bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Repeatability analysis of cardiac function parameters in gated SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging
Authors: Huang Yunxia , Wan Qichang , Yang Shijian , Wang Zhongling , Ye Ruxian , Xu Miaoyu , Zhou Hui , Chen Rongjun , Guan Xiuhong , Li Guangming , Wang Ziyan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is a non-invasive method used to detect myocardial ischemia, which helps assess left ventricular function when used in conjunction with electrocardiogram gating. While quantitative analysis software greatly improves diagnostic precision in cardiology, it can still be affected by variations in operator technique.
Purpose: To assess the reproducibility of cardiac function parameters in gated SPECT MPI.
Methods: Two nuclear medicine doctors with over 3 years of experience in SPECT/CT image reading independently utilized 4DM software to measure left ventricular function parameters with the ROI delineation method recommended by the manufacturer. Initial measurements were conducted, followed by a re-measurement after one week. Measurement results obtained by the same physician during both sessions were categorized as ‘within-investigator’ consistency, while those acquired by different physicians were designated as ‘between-investigators’ consistency.
Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were employed to evaluate consistency. Furthermore, Bland-Altman analysis was conducted to examine the agreement in discrepancies among different indicators. Simultaneously, the least significant changes (LSCs) and reproducibility of gated SPECT MPI were calculated and measured.
Results: The intra-observer ICC values of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), and summed stress score (SSS)/summed rest score (SRS) were 0.973-0.978, 0.995-0.997, 0.983-0.988, and 0.976-0.991, respectively. The inter-observer ICC values were 0.954-0.973, 0.990-0.997, 0.973-0.991, and 0.976-0.992, respectively. Gated SPECT MPI measured by Observer 1 and Observer 2 showed very high consistency in measuring LVEF, EDV, ESV, and SSS/SRS. The results of reproducibility assessment showed that the root-mean-square standard deviation (SDRMS) of LVEF, EDV, ESV, and SSS/SRS were 1.86-2.20%, 1.16-1.27%, 0.94-1.17%, and 0.56-0.92%, respectively. The corresponding LSCs were 5.15-6.10%, 3.22-3.53%, 2.62-3.16%, and 1.54-2.54%, respectively.
Conclusions: The region of interest (ROI) delineation method recommended by the device manufacturer was adopted and employed uniformly in the medical team to benefit from the repeatability measurement of cardiac function parameters in gated SPECT MPI. In addition, basic tests such as LSCs and reproducibility can be included in the quality assurance plan, which can be conducted regularly. Consequently, every medical department can establish its control framework through these fundamental experiments.
The Impact of Exosomes Derived from B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia as a Growth Factor on Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Amirpour Mozhgan , Kuhestani Hoda , Kheyrandish Setare , Hajipirloo Laya Khodayi , Khaffafpour Zahra , Allahbakhshian-Farsani Mehdi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
The incidence of various types of cancers, including leukemia, is on the rise and many challenges in both drug resistance and complications related to chemotherapy appeared. Recently, the development and application of extracellular vesicles (EV) such as exosomes in the management of cancers, especially leukemia, holds great significance.
Aim
In this article, we extracted exosomes from NALM6 cells and assessed their regulatory effects on proliferation and apoptosis in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
Method
We first verified the exosomes using various techniques, including flow cytometry, transient electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and BCA protein assay. Then MTT analysis and flowcytometry (apoptosis and cell cycle assay) besides gene expressions were employed to determine the state of MSC proliferations.
Result
The results indicated that exosome-specific pan markers like CD9, CD63, and CD81 were present. Through DLS, we found out that the mean size of the exosomes was 89.68 nm. The protein content was determined to be 956.292 µg/ml. Analysis of MTT, flow cytometry (cell cycle and apoptosis assay), and RT-qPCR showed that in the dose of 50 µg/ml the proliferation of MSCs was increased significantly (p-value < 0.05).
