bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between astrocytic reactivity and white matter integrity in the context of Alzheimer’s disease pathologies
Authors: Lin Feng , Li Oceanna , Therrien Sarah Amy , Turnbull Adam 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Astrocytes exhibit reactive responses to various brain pathologies, including Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), which can have both adaptive and maladaptive effects on brain function. Here, we investigate the relationships between two protein markers of astrocytic reactivity (glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40)) and white matter (WM) integrity in networks vulnerable to AD pathologies in dementia-free older adults with and without AD pathologies. We analyzed data from participants in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) GO/2 sample with repeated diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) sessions and baseline cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteomics data (n = 52 from mild cognitive impairment or healthy control). WM stability in medial temporal lobe (MTL)-involved networks was quantified using correlation coefficients of mean diffusivity between baseline and 2-year follow-up. CSF-based GFAP, YKL-40, amyloid beta 1–42 (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau at baseline were included. Episodic memory was quantified as a mean by averaging repeatedly measured composite scores. We also validated the relationships using data from local Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC). The relationship between GFAP and WM stability was moderated by Aβ, with higher GFAP related to better stability and memory in Aβ absent group while higher GFAP related to worse ptau in Aβ present group. Higher YKL-40 levels were associated with worse WM stability regardless of Aβ levels. Additionally, our validation analysis revealed a similar moderating role of APOE4 + for the relationship between WM integrity and plasma-based GFAP. Our study contributes to understanding the intricate relationship between astrocytic reactivity, AD pathology and WM integrity. GFAP's association with WM integrity was contingent on the severity of AD pathologies (Aβ levels or APOE4 status). Conversely, YKL-40 levels suggest its detrimental role in WM integrity independent of Aβ levels given its involvement in neuroinflammatory processes.
Brain Inspired Intelligent Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithm for Grid connected Photovoltaic System
Authors: Velpula Manikanta Raju , Kona Hanumath Phani Shree 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This paper proposes a novel brain inspired intelligent maximum power point tracking (BIIM) algorithm to enhance the performance of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) system. A computational model for the algorithm is developed and implemented by mimicking the functionalities of amygdala, thalamus, orbitofrontal cortex and sensory cortex, present in the limbic system of the human brain. Conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms, such as perturb and observe (P&O) and incremental conductance (IC), often encounter challenges in achieving efficient and accurate maximum power point (MPP) tracking under varying environmental conditions. These algorithms exhibit slow convergence speed, oscillations around the MPP, and reduced tracking accuracy, leading to power losses and suboptimal photovoltaic system performance. To overcome these limitations, a novel brain-inspired intelligent MPPT (BIIM) algorithm has been proposed and implemented. The proposed BIIM algorithm incorporates the limbic system's ability to process sensory inputs, learn from past experiences, and make rapid decisions to achieve efficient MPPT. The efficacy of the proposed BIIM algorithm is comprehensively evaluated under various critical conditions, such as irradiance variations, temperature fluctuations, and grid faults. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed MPPT approach, comparative analysis was conducted with conventional MPPT algorithms such as P&O, proportional-integral (PI) controlled incremental conductance (IC-PI) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The simulation results reveals the superior dynamic performance of the BIIM algorithm by reducing the response time, undershoot, along with increased efficiency and robustness.
