bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Establishment of a Risk Prediction Model for Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy(NAION) in the contralateral eye in unilateral AION patients
Authors: Ma Feiyan , Sun Huameng , Nan Kaihui , Guo Congrong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To explore the risk factors for contralateral eye involvement in non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and construct a clinical prediction model based on these factors.
Methods
This study included 151 NAION patients who were hospitalized at the Eye Center of the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from October 2018 to December 2021. Clinical data were collected and patients were followed up until December 2022 to determine whether the contralateral eye was affected. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis and K-fold (10-fold in this study) cross-validation were used to screen for predictive factors, and a multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to establish the prediction model. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), Hosmer-Lemeshow (H-L) test, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the predictive model and its clinical utility.
Results
Through LASSO regression analysis, 9 predictive factors were selected from 23 variables: age, visual acuity at admission, acute ischemic stroke (AIS), diabetes mellitus (DM), fasting blood glucose (FBG), high blood pressure (HBP), total cholesterol (TC), optic disc drusen (ODD) in the contralateral eye, and cup/disc ratio (c/d). The model constructed with these 9 predictive factors showed good predictive ability with an ROC area under the curve of 0.85 and a non-significant H-L test result (P = 0.2386). The DCA curve indicated that the model had high clinical utility within a patient's risk threshold range of 5–94%.
Conclusion
Diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, total cholesterol, optic disc drusen, and small cup/disc ratio are independent risk factors for contralateral eye involvement in NAION patients. Age, visual acuity at admission, acute ischemic stroke, and fasting blood glucose are closely related to the contralateral eye involvement in NAION. The constructed prediction model based on these factors has good predictive performance.
Age and gender differences in the mechanical properties of the upper trapezius muscle among patients with chronic neck pain: a pilot study
Authors: Shen Xingxing , Chen Jiahao , Xiang Ruian , Li Congcong , Li Junyi , Wang Shuai , Xu Xuemeng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The impact of age and gender on the characteristics of the upper trapezius muscle in patients with chronic neck pain(CNP) has not been previously documented. Age- and sex-related alterations in upper trapezius(UT) muscle characteristics may play a important role in the development of CNP. To investigate the relationship between muscle characteristics of the UT on both sides (unaffected and affected) and age and gender in patients with CNP and analyzed the correlation between muscular imbalance and VAS scores as well as BMI index in patients. A total of 160 unilateral CNP patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected according to age and gender. They were divided into 8 groups according to age and gender: 20 to 29 years old, 30 to 39 years old, 40 to 49 years old, and 50 to 59 years old. There were 20 male and 20 female in each age group. Muscle tone and stiffness of the UT on the unaffected and affected sides were assessed using MyotonPRO in all participants. Age - and sex-related factors had significant effects on both unaffected and affected UT muscle tone and stiffness in patients with unilateral CNP, with greater prominence observed on the affected side compared to the unaffected side, but no interaction between age and gender was observed. Regarding the unaffected UT, the muscle tone and stiffness of middle-aged and elderly group༈MEG༉ participants were significantly higher than those of middle-aged group ༈MG༉participants ( P < 0.01 ), and MG participants were significantly higher than those of middle-young participants group (MYG) participants ( P < 0.05 ), but no significant difference in muscle tone and stiffness between MYG participants and young group (YG) participants ( P > 0.05 ). There were no significant differences in muscle tone and stiffness between males and females in the YG ( P > 0.05 ), but there were significant differences among MYG, MG and MEG. The UT of the affected side exhibited significant variations in muscle tension and stiffness across all groups, with a consistent trend observed: MEG > MG > MYG > YG. Furthermore, it was found that males in all groups displayed significantly higher levels of muscle tone and stiffness compared to females (P < 0.05). In addition, the UT muscle tone asymmetry index and stiffness asymmetry index of all groups exhibited a significant positive correlation with VAS scores, but not significantly correlated with BMI. These findings provide a valuable dataset for understanding muscle tone and stiffness in the UT among CNP patients aged 20–59 years, offering insights for prevention and treatment strategies for CNP.