Conclusion
All these data showed that exosomes use several signaling pathways to increase the MSCs’ proliferation and drug resistance, ultimately leading to high mortalities and morbidities of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Is it worth trying? A cross-sectional study on the implementation of point-of-care ultrasound in Hungarian primary care
Authors: Kiss-Kovács Róbert , Morvai-Illés Blanka , Varga Albert , Ágoston Gergely 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Although the number of point-of-care ultrasound devices available in Hungarian primary care practices are increasing due to government funding, their use in day-to-day patient care is limited and unregulated. Our study aimed to evaluate the attitudes and needs of general practitioners (GPs) and patients in Hungary regarding the introduction of bedside ultrasonography in primary care practices.
Methods
As a part of a cross-sectional study, an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to GPs and patients on a social media platform. Data collection was carried out from August 2023 to October 2023. Chi-square test was used to determine the associations between patient groups and categorical variables.
Results
The survey was completed by 415 GPs (mean age 53.8 ± 11.1 years, 54.9% female, mean 19.5 ± 11.9 years of practice) and 693 patients (mean age 45.5 ± 12.3 years, 95.2% female). There was a statistically significant increase in interest in PoCUS among young and middle-aged GPs (age 28–59; p = 0.02). In addition, this population of GPs was also more likely to undertake training in PoCUS than their older colleagues (p < 0.0001). A significant inverse correlation was found between the duration of practice and training willingness (p = 0.0011). Even with the government's financial support, only 8.2% of GPs currently use PoCUS in a daily basis, and 59.5% of GPs are unfamiliar with the indications and the ways of using it. Patients would even pay to have the examination done in a primary care setting, even though only 45.9% of patients would pay a GP who is not certified in PoCUS, but the willingness to pay increased to 99.4% for those with formal training (p = 0.024).
Conclusion
Our findings indicate a significant interest in adapting PoCUS in primary care from both GPs and patients. Based on the fact that a significant proportion of Hungarian GPs are unaware of PoCUS and its indications, it is particularly important to develop educational frameworks, and practical guidelines for the effective incorporation of PoCUS in Hungary.
Survivability and Life Support in Sealed Mini-Ecosystems with Simulated Planetary Soils
Authors: Sato Tsubasa , Abe Ko , Koseki Jun , Seto Mayumi , Yokoyama Jun , Akashi Tomohiro , Terada Masahiro , Kadowaki Kohmei , Yoshida Satoshi , Yamashiki Yosuke Alexandre , Shimamura Teppei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Establishing a sustainable life-support system for space exploration is challenging due to the vast distances, costs, and differing environments from Earth. Using insights from the Biosphere 2 experiment, we introduced the "Ecosphere" and "Biosealed" systems in custom containers to replicate Earth's ecosystems, suggesting feasible space migration through transplanting Earth-like biomes.
Over four years, we gained deeper insights into these enclosed ecosystems. Moisture deficiency was a major obstacle to plant growth, which we addressed by incorporating a groundwater layer in the containers. We underscored the critical role of microorganisms in building and sustaining these ecosystems. However, temperature spikes from sunlight threatened stability. Our experiments confirmed fruit flies' survival on plant-produced oxygen and photosynthetic bacteria. Interactions between plants, microbes, and simulated space soils were examined. Detailed analysis unveiled diverse microbes shaping both confined and simulated space environments. Major findings include the symbiotic relationship of plants with cyanobacteria, the potential of LED lighting in sun-limited missions, and challenges with ethylene gas and moisture. Microbial integration in rough soils holds promise for seed germination, but understanding their role in space soils is crucial.
Our research offers a comprehensive foundation for future space life-support systems and underlines potential concerns about microbes affecting human health.
Evaluation of the dental clinics’ function based on the checklist dental services in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Parviz Nastaran , Momeni Zahra , Mirshamsi Hamid , Elyasifard Mohammad 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Introduction:
The risk of transmitting COVID-19 during dental procedures is one of the main concerns in dentistry. Given the rapid spread of the disease, the most effective way to prevent infection is to break the chain of disease transmission. The Alborz University of Medical Sciences developed and published a checklist of 46 items during the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020. This study aimed to evaluate the principles of infection control in centers providing dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic based on the checklist prepared by Alborz University of Medical Sciences in Karaj, Iran.