Assessment of Sustainable and Machinable Performance Metrics of Monocrystalline Silicon Carbide Wafer with Electrophoretic Assisted Multi-Diamond Wire Sawing
Authors: Sefene Eyob Messele , Chen Chao-Chang Arthur , Tsai Yueh-Hsun , Lai Ting-Huan , Huang Ding-Xuan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The rapacious demand for energy in semiconductor wafer manufacturing industries has significant implications for global warming and wafer manufacturing costs. Assessing sustainability in the multi-diamond wire sawing (MDWS) process is crucial for reducing costs and mitigating environmental impacts. However, sustainability assessment integrated with machinability performance metrics in this process has not been investigated. This novel study extensively analyzes sustainability metrics such as processing time, energy consumption, carbon dioxide emission, machining cost, and machinability characteristics, including surface roughness, diamond wear rate, and sawing temperature in monocrystalline silicon carbide (mono-SiC) sawing process. Experiments were conducted using traditional MDWS (T-MDWS), reactive MDWS (R-MDWS), and electrophoretic-assisted reactive MDWS (ER-MDWS) coolants. An autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model were used to predict the overall energy consumption of the MDWS machine. Results showed significant improvements across various responses such as processing time, energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, machining cost, surface roughness, diamond wear rate, and sawing temperature, with reductions of 2.95%, 3.87%, 6.80%, 12.82%, 4.68%, 16.32%, and 4.39%, respectively. Furthermore, the ARIMA model results indicate that the total energy consumption prediction accuracy reaches 98.813%. The findings demonstrated that the ER-MDWS cooling strategy is well-suited for large-scale wafer production without compromising surface quality while minimizing environmental impact.
Analysis of influencing factors of acute kidney injury after Unilateral nephrectomy Short Title:Analysis of influencing factors of AKI after Unilateral nephrectomy
Authors: Yan Yongchao , Liu Yunbo , Li Bin , Zhao Wenshuo , XU Shang , Du Haotian , Li Yanjiang , Wang Xinning 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Unilateral Nephrectomy is one of the most common treatments for surgical diseases of the kidney but often results in postsurgical acute kidney injury (AKI), although the risk factors have not yet been fully elucidated. It is crucial to identify patients at risk of postsurgical AKI through predictive markers to improve postoperative prognosis. Therefore, in the current study, we aimed to investigate the risk factors for AKI in patients who have received Unilateral Nephrectomy.
Methods
We retrospectively analysed 528 patients who underwent Unilateral Nephrectomy for different etiologies between January 2013 and December 2018 at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. We sought to assess the prevalence and severity of AKI in patients with Unilateral Nephrectomy and identify whether age, gender, diabetes, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, preoperative renal function, etiology, performed surgically, anaemia, albumin, coagulation, lactate dehydrogenase, nitrogen (BUN), and uric acid are associated with AKI. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the predictors of AKI in patients with Unilateral Nephrectomy.
Results
Overall, 218 of the 528 patients (41.2%) developed AKI during their hospitalisation. Univariate analysis showed that AKI was significantly associated with gender (male, OR = 1.866，P = 0.001), overweight (OR = 2.19, P = 0.0002), and performed surgically (OR = 1.7, P = 0.018), while multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gender (OR = 1.953, P = 0.001), overweight (OR = 2.176, P = 0.001), and preoperative renal function (OR = 0.507, P = 0.001) were independent factors for AKI. Regression analysis among different etiologies showed significant differences in postoperative AKI.
Conclusion
After Unilateral nephrectomy, AKI is more likely to occur in overweight male patients withnormal kidney function. AKI occurred more frequently in patients who are kidney donors, but rarely in those with non-function kidneys.
Serum uric acid trajectories and sex-specific risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver in China: A 2019–2021 cohort health survey
Authors: Shi Dan , Tan Qilong , Zhang Yong , Qi Xiaoya , Xu Xiaoyang , Xu Guoqiong , Bai Ruixue , Deng Jing , Chen Mengxue , Jiang Tao , Mei Ying 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the sex-specific associations between serum uric acid (UA) trajectories and the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in large cohort survey 2019–2021.
Methods
This cohort health survey included 11644 participants without NAFLD before January 1, 2021; of them, 5578 (47.90%) were men and 6066 (52.10%) were women. The group-based trajectory model method was applied to identify serum UA trajectories from January 1, 2019, to December 30, 2021. New-onset NAFLD events in 2021 were treated as outcomes. A logistic regression model was used to assess sex-specific associations between UA trajectories and incidence of NAFLD.
