bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiomics-Based Prediction of Breast Cancer Recurrence, Metastasis, and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Zhao Xiaohui , Zeng Jiale , Wang Zairui , Guan Lin , Aikula Gulizhareye , Luo Ting , Xu Ya , Liu Yantong , Qiu Yuting , Jin Shaoqiao , Fu Liren , Liu Shijie , Bi Zhuofei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To construct a prognostic framework utilizing preoperative MRI derived radiomics and clinical characteristics in the early prediction of recurrence and metastasis for breast cancer patients.
Methods
In this retrospective study, breast cancer patients with preoperative MR scans were analyzed. Radiomic features from T2WI, CE-T1WI, and DWI were extracted and refined using ICC analysis and LASSO method. Clinical characteristics were selected via univariate logistic regression. Clinical model, radiomic model, clinical-radiomics score model were constructed using multivariate logistic regression. Model performance was evaluated using AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, with AUC comparisons via the DeLong test. Calibration curves and decision curves assessed model fit and clinical benefit, respectively. The log-rank test was used for disease-free survival analysis.
Results
The study comprised a total of 153 patients, with 109 patients assigned to the training group and 44 patients assigned to the test set. The clinical-radiomics score model demonstrated superior performance compared to the clinical model (AUC = 0.97 vs. 0.74 for the training cohort, p < 0.001; AUC = 0.87 vs. 0.66 for the test cohort, p = 0.011). The radiomics model demonstrated superior performance compared to the clinical model, with an AUC of 0.97 versus 0.74 in the training cohort (p < 0.001), and an AUC of 0.86 versus 0.66 in the test cohort (p = 0.046). However, there was no significant advantage observed when combining the clinical and radiomics scores, as the AUC remained at 0.97 for the training cohort (p < 0.504) and 0.87 for the test cohort (p = 0.614) when compared to the radiomics model alone. The log-rank test demonstrated that, according to the clinical-radiomics score model, the groups predicted to be at high risk of recurrence and metastasis exhibited significantly shorter disease-free survival compared to those in the low-risk groups (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
The prognostic model presented in this research exhibits remarkable accuracy in detecting high-risk recurrence and metastasis among breast cancer patients, thus laying the groundwork for the implementation of individualized treatment protocols in breast cancer care.
Protective potential of microencapsulated recombinant staphylococcal enterotoxin-C in a murine staphylococcal mastitis model
Authors: Deepak D. , Preena P. , Vaidya R. , Ali S. A. , Boby N. , Pati B. K. , De U. K. , Verma M.R. , Sahoo Monalisa , Chaudhury Pallab , Mukherjee Reena 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Mastitis is inflammation of the mammary gland and is considered an economically important disease of the dairy industry. S. aureus is the contagious pathogen involved in both subclinical and clinical mastitis in dairy cows. Due to the hardy nature of S. aureus and the emergence of multi-drug resistant S. aureus, the chance of treatment failure in infections is relatively high. Hence, it is generally accepted that antibiotics alone cannot solve the overall therapeutic dilemma, and other treatment modalities, such as vaccines or immunotherapies, are urgently needed. Staphylococcal enterotoxin type C (SEC) is one of the most important immunogenic determinants among the different enterotoxins and is invariantly expressed by bovine isolates of S. aureus. In the present study, we examined whether recombinant staphylococcal enterotoxin C (rSEC) protein encapsulated in poly lactide-co-glycolide microparticles (PLGA) can be used for active immunization against staphylococcal mastitis in a murine model. Adult Swiss albino female mice (n = 6) were allotted into five groups for immunization in a prime-boost regimen: (1) control group (sterile PBS); (2) rSEC-PLGA group; (3) bacterin group; (4) PLGA group; and (5) rSEC group. The immunoglobulin G titre in serum was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the PLGA-rSEC group than in the bacterin group. Furthermore, male and female mice (1:3 ratio) were cohabitated after the second immunization to ensure impregnation of the female mice for intramammary bacterial challenge. Three days postpartum, immunized lactating mice were challenged with 107 colony forming units (CFUs) of β-hemolytic coagulase positive S. aureus in the mammary ducts. The protective mechanism of PLGA-encapsulated rSEC against intramammary challenge of S. aureus was evaluated using S. aureus-specific IgG, IL-10, CRP, bacterial load and histopathology. PLGA-rSEC exhibited a strong immune response against S. aureus and could therefore be a promising vaccine candidate against S. aureus bovine mastitis.