Method
In this cross-sectional study, the number of 76 active dental clinics in the Alborz province was evaluated. The review began in June 2020 and the checklist was completed by the Alborz University of Medical Sciences team for each clinic while either the clinic manager or the clinic’s infection control team was present. Then, the adherence to the protocol was evaluated.
Results
Based on achieving at least 50% of the checklist score, clinics were divided into two groups: adherents and non-adherents. Out of a total of 76 clinics, 66 clinics (86/8%) followed the protocol. The highest level of adherence was related to principle number 12 (employees' restrooms are separate from patients') by a frequency of 81.6%. The lowest level was related to principle number 18 (the suspected or infected COVID-19 patients' triage and referral chart is visible to the reception personnel, and the triage is performed according to the protocol) by a frequency of 32.9%.
Conclusion
The results showed that most clinics followed the COVID-19 Dental Services protocol relatively well. Given the high rate of COVID-19 transmission, especially in its mutated strains, increasing the adherence level of dental clinics can be a valuable step toward reducing the transmission cycle of this disease. More frequent reviews of clinics, as well as referring non-relevant clinics to legal institutions could potentially help to reduce COVID-19 transmission, potentially.
Electroacupuncture Alleviates Paclitaxel-induced Peripheral Neuropathy by Reducing CCL2-mediated Macrophage Infiltration in Sensory Ganglia and Sciatic Nerve
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Xu Ruoyao , Chen Muyan , Zheng Kaige , Nie Huimin , Yin Chengyu , Liu Boyu , Tai Yan , Du Junying , Wang Jie , Fang Jianqiao , Liu Boyi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) is a common side effect accompanying paclitaxel chemotherapy, resulting in sensory abnormality and neuropathic pain. Conventional medications lack effectiveness on PIPN. Clinical trials identified beneficial effects of acupuncture on PIPN among patients receiving chemotherapy. Here we explored the mechanisms underlying how acupuncture might alleviate PIPN.
Methods: A mouse model of PIPN was established by repeated paclitaxel application. Electroacupuncture (EA) was applied at ST36 and BL60 acupoints of model mice. Immunostaining, flow cytometry, behavioral assay, in vivoimaging were utilized.
Results: EA ameliorated mechanical and cold pain hypersensitivities, reduced sensory neuron damage and improved loss in intra-epidermal nerve fibers (IENFs) in model mice. Macrophage infiltration was observed in DRG and sciatic nerve of model mice, which was reduced by EA. EA affected M1-like pro-inflammatory macrophage infiltration in DRG, whereas it did not affect M2-like macrophages. DRG neurons released chemoattractant CCL2 that recruited macrophages via CCR2 to DRG. EA reduced CCL2 overproduction by DRG neurons and reduced macrophage infiltration. Blocking CCR2 mimicked EA’s anti-allodynic effect, whereas exogenously applying CCL2 reversed ameliorating effect of EA on macrophage infiltration and abolished EA’s anti-allodynia on model mice. EA ameliorated other signs of PIPN, including sensory neuron damage, sciatic nerve morphology impairment and IENFs loss. In mice inoculated with breast cancer cells, EA didn’t affect paclitaxel-induced antitumor effect.
Conclusions: These findings suggest EA alleviates PIPN by reducing pro-inflammatory macrophage infiltration in sensory ganglia and sciatic nerve. Our study supports acupuncture to be used as a non-pharmacological therapy for PIPN.
