bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing scan time and bayesian penalized likelihood reconstruction algorithm in copper-64 PET/CT imaging: a phantom study
Authors: Monsef Abbas , Sheikhzadeh Peyman , Steiner Joseph R , Sadeghi Fatemeh , Yazdani Mohammadreza , Ghafarian Pardis 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate Cu-64 PET phantom image quality using Bayesian Penalized Likelihood (BPL) and Ordered Subset Expectation Maximum with point-spread function modeling (OSEM-PSF) reconstruction algorithms. In the BPL, the regularization parameter

β

was varied to identify the optimum value for image quality. In the OSEM-PSF, the effect of acquisition time was evaluated to assess the feasibility of shortened scan duration. Methods: A NEMA IEC PET body phantom was filled with known activities of water soluble Cu-64. The phantom was imaged on a PET/CT scanner and was reconstructed using BPL and OSEM-PSF algorithms. For the BPL reconstruction, various

β

values (150, 250, 350, 450, and 550) were evaluated. For the OSEM-PSF algorithm, reconstructions were performed using list-mode data intervals ranging from 7.5 to 240 s. Image quality was assessed by evaluating the signal to noise ratio (SNR), contrast to noise ratio (CNR), and background variability (BV). Results: The SNR and CNR were higher in images reconstructed with BPL compared to OSEM-PSF. Both the SNR and CNR increased with increasing β, peaking at

β

= 550. The CNR for all β, sphere sizes and tumor-to-background ratios (TBRs) satisfied the Rose criterion for image detectability (CNR > 5). BPL reconstructed images with β = 550 demonstrated the highest improvement in image quality. For OSEM-PSF reconstructed images with list-mode data duration ≥ 120 s, the noise level and CNR were not significantly different from the baseline 240 s list-mode data duration. Conclusions: BPL reconstruction improved Cu-64 PET phantom image quality by increasing SNR and CNR relative to OSEM-PSF reconstruction. Additionally, this study demonstrated scan time can be reduced from 240 to 120 s when using OSEM-PSF reconstruction while maintaining similar image quality. This study provides baseline data that may guide future studies aimed to improve clinical Cu-64 imaging.
Marijuana Use Increases Risk of Hematoma Formation in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Body Contouring Surgery
Authors: Rudy Hayeem , Lu Yi-Hsueh , Chernovolenko Daniel , Grande Julia , Park Michelle , Ricci Joseph 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Goals/Purpose
The physiological effect of marijuana is thought to include platelet inhibition and poor wound healing, however, there is mixed clinical evidence in the plastic surgery literature regarding this topic. As marijuana usage continues to increase, this study sought to identify the effect of marijuana on postoperative complication rates in patients undergoing abdominal body contouring surgery (ABCS) while controlling for tobacco consumption and other comorbidities.

Methods/Technique
A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients who underwent panniculectomy or abdominoplasty at our institution between 2016 and 2021. Patients were separated into groups of active (at time of surgery), former, and no marijuana use. Demographic characteristics, smoking history, laboratory results, comorbidities, operative details, and postoperative complications including hematoma, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and wound healing complications were analyzed. Parametric, nonparametric, and multivariable regression modeling was used for analysis.

Results/Complications
815 patients who underwent panniculectomy or abdominoplasty were included in the study. 61 patients (7.5%) reported active marijuana use at time of their surgery, and 31 patients (3.8%) reported former marijuana use (defined as last use &gt;2 months prior). Patients who reported any marijuana use were significantly younger (40.5 years vs 45.9 years; p&lt;0.0001) and more likely to identify as Black (OR=2.34; p=0.005). Any marijuana use was significantly associated with reported tobacco use (OR=4.80; p&lt;0.001; 95% CI 1.69-12.69) After adjusting for age, BMI, tobacco use, platelet count, and comorbidity index, active marijuana use was associated with significantly higher risk of hematoma formation (OR=2.55; P= 0.03; 95% CI 1.12-6.55) as well as any complication combined (OR=1.73; p=0.02, 95% CI 1.15-3.56). Other complications, including venous thromboembolism, infection, seroma, umbilical necrosis, wound dehiscence, or anesthetic-related complications were not significantly associated with reported marijuana use.