Results
Four distinct serum UA trajectories among both sexes were identified: “low-stable” trajectory 1 (n = 783 men; n = 1143 women), “moderate–moderate increasing” trajectory 2 (n = 2794 men; n = 3266 women), “moderate high–moderate increasing” trajectory 3 (n = 1660 men; n = 1464 women), and “high-increasing” trajectory 4 (n = 341 men; n = 193 women). During the 3-year follow-up period, 840 (15.06%) men and 408 (6.72%) women developed NAFLD. Compared with the trajectory 1 group, the trajectory 4 group had the highest risk (odds ration [OR] 2.99 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.70, 5.24] for men; OR 2.37 [95% CI 1.04, 5.33] for women), followed by the trajectory 3 (OR 2.23 [95% CI 1.52, 3.30] for men; OR 2.37 [95% CI 1.45, 3.92] for women) and trajectory 2 (OR 1.43 [95% CI 1.07, 1.94] for men; OR 1.37 [95% CI 0.93, 2.03] for women) groups.
Conclusions
High serum UA trajectories were independent risk factors for NAFLD in both sexes.
Biomedical Data Fusion for Enrichment of Medications using AI
Authors: Sarker Mithun , Nandurkar Dhanraj 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In the last few decades, the field of biomedical engineering has witnessed revolutionary advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). This abstract explores the anarchic developments in AI, specifically focusing on the implementation of Deep Neural Networks (DNN) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) in the realm of biomedical engineering. The objective is to delve into the intricacies of these technologies, exploring their potential and paving the way for further exploration through ongoing hypothetical ideations. This analytical and pragmatic research is centered around the utilization of DNN and ANN for the comprehensive analysis of biomedical data. The primary focus is on gathering substantial medication data-fusions, utilizing the theoretical knowledge embedded in these advanced neural network models. The overarching goal is to contribute to the expansion of real-time biochemical experiments, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. Through the implementation of cutting-edge AI technologies, this research aims to bridge the gap between theoretical ideations and practical applications in the field of healthcare.
Clinical Comparative Trial of Arthroscopic Debridement Combined with PRP Therapy versus Pure PRP Therapy for Knee Joint: A Clinical Comparative Trial
Authors: Chen beibei , Liang Hairui , Yang Lei , Duan Siyu , Xu Rongda , Zhang He , Sun Ming , Zhou Xueting , Liu Hanfei , Wen Hang , Cai Zhencun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Knee joint diseases have become common musculoskeletal disorders in modern society, causing significant distress in patients' daily lives and activities. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for knee osteoarthritis has gained widespread recognition in recent years, while the efficacy of arthroscopic debridement surgery in knee osteoarthritis remains controversial. This study aims to evaluate the differences in improving symptoms and function of knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade III) between arthroscopic debridement combined with PRP therapy and pure PRP therapy through a clinical comparative trial.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 108 patients with knee osteoarthritis admitted from January 2021 to January 2022, who underwent PRP injection therapy. Patients who underwent arthroscopic debridement surgery were allocated to the arthroscopic combined with PRP therapy group (Group A), while the remaining patients were allocated to the PRP therapy group (Group B). The improvement of pain, joint symptoms, and function of knee osteoarthritis patients before and after treatment was evaluated using VAS, WOMAC, and Lysholm scores.
Results
Five months after the initial treatment, the knee-related scores of both groups of patients improved. The VAS pain score and WOMAC osteoarthritis score decreased, while the Lysholm knee function score increased, and all differences were statistically significant. When comparing the arthroscopic debridement combined with PRP treatment group to the pure PRP injection treatment group, the combined treatment group showed a greater decrease in VAS pain score and WOMAC osteoarthritis score, a more significant increase in Lysholm knee function score, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
PRP therapy can improve symptoms of knee osteoarthritis and promote joint function recovery, with better improvement in joint symptoms and function in the PRP combined with arthroscopic surgery group, and high safety.
