bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-voltage pulsed radiofrequency improves ultrastructure of DRG and enhances spinal microglial autophagy to ameliorate neuropathic pain induced by SNI
Authors: Chen Ri , Xu Xueru , Yu Youfen , Chen Yanqin , Lin Chun , Liu Rongguo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNeuropathic pain (NeP) is intractable for which many therapies are ineffective. High-voltage pulsed radiofrequency (HVPRF) on dorsal root ganglion (DRG) is considered an effective treatment for NeP. The aim of this study is to explore the therapeutic voltage for the optimal efficacy of PRF and the underlying mechanisms. The radiofrequency electrode was placed close to the L5 DRG of rats with spared nerve injury (SNI) and emitted current by the corresponding voltage in different groups. Four different voltages (45 V, 65 V, 85 V, and 100 V) of PRF on DRG significantly alleviated the SNI-induced NeP, reduced the levels of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) in DRG, improved the ultrastructure of DRG, and promoted autophagy in spinal microglia to varying degrees and partially reversed the increased expression of TNF-α and the reduced expression of IL-10 in spinal cord dorsal horn (SCDH). The beneficial effect of 85V-PRF was superior to those of other three PRF treatments. The underlying mechanisms may be related to repairing the DRG damage and improving the DRG ultrastructure while regulating spinal microglial autophagy and thereby alleviating neuroinflammation.
The unnecessary workups and admissions of adolescents and young adults with spontaneous pneumomediastinum
Authors: Wald Lindsay , Yergin Celeste , Petroze Robin , Larson Shawn , Islam Saleem 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSpontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is a rare condition in children and young adults that raises concern for esophageal perforation or extension of an air leak, resulting in admissions with multiple interventions performed. To assess our outcomes, and to evaluate our resource utilization, we reviewed our experience with SPM. We conducted a retrospective review of SPM cases in patients aged 5–25 years old occurring between 2011 and 2021 at a single academic tertiary care center. Clinical, demographic, and outcome variables were collected and analyzed, and cohorts were compared using Fischer’s Exact Test and Welch’s T Test. 166 SPM cases were identified—all of which were Emergency Department (ED) presentations. 84% of the cases were admitted. 70% had Computerized Tomography (CT) scans, with no defined criteria for imaging. Comparison of floor admissions with discharges from the ED showed no significant difference in presenting symptoms, demographics, or outcomes between the two groups. Recurrence was noted in 4 patients with a range of 5.9 months–4.9 years from the initial episode. In the largest SPM study in the pediatric and young adult population, we noted no significant difference in management or outcomes in admitted or ED discharge patients nor those with CT imaging. Our results suggest that a large number of SPM can be managed safely with discharge from the ED.
Comparative analysis of chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes of sweet potato provides evidence of gene transfer
Authors: Li GuoLiang , Zhang Hong , Lin Zhaomiao , Li Huawei , Xu Guochun , Xu Yongqing , Ji Rongchang , Luo Wenbin , Qiu Yongxiang , Qiu Sixin , Tang Hao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe increasing number of plant mitochondrial DNA genomes (mtDNA) sequenced reveals the extent of transfer from both chloroplast DNA genomes (cpDNA) and nuclear DNA genomes (nDNA). This study created a library and assembled the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes of the leafy sweet potato better to understand the extent of mitochondrial and chloroplast gene transfer. The full-length chloroplast genome of the leafy sweet potato (OM808940) is 161,387 bp, with 132 genes annotated, including 87 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes. The mitochondrial genome (OM808941) was 269,578 bp in length and contained 69 functional genes, including 39 protein-coding genes, 6 rRNA genes, and 24 tRNA genes. 68 SSR loci were found in the leafy sweet potato organelle genome, including 54 in the chloroplast genome and 14 in the mitochondria genome. In the sweet potato mitochondrial genome, most genes have RNA editing sites, and the conversion ratio from hydrophilic amino acids to hydrophobic amino acids is the highest, reaching 47.12%. Horizontal transfer occurs in the sweet potato organelle genome and nuclear genome. 40 mitochondrial genome segments share high homology with 14 chloroplast genome segments, 33 of which may be derived from chloroplast genome horizontal transfer. 171 mitochondrial genome sequences come from the horizontal transfer of nuclear genome. The phylogenetic analysis of organelle genes revealed that the leafy sweet potato was closely related to the tetraploid wild species Ipomoea tabascana and the wild diploid species Ipomoea trifida.
