients], male/female ratio: 51.5%/48.5%. Diabetes and Hypertension are the most common risk factors for cataracts [36.6%, 30.7%, respectively], most common types of cataracts in 51–70 years, males and females are [unilateral and bilateral posterior subcapsular cataract], followed by [unilateral and bilateral nuclear cataract], which are the most to affect VA in both eyes, and are the most common among current smokers.
Conclusion
When a mature cataract affects only one eye, as opposed to both, the impact on VA is larger in the unilateral case. Both unilateral and bilateral mature cataracts in left eye affect VA in the same way. Compared to unilateral posterior subcapsular cataract, bilateral posterior subcapsular cataract impairs VA more.
Whole genome characteristics of hedgehog coronaviruses from Poland and analysis of the evolution of the Spike protein for its interspecies transmission potential
Authors: Domanska-Blicharz Katarzyna , Lisowska Anna , Opolska Justyna , Ruszkowski Jakub J. , Gogulski Maciej , Pomorska-Mól Małgorzata 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
The hedgehogs have been recently identified as possible reservoir of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus like (MERS-CoV-like). These viruses were classified as a distinct Hedgehog coronavirus 1 (HhCoV) species within the Merbecovirus subgenus. As coronaviruses are known for their ability to jump between different hosts, including humans, this can pose a particular threat to people in direct contact with hedgehogs, such as those working at animal asylums. Our previous studies have shown the presence of HhCoV strains in animals collected in the wildlife rehabilitation centre. This study aimed to investigate the presence of CoV in subsequent hedgehogs collected from the urban area of Poland and their molecular characteristics.
Results
Monitoring for the presence of coronavirus infection in hedgehogs revealed five positive individuals. The presence of HhCoV was found in a total of 20% of animals tested. Our analyses revealed no correlation between CoVs positivity and animal health conditions but a higher probability of such infection in juveniles and females. The whole genome of two Polish Hedgehog coronavirus 1 strains were sequenced and compared with available counterparts from European and Asian countries. Phylogenetic analysis showed that both CoV strains formed common cluster with other similar Merbecovirus, but they were also found to be genetically variable and most changes in the S protein were identified. Our analysis revealed that some S protein sites of the Hedgehog coronavirus 1 strains evolved under positive selection pressure and of five such sites, three are in the S1 region while the other two in the S2 region of the Spike.
Conclusions
HhCoV is to some extent prevalent in wildlife asylums in Poland. Given that the S protein of HhCoVs is highly variable and that some sites of this protein evolve under positive selection pressure, these strains could potentially acquire a favourable feature for cross-species transmission. Consequently, the threat to humans working in such asylums is particularly high. Adequate biosecurity safeguards, but also human awareness of such risks, are therefore essential.
Gender-specific associations between personality traits and mental health status of intensive care unit patients’ family members
Authors: Lu Chenghao , Yin Simin , Tian Tian , Zhao Zhihao , Wang Linxuan , Zhang Xiao , Zeng Ming , Liu Tao , Wang Lili 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective
Family Intensive Care Unit Syndrome (FICUS) is a psychological and emotional stress experienced by patients' families during the patient's admission to the hospital and is influenced by a variety of factors. Our aim was to explore the gender-specific effects of personality traits on the mental health status of family members of intensive care unit patients.
Methods
Between October 2022 and May 2023, we selected family members of patients form intensive care unit (ICU). We gathered demographic data and assessed participants' mental health, including anxiety, depression, and sleep quality.
Results
A total of 463 participants (271 males and 192 females) were included. Anxiety was significantly higher in male relatives than in female relatives. Unlike female relatives, depression was associated with conscientiousness (r = 0.211, p < 0.05) and poor sleep was associated with agreeableness (r = 0.147, p < 0.05) in male relatives. In females, neuroticism predicted poor sleep (p < 0.001), while in males, neuroticism, conscientiousness, and openness were predictors of poor sleep (all ps < 0.001).
Conclusions
Male relatives of ICU patients exhibited more severe mental health issues, and personality traits were predictive of anxiety and poor sleep among family members of ICU patients.