Study on the effect and mechanism of mesenchymal stem cell exosome-derived miR-320a regulating TGF-β1/Smads pathway in mice with premature ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Li Rongxia , Liu Xueping , Liang Xiao , Tang Siling , Xi Hongyan , Xiu Zi , Zhang Xinmiao , Wu Zhongyu , Duan Yancang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction: exosomes, natural nanoscale particles released by various cells, particularly Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), have gained attention for their therapeutic potential. MSC-exosomes, combining exosome benefits with MSC attributes, show promise in treating diverse conditions, including wound healing, neurological diseases, and cardiovascular issues. The Smad proteins, crucial in TGF-β superfamily signaling, play a key role in ovarian processes and germ line formation, with BMPs influencing primordial germ cell development. The intricate communication between TGF-β ligands, such as activins and inhibins, regulates folliculogenesis stages.Aims and objective: The study aims to examine how miR-320a, produced from mesenchymal stem cell exosomes, regulates the TGF-β1/Smads pathway in mice with “premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)”.Method Protocols established for the care and use of animals were adhered to. The Shanghai Laboratory Animal Research Center's mice were kept in a sterile setting. After inducing wounds on the skin, uMSC-Exo was administered in hydrogel to the area. Ultracentrifugation was used to separate exosomes from cell suspension media. Cell cycle and protein markers were analysed using flow cytometry. Both in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence were performed.Result Figs. 1 to 5 exhibit wound diameter dynamics over time for Mock, uMSC, and HEK293T groups. All groups have a reduction in wound size (y-axis, centimetres) as healing progresses, but the uMSC-treated group shows the greatest reduction. Particle size and intensity statistics are shown on the right side of each figure; these may provide light on wound healing mechanisms and highlight the therapeutic potential of uMSC treatment. The study found that uMSC-Exo led to significant downregulation, while Antago-uMSC-Exo, an antagonist-treated group, exhibited upregulation, suggesting a reversal of inhibitory effects. The SMAD2 reporter analysis indicates that modified uMSC-Exo treatment decreases SMAD2-binding luciferase levels, with a statistically significant reduction in uMSC-Exo. Antago-uMSC-Exo shows an increase, though not statistically significant.Conclusion This research reveals the distinct microRNAs in uMSC-Exos that suppress scar formation via exosome-mediated intercellular transfer, providing a fresh strategy for enhanced wound healing and regenerative medicine.
Exploring the Role of Institutional Quality in the Crowding-out Effect of Military Expenditure on Health Expenditure and Outcomes in Africa
Authors: Badmus Jamiu Olamilekan , Raifu Isiaka Akande , Opeloyeru Olaide Sekinat 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This study revisits the long-standing debate on the guns-versus-butter phenomenon that spending on military activity crowds out non-military expenditure. By focusing on Africa, we argue that the crowding-out effect of military expenditure on health expenditure extends beyond government health expenditure but also private and out-of-pocket health expenditure and health outcomes. The empirical analysis based on the dynamic two-step system generalized method of moments reveals that modelling the crowding-out effect of military expenditure on health outcomes by omitting institutional quality measures biased the estimates. After the inclusion, there is evidence of the crowding-out effect of military expenditure, which causes government health expenditure to decline by 0.040% and both private and out-of-pocket health expenditure to increase by 0.001% and 0.030%, respectively. The effect of military expenditure on health outcomes exerts an increase in infant mortality by 0.008% but a reduction of 0.007% and 0.089% on life expectancy and maternal mortality rates in Africa. Also, we find that the inclusion of an interaction term of military expenditure and institutional quality only reverses the crowding-out effect on government health expenditure and not on private and out-of-pocket health expenditure in Africa. Similarly, for health outcomes, the favorable effect of the interaction term is only evident for increased life expectancy and reduced maternal mortality rates. We offer policy recommendations to improve fiscal spending on the health sector in Africa as a paramount measure to improve human capital development and provide areas for further empirical contributions.