Universal insights into the origin of ferroelectricity in doped hafnia
Authors: Tang Minghua , Li Gang , Yan Shaoan , Liu Yulin , Zhang Wanli , Xiao Yongguang , Yang Qiong , Li Jiangyu , Long Zhilin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Although doping stands out as a crucial method for inducing ferroelectricity in hafnia films, the mechanisms behind it remains controversial. Notably, the carriers introduced by heterovalent dopants have been largely overlooked. Here, through first-principles studies, we elucidate the key role played by the rich phase transition mechanism under carrier doping in understanding the origin of hafnia ferroelectricity. Electron doping orchestrates a metastable polar phase to stable antipolar phase transformation, driven by strong screening effects and the decay of nonpolar covalent bonds, resulting in the rarity of n-type dopants. Conversely, a delicate balanced interplay of weak screening effects and strengthened polar covalent bonds drives hole maintains robust ferroelectricity. However, the hole distribution pattern markedly affects the total energy difference across phases, culminating in a striking ground-state phase transition from nonpolar monoclinic phase to polar orthorhombic phase to nonpolar cube phase as the hole concentration increases. This phase transition is consistent with the variation trend of the highest phase fraction in hafnia films with the p-type dopants concentration. In addition, the thickness of hafnia ferroelectric films is easily stabilized on the 1 nm, unlike perovskite ferroelectrics, due to the hole enhanced polar distortion. Our theoretical analyses seamlessly align with experimental measurements, offering innovative perspectives for the preparation of robust hafnia-based ferroelectricity films through doping or interface engineering.
The therapeutic effect and mechanism of CXCL9-overexpressed umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on liver fibrosis
Authors: Li Yang , Zhang Xueqian , Liu Guiyu , Wen Junye , Zhang Haiqiang , Tang Tianci , Cai Ziqi , Ye Xueshuai , Cai jianhui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSC) transplantation has become a promising treatment for liver fibrosis. However, UC-MSC have limited anti-fibrosis ability for various reasons. In this study, we aimed to determine if the overexpression of CXCL9 in UC-MSC (CXCL9-UC-MSCs) could have synergistic anti-fibrosis effects and explore the possible mechanism. We analyzed the expression of α-SMA and Collagen-III in rats and LX-2 cells, as well as the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway, approched by staining HE staining, immunohistochemistry staining, and western-blot. After the cell therapy, pathological staining and liver function indicated that the area of liver fibrosis in the rats were reduced, the hepatocellular necrosis and liver function damage were improved, and the improvement was more significant in the CXCL9-UC-MSC intervention group. Furthermore, the expression levels of α-SMA, Collagen-III, TGF-β1 and pSmad3 in the liver and LX-2 cells were decreased more obviously atfer the CXCL9 intervention. Meanwhile, the abilities of proliferation, viability and invasiveness of LX-2 cells were also significantly inhibited with the intervention of CXCL9. In conclusion, CXCL9 overexpression of UC-MSC inhibited the activation of TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, and reduced the expressions of α-SMA and Collagen-III in liver and LX-2 cells, thus playing a more significant anti-fibrosis effect.
Artificial lightweight aggregate made from alternative and waste raw materials, hardened using the hybrid method
Authors: Stempkowska Agata , Gawenda Tomasz 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Lightweight aggregates are a material used in many industries. A huge amount of this material is used in construction and architecture. For the most part, lightweight construction aggregates are obtained from natural resources such as clay raw materials that have the ability to swell at high temperatures. Resources of these clays are limited and not available everywhere. Therefore, opportunities are being sought to produce lightweight artificial aggregates that have interesting performance characteristics due to their properties. For example, special preparation techniques can reduce or increase the water absorption of such an aggregate depending on the needs and application. The production of artificial lightweight aggregate using various types of waste materials is environmentally friendly as it reduces the depletion of natural resources. Therefore, this article proposes a method of obtaining artificial lightweight aggregate consolidated using two methods: drum and dynamic granulation. Hardening was achieved using combined methods: sintering and hydration, trying to maintain the highest possible porosity. Waste materials were used, such as dust from construction rubble and residues from the processing of PET bottles, as well as clay from the Bełchatów mine as a raw material accompanying the lignite overburden. High open porosity of the aggregates was achieved, above 30%, low apparent density of 1.23 g/cm3, low leachability of approximately 250 µS. The produced lightweight aggregates could ultimately be used in green roofs.
Access to Primary Care Physicians for Lesbian and Gay Patients
Authors: Tinkler Sarah , Walker Brigham , Mazziotti Julianna , Sharma Rajiv 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Access to primary care is associated with reduced morbidity and mortality and lower lifetime healthcare costs but lesbian and gay individuals are disadvantaged in accessing healthcare since they are less likely to have insurance coverage than heterosexual individuals and face social stigma in medical settings. Research that examines the ways in which physician attitudes towards lesbian and gay individuals influence access to primary care is limited. Also unknown is the way that race/ethnicity, sex, age and social class intersect with lesbian and gay identity in influencing access to primary care. Using a field experiment, trained research assistants called a nationwide sample of primary care physicians’ offices in 2022 and 2023 to request new patient appointments on behalf of 133 simulated patients identified as lesbian (~ 50%) and gay (~ 50%). The call script referenced lesbian and gay identity; and employed racially and ethnically distinctive first and last names; and indicated the patient’s insurance type. Calls were made to a control group consisting of 589 simulated patients for whom sexual orientation was not signaled in otherwise identical call scripts. Overall, there is no evidence that lesbian or gay potential patients face barriers to access in primary care. Black lesbians were offered more appointments (31.1 percentage points (95% CI: 0.033 to 0.590; p = 0.03)) but with significantly longer wait times (45.3 days (95% CI: 4.9 to 85.7; p = 0.03)). Female physicians had less overall availability, but offered longer appointments to gay and lesbian patients (17.2 minutes, 95% CI: 5.4 to 29.1, p = 0.005).
ZmHMA3 enhances Zn stress tolerance and mediates Zn transport in Maize
Authors: Lv Guihua , Li Youqiang , Chen Jianjian , Wu Zhenxing , Wu Wenmei , Wu Xiaohong , Lin Haijian , Wang Tingzhen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Excessive levels of Zn have the potential to be detrimental to plant health. ZmHMA3, a member of the heavy metal ATPase (HMA) family, is responsible for the transport of Zn2+ and Cd2+ across cellular membranes. In order to investigate the role of the ZmHMA3 gene in response to Zn stress, ZmHMA3 knockout mutants were created using the CRISPR-Cas9 technique. Subsequently, gene specific expression, as well as agronomic traits, root morphology indicators, relative conductivity, antioxidant indicators, and Zn content in the leaf, root, and their subcellular components were assessed. The results demonstrated a significant accumulation of ZmHMA3 in both the leaf and root after 48 hours of Zn stress compared to the control group. The Zmhma3 knockout line exhibited decreased tolerance to toxic levels of Zn as compared to the wild type, resulting in a reduction in maize plant height, fresh weight, dry weight, water content, root morphology indicators (Length, SurfArea, AvgDiam, Rootvolume, Tips and Forks) and antioxidant enzyme activity (CAT, POD, SOD, and MDA), while also leading to an increase in membrane permeability and zinc accumulation. In conclusion, it can be inferred that ZmHMA3 likely functions as a crucial positive regulator in the response to Zn stress in maize.