Conclusion
When controlling for multiple confounders, marijuana use appears to be independently associated with increased risk of hematoma development in patients undergoing abdominal body contouring surgery with either abdominoplasty or panniculectomy. Further research is warranted to investigate the exact relationships and mechanisms of action behind this finding.
Prognostic implication of lung ultrasound in heart failure: a pooled analysis of international cohorts
Authors: Rastogi Tripti , Gargani Luna , Pellicori Pierpaolo , Lamiral Zohra , Ambrosio Giuseppe , Bayés-Genis Antoni , Domingo Mar , Lupon Josep , Simonovic Dejan , Pugliese Nicola Riccardo , Ruocco Gaetano , Duarte Kevin , Coiro Stefano , Palazzuoli Alberto , Girerd Nicolas 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aims
Lung ultrasound (LUS) is often used to assess congestion in heart failure (HF). In this study, we assessed the prognostic role of LUS in patients with HF at admission and hospital discharge, and in an outpatient setting, and explored whether clinical factors [age, sex, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and atrial fibrillation] impact the prognostic value of LUS findings. Further, we assessed the incremental prognostic value of LUS on top of the following two clinical risk scores: (i) the atrial fibrillation, haemoglobin, elderly, abnormal renal parameters, diabetes mellitus (AHEAD) and (ii) the Meta-Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC) clinical risk scores.

Methods and results
We pooled data on patients hospitalized for HF or followed up in outpatient clinics from international cohorts. We enrolled 1947 patients at admission (n = 578), discharge (n = 389), and in outpatient clinics (n = 980). The total LUS B-line count was calculated for the eight-zone scanning protocol. The primary outcome was a composite of rehospitalization for HF and all-cause death. Compared with those in the lower tertiles of B lines, patients in the highest tertiles were older, more likely to have signs of HF and had higher N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels. A higher number of B lines was associated with increased risk of primary outcome at discharge [Tertile 3 vs. Tertile 1: adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 5.74 (3.26–10.12), P &lt; 0.0001] and in outpatients [Tertile 3 vs. Tertile 1: adjusted HR: 2.66 (1.08–6.54), P = 0.033]. Age and LVEF did not influence the prognostic capacity of LUS in different clinical settings. Adding B-line count to the MAGGIC and AHEAD scores improved net reclassification significantly in all three clinical settings.

Conclusion
A higher number of B lines in patients with HF was associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, regardless of the clinical setting.
Calcification of surgical aortic bioprostheses and its impact on clinical outcome
Authors: Guimbretière Guillaume , Sénage Thomas , Boureau Anne-Sophie , Roos Jean-Charles , Bernard Quentin , Carlier Baptiste , Veziers Joelle , Cueff Caroline , Piriou Nicolas , Coste Guenola , Fellah Imen , Lelarge Coline , Capoulade Romain , Jaafar Philippe , Manigold Thibaud , Letocart Vincent , Warin-Fresse Karine , Guérin Patrice , Costa Cristina , Vadori Marta , Galinañes Manuel , Manez Rafael , Soulillou Jean-Paul , Cozzi Emanuele , Padler-Karavani Vered , Serfaty Jean-Michel , Roussel Jean-Christian , Le Tourneau Thierry 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aims
Aortic valve calcification (AVC) of surgical valve bioprostheses (BPs) has been poorly explored. We aimed to evaluate in vivo and ex vivo BP AVCs and its prognosis value.

Methods and results
Between 2011 and 2019, AVC was assessed using in vivo computed tomography (CT) in 361 patients who had undergone surgical valve replacement 6.4 ± 4.3 years earlier. Ex vivo CT scans were performed for 37 explanted BPs. The in vivo CT scans were interpretable for 342 patients (19 patients [5.2%] were excluded). These patients were 77.2 ± 9.1 years old, and 64.3% were male. Mean in vivo AVC was 307 ± 500 Agatston units (AU). The AVC was 562 ± