bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Grid load forecasting based on hybrid ensemble empirical mode decomposition and CNN–BiLSTM neural network approach
Authors: Tao Peng , Zhao Junpeng , Liu Xiaoyu , Zhang Chao , Zhang Bingyu , Zhao Shasha 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This article proposes an amalgamation of ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) and the convolutional neural network–bidirectional long short-term memory (CNN–BiLSTM) for the prediction of electricity grid load. Initially, the original load time series undergoes decomposition using EEMD, resulting in intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) that capture various load characteristics. Subsequently, a correlation analysis selects several IMFs closely related to the original sequence. These chosen IMFs are then utilized as input, with separate application of a one-dimensional CNN and a BiLSTM model for modeling and prediction purposes. The CNN automatically extracts temporal features from the different IMFs via its convolutional layers, whereas the BiLSTM effectively captures both short-term and long-term dependencies. In the end, a linear combination is employed to integrate the IMF predictions and reconstruct the final forecast for the electricity grid load. Experimental results demonstrate that this hybrid integration model, combining the adaptive decomposition ability of EEMD, feature extraction capability of CNN and temporal modeling ability of BiLSTM, improves the accuracy and robustness of electricity grid load forecasting compared to single models and ensemble models without EEMD.
A Novel Approach for Routinely Assessing Laboratory Sigma Metrics for a Broad Range of Automated Assays
Authors: Miller Johanna J , Gammie Alistair J 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Sigma metrics have been adapted for the clinical laboratory to incorporate observed accuracy, precision, and total error allowed. The higher the Sigma level for a process, the better performance that process has. A limitation of studies assessing Sigma metrics is that they are performed on a small number of well-controlled systems.

Methods
An algorithm was developed to extract QC data and derive the Sigma metric for 115 analytes from sites connected to the QuidelOrtho E-Connectivity® database. The median of these results was then used to derive the Sigma metric for each assay.

Results
In this analysis, 79 out of 115 (68.7%) of the assays assessed achieved 6 Sigma or better and 98 out of 115 (85.2%) achieved 5 Sigma or better.

Conclusions
This study has demonstrated a methodology that can be used to condense Sigma metrics from hundreds of analyzers into a single metric of assay quality. Because these analyzers are running in working laboratories from around the world, this analysis can serve as a baseline for understanding the assay performance achieved in the presence of variabilities such as lab-to-lab, instrument-to-instrument, material handling, environmental conditions, and reagent lot. The significant number of assays demonstrating high Sigma levels did so despite this variation. The ability of the methods reported here to include hundreds of analyzers represents a novel approach for assessing Sigma metrics in clinical laboratories.
Consistency of the inverse scattering imaging condition, the energy norm imaging condition and the impedance kernel in acoustic and elastic reverse-time migration
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Yang Jidong , Huang Jianping , Sun Jiaxing , Zhao Chong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In this work, we draw connections between the imaging conditions using the impedance kernel, the inverse scattering imaging condition, and the energy norm imaging condition in acoustic and elastic reverse-time migration (RTM). Traditional RTM often introduces large low-wavenumber artifacts that degrade image quality in intricate geological structures with large velocity variations. In practice, the Laplacian filter is commonly used to remove these low-wavenumber artifacts, but it changes the image wavenumber spectrum. The advanced imaging conditions of the inverse scattering, the energy norm, and the impedance kernel can effectively remove the low-wavenumber artifacts while not changing the wavenumber spectrum. This study aims to build a connection between these three types of imaging conditions by conducting detailed analysis in the wavenumber domain for acoustic and elastic RTMs. We find that they are exactly the same except for the varying weights of the source-receiver wavefield cross-correlation. All three imaging conditions can generate clear RTM images that are not affected by low-wavenumber artifacts. Numerical examples for a simple model, Sigsbee 2a, and BP models verify the consistency of these three imaging conditions and show their advantage over conventional simple zero-lag cross-correlation imaging conditions. This is important for improving the quality and reliability of seismic imaging technology.
Prognostic evaluation of the Ki-67 labeling system in histological grading of non-small round cell sarcoma: a supplementary analysis of a randomized controlled trial, JCOG1306
Authors: Sugita Shintaro , Tanaka Kazuhiro , Oda Yoshinao , Nojima Takayuki , Konishi Naomi , Machida Ryunosuke , Kita Ryosuke , Fukuda Haruhiko , Ozaki Toshifumi , Hasegawa Tadashi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) has various histological types and is rare, making it difficult to evaluate the malignancy of each histological type. Thus, comprehensive histological grading is most important in the pathological examination of STS. The Fédération Nationale des Centres de Lutte Contre le Cancer (FNCLCC) grading system is most commonly used in daily pathological analysis of STS. Among the FNCLCC grading system parameters, mitotic count is a key morphological parameter reflecting the proliferative activity of tumor cells, although its reproducibility may be lacking. Here, we compared the prognostic utility of the conventional and modified FNCLCC grading systems in JCOG1306.

Methods
We analyzed 140 patients with non-small round cell sarcoma. We performed Ki-67 immunostaining using open biopsy specimens before preoperative chemotherapy in all patients. We assessed histological grade in individual cases by conventional FNCLCC grading (tumor differentiation, mitotic count, and necrosis) and modified FNCLCC grading using the Ki-67 labeling index instead of mitotic count. We conducted univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses to investigate the influence of grade on overall survival.

Results
In univariable analysis, prognosis was worse for patients with conventional FNCLCC Grade 3 tumors compared with Grade 1 or 2 tumors (hazard ratio [HR] 4.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.47–12.05, P = 0.008). Moreover, prognosis was worse in patients with modified FNCLCC Grade 3 tumors compared with Grade 1 or 2 tumors (HR 4.90, 95% CI 1.64–14.65, P = 0.004). In multivariable analysis including both conventional and modified FNCLCC grading, the modified grading more strongly affected overall survival (HR 6.70, 95% CI 1.58–28.40, P = 0.010).

Conclusions
The modified FNCLCC grading system was superior to the conventional system in predicting the prognosis of patients with non-small round cell sarcoma according to this supplementary analysis of data from the randomized controlled trial JCOG1306.
Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on carbon assimilation and ecological stoichiometry of maize under combined abiotic stresses
Authors: Ran Qiong , Zhang Songlin , Arif Muhammad , Yin Xueting , Chen Shanshan , Ren Guangqian 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stresses like salinity and improve crop yield. However, their effects are variable, and the underlying cause of such variation remains largely unknown. This study aimed to assess how drought modified the effect of AMF on plant resistance to high calcium-saline stress. A pot experiment was performed to examine how AMF inoculation affects the growth, photosynthetic activity, nutrient uptake and carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) stoichiometric ratio (C:N:P) of maize under high calcium stress and contrasting water conditions. The results showed that high calcium stress significantly reduced mycorrhizal colonization, biomass accumulation, C assimilation rate and C:N stoichiometric ratio in plant tissues. Besides, the adverse effects of calcium stress on photosynthesis were exacerbated under drought. AMF inoculation profoundly alleviated such reductions under drought and saline stress. However, it barely affected maize performance when subjected to calcium stress under well-watered conditions. Moreover, watering changed AMF impact on nutrient allocation in plant tissues. Under well-watered conditions, AMF stimulated P accumulation in roots and plant growth, but did not induce leaf P accumulation proportional to C and N, resulting in increased leaf C:P and N:P ratios under high calcium stress. In contrast, AMF decreased N content and the N:P ratio in leaves under drought. Overall, AMF inoculation improved maize resistance to calcium-salt stress through enhanced photosynthesis and modulation of nutrient stoichiometry, particularly under water deficit conditions. These results highlighted the regulatory role of AMF in carbon assimilation and nutrient homeostasis under compound stresses, and provide significant guidance on the improvement of crop yield in saline and arid regions.
Brusatol’s anticancer activity and its molecular mechanism: a research update
Authors: Xi Wenyi , Zhao Chenhui , Wu Zeyu , Ye Tongtong , Zhao Rui , Jiang Xiaochun , Ling Shizhang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective
Brusatol (BT) is a quassinoid compound extracted from Brucea javanica that is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Brusatol possesses biological and medical activity, including antitumor, antileukemia, anti-inflammatory, antitrypanosomal, antimalarial, and antitobacco mosaic virus activity. To summarize and discuss the antitumor effects of BT and its mechanisms of actions, we compiled this review by combining the extensive relevant literature and our previous studies.

Methods
We searched and retrieved the papers that reported the pharmacological effects of BT and the mechanism of BT antitumor activity from PubMed until July 2023.

Key findings
Numerous studies have shown that BT is a unique nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) inhibitor that acts on various signaling pathways and has good antitumor properties. Brusatol shows great potential in cancer therapy by inhibiting cell proliferation, blocking the cell cycle, promoting tumor cell differentiation, accelerating tumor cell apoptosis, inducing autophagy, suppressing angiogenesis, inhibiting tumor invasion and metastasis, and reversing multidrug resistance.