Radiomics of voxel-wise DCE-MRI time-intensity-curve profile map enable quantitative assessment of temporal and spatial hemodynamic heterogeneity within breast lesions
Authors: Liu Zhou , Wang Meng , Sun Meng , Yao Bingyu , Ren Ya , Wen Jie , Yang Qian , Qian Long , Cui Wei , Luo Dehong , Zhang Na 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
To investigate the usefulness of radiomics analysis based on voxel-wise mapping of DCE-MRI time-intensity-curve (TIC) profiles in quantifying temporal and spatial hemodynamic heterogeneity.
Methods
From December 2018 to August 2022, 428 patients with 639 breast lesions were retrospectively enrolled. The TIC profile of each voxel within the manually segmented 3D lesion was categorized into 19 subtypes based on wash-in rate (nonenhanced, slow, medium, and fast), wash-out enhancement (persistent, plateau, and decline), and wash-out stability (steady and unsteady). Three feature sets were calculated separately, including composition ratio (type-19) and radiomics features (type-19-radiomics) of 19 TIC profile subtypes, and radiomics features based on third-phase DCE-MRI images (phase-3-radiomics). Using support vector machine, four models (type-19, type-19-radiomics, type-19-combined, and phase-3-radiomics) were constructed to distinguish benign and malignant breast lesions.
Results
In differentiating benign and malignant lesions, both cross-validation and independent testing showed that type-19-combined model significantly outperformed phase-3-radiomics model (AUC = 0.906 vs. 0.823, P < 0.001, AUC = 0.867 vs. 0.762, P = 0.026). However, in cross-validation and testing, no significant difference in performance was observed between phase-3-radiomics model and type-19 model (P = 0.577 and 0.085), between phase-3-radiomics model and type-19-radiomics model (P = 0.182 and 0.200), or between type-19-radiomics model and type-19 model (P = 0.073 and 0.454).
Conclusions
In addition to radiomics analysis based on a single phase DCE-MRI, radiomics analysis of voxel-wise DCE-MRI time-intensity-curve (TIC) profiles map enables quantifying temporal and spatial hemodynamic heterogeneity simultaneously, thereby aiding in the differentiation of breast lesions.
Uptake of alpha-synuclein preformed fibrils is suppressed by inflammation and induces an aberrant phenotype in human microglia
Authors: Niskanen Jonna , Peltonen Sanni , Ohtonen Sohvi , Luk Kelvin C. , Koistinaho Jari , Malm Tarja , Goldsteins Gundars , Albert Katrina , Lehtonen Šárka 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Microglia are brain resident immune cells and maintain proteostasis and cellular homeostasis there. Recent findings suggest that microglia dysfunction could contribute to the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. One of the hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease is the aggregation and accumulation of alpha-synuclein into Lewy bodies inside nerve cells. Microglia may worsen the neuronal microenvironment by persistent inflammation, resulting in deficient clearing of aggregated alpha-synuclein. To model microglial behavior in Parkinson’s, we utilized human induced pluripotent stem cells to generate functionally active microglia. We studied the microglial uptake of alpha-synuclein preformed fibrils (PFFs) and the effect of pro-inflammatory stimulation by interferon gamma. We demonstrate that inflammatory stimulation impairs PFF uptake in microglia and increases cytokine production. Excessive PFF uptake by microglia results in autophagy impairment and induction of iNOS. Taken together, we demonstrate that this model is valuable for investigating the behavior of microglia in Parkinson’s disease and provide new insights on how human microglia process aggregated alpha-synuclein.