A new pilot shared method for saving bandwidth cost of OFDM
Authors: Ali Shahid , Zheng Dongsheng , Jiao Bingli 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system applies coherent demodulation to achieve high spectral efficiency at a bandwidth cost by the pilot tones. Considering the statistical property of the down-link channels to the users, it can be found that there is an opportunity to reduce the pilot number in the conventional designs while maintaining the same signal demodulation performances. The design philosophy involves utilizing the difference of the channel coherent bandwidths (CCBs) by allocating data to appropriate positions upon the fact that different CCBs can tolerate different minimized pilot spacing. The proposed design allows each user’s equipment’s data not to exceed its CCB with the sparser pilots. The theoretical analysis is carried out based on the concept of channel frequency response using linear interpolation with channel estimation employing the least squares (LS) method. The gain of the proposed method is demonstrated in terms of the ergodic capacities and confirmed by the simulations.
Bioinformatics analysis for the identification of Sprouty-related EVH1 domain-containing protein 3 expression and its clinical significance in thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Xiaowei , Meng Xiangwei , Wang Pengyun , Luan Chong , Wang Haiming 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (THCA) subtype is associated with an aggressive disease course, a less favorable overall prognosis, and an increased risk of distant organ metastasis. In this study, our objective was to explore the potential utility of the Sprouty-related EVH1 domain-containing protein 3 (SPRED3) as a biomarker for early diagnosis and prognosis in THCA patients. The differentially expressed prognostic-related genes associated with THCA were identified by querying The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The difference in the expression of the SPRED3 gene between thyroid carcinoma (THCA) tissues and normal tissues was analyzed using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and further validated through immunohistochemistry. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used, along with clinical information from THCA patients, to analyze the prognostic value of the SPRED3 gene in THCA patients. Functional enrichment analysis was subsequently performed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulatory effects of the SPRED3 gene on thyroid carcinoma. Additionally, we calculated the percentage of infiltrating immune cells in THCA patients and evaluated their correlation with SPRED3 gene expression. Compared with those in noncancerous thyroid tissue, the gene and protein expression levels of SPRED3 were found to be elevated in thyroid carcinoma tissues. Furthermore, the expression of SPRED3 in thyroid carcinoma exhibited significant correlations with tumor location, histological grade, pathological stage, and tumor node metastasis classification (TNM) stage. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards (Cox) regression analyses demonstrated that SPRED3 could serve as an independent prognostic factor for predicting the overall survival of THCA patients. The results of functional enrichment analysis suggested the potential involvement of SPRED3 in the regulation of extracellular matrix organization, epidermal development, signaling receptor activator activity, skin development, receptor ligand activity, glycosaminoglycan binding, neuroactive ligand‒receptor interaction, the IL-17 signaling pathway, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Additionally, there were significant correlations between the expression level of the SPRED3 gene and the infiltration of various immune cells (eosinophils, central memory T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and NK cells) within the thyroid tumor microenvironment. SPRED3 can be used as a prognostic biomarker in patients with THCA could potentially be therapeutic target for THCA.
Beam quality and the mystery behind the lower percentage depth dose in grid radiation therapy
Authors: Karimi Amir Hossein , Das Indra J. , Chegeni Nahid , Jabbari Iraj , Jafari Fatemeh , Geraily Ghazale 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGrid therapy recently has been picking momentum due to favorable outcomes in bulky tumors. This is being termed as Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy (SFRT) and lattice therapy. SFRT can be performed with specially designed blocks made with brass or cerrobend with repeated holes or using multi-leaf collimators where dosimetry is uncertain. The dosimetric challenge in grid therapy is the mystery behind the lower percentage depth dose (PDD) in grid fields. The knowledge about the beam quality, indexed by TPR20/10 (Tissue Phantom Ratio), is also necessary for absolute dosimetry of grid fields. Since the grid may change the quality of the primary photons, a new $${\mathbf{k}}_{\mathbf{q},{\mathbf{q}}_{0}}$$

k

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should be evaluated for absolute dosimetry of grid fields. A Monte Carlo (MC) approach is provided to resolving the dosimetric issues. Using 6 MV beam from a linear accelerator, MC simulation was performed using MCNPX code. Additionally, a commercial grid therapy device was used to simulate the grid fields. Beam parameters were validated with MC model for output factor, depth of maximum dose, PDDs, dose profiles, and TPR20/10. The electron and photon spectra were also compared between open and grid fields. The dmax is the same for open and grid fields. The PDD with grid is lower (~ 10%) than the open field. The difference in TPR20/10 of open and grid fields is observable (~ 5%). Accordingly, TPR20/10 is still a good index for the beam quality in grid fields and consequently choose the correct $${\mathbf{k}}_{\mathbf{q},{\mathbf{q}}_{0}}$$

k

q
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in measurements. The output factors for grid fields are 0.2 lower compared to open fields. The lower depth dose with grid therapy is due to lower depth fluence with scatter radiation but it does not impact the dosimetry as the calibration parameters are insensitive to the effective beam energies. Thus, standard dosimetry in open beam based on international protocol could be used.
