bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A fine-grained image classification algorithm based on self-supervised learning and multi- feature fusion of blood cells
Authors: Jia Nan , Guo Jingxia , Li Yan , Tang Siyuan , Xu Li , Liu Liang , Xing Junfeng 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Leukemia is a prevalent and widespread blood disease, and its early diagnosis is crucial for effective patient treatment. Diagnosing leukemia types heavily relies on pathologists' morphological examination of blood cell images. However, this process is tedious and time-consuming, and the diagnostic results are subjective, leading to potential misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis. This paper proposes a blood cell image classification method that combines MAE with an enhanced Vision Transformer to tackle these challenges. Initially, pre-training occurs on two datasets, TMAMD and Red4, using the MAE self-supervised learning algorithm. Subsequently, the pre-training weights are transferred to our improved model.This paper introduces feature fusion of the outputs from each layer of the Transformer encoder to maximize the utilization of features extracted from lower layers, such as color, contour, and texture of blood cells, along with deeper semantic features. Furthermore, the dynamic margins for the subcenter Arcface Loss function are employed to enhance the model's fine-grained feature representation by achieving inter-class dispersion and intra-class aggregation. Models trained using our method achieved state-of-the-art results on both the TMAMD dataset and Red4 dataset, with classification accuracies of 93.51% and 81.41%, respectively. This achievement is expected to be a valuable reference for physicians in their clinical diagnoses.
Relation Between Outpatient Medical Expenses and Self-Rated Health in Patients With Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, and Diabetes Mellitus Covered by National Health Insurance
Authors: Kawasaki Sanai , Ohnishi Mayumi , Nakao Rieko , Kosaka Satoko , Kawasaki Ryoko 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: This study was performed to clarify the relations between subjective self-rated health and outpatient medical expenses as an objective measure in patients with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and/or diabetes mellitus.
Methods: We analyzed self-rated health of individuals aged 40–74 years in Unzen and Shimabara cities based on responses to the anonymous self-administered Nagasaki Prefectural Citizen’s Health Survey in 2021 along with data from the national health insurance database for both cities from fiscal year 2020.
Results: Data for 1395 respondents to the Nagasaki Prefectural Citizen’s Health Survey covered by national health insurance who incurred outpatient medical expenses in relation to hypertension, dyslipidemia, and/or diabetes mellitus were included in the study. In univariate analysis, outpatient medical expenses were significantly associated with self-rated health in the groups with one or two of the above diseases (χ test, both P < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis adjusted for measures of socioeconomic status, including age, sex, cohabitation/family structure, number of years of education, employment status, and subjective economic status, showed that poor self-rated health was significantly associated with high annual outpatient medical expenses of JPY 100,000 (~US $650).
or more in groups with one or two of the above diseases (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.60–3.61, AOR, 2.20, 95% CI, 1.41–3.43, respectively). In the one-disease cohort, having diabetes mellitus alone was significantly associated with higher outpatient medical expenses (AOR, 2.63, 95% CI, 1.50–4.63). In contrast, none of the conditions showed a significant association with higher outpatient medical expenses in the two-disease cohort.
Conclusions: Poor self-rated health was significantly associated with high outpatient medical expenses in the population covered by national health insurance with one or two of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and/or diabetes mellitus. These associations may have been influenced by the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the population.
Cost-effectiveness of Homocysteine Testing in Screening High-Risk Stroke Patients in China: A Markov Model Analysis
Authors: Meng Hua , Pan Ting , Pan Dongfeng , Chen Mingbo , Liu Zhuo , Geng Yuhui , Ma Xiaojuan , Liang Peifeng 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND：China has invested substantial resources in screening and intervening with people at high risk of stroke in the past decade. Surprisingly, the weighted prevalence of stroke has still increased, highlighting the necessity to explore more cost-effectiveness screening strategies.