Patient and caregiver perceptions of electronic health records interoperability in the NHS and its impact on care quality: A focus group study
Authors: Li Edmond , Lounsbury Olivia , Clarke Jonathan , Ashrafian Hutan , Darzi Ara , Neves Ana Luisa 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
The proliferation of electronic health records (EHR) in health systems of many high-income countries has ushered in profound changes to how clinical information is used, stored, and disseminated. For patients, being able to easily access and share their health information electronically through interoperable EHRs can often impact safety and their experience when seeking care across healthcare providers. While extensive research exists examining how EHRs affected workflow and technical challenges such as limited interoperability, much of it was done from the viewpoint of healthcare staff rather than from patients themselves. This leaves a critical knowledge gap in our evidence base to inform better implementation of health information technologies which needs addressing.
Aims and Objectives
This study aimed to explore how patients with chronic conditions or polypharmacy and their caregivers perceive the current state of EHR interoperability, identify instances where it was associated with negative health outcomes, and elucidate patient-driven recommendations to address concerns raised.
Methods
A total of 18 patients and caregivers participated in five online focus groups between May-July 2022. Thematic analysis was performed to generate codes and derive higher-order themes.
Results
Participants highlighted that EHR interoperability in the NHS does not meet patient needs and expectations. While patients’ understanding of the concept of EHR interoperability was mixed, most were able to describe how the inability to seamlessly share health information within EHR has negatively impacted care. Limited interoperability contributed to inaccurate medical records, perpetuated existing incorrect information, impaired clinical decision-making, and often required patients to resort to using workarounds. Patients also voiced ideas for potential solutions for consideration. These included a move towards a one-centralised system approach, strengthening data security measures to augment other efforts to increase interoperability, prioritising health information technology training for NHS staff, and involving more allied health professionals and patients themselves in the EHR data curation process.
Conclusion
Our study contributes to the existing body of literature by providing the perspectives of patients and carers most likely to encounter interoperability challenges and therefore those most ideally positioned to propose potential solutions. As highlighted by patients, researchers and policymakers should consider social, educational, and organisational solutions, in addition to technical solutions.
Vector Competence of Culex quinquefasciatus for Tembusu Virus and Viral Determinants for Virus Transmission by Mosquitoes
Authors: Tang Yibing , He Yu , Wang Xiaoli , Wu Zhen , Du Senyan , Wang Mingshu , Jia Renyong , Zhu Dekang , Liu Mafeng , Zhao Xinxin , Yang Qiao , Wu Ying , Zhang Shaqiu , Huang Juan , Ou Xumin , Sun Di , Cheng Anchun , Chen Shun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The recent pandemic of flaviviruses all over the world has underscored the importance of studying flavivirus vector competence, as the evolutionary enhancement of mosquito transmission played a significant role in its spread. Tembusu virus is an avian-related mosquito-borane flavivirus, which is mainly epidemic in China and Southeast Asia since 2010. However, the reason for the outbreak of Tembusu virus in 2010 remains unclear, and it is unknown whether changes in vector transmission played an essential role in this process. To address these questions, we conducted a study using Culex quinquefasciatus as a model for Tembusu virus infection, employing both oral infection and microinjection methods. Our findings confirmed that both vertical and horizontal transmission collectively contribute to the cycle of Tembusu virus within the mosquito population, with persistent infection observed. Importantly, our data revealed that the prototypical Tembusu virus MM_1775 strain exhibited significantly higher infectivity and transmission rates in mosquitoes compared to a duck Tembusu virus (CQW1 strain). Furthermore, we identified that the viral E protein and 3' untranslated region are key elements responsible for these differences. In conclusion, our study sheds light on the mosquito transmission of Tembusu virus and provides valuable insights into the factors influencing its infectivity and transmission rates. These findings contribute to a better understanding of Tembusu virus epidemiology and can potentially aid in the development of strategies to control its spread.