Novel antimicrobial peptides against Cutibacterium acnes designed by deep learning
Authors: Dong Qichang , Wang Shaohua , Miao Ying , Luo Heng , Weng Zuquan , Yu Lun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance in Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) requires the search for alternative therapeutic strategies. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer a promising avenue for the development of new treatments targeting C. acnes. In this study, to design peptides with the specific inhibitory activity against C. acnes, we employed a deep learning pipeline with generators and classifiers, using transfer learning and pretrained protein embeddings, trained on publicly available data. To enhance the training data specific to C. acnes inhibition, we constructed a phylogenetic tree. A panel of 42 novel generated linear peptides was then synthesized and experimentally evaluated for their antimicrobial selectivity and activity. Five of them demonstrated their high potency and selectivity against C. acnes with MIC of 2–4 µg/mL. Our findings highlight the potential of these designed peptides as promising candidates for anti-acne therapeutics and demonstrate the power of computational approaches for the rational design of targeted antimicrobial peptides.
YOLOFM: an improved fire and smoke object detection algorithm based on YOLOv5n
Authors: Geng Xin , Su Yixuan , Cao Xianghong , Li Huaizhou , Liu Linggong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTo address the current difficulties in fire detection algorithms, including inadequate feature extraction, excessive computational complexity, limited deployment on devices with limited resources, missed detections, inaccurate detections, and low accuracy, we developed a highly accurate algorithm named YOLOFM. We utilized LabelImg software to manually label a dataset containing 18644 images, named FM-VOC Dataset18644. In addition, we constructed a FocalNext network, which utilized the FocalNextBlock module from the CFnet network. This improves the integration of multi-scale information and reduces model parameters. We also proposed QAHARep-FPN, an FPN network that integrates the structure of quantization awareness and hardware awareness. This design effectively reduces redundant calculations of the model. A brand-new compression decoupled head, named NADH, was also created to enhance the correlation between the decoupling head structure and the calculation logic of the loss function. Instead of using the CIoU loss for bounding box regression, we proposed a Focal-SIoU loss. This promotes the swift convergence of the network and enhances the precision of the regression. The experimental results showed that YOLOFM improved the baseline network’s accuracy, recall, F1, mAP50, and mAP50-95 by 3.1%, 3.9%, 3.0%, 2.2%, and 7.9%, respectively. It achieves an equilibrium that combines performance and speed, resulting in a more dependable and accurate solution for detection jobs.
Integrated visual transformer and flash attention for lip-to-speech generation GAN
Authors: Yang Qiong , Bai Yuxuan , Liu Feng , Zhang Wei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLip-to-Speech (LTS) generation is an emerging technology that is highly visible, widely supported, and rapidly evolving. LTS has a wide range of promising applications, including assisting speech impairment and improving speech interaction in virtual assistants and robots. However, the technique faces the following challenges: (1) Chinese lip-to-speech generation is poorly recognized. (2) The wide range of variation in lip-speaking is poorly aligned with lip movements. Addressing these challenges will contribute to advancing Lip-to-Speech (LTS) technology, enhancing the communication abilities, and improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Currently, lip-to-speech generation techniques usually employ the GAN architecture but suffer from the following problems: The primary issue lies in the insufficient joint modeling of local and global lip movements, resulting in visual ambiguities and inadequate image representations. To solve these problems, we design Flash Attention GAN (FA-GAN) with the following features: (1) Vision and audio are separately coded, and lip motion is jointly modelled to improve speech recognition accuracy. (2) A multilevel Swin-transformer is introduced to improve image representation. (3) A hierarchical iterative generator is introduced to improve speech generation. (4) A flash attention mechanism is introduced to improve computational efficiency. Many experiments have indicated that FA-GAN can recognize Chinese and English datasets better than existing architectures, especially the recognition error rate of Chinese, which is only 43.19%, the lowest among the same type.