METHODS：A decision tree-Markov model was used to evaluate the quality-adjusted life-year (QALY), costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of different screening strategies, including no screening, Homocysteine(Hcy) testing and “8+2” risk-scorecard with Hcy-testing. Screening frequencies were set at biennial, triennial, and lifetime intervals, with initial screening ages of 40, 50, 60, and 70 years.
RESULTS：The biennial Hcy testing had the highest ICER when the screening age was 40 and 50 years old, which were 3377.7 ￥/QALY and 944.6 ￥/QALY respectively. However, when the screening age was 60 and 70 years old, the biannual Hcy testing shows a reduced cost and increased effectiveness, the ICER were -2933.9￥/QALY and -2349.6￥/QALY respectively.
CONCLUSIONS：In China, the biannual “8+2” risk-scorecard combined with Hcy testing for screening high-risk stroke groups at ages 40 or 50 represents the most cost-effectiveness approach. For individuals aged 60 or 70, the biannual Hcy testing is the recommended strategy.
Association of Biological Ageing with All-Cause Mortality among Individuals with Tumors: a Cohort Study
Authors: Bu Qianqian , Zhou Changshun , Yao Yuan , Duan Dayue Darrel , Lu Sicheng , Cheng Haibo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
It is widely acknowledged that ageing is a major risk factor for the pathogenesis and development of tumors. But the association of biological ageing with tumors remains elusive. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate the association of biological ageing to all-cause mortality of individuals with tumors and the related risk factors.
Methods
A total of 37,465 participants were recruited from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1998 to 2018. DNAm PhenoAge (PhenoAge) and Klemera-Doubal method biological age (KDMAge) were selected as ageing biomarkers. The association was analyzed using multiple logistic regression models, Kaplan–Meier method and smooth curve fitting. Interaction tests were conducted to explore the effects of covariates on the association. ROC curves were plotted to quantify the efficacy of PhenoAge and KDMAge, and the area under the curve was calculated to assess their performance.
Results
A positive correlation between biological ageing and all-cause mortality among individuals with tumors was observed. The mortality risk of tumor was increased 22% and 72% correspondingly by each 1-year increase in PhenoAge and KDMAge acceleration. The HRs and 95% CIs were 1.22 (1.02, 1.46) and 1.72 (1.42, 2.08), respectively. Furthermore, this association was interfered by educational level, poverty-income ratio and cardiovascular disease status.
Conclusion
There exists a significant positive correlation between biological ageing and all-cause mortality of individuals with tumors. Educational level, poverty-income ratio and cardiovascular disease may be important interfering factors. This study provides novel insights into developing ageing-related biomarkers for individuals at high risk of tumors.
The Effects of a Novel Nutraceutical Composition Containing Coenzyme $Q_{10}$, Resveratrol, Extracts of Ginkgo biloba Leaf, Garlic Bulb, Red Yeast Rice, and Bovine Colostrum on heart dysfunction
Authors: Ma Sixi , Xiao Ying , Hu De , Yang Lili 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: With heart disease being the leading cause of death for people in the worldwide, cost-effective therapies supporting healthy heart function are highly needed. Heart dysfunction is the mani-festation of heart diseases. Inflammation, oxidative stress and hypercholesterolemia are risk factors in the pathogenesis of heart dysfunction. Many nutraceutical compositions containing Coenzyme Q10, resveratrol, extracts of Ginkgo biloba leaf, Garlic Bulb, red rice yeast, and bovine colostrum appear to have potential in improving heart dysfunction.
Objective: In the present study, we aimed to evaluate whether a new combination containing abovementioned nutraceuticals (Cardio) is protective against damage of heart function.
Methods: In this study, C57BL/6J mice were divided into control, high fat high cholesterol diet fed group (HFHC), and HFHC diet + Cardio (Cardio group). The mice were fed for 16 weeks. Plasma lipid levels, inflammation, oxidative damage, and pa-rameters of heart function were measured.