Level of Mycotoxins Consumption and Burden of Aflatoxin-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in People subsisting on sorghum based products in Nigeria: A Risk Assessment
Authors: GARBA MUHAMMAD HARUNA , MAKUN HUSSAINI ANTHONY , Jigam ALI AUDU , Hadiza LAMI MUHAMMAD , NJOBEH PATRICK BERKA 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Sorghum is a local grain that grows predominantly in the semi-arid, savannah and grassland region of Northern Nigeria and other parts of the world. Sorghum samples were collected from five districts in each of the six agro-ecological zones. In contrast the sorghum based products such as gruel, pap and porridge were sampled using A quantitative food frequency questionnaire (QFFQ) followed by measurement of the body weight and the quantity of food consumed by the respondents. The mycotoxin concentrations in both raw sorghum sample and the sorghum based products was determined using High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Mycotoxin concentrations determined from the two different samples were used to determine the amount of mycotoxins consumed by respondents from different age groups and subsequently the burden of aflatoxin induced Hepato cellular carcinoma(HCC) in communities that subsist on sorghum and sorghum-based products. There was a significant difference (P = 0.05) between the concentration of the mycotoxins in the raw and the processed sorghum samples in all the agro-ecological zones with the exemption of zearalenone from the Southern guinea savannah (SGS) that was observed to increase by 272.3% in pap (kamu/ogi) sample and aflatoxin and ochratoxin in porridge sample from the Sudan savannah that was observed to increase by 70.0 and 66.7% respectively. The processing methods employed in the in the preparation of these products could not reduce the toxin level below the PTDI and TDI levels set by the regulatory agencies. Average daily consumption of sorghum based products based on age range was found to be 192.5g/day, 617.0g/day, 810.2g/day and 746.1g/day for the infants, children, adults and elderly respectively The incidence of HCC and the burden aflatoxin induced HCC in the HbeAg and the HbsAg populations alarmingly high and appeared to increase in severity from forested derived savannah region towards the drier savannah areas in the hinterlands. Sorghum is a major grain corn in the world agricultural economy and represents an important staple food for the populations of many developing countries. The cereal is part of the diet of millions of people, representing for them a major source of energy and nutrients. Nevertheless, the nutritional value of sorghum as human food, as well as a feed material for food-producing animals, is impaired by its infection by fungi and fungal metabolites which calls for urgent mitigation strategies to avoid health emergencies particularly in the poverty stricken countries of the sub Saharan Africa where this crop is a common staple.
Physical and social disorder, but not tree cover, contribute to lower perceptions of safety in urban green spaces
Authors: Berdejo-Espinola Violeta , Zahnow Renee , Fuller Richard 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Feeling unsafe is an important barrier to spending time in nature and therefore gaining the benefits that such experiences offer. Some research suggests that dense vegetation in green spaces can impede visibility, create hiding places for would-be offenders and reduce perceptions of safety among visitors. Drawing on data from 352 residents of a metropolitan area in Paraguay, we discovered that green space biophysical characteristics including tree cover and park size were not associated with perceptions of safety in urban green spaces. In contrast, signs of physical disorder significantly reduced perceptions of safety, although the associations were indirect and mediated by social factors. In our sample, perceived safety of green spaces did not significantly relate to frequency of visits to urban green spaces, suggesting safety must be considered alongside a suite of other factors when considering barriers, and catalysts, to spending time in nature. These results challenge a widely held assumption that dense vegetation reduces the perceived safety of green spaces, and highlight the broad implications of disorder for impeding safety and potentially limiting the use of public nature spaces.
Body composition analysis using CT at three aspects of the lumbar third vertebra and its impact on the diagnosis of sarcopenia
Authors: Yang Hui , Zhi Huaiqing , Shen Qingzheng , Gao Zekan , Cai Wentao , Wang Xiang , Chen Xiaodong , Shen Xian , Zhang Weiteng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) revised the consensus in 2018, including that using computed tomography (CT) imaging of the lumbar third vertebra (L3) for the evaluation of muscle mass. However, there is currently discrepancy and confusion in the application of specific cross-sectional and cutoff values for L3. This study aimed to standardize the diagnosis of low muscle mass using L3-CT.
Materials and Methods
This study included patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer between July 2014 and February 2019. Sarcopenia factors were measured preoperatively. Patients were followed up to obtain actual clinical outcomes. We used the cutoff values obtained based on the inferior aspect of L3-CT images to diagnose sarcopenia in three aspects, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare long-term and short-term postoperative prognostic differences.