Contrastive learning enhances the links between functional signatures and antidepressant treatment
Authors: Chen Badong , Zheng Kaizhong , Zheng Xinhu , Shi Hongyu , Wang Huaning , Li Bao-Juan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly heterogeneous in terms of responses to treatment, which hinders the improvement in treatment effectiveness and outcomes for MDD. Identifying MDD subtypes associated with treatment responses could inform interventions and facilitate personalized treatment. Here, we sought to identify reproducible MDD subtypes characterized by distinct neurofunctional (i.e., neuroimaging) patterns to delineate heterogeneity in MDD and explored the relationship between subtypes and antidepressant treatment response. We used contrastive variational autoencoders (CVAEs) to identify two distinct MDD subtypes with the REST-meta-MDD II dataset (1660 MDD participants, 1340 HCs). Subtype 1 exhibited increased functional activity in occipital, parietal, temporal, and frontal areas, while subtype 2 showed decreased functional activity in these areas. The number and patterns of MDD subtypes were validated in a further large multi-center dataset (1276 MDD participants, 1104 HCs). Notably, patients with subtype 1 could be considered the "treatment-sensitive" group, with a response rate of over 50% to all antidepressants and a better response to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) compared to patients with subtype 2. In contrast, patients with subtype 2 could be characterized as the "treatment-resistant" group, with a response rate of below 50% for most medications. The ensuing MDD-specific features from CVAEs may serve as a neuroimaging biomarker for predicting treatment outcomes for both medication and rTMS treatments. Our study shows that contrastive learning can be used to establish the predictive validity of functional brain signatures — in terms of responses to antidepressant treatment — offering potential new targets for optimizing treatment strategies for treatment-resistant depression, and further lay a path toward higher treatment outcomes.
Spatio-temporal pattern change of LULC and its response to climate in the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Yang Liangyan , Shi Lei , Li Juan , Kong Hui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Exploring LULC change is essential for the sustainable development of ecologically fragile areas. This study is based on the transfer matrix and land use dynamicity, combined with the land use data and meteorological data of the LP from 1980 to 2020, to explore the spatio-temporal change characteristics of LULC and its response to climate in the LP. The results indicated that the overall change of LULC on the LP was characterized by a decrease in the area of cropland, grassland and bare land, and an increase in the area of woodland and build-up land, and the change trend had obvious stage change characteristics around 2000. The LULC change of the LP from 2000 to 2020 is more drastic than that from 1980 to 2020, and the comprehensive utilization degree increases. The impacts of climate change and human activities on LUCC on the Loess Plateau have regional differences. In the southeast agricultural region, LULC change is mainly affected by human activities, and the spatial distribution of LULC types is constantly adjusted by population growth and economic development. In the central region, the project of returning cropland to woodland and grassland has a great impact on LULC. In the northwest arid region, vegetation is sensitive to temperature and precipitation, and the LULC change impact of climate is significantly higher than that in the humid region.
Image Generation using Generative Adversarial Network and Stable Diffusion
Authors: Wagh Kunal , Raul Omkar , Chandgadkar Sejal , Belanekar Shreya , Varma Satishkumar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Generative adversarial networks (GANs) and Stable Diffusion represent two un- supervised techniques within the field of Deep Learning, utilized for discerning the underlying structure within multimodal imaging data. It is challenging to train GANs with stable dif- fusion because of two main issues: mode collapse and non-convergence. A workable way to tackle these two problems using GAN and Stable Diffusion is to rework the network archi- tecture to obtain a more powerful model. In this project, GANs and Stable Diffusion-based systems are designed and implemented for image generation and analysis. The different frameworks of GANs and Stable Diffusion are used for the interpretation of the images, such as stable-diffusion-2-base, stable-diffusion-2-1, GAN and unsupervised text to image translation models. The performance analysis is carried out by incorporating additional hy- brid architecture. The CLIP scores and Real/Fake scores metrics to evaluate Stable Diffusion and GAN performance respectively. The proposed GAN model achieved the accuracy of 81% and 91% on FFHQ dataset and Flicker dataset respectively. The proposed Stable Diffusion model achived 31.98 CLIP score on Flicker dataset. The Stable Diffusion models outper- forming GANs by generating more realistic images. Such systems are useful for Criminal images generation on the basis of few available images of the criminal, Image Datasets, Medical Image Generation, Art Generation, Data Augmentation, Forensics and Simulations, Text-to-Image Translation, Super Resolution, etc.