Results: Plasma lipid levels, inflammation, oxidative damage, and parameters of heart function were measured. Cardio treatment significantly inhibited hypercholesterolemia, reduced level of heart markers including LDH and CK, improved 1 heart function, and reduced HFHC diet induced increased levels of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-1β. Conclusion: Cardio has a protective effect on heart dysfunction, potentially by ameliorating hypercholesterolemia,
inflammation, and oxidative stress.
Development of a novel prediction model for carriage of BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant in Japanese patients with breast cancer based on Japanese Organization of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer registry data
Authors: Komatsu Nana , Chishima Takashi , Watanabe Chie , Taruno Kanae , Inuzuka Mayuko , Oshi Masanori , Arai Masami , Nakamura Seigo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose: With the increasing demand for BRCA genetic testing, most existing prediction models were developed using data from individuals of European descent. This study aimed to identify clinicopathological factors of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome and develop the first Japanese-specific prediction model for BRCA pathogenic variant carriers in Japan.
Methods: We utilized data from 3,072 Japanese patients with breast cancer aggregated by the Japanese Organization of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer registry. Prediction models were developed using 70% of the overall dataset and validated using the remaining 30%. Factors associated with the BRCA pathogenic variant status were identified using logistic univariate analysis, and significant factors were further analyzed using logistic multivariate analysis to develop prediction models for BRCA1/2 (BRCA1 and/or BRCA2), BRCA1, and BRCA2 pathogenic variants.
Results: BRCA1showed associations with aggressive clinicopathologicalfactors such as triple-negative breast cancer and nuclear grade 3. Moreover, the prediction model showed a high area under the curve (AUC) of 0.879. By contrast, BRCA2 exhibited fewer characteristic associated factors, and the AUC of the model was 0.669. Common factors shared by BRCA1/2, BRCA1, and BRCA2 were the age at diagnosis of breast cancer and the youngest age of relatives with breast cancer. Consistent with previous research, early-onset breast cancer appeared to be strongly associated with HBOC.
Conclusion: We successfully developed prediction models for BRCA1/2, BRCA1, and BRCA2pathogenic variants. By accurately stratifying patients’ risk and guiding targeted screening and preventative interventions, these models will contribute to improved management and outcomes of HBOC.
Surgical outcome comparison between partial nephrectomy and radical nephrectomy for T1 papillary and chromophobe renal cell carcinomas
Authors: Deng Piye , Xu Haozhe , Xing Zhuo , Deng Haitao , Li Zhi , Deng Xu , Li Yuan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Papillary renal cell carcinomas (pRCCs) and chromophobe renal cell carcinomas (chRCCs) are the two most prevalent subtypes of non-clear cell renal cell carcinomas (nccRCCs). As most current studies comparing partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN) predominantly concentrate on clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCCs), it is imperative to conduct an independent analysis of nccRCCs to avoid potential effects from a substantial number of ccRCC samples. This study was designed to compare the oncological outcomes of PN and RN when treating pRCC and chRCC subgroups.
Methods
A total of 320 patients from three urological surgery centers who met the criteria were enrolled in the study. Overlap weighting (OW) was used to balance confounding factors between groups. The Kaplan–Meier analysis and multivariate Cox regression model were used to assess the prognosis.
Results
In the overall cohort, after OW adjustment, the 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS), 5-year metastasis-free survival (MFS), and 5-year overall survival (OS) for patients who underwent RN and PN were 97.1% and 97.8%, 91.6% and 89.6%, 93.7% and 91.6%, respectively. Multivariable Cox regression analysis indicated there was no significant difference in RFS, MFS, and OS between RN and PN, same results were also noted in both the pRCC and chRCC cohorts.
Conclusions
Our results indicated that PN resulted in oncological outcomes equivalent to RN in cT1-pRCC and chRCC patients. If PN is challenging, opting for RN does not compromise patient OS, RFS, and MFS.