Results
Sarcopenia was found to be an independent risk factor for postoperative complications and overall survival in patients with all three diagnoses of sarcopenia. According to the multivariate model for predicting postoperative complications, patients with inferior-L3 sarcopenia had a greater odds ratio (OR) than patients with superior-L3 sarcopenia or transverse-L3 sarcopenia did (OR, inferior sarcopenia vs. superior sarcopenia, transverse sarcopenia, 2.030 vs. 1.608, 1.679). Furthermore, patients with inferior-L3 sarcopenia had the highest hazard ratio (HR) (HR, inferior sarcopenia vs. superior sarcopenia, transverse sarcopenia, 1.491 vs. 1.408, 1.376) in the multivariate model for predicting overall survival.
Conclusion
We recommend that when diagnosing low muscle mass using L3-CT, the intercepted cross section should be uniform and consistent with the aspect on which the cutoff value is based.
The freshwater fish genus Thymallus (Thymallidae) in the upper OB-Irtysh River: its evolutionary history and implications for conservation
Authors: Peng Wenjie , Han Haoxiang , Ma Bo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Quaternary geological and climatic events in central Asia have influenced the evolutionary history of populations of endemic species, and patterns in their distribution. We investigate species of grayling (Thymallus) from the upper OB-Irtysh River, Xinjiang, China, using mitochondrial DNA sequences and 10 microsatellite markers. Phylogenetic analyses attribute this species to Thymallus brevicephalus, and validate its divergence from a sister taxon, the Mongolian grayling (Thymallus brevirostris) through geomorphological changes caused by uplift of the Altai Mountains. Microsatellite analysis using STRUCTURE and pairwise FST analysis reveals significant genetic differentiation between eastern and western T. brevicephalus populations, which we estimate to have diverged approximately 0.81 million years ago (MY). High haplotype and low nucleotide diversities, and patterns of population history, indicate the western population of T. brevicephalus has slowly expanded following the Last Glacial Maximum approximately 0.4–0.1 MY. Hardy–Weinberg disequilibrium and within-population inbreeding coefficients identify a founder effect in this species. The origin of T. brevicephalus corresponds to the uplift of the Altai Mountains. Simultaneously, internal differentiation and population expansion occurred during repeated Quaternary climatic glacial–interglacial cycles. If management of T. brevicephalus, an endemic fish species in the upper Irtysh River in the Altai Mountains, was an option, we recommend establishing two management units separated by the Crane River. Release activities should be carried out independently for the eastern and western populations, and international cooperation in conservation efforts should be strengthened.
Formulation of Quinoa oil-alginate loaded nanoemulsion and its anticancer efficacy as a therapy for chemically induced breast cancer
Authors: El-makawy Aida I. , Mabrouk Dalia M. , Ibrahim Faten M. , Abdel-Aziem Sekena H. , EL-Kader Heba A.M. Abd , Youssef Dalia A , Sharaf Hafiza A. , Mohammed Shaimaa E. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Quinoa seeds (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) have grown in interest due to their naturally occurring phytochemicals and antioxidants. It was stated that it has a powerful anticancer effect against human colorectal cancer. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyze the quinoa oil fatty acids. Sodium alginate was used as a loading agent to encapsulating the nanoemulsion, and its acute oral toxicity was assessed in rats. The nanoemulsion's ability to scavenge free radicals was evaluated using the DPPH radical-scavenging assay. The in vivo anticancer potential of the quinoa oil nanoemulsion on 7, 12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer in rats was studied. Quinoa oil nanoemulsions were given daily to DMBA-breast cancer models for one month. Through the assessment of ROS, protein carbonyl, gene expression evaluation of anti-oncogenes, and histopathological analysis, the anticancer activity of the nanoemulsion was studied. Quinoa oil nanoemulsion administration significantly decreased the rise in serum ROS and PC levels brought on in breast cancer tissue. The quinoa oil nanoemulsion alleviated the mRNA expression levels of anti-oncogenes in breast cancer tissue. As well, nanoemulsions improved breast tumor tissue architecture.
Conclusion: We can infer from the results that quinoa oil nanoemulsion can obstruct the breast cancer cells of the rats.