Effectiveness and safety of XEN 63 in patients with primary-open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Martínez-de-la-Casa José María , Marcos-Parra María Teresa , Millá-Griñó Elena , Laborda Teresa , Giménez-Gomez Rafael , Larrosa José Manuel , Urcola Aritz , Teus Miguel Ángel , Perucho-Martínez Susana 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper evaluates the effectiveness and safety of XEN63 stent, either standalone or in combination with phacoemulsification, in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Eighty eyes from 80 patients with medically uncontrolled POAG were assigned to undergo XEN63 implant. The primary outcome was the surgical success, defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering from preoperative values ≥ 20% and an IOP absolute value between 6 and 18 mmHg, with or without antiglaucoma medications. Forty-three (53.7%) eyes underwent XEN63-standalone and 37(46.2%) eyes a XEN63 + Phacoemulsification procedure. Success rate was 68.8% (55/80) eyes in the overall study sample, 69.8% (30/43) eyes in the XEN63-standalone group; and 67.6% (25/37) eyes in the XEN63 + Phaco group (p = 0.6133). Preoperative IOP was significantly lowered from 22.1 ± 4.9 mmHg and 19.8 ± 3.7 mmHg to 14.7 ± 5.3 mmHg and 13.8 ± 3.4 mmHg in the XEN63-standalone and XEN63 + Phaco groups, respectively (p < 0.0001 each, respectively); without significant differences between them at any of the time-points measured. Preoperative number of ocular-hypotensive drugs was significantly reduced from 2.3 ± 0.8 to 0.3 ± 0.7 drugs, from 2.5 ± 0.7 to 0.3 ± 0.7 drugs; and from 2.0 ± 0.8 to 0.3 ± 0.7 drugs, in the overall, XEN63-standalone, and XEN63 + Phaco groups, respectively. Regarding safety, 3(42.5%) eyes had transient hypotony at some point during the study, although only in one (1.2%) eye was clinically significant. Four (5.0%) eyes underwent a needling, 4 (5.0%) eyes underwent surgical-bleb-revision, 1 (1.2%) eye required a device replacement and 1 (1.2%) eye a device removal due to maculopathy. XEN63, either alone or in combination with phacoemulsification, significantly lowered IOP and reduced the number of ocular hypotensive medications. The rate of ocular hypotony was relatively high, although it was clinically relevant only in one eye.
Characterization of carbon fluxes, stock and nutrients in the sacred forest groves and invasive vegetation stands within the human dominated landscapes of a tropical semi-arid region
Authors: Akil Prasath R. V. , Mohanraj R. , Balaramdas K. R. , Jhony Kumar Tagore A. , Raja P. , Rajasekaran A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the semi-arid plains of Southern India, outside the protected area network, sacred groves forests and the barren lands invaded by Prosopis juliflora are reckoned to be the major greenery, but have homogenous and heterogeneous vegetation respectively. This study attempted to compare 50 Sacred Groves Stands (SGS) and 50 monodominant Prosopis juliflora Stands (PJS) for the functional diversity, evenness, floral diversity, carbon stock and dynamics, carbon-fixing traits, dendrochronology of trees, soil nutrient profiles, and soil erosion. Quadrat sample survey was adopted to record stand density, species richness, abundance, basal area and leaf area index; composite soil samples were collected at depths 0–30 cm for nutrient profiling (N, P, K, and OC). Photosynthesis rate (µmole co2 m2/sec), air temperature (°c), leaf intracellular co2 concentration (ppm), ambient photosynthetic active radiation (µmole m2/sec), transpiration rate (m. mole H2O m2/sec) were determined for the 51 tree species existed in SGS and PJS using Plant Photosynthesis system. Structural Equation Model (SEM) was applied to derive the carbon sequestering potential and photosynthetic efficiency of eight dominant tree species using vital input parameters, including eco-physiological, morphological, and biochemical characterization. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model, in conjunction with ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS 10.3, was adopted to map soil loss. Carbon source/sink determinations inferred through Net Ecosystem Productivity (NEP) assessments showed that mature SGS potentially acted as a carbon sink (0.06 ± 0.01 g C/m2/day), while matured PJS acted as a carbon source (−0.34 ± 0.12 g C/m2/day). Soil erosion rates were significantly greater (29.5 ± 13.4 ton/ha/year) in SGS compared to PJS (7.52 ± 2.55 ton/ha/year). Of the eight selected tree species, SEM revealed that trees belonging to the family Fabaceae [Wrightia tinctoria (estimated coefficient: 1.28, p = 0.02) > Prosopis juliflora (1.22, p = 0.01) > Acacia nilotica (1.21, p = 0.03) > Albizia lebbeck (0.97, p = 0.01)] showed comparatively high carbon sequestering ability.