A participatory arts program to support the well-being and psychosocial adjustment of adolescents and young adults living with mental health issues: investigating factors associated with differential change following participation
Authors: Archambault Kim , Guilbault Sophie , Sanchez Isabelle , Pelissier Albane , Drapeau-Lamothe Meghan , Garel Patricia 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that participatory arts programs (PAPs) may represent acceptable and promising avenues to help limit the impacts of mental disorders on the psychosocial functioning and developmental trajectories of young people. In this naturalistic evaluation study, we measured the subjective well-being, global self-esteem, and perceived social functioning of 171 adolescents and young adults before and after their participation in a PAP especially developed to foster their psychosocial adjustment and well-being. We assessed the pre-post-program evolution of these three dimensions and investigated its variation as a function of participants’ demographic and clinical characteristics. Globally, all three psychosocial adjustment dimensions improved significantly from pre- to post-program (p ≤ 0.001). Their evolution did not vary according to the age, gender, or migration status of participants, but did as a function of their geographical setting and severity of functional impairments due to mental health problems. Improvements in self-esteem and social functioning were observed in participants living in rural or semi-rural regions (p < 0.001), but not in the metropolitan area. Youths reporting severe impairments had the greatest improvements in all three dimensions of psychosocial functioning (p < 0.001), followed by those reporting moderate impairments (p < 0.001), and no changes were observed in the low severity sub-group. Results suggest that participatory arts programs can foster the well-being and psychosocial functioning of transition-aged youths with varied mental health issues, while emphasizing the importance to consider participants’ characteristics in evaluation research.
Reduced-port laparoscopic colectomy with D3-lymph node dissection and transvaginal specimen extraction (NOSES VIIIa) for right colon cancer: clinical features
Authors: Efetov Sergey , Cao Yu , Panova Polina , Khlusov Denis , Shulutko Alexander 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:
Reduced-port laparoscopic surgery (RPLS) is the minimum possible number of ports or small-sized ports in laparoscopic surgery. Although the damage has been reduced compared to conventional laparoscopic (CL) surgery, a mini-laparotomy (ML) is still required to extract the specimen. The combination of RPLS and natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) minimizes the damage of the procedure.
Methods:
First group, we present the surgical approach of RPLS and extract the specimen via vaginal. Second group, we present the CL and extract the specimen through mini-laparotomy. We highlight the first surgical approach that includes preoperative preparation, key steps during the operation, and postoperative outcomes
Results:
A total of 17 patients with right colon adenocarcinoma, 5 of them underwent RPLS-NOSE, and other 12 patients underwent conventional laparoscopic (CL) surgery and extract specimen by mini-laparotomy (CL-ML). Compare with CL-ML, RPLS-NOSE associated with longer operative time (289 min vs 231 min, P < 0.001), less bleeding (60 ml vs 90 ml, P = 0.025), short hospitalization (8.2 days vs 13.6 days, P<0.001), faster first flatus (1.8 days vs 3.4 days, P<0.001), less postoperative pain on first day (2.8 vs 4.25, P = 0.019). Regarding to lymph node harvest, bowal movement, R0 resection, postoperative comlications, postoperative pain on day 3 and day 5, no significant difference was observed.
Conclusion:
In selected patients, RPLS with D3-lymph node dissection and transvaginal specimen extraction is safe, results in fast recovery, and is indicated for colon cancer patients.
Modulus of elasticity in standing trees of Pinus montezumae Lamb., using non-destructive testing
Authors: Ramos Xuxan Alyn Rosas , Rosa Ma. Amparo Máxima Borja de la , Velasco Roberto Machuca , Ambriz Alejandro Corona , Hernández Liliana Cuapio 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Non-destructive testing applied to the study of the mechanical properties of wood in standing trees has grown significantly in recent years due to the implementation of non-invasive techniques and technologies that do not require the felling of trees for their evaluation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the dynamic modulus of elasticity and structural wood quality in standing trees of Pinus montezumae Lamb. An acoustic method was used by measuring the ultrasound time of flight for seventy trees with an average age of 74 years, the sensors were placed oppositely at 1.30 m for the transverse section, while for the longitudinal sections the sensors were placed alternately every 2 m. It was found that for P. montezumae Lamb, the dynamic modulus of elasticity for the 0–2 m and 2–4 m longitudinal sections at 12% moisture content was 6149.1 and 7039.1 MPa, respectively. Statistically significant differences were also found for the longitudinal dynamic modulus of elasticity (p-value < 0.05). It is concluded that for the study area, the high longitudinal section (2–4 m) allows obtaining structural wood of higher quality compared to the low section (0–2 m).