A model to predict the risk of adverse ocular outcomes in pregnant women
Authors: Liu Xintian , Wen Yiyi , Zou Haiqing , Wang Shuangyong Y. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aims to analyze common clinical data obtained during pregnancy, disease history, and maternal characteristics to determine ocular parameters and develop a risk prediction model for adverse ocular outcomes.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 760 pregnant women (1,520 eyes) from September 2020 to September 2022 at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. The maternal variables that could influence adverse ocular outcomes were identified, including maternal age, pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), eclampsia and pre-eclampsia, uterine disease, fetal abnormalities, in vitro fertilization with embryo transfer, hypoproteinemia, and major comorbidities during pregnancy. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of the independent predictors on adverse ocular outcomes. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the cut-off probability with optimum sensitivity and specificity.
Results
Eclampsia and pre-eclampsia, GDM, history of chronic hypertension, and hypoproteinemia were independent predictors of adverse ocular outcomes during pregnancy (P < 0.05). Maternal age, PIH, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), obesity, and pregnancy with immunoglobulin A nephropathy were predictors of moderate and severe retinal arteriole sclerosis during pregnancy (P < 0.05). Moreover, hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet (HELLP) syndrome was a predictor of retinal hemorrhage and exudate during pregnancy (P < 0.05). Adverse ocular outcomes showed area under the ROC curve values of 0.75 and 0.74.
Conclusion
Our predictive model could effectively predict adverse ocular outcomes during pregnancy, with the risk factors including maternal age, eclampsia and pre-eclampsia, GDM, obesity, history of chronic hypertension, hypoproteinemia, IUGR, pregnancy with immunoglobulin A nephropathy, and HELLP syndrome.
Ultra-Sensitive Hydrogen Sulfide Detection via Hybrid Small-Molecule Nano-arrays
Authors: Lu Zhenda , xing Xing , Wu Luyan , Zhang Yuchen , Pan Jiahao , Ishigaki Yusuke , Suzuki Takanori , Ye Deju , Zhang Weihua 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Early disease diagnosis hinges on the sensitive detection of signaling molecules. Among these, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has emerged as a critical player in cardiovascular and nervous system signaling. On-chip immunoassays, particularly nanoarray-based interfacial detection, offer promising avenues for ultra-sensitive analysis due to their confined reaction volumes and precise signal localization. Beyond the DNA or protein biomolecules array, this work presents a promising hybrid small molecule nano-array for H2S detection, using the power of dual molecules: a dye for fluorescence emission and a quencher with specific H2S reactivity. Upon H2S interaction, the quenched fluorescence reignites, creating an easily detectable array of bright spots. The molecule nano-array sensor showed exceptional responses to H2S over 8 magnitudes of dynamic range from 1 fM to 0.1 μM, with a remarkable detection limit of 1 fM, just using a 10 μL solution. This new H2S detection method has the potential to significantly improve bioassay platforms, and the hybrid small-molecule nano-arrays we developed could be a valuable tool for advancing signaling molecule detection.
Predictive Value of Non-High-Density to High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio for Coronary Heart Disease and Mortality in Adults
Authors: Xu Haibin , Liu Zhou , Yao Baohong , Xu Ziqi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Coronary heart disease (CHD) significantly impacts public health worldwide. Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are vital in lipid metabolism. The ratio of non-HDL-C to HDL-C (NHHR) may predict CHD and mortality.
Objective
This study investigates the relationship between NHHR and CHD incidence and its predictive value for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in adults.
Methods
Data were collected from NHANES (2005–2016), including participants aged 18–80 years. NHHR was calculated by dividing non-HDL-C by HDL-C. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models assessed associations between NHHR, CHD prevalence, and mortality outcomes.
Results
Higher NHHR levels were significantly associated with lower CHD prevalence in all adjusted models. The highest NHHR quartile showed the strongest inverse association with CHD prevalence (Model 3: Q4, OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.31–0.50, P < 0.0001). Higher NHHR quartiles also correlated with reduced all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risks. The restricted cubic spline analysis indicated a non-linear relationship, with the most significant protective effect at an NHHR value of approximately 3.
Conclusions
NHHR is a robust predictor of CHD and mortality. Incorporating NHHR into cardiovascular risk assessments could better identify high-risk individuals, guiding personalized prevention and treatment strategies.
Developing a deep learning model for predicting ovarian cancer in Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System Ultrasound (O-RADS US) Category 4 lesions: A multicenter study
Authors: Xie Wenting , Lin Wenjie , Li Ping , Lai Hongwei , Wang Zhilan , Liu Peizhong , Huang Yijun , Liu Yao , Tang Lina , Lyu Guorong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose To develop a deep learning (DL) model for differentiating between benign and malignant ovarian tumors of Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System Ultrasound (O-RADS US) Category 4 lesions, and validate its diagnostic performance. Methods A retrospective analysis of 1619 US images obtained from three centers from December 2014 to March 2023. DeepLabV3 and YOLOv8 were jointly used to segment, classify, and detect ovarian tumors. Precision and recall and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were employed to assess the model performance. Results A total of 519 patients (including 269 benign and 250 malignant masses) were enrolled in the study. The number of women included in the training, validation, and test cohorts was 426, 46, and 47, respectively. The detection models exhibited an average precision of 98.68% (95% CI: 0.95–0.99) for benign masses and 96.23% (95% CI: 0.92–0.98) for malignant masses. Moreover, in the training set, the AUC was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.94–0.97), whereas in the validation set, the AUC was 0.93(95% CI: 0.89–0.94) and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.91–0.96) in the test set. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values for the training set were 0.943,0.957,0.951,0.966, and 0.936, respectively, whereas those for the validation set were 0.905,0.935, 0.935,0.919, and 0.931, respectively. In addition, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the test set were 0.925, 0.955, 0.941, 0.956, and 0.927, respectively. Conclusion The constructed DL model exhibited high diagnostic performance in distinguishing benign and malignant ovarian tumors in O-RADS US category 4 lesions.
Evaluation of Ciliary Body Cysts in Candidates for Phakic Lens Implantation
Authors: Coc Ivana Romac , Armstrong Brian Kenny , Qadha Khalid , Pennington Natalya , John Terrence Lee St. , Kanwar Oshin , Navon Samuel E. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Phakic lens implantation in the ciliary sulcus of the eye can be complicated by coincident ciliary body cysts (CBC). We developed an ultrasound imaging and mapping protocol for these cysts.
Methods: This is a retrospective case series of all patients who underwent ICL workup at a single institution from April 2015 to October 2019. A standardized ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) imaging protocol was developed to screen for CBCs in either the ciliary body or sulcus. The locations and dimensions of all CBCs were graphically represented.
Results: The prevalence of CBCs in 158 patients undergoing ICL workup was 34.8 %. Among the 159 CBCs detected in 55 patients, 83 were in the sulcus (52 %) and 76 were restricted to the ciliary body (48%). ICLs were implanted in 40 eyes with CBCs and 3 eyes with CBCs located within the sulcus horizontally required ICL repositioning due to ICL rotation or iris chafing.
Conclusion: CBCs were incidentally found in 34.8% of patients undergoing ICL workup. ICL implantation was complicated in 3 of the eyes with CBCs in the horizontal sulcus. Although CBCs are not an absolute contraindication for ICL surgery, we recommend preoperative UBM screening of the ciliary sulcus.
Inhibition of miR-4763-3p expression in the brains of AD-MCI mice activates the PI3K/mTOR/Bcl2 autophagy signaling pathway to reverse neuronal loss and ameliorate cognitive decline
Authors: Qi Wenxin , Dong Naijun , WU Peiru , Fu Wenjun , Liu Qian , Zhang Xueqi , Wu Hao , He Xirui , Wu Lingling , Ward Natalie , Dong Xin , Liu Yihao , Zhao Robert Chunhua , Wang Jiao 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Cognitive decline and memory impairment are frequently observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and are closely associated with dysfunctional autophagy and neuroinflammation, which subsequently result in neuronal apoptosis and synaptic damage. Aberrant regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of AD and may play a pivotal role in the early stages of the disease.
Objectives
To examine the role of a miR-4763-3p antagomir in ameliorating cognitive decline in mild cognitive impairment (MCI)-AD mice and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved.
Methods
Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to demonstrate that miR-4763-3p is highly expressed in postmortem hippocampal tissue from AD patients and colocalizes with the Aβ and Tau proteins. Stereotactic injection of the miR-4763-3p antagomir and subsequent behavioral experiments revealed its ability to ameliorate cognitive decline in AD-MCI mice. RNA-seq, tissue staining, and SH-SY5Y cell experiments were used to explore specific molecular mechanisms and associated signaling pathways.
Results
The miR-4763-3p antagomir targeted ATP11A to enhance inward flipping of the "eat me" phosphatidylserine signal on the surface of neuronal cells, effectively alleviating brain inflammation and neuronal loss and improving synaptic morphology in AD-MCI mice. Furthermore, the miR-4763-3p antagomir increased autophagy in the early-stage AD-MCI brain, promoted the clearance of Aβ proteins, and reduced the deposition of lipofuscin. These findings confirm that miR-4763-3p targets ATP11A to regulate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/Bcl2 signaling pathway, thereby promoting neuronal autophagy and reducing apoptotic crosstalk.
Conclusions
The miR-4763-3p antagomir has the potential to reverse neuronal apoptosis and enhance autophagy levels, improving the inflammatory microenvironment in brain tissue and thus improving learning and memory in early-stage AD-MCI mice to mitigate cognitive decline. Our data offer a promising strategy for the treatment of AD-MCI patients.
Neuropsychological tests at the Italian Centers for Cognitive Disorders and Dementias: results from a survey on 450 specialized services
Authors: Vaccaro Roberta , Lorenzini Patrizia , Giaquinto Francesco , Matascioli Fabio , Carnevale Giulia , Sciancalepore Francesco , Gasparini Marina , Salvi Emanuela , Corbo Massimo , Locuratolo Nicoletta , Vanacore Nicola , Bacigalupo Ilaria , Group the Permanent Table of the National Dementia Plan Study , Group and the CCDDs Study 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
The Italian Fund for Alzheimer’s and other dementias approved in 2020 enabled the conducting of a survey in Italian CCDDs to analyse the organization, the administrative features and the professionals’ characteristics.
Aims
To investigate the current use of neuropsychological tests in Italian CCDD’s and the association between the use of a basic set of tests for neuropsychological assessment (NPA) and organizational/structural characteristics of CCDDs.
Methods
A survey was conducted with an online questionnaire in all CCDDs between July 2022 and February 2023. To verify the use of a comprehensive NPA in the diagnosis of cognitive disorders and dementia, we identified a minimum core test (MCT).
Results
The CCDDs using a Minimum Core Test (MCT) significantly increased from 45.7% in 2015 to the current 57.1%. Territorial CCDDs using MCT significantly increased from 24.9% in 2015 to 37% in 2022 (p = 0.004).
As multivariable results, the presence of psychologist/neuropsychologist in the staff and the University-based/IRCCS CCDDs increased the probability of using MCT (OR =9.2; CI 95% 5.6-15.0; p<0.001 and OR=5.4; CI 95% 1.9-15.9; p=0.002, respectively), while CCDDs in Southern Italy-Islands showed a lower probability than those in the North (OR = 0.4; CI95% 0.2-0.7; p=0.001).
Discussion
Almost half of CCDDs (43%) do not use MCT in their clinical practice. The presence of the psychologist/neuropsychologist in the staff have a key-role for the adoption of MCT and regional differences were increased over the past years. NPA is crucial in the diagnostic process and in characterizing risk profiles in order to implement targeted interventions for risk reduction.
Conclusions
Our results could help to identify good practices aimed at improving dementia diagnosis. An intervention by health policymakers is urgently needed with the aim of improving diagnostic appropriateness and overcome regional differences.
A new method for estimating recent adult mortality from summary sibling histories
Authors: Masquelier Bruno , Menashe-Oren Ashira , Reniers Georges , Timaeus Ian M. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background - In low- and middle-income countries with limited death registration statistics, adult mortality rates are commonly estimated through sibling survival histories (SSH). In full SSH, respondents are asked about either the age, or the age and time of death, of each of their siblings in turn. Full SSH allow direct mortality estimation but can be time-consuming to collect. In this study, we introduce a new indirect estimation method using summary SSH, requiring only a limited set of questions to produce recent mortality estimates.
Methods - We developed a set of 192 microsimulations representing a wide range of fertility and mortality patterns, and reconstructed summary SSH within these simulations as if they had been collected from adults aged 15-49. For each age group of respondents, we calculated coefficients that convert the proportion of adult siblings who died in the previous 5 years into age-specific mortality rates. We then evaluated the performance of this new method with real data, using 154 Demographic and Health Surveys.
Results - The new indirect method provides mortality rates that are consistent with direct estimates from full SSH. Across all DHS, the mean absolute percentage error in the risk of dying in adulthood (ages 15-49) is 6\% for both men and women. In all but one survey, 95% confidence intervals around the direct and indirect estimates overlap. As with direct estimates of adult mortality from SSH, the indirect estimates remain, however, lower than those of the Population Division of the United Nations.
Conclusions - Summary questions on sibling survival can be included in censuses and rapid turn-around surveys for the measurement of recent adult mortality.