Pre-treatment Contrast-enhanced Cone Beam Breast CT Imaging Features Combining with Clinicopathological Characteristics to Predict the Response of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: A Preliminary Feasibility Study
Authors: Wang Yafei , Ma Yue , Wang Fang , Liu Aidi , Zhao Mengran , Bian Keyi , Zhu Yueqiang , Yin Lu , Ye Zhaoxiang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
To explore the association between pre-treatment contrast-enhanced cone beam breast CT (CE-CBBCT) imaging features and pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), and to develop a predictive nomogram combining with clinicopathological characteristics.
Methods
A total of 183 female patients with stage II or III breast cancer underwent CE-CBBCT before NAC followed by surgery between August 2020 and September 2023 were enrolled, whose CE-CBBCT images and clinicopathological records were reviewed. All patients were randomly divided into the development cohort (n = 128) and the validation cohort (n = 55) at a ratio of 7:3. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis were performed to identify the independent factors associated with pCR in the development cohort. A nomogram was developed based on the combined model, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA) curves were used to evaluate and validate the predictive ability of the nomogram in the two cohorts.
Results
Univariate analysis showed that margin of mass (p = 0.018), distribution (p = 0.046) and morphology (p = 0.014) of calcifications, adjacent vessel sign (AVS, p = 0.001), molecular subtypes (p = 0.000), proportion of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs, p = 0.000), and CA125 (p = 0.018) were all associated with pCR. In multivariate analyses, linear or segmental distribution of calcifications (odds ratio, OR = 6.06), AVS-positivity (OR = 0.11), HER2 enriched (OR = 10.34), TILs (OR = 1.06), and CA125 (OR = 0.93) were independent factors in the combined model. The predictive ability of the combined model (area under curve, AUC = 0.886) was superior to the clinicopathological model (AUC = 0.804; p = 0.014) and CE-CBBCT imaging model (AUC = 0.812; p = 0.047). The nomogram based on the combined model showed good discrimination (AUC: 0.886 vs. 0.820; p = 0.333) and calibration abilities (p value: 0.997 vs. 0.147) in the development and the validation cohort.
Conclusion
A nomogram based on pre-treatment CE-CBBCT features combining with clinicopathological characteristics is feasible and reliable for the prediction of pCR, which could contribute to the realization of clinical individualized therapy.
A in vitro study comparing Digital Periapical Radiography and Cone Beam Computed Tomography for detecting root resorption in primary molars: a pediatric dentistry perspective
Authors: Seára Juliana Nicolau , Dotto Maria Eduarda Paz , Corrêa Leticia Ruhland , Corrêa Marcio , de Freitas Sérgio F Torres , Cardoso Mariane , Bolan Michele 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was compare the accuracy of digital periapical radiography (DPR) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in detecting root resorption in primary molars.Materials and Methods The sample was composed of 43 upper and lower primary molars, with and without root resorption. The teeth were placed in a dry human skull to obtain images using both digital radiography and tomography. A calibrated examiner interpreted the radiographic images initially and examined the tomographic images after seven days to identify the presence of root resorption. The examiner repeated the procedure two weeks after the initial assessment. The intra-examiner agreement was estimated using the Kappa test. A Kappa value of 0.84 was obtained for the radiographic and tomographic assessments.Results A statistically significant difference was found between CBCT and DPR in relation to the distal root of lower teeth (p = 0.03) and the palatal root of upper teeth (p = 0.05). The sensibility and specificity values for CBCT were 73.8% and 70.5%, respectively, and for DPR were 52.1% and 65.5%.Conclusion This study showed that CBCT radiographic technique demonstrated higher accuracy, sensitivity and specificity compared to DPR for detecting root resorption in primary molars.Clinical Relevance: The CBCT radiographic technique has shown superior accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity when compared to DPR in detecting root resorption in primary molars, highlighting it the potential of CBCT as a more dependable diagnostic tool for identifying such pathologies emphasizing its clinical significance in pediatric dentistry.