Conclusion
This review summarizes recent updates on the antitumor activity and molecular mechanisms of BT and provides references for future development and clinical translation of BT and its derivatives as antitumor drugs.
Global health inequalities of chronic kidney disease: a meta-analysis
Authors: Duff Rachael , Awofala Omodolapo , Arshad Muhammad Tahir , Lambourg Emilie , Gallacher Peter , Dhaun Neeraj , Bell Samira 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant contributor to global morbidity and mortality. This study investigated disparities in age, sex and socio-economic status in CKD and updated global prevalence estimates through systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods
Five databases were searched from 2014 to 2022, with 14 871 articles screened, 119 papers included and data analysed on 29 159 948 participants. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted to determine overall prevalence, prevalence of stages 3–5 and prevalence in males and females. Influences of age, sex and socio-economic status were assessed in subgroup analyses and risk of bias assessment and meta-regressions were conducted to explore heterogeneity.

Results
The overall prevalence of CKD was 13.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 11.3–14.8] and 6.6% (95% CI 5.6–7.8) for stages 3–5. The prevalence was higher in studies of older populations (19.3% for stages 1–5, 15.0% for stages 3–5) and meta-regression demonstrated an association of age, body mass index, diabetes and hypertension with prevalence of stages 3–5. The prevalence of CKD stages 1–5 was similar in males and females (13.1% versus 13.2%), but the prevalence of stages 3–5 was higher in females (6.4% versus 7.5%). Overall prevalence was 11.4%, 15.0% and 10.8% in low-, middle- and high-income countries, respectively; for stages 3–5, prevalence was 4.0%, 6.7% and 6.8%, respectively. Included studies were at moderate–high risk of bias in the majority of cases (92%) and heterogeneity was high.

Conclusion
This study provides a comprehensive assessment of CKD prevalence, highlighting important disparities related to age, sex and socio-economic status. Future research should focus on targeted screening and treatment approaches, improving access to care and more effective data monitoring, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells: the wine in Hebe's hands to treat skin aging
Authors: Gui Qixiang , Ding Neng , Yao Zuochao , Wu Minjuan , Fu Ruifeng , Wang Yue , Zhao Yunpeng , Zhu Lie 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Owing to its constant exposure to the external environment and various stimuli, skin ranks among the organs most vulnerable to manifestations of aging. Preventing and delaying skin aging has become one of the prominent research subjects in recent years. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells derived from mesoderm with high self-renewal ability and multilineage differentiation potential. MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) are nanoscale biological vesicles that facilitate intercellular communication and regulate biological behavior. Recent studies have shown that MSC-EVs have potential applications in anti-aging therapy due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, and wound healing promoting abilities. This review presents the latest progress of MSC-EVs in delaying skin aging. It mainly includes the MSC-EVs promoting the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, reducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases, resisting oxidative stress, and regulating inflammation. We then briefly discuss the recently discovered treatment methods of MSC-EVs in the field of skin anti-aging. Moreover, the advantages and limitations of EV-based treatments are also presented.
In the eye of the storm
Authors: Füreder Nina , Förster Charlotte 
Published: February 2024

Background
Although hospital leaders were already at a high risk for psychological and physical illnesses long before the pandemic, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this situation.

Purpose
Recognizing the crucial role of leaders in organizational crises and building on the conservation of resources theory, our study examines how hospital leaders cope with difficulties that endure over an extended period of time. By using the COVID-19 pandemic as an example for prolonged adversity in hospitals, we provide insight into the different responses to a given adversity and further expand knowledge about the role of time in crisis and for resilience.

Methodology/Approach
Qualitative expert interviews were conducted with 44 hospital leaders in Austria between December 2020 and November 2021. For data analysis, we used a hybrid approach, consisting of both deductive and inductive coding.

Results
By extending Bardoel and Drago’s (2021) conceptual approach on acceptance and strategic resilience, our empirical study shows that during enduring adversity, hospital leaders use both types of resilience. The choice between them and their suitability depends on both the duration of exposure and severity of the adversity.

Conclusion
Our findings further show that when immediately confronted with adversity, leaders tend to rely on resource-preserving acceptance resilience, whereas when dealing with enduring adversity, leaders are more likely to use resilience-enhancing strategic resilience.

Practical Implications
Even though leaders rely on both types of resilience, our findings also imply that if opportunities to build strategic resilience are limited, higher burnout and turnover rates might be the consequence.
Paediatrics pain management practice and associated factor among nurses at comprehensive and specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023: hospital based multicentre cross-sectional study
Authors: Alemu Eniyew A. , Tawuye Hailu Y. , Ferede Yonas A. , Fentie Demeke Y. 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Pain management is a challenging intervention for children of all ages and a major worldwide health issue for painful illnesses that are stressful and range from moderate to severe. Inadequate pain management has serious short-term and long-term consequences for the physical, psychological, social, and physiological well-being of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and schoolchildren. This study set out to assess nurses’ behaviours in treating paediatric pain and associated factors.