Detecting tail biters by monitoring pig screams in weaning pigs
Authors: Heseker Philipp , Bergmann Tjard , Scheumann Marina , Traulsen Imke , Kemper Nicole , Probst Jeanette 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEarly identification of tail biting and intervention are necessary to reduce tail lesions and their impact on animal health and welfare. Removal of biters has become an effective intervention strategy, but finding them can be difficult and time-consuming. The aim of this study was to investigate whether tail biting and, in particular, individual biters could be identified by detecting pig screams in audio recordings. The study included 288 undocked weaner pigs housed in six pens in two batches. Once a tail biter (n = 7) was identified by visual inspection in the stable and removed by the farm staff, the previous days of video and audio recordings were analyzed for pig screams (sudden increase in loudness with frequencies above 1 kHz) and tail biting events until no biting before the removal was observed anymore. In total, 2893 screams were detected in four pens where tail biting occurred. Of these screams, 52.9% were caused by tail biting in the observed pen, 25.6% originated from other pens, 8.8% were not assignable, and 12.7% occurred due to other reasons. In case of a tail biting event, screams were assigned individually to biter and victim pigs. Based on the audio analysis, biters were identified between one and nine days prior to their removal from the pen after visual inspection. Screams were detected earlier than the increase in hanging tails and could therefore be favored as an early warning indicator. Analyzing animal vocalization has potential for monitoring and early detection of tail biting events. In combination with individual marks and automatic analysis algorithms, biters could be identified and tail biting efficiently reduced. In this way, biters can be removed earlier to increase animal health and welfare.
Prevalence, types, and risk factors of functional gastrointestinal diseases in Hainan Province, China
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhang Da-ya , Chen Shiju , Huang Shimei , Zeng Fan , Li Da , Lv Yan-ting , Xiang Xiaohong , Chen Run-xiang , Zhang Xiaodong , Mao Fengjiao , Huang Xianfeng , Wang Jun , Bai Feihu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTo investigate the prevalence, types, and risk factors of functional gastrointestinal diseases (FGIDs) in Hainan Province, China, in order to provide insights for future prevention and treatment strategies. A questionnaire survey was conducted from July 2022 to May 2023, using stratified sampling to sample local residents in five cities (20 townships) in Hainan Province. Out of 2057 local residents surveyed, 659 individuals (32.0%) reported experiencing at least one FGID. The most prevalent FGIDs were functional dyspepsia (FD) (10.7%), functional constipation (FC) (9.3%), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (6.8%), functional bloating (2.2%), belching disorder (2.2%), functional diarrhea (FDr) (1.5%), functional heartburn (1.5%), and fecal incontinence (0.98%). The study revealed significant associations between FGIDs and factors such as age, sleep quality, anxiety, smoking, alcohol consumption, and the consumption of pickled food (P < 0.05). Older age, poor sleep quality, anxiety, and the consumption of pickled food were identified as independent risk factors for the prevalence of FGIDs (P < 0.05). In Hainan Province, the overall prevalence of FGIDs was found to be 32.0%, with higher prevalences of FC and FD. Older age, poor sleep quality, anxiety, and the consumption of pickled food were identified as risk factors for FGIDs.