Quantitative analysis of rockburst risk based on the inversion of source parameters and determination of regional stress for micro-earthquakes
Authors: Chen Dong , Wang En-yuan , Jia Hai-shan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In order to achieve quantitative analysis of rockburst risk in coal mine, multi source monitoring information of micro-earthquakes needs to be deeply mined. In accordance with the microseismic data collected from the 1366 workface of the Hengda Coal Mine, precise source location, source parameters inversion, and regional stress determination of the workface are carried out. The accurate location technology is proposed, the evolution law of the source parameters are determined, and the regions of stress concentration are determined based on the seismic wave CT technology. Based on this, the reasonable and effective measures of stress relief are put forward. The results show that: (1) The precise source location of micro-earthquakes in the workface is determined based on the combined location method of simplex and double difference; (2) Based on the exact source location, microseismic source parameters such as energy, stress drop, apparent stress, and mean slip are retrieved, and to determine the source properties of a microseismic event, such as energy size and stress state, the evolution laws of the source parameters are analyzed; (3) Based on the seismic wave CT, the stress distribution in different regions was determined, and the regions of stress concentration were defined; (4) According to the microseismic frequency, energy and stress distribution, the dangerous area of the workface is accurately judged, and the reasonable and effective measures of stress relief are proposed for the prevention of rock bursts. Based on the in-depth analysis of multi-source monitoring information of micro-earthquakes in 1366 workface of Hengda Coal Mine, the risk of rockburst was effectively and quantitatively assessed and the safety of coal mine operation process is ensured.
Study on the effects of rapamycin and the mTORC1/2 dual inhibitor OSI-027 on the metabolism of colon cancer cells based on UPLC-MS/MS metabolomics
Authors: Fan Kai , Wang Yueyuan , Bian Jiangyujing , Sun Yewen , Dou Jiaqi , Pan Jie , Yu Yunli 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The dual inhibitor of mTORC1/2, OSI-027, shows promising potential compared to the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin. However, their metabolic impacts on colon cancer cells remain unexplored. We conducted a comparative analysis of the anti-proliferative effects of rapamycin and the novel OSI-027 in colon cancer cells HCT-116, evaluating their metabolic influences through ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Our results demonstrate that OSI-027 more effectively inhibits colon cancer cell proliferation than rapamycin. Additionally, we identified nearly 600 metabolites from the spectra, revealing significant differences in metabolic patterns between cells treated with OSI-027 and rapamycin. Through VIP value screening, we pinpointed crucial metabolites contributing to these distinctions. While both OSI-027 and rapamycin significantly affect amino acid metabolism, OSI-027 appears to be particularly potent in altering glucose metabolism and energy metabolism. These findings address the knowledge gap regarding mTORC1/2 dual inhibitors and lay a foundation for their further development and research.
Designing efficient materials for high-performance of non-fullerene organic solar cells through side-chain engineering on DBT-4F derivatives by non-fused-ring electron acceptors
Authors: Raza Ahmad , Ans Muhammad , Khera Rasheed Ahmad 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In this study, the end-capped engineering is carried out on DBT-4F (R) by modifying terminal acceptors to improve optoelectronic and photovoltaic attributes. Seven molecules (AD1-AD7) are modeled using different push-pull acceptors. DFT/B3LYP/6-31G along with its time-dependent approach (TD-DFT) are on a payroll to investigate ground state geometries, absorption maxima (λmax), energy gap (Eg), excitation energy (Ex), internal reorganization energy, light harvesting efficiency (LHE), dielectric constant, open circuit voltage (VOC), fill factor (FF), etc. of OSCs. AD1 displayed the lowest band gap (1.76 eV), highest λmax (876 nm), lowest Ex (1.41 eV), and lowest binding energy (0.21 eV). Among various calculated parameters, all of the sketched molecules demonstrated greater dielectric constant when compared to R. The highest dielectric constant was exhibited by AD3 (56.26). AD5 exhibited maximum LHE (0.9980). Lower reorganization energies demonstrated improved charge mobility. AD5 and AD7 (1.63 and 1.68 eV) have higher values of VOC than R (1.51 eV). All novel molecules having outperforming attributes will be better candidates to enhance the efficacy of OSCs for future use.