Methods:
A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. Convenient sampling was used to pick each participant in this study. The information was gathered using self-administered, semi-structured, and structured questionnaires. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, variables with a P-value of 0.05 or less were considered statistically significant for the outcome variable. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and crude odds ratio with the appropriate 95% CI were computed to determine the strength of the link between the dependent and independent variables.

Result:
A total of 356 nurses were invited to participate in this study, with a response rate of 314 (88.2%) (95% CI: 53.3–64.4) in the study of participant nurses. It was found that level of education, having a master’s degree (AOR=6.35, CI=1.03–38.23), a child’s cooperativeness for taking pain medication (AOR=2.11, CI=1.25–3.55), the presence of an evidence-based protocol for paediatric pain management in the facility (AOR=1.75, CI=1.007–3.03), work experience in the nursing profession for more than 2 years (AOR=1,97, CI=0.71–4.31), and the availability of a paediatric pain assessment tool also, had three times more engaged in good paediatric pain management practice 2.96 (AOR=2.96 (CI: 1.66–5.28)) and having training on pain management (AOR=2.64, CI=1.27–5.47) were associated with paediatric pain management practice.

Conclusion and Recommendation:
Most of the participants were proficient at handling pain in children. The majority of participants had good practices, but there are still several crucial traits that have a big influence on how nurses manage paediatric pain. As a result, the authors suggest offering easily accessible paediatric pain assessment instruments, evidence-based procedures, and paediatric pain treatment in-service training.
Spontaneous delayed CSF rhinorrhea associated with encephalocele following surgical resection of a giant frontoparietal meningioma, an extremely rare entity and overlook of English literature
Authors: Mirahmadi Eraghi Mohammad , Bagherzadeh Sadegh , Khoshnevisan Alireza , Habibi Mohammad A. , Sajedi Moghaddam Sadaf , Shafizadeh Milad , Firouzifar Mohammadreza 
Published: February 2024

Introduction and importance:
Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea without a history of head trauma is rare. The authors describe a scarce case of spontaneous, nontraumatic, delayed CSF rhinorrhea due to ethmoidal encephalocele associated with frontoparietal giant meningioma.

Case presentation:
A 49-year-old male complained of a slowly growing skull mass lasting 10 years since a blunt head trauma and progressive hemiparesis 3 months ago and was referred to our center. There was a heterogeneous extra-axial mass (77×77×70 mm) with calcified components at his right frontal lobe, demonstrating notable adjacent parenchymal edema and a midline shift to the left. There was a sizeable extra-axial mass (113×95×80 mm) in his right front-temporoparietal lobe associated with adjacent invasion to calvarium leading to the lytic and sclerotic appearance of the calvarial bone showing intense heterogeneous contrast enhancement and an adjacent enhancing dural tail. A considerable mass effect on the adjacent frontotemporal cortex is evident, with mild parenchymal edema leading to a notable midline shift to the left, right uncal herniation, and left ventriculomegaly. On postoperation day 5, the patient developed a recurrent CSF leak exacerbated by hydrocephalus. He was rescheduled to undergo endoscopic endonasal surgery and dural repair on postoperative day 7. The postoperative course was uneventful.

Clinical discussion:
Frontoparietal lobe encephaloceles represent the least common cause of spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea. Early diagnosis and surgical management remain crucial to minimize the subsequent complications.

Conclusion:
The ventricular anatomy and CSF fluid dynamics alteration following tumor surgical resection seem to contribute to an environment by which a herniated ethmoidal encephalocele developed a delayed nontraumatic CSF leak.
Current approaches to gender-affirming vocal care
Authors: McBrinn Sarah , Antoni Christella , Al Yaghchi Chadwan 
Published: February 2024

Purpose of review
This review addresses the challenges faced by transgender women in achieving congruence between gender identity and voice characteristics and emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving therapeutic and surgical interventions.

Recent findings
Recent literature on gender-affirming vocal care emphasizes key themes such as assessment, voice feminization therapy, and various surgical techniques, including glottoplasty and its modifications. Recent publications focused on outcomes, duration, and impact on vocal quality and scrutinized complications associated with surgical interventions.

Summary
Most publications in the last 18 months advocate for the integration of voice therapy and surgery for optimal outcomes. Utilising a combined approach is significantly more effective in terms of fundamental frequency gain compared to therapy alone. Modified Wendler's glottoplasty remains the preferred and most reliable surgical intervention. However, surgery is not without its complications and vocal trade-offs, in particular, its impact on vocal projection and the risk of long-term dysphonia. Postsurgery rehabilitation improves long-term outcomes. Recent publications on alternative surgical approaches, namely laser reduction glottoplasty and feminization laryngoplasty, show promise but the results are more difficult to generalise.

Future direction
Prospective multicentre studies with standardized protocols are needed to establish best evidence-based practices.