Advancing Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment: A Case Series on Pemetrexed Intrathecal Chemotherapy Monitored Through Circulating Tumor DNA in Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Hong Weiping , Wen Lei , Yang Yanying , Wang Hui , Hu Qingjun , Liang Chuqiao , Hong Xiaoyu , Zhen Junjie , Lai Mingyao , Li Juan , Cai Linbo , Shan Changguo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Intrathecal pemetrexed (IP) treatment represents a promising approach for managing leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) in cancer patients. However, a standardized and measurable method to evaluate the efficacy of IP for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with LM is currently lacking. This report describes three NSCLC-LM cases treated with IP following progression with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) alone. We observed their responses through next-generation sequencing (NGS) of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) extracted from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The outcomes were favorable for patient 1 and 2, whereas patient 3 experienced a relapse. Notably, changes in the allele frequency (AF) of ctDNA mutations corresponded with clinical outcomes across these patients, which were also corroborated by multiple traditional clinical markers. This observation is significant, particularly in patient 3, where ctDNA monitoring effectively described the patient's temporary improvement followed by deterioration. Furthermore, in patient 2, the transition from a positive to a negative cytological test, alongside persistent positive NGS results, underscores the higher sensitivity of NGS compared to conventional cytological analysis. This suggests that longitudinal ctDNA monitoring using CSF samples may serve as an effective and independent method for assessing and dynamically tracking the response to IP treatment in NSCLC-LM patients. This approach has the potential to refine therapeutic strategies and improve patient outcomes.
Simulation of interaction between modified polysulfone membrane surface and blood protein interface
Authors: Yan Sheng , Qiu Yun-Ren 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In this study, the adsorption mechanism of protein on functionalized modified polysulfone membrane was investigated by molecular dynamics method (MD). The interaction between different functionalized membrane surfaces and protein adsorption was revealed. The modified polysulfone membranes with different end-group chemical functional groups were prepared by chemical synthesis method. The orientation and spatial conformation changes of protein adsorption at molecular level were investigated by theoretical analysis, basic experiment and MD simulation. The results showed that BSA exhibited different variability and adsorption properties on the membrane modified with different functional groups. On the positively charged surface, BSA exhibits the most unstable configurational stability and is prone to non-specific structural changes. In addition, the surface charge effect leads to electrostatic repulsion between BSA, reducing the number of protein adsorption sites, which is consistent with the simulation and experimental characterization results. These MD simulation results are consistent with the experimental results, and provide a new design idea and support for the modification of blood compatible membrane materials.
Medical-elderly care integrated institutions managers' perspectives in China on the operational issues of their facilities: A qualitative study
Authors: Zhang Juxia , Wang Jing , Wang Yunhua , Meng Hongyan , Zhang Rong , Feng Yuping , Wang Jiancheng 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background In China, institutions that medical-elderly care integrated have mushroomed due to the aging population of the nation. Nonetheless, the perspectives of managers at medical-elderly care integrated institutions regarding operational matters are still not fully defined. The aim of this study is to investigate the viewpoints of managers working in medical-elderly care integrated facilities in China concerning the problems and difficulties they encounter on a daily basis. Methods In this paper, the interpretive phenomenological analysis method of qualitative study was used to initiate; face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with managers of 29 medical-elderly care integrated institutions in seven cities in Gansu Province applying the semi-structured interview method. Results A total of four main themes were found: (1) Low quality of healthcare services; (2) Scarce workforce of healthcare professionals; (3) Inadequate guarantee of healthcare resources; and (4) Future operation plan and recommendations. Conclusions This study demonstrates the range of difficulties encountered by medical-elderly care integrated institutions in their operations, including poor service delivery, a talent deficit, and inadequate funding. A thorough management and oversight system must be constructed to keep an eye on how institutions are run and guarantee the caliber of services they offer. In addition to increasing financial and policy assistance, the government need to to assume greater accountability for overseeing the administration and operation of medical-elderly care integrated institutions. The problem of population aging and the growth of the elderly care industry demand the contributions and efforts of society as a whole, as does the functioning of medical-elderly care integrated institutions, which require the participation of multiple social forces.