Arthroscopic delayed repair of residual triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) peripheral tears from distal radial fractures
Authors: Zheng Wen , Zhao Ling Long , Li Peng , Yu Xue Jun , Xiang Sheng Tao , An Wei , Teng Yun Sheng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective Residual triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) peripheral tears is one of causes of chronic persistent ulnar wrist pain following distal radius fractures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the application of diagnostic wrist arthroscopy in this condition and to access the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic delayed repair of residual TFCC peripheral tears from distal radial fractures. Methods Eight patients who underwent arthroscopic delayed repair of residual TFCC peripheral tears from distal radial fractures were retrospectively analyzed. The torn TFCC of all patients was repaired with arthroscopic trans-osseous or trans-capsular outside-in technique. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated using wrist range of motion (ROM), grip, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score for pain in activity, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and surgery-related complications. Results The mean duration from injury to TFCC repair was 11.6 months. The mean follow-up was 25.5 months. At arthroscopy, TFCC dorsal capsule attachment tear was found in 3 patients, Atzei class 1 disruption in 2 patients and Atzei class 2 avulsion in 3 patients. TFCC Palmer 1D injury was found in Atzei 1 class tear case and Atzei 2 class tear case. At the final follow-up, all outcomes were significantly improved except the radial and ulnar deviation. All patients had negative ballottement test and no surgery-related complications were found. Conclusion Arthroscopic delayed repair of residual TFCC peripheral tears from distal radial fractures is effective for those shown no evidence of degeneration and ulnar impaction arthroscopically and their preoperative time less than 16 months.
Study on the price mechanism and quantitative calculation of water supply for water network projects oriented to green development
Authors: zhang chunling , yan denghua 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

To accelerate the construction of the national water network and improve the efficiency of project operation and management, and focus on the reform of innovative water pricing mechanism, we put forward the mechanism of water price formation for water network projects and an integrated water price measurement model that promotes the optimal allocation of water sources. Based on the characteristics of the water network project and the experience gained from the pricing mechanism of large-scale infrastructures such as power grids etc., it is proposed that the formation mechanisms of water supply price at the distribution point of the water network project based on the analysis of the water source and the water delivery process,which should be formed in the form of "WSP + WDP", taking into account the loss of the delivery process. The WDP is determined in accordance with the pricing concept of "permitted cost + reasonable return". Taking water supply through the backbone water network of Shandong province for Qingdao city water diversion points as an example to carry out the water network project integrated water price measurement and analysis, and put forward the proposal to promote the water network project multi-integrated water prices.
Public Health Nutrition and Sustainable Development Goals in Developing Countries: An Analytical Review of Study
Authors: Ali Hina , Iftikar Maria , Rasool Nauman 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This paper examines the intersection of public health nutrition and sustainable development goals in developing countries using World Development Indicators (WDI) data spanning from 2007 to 2021. Employing panel data analysis, the study aims to identify nutritional factors influencing the development of sustainability goal 3 good health and well-being. The analysis reveals that factors such as current health expenditure, public spending on education, access to safely managed drinking water, and sanitation services exhibit a significant and negative impact on maternal mortality rates while showing a positive impact on life expectancy at birth. Additionally, the prevalence of hypertension and undernourishment is found to have a significant negative impact on life expectancy, indicating their importance as key indicators for measuring public health nutrition in developing nations. The study offers policy recommendations and innovative solutions aimed at enhancing health systems, advocating for the implementation of effective policies and cultivating a knowledgeable workforce to raise awareness among populations, promote healthy behaviors, and safeguard communities against environmental hazards.