Copper tungstate assisted photocatalytic degradation of Industrial (dye and pharmaceutical) products in water
Authors: Vadivel Dhanalakshmi , García Jessica , Dondi Daniele 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The contamination of ecosystems, specifically water, has emerged as a substantial concern in recent decades. This is mostly owing to the extensive growth of large industries that have provided societal advantages but are also imposing adverse effects on the environment. Azure A (AA) and Azure B (AB) are the cationic dyes commonly employed in industrial, and biomedical fields as intermediates in the production of several pharmaceuticals, as mediators for electrochemical biosensing, and indigo carmine (IC) is an anionic dye used in the textile industry for dyeing. Micropollutants, including the pharmaceutical, propranolol hydrochloride (β-blocker) (PPH) are the pollutants in the subject of discussion. In this research article, CuWO4 catalyst (green catalyst) is used to alleviate the impact of the environment on its ecosystem as a photocatalyst with ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of pollutants (AA, AB, and PPH). For the analysis of pollutants, decomposition, UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy, and High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) are employed. This work demonstrates the promise of nanomaterial-based photocatalysis as a viable and effective method for sustainably tackling water pollution.
The Impact of Interactions between the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Its Related Systems on Typhoon Activity in the Northwest Pacific on a Centennial Scale
Authors: Chai Boyu , Xu Feng 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the correlation between the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and related variables (such as sea surface temperature (SST), radiation, etc.) in the tropical Pacific region over a long timescale from 1884 to 2019, and their impact on typhoon activity in the Northwest Pacific. The research employs methods including composite analysis, complex empirical orthogonal function (CEOF) analysis, self-organizing map (SOM) cluster analysis, and correlation analysis. The findings reveal: (1) When El Niño or La Niña events occur, the variations in the sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) and sea level pressure anomaly (SLPA) in the tropical Pacific are not always consistent. Their combined changes significantly influence typhoon activity. Regions with higher SST and lower sea level pressure (SLP) are more prone to typhoon activity. Typhoons originating in the open ocean have a larger variance in their impact on land, compared to those originating near the coast. (2) El Niño years are more conducive to the genesis of typhoons in the open ocean, with increased typhoon activity in the Asian interior, Japan, and the Beibu Gulf, and longer average typhoon paths. Conversely, La Niña years favor coastal typhoon genesis, with increased typhoon activity in northeastern China, the East China Sea, and the southern coastal regions, and shorter average typhoon paths. (3) Near the coast, the correlation between specific humidity and typhoon frequency is stronger than in the open ocean. In the open ocean, the correlation between sea surface downward longwave radiation (SDLR) and typhoon frequency is stronger than near the coast. This is because strong SDLR in the open ocean provides more energy at the sea surface in typhoon genesis regions, thereby promoting typhoon activity. The relationship between average vertical wind shear in large-scale circulation and typhoon activity shows a positive-negative alternating distribution from south to north.
Optimizing Production Possibilities: A Time-Based Analysis
Authors: Namin Mahnaz Ahadzadeh , Allahviranloo Tofigh , Lotfi Farhad Hosseinzadeh , Shahriari Mohammadreza 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In the contemporary business environment, a comprehensive evaluation of a company's economic activities within a specific time frame is essential for managers and experts. A company's performance is influenced not only by its current economic status but also by its activities during the given period. While numerous studies have examined the progress and regression of units over two consecutive periods, this research focuses on classifying units within a single period. The significance of this study lies in its potential to assist investors in selecting the most suitable products to include in their portfolios. By categorizing products within a defined period, investors can make well-informed decisions. To accomplish this objective, the research introduces the concept of the production possibilities set within a specific time frame. Subsequently, a proposed method is employed to classify the units. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through its application in classifying active industries in the Iranian Petrochemical Exchange, providing a practical illustration of its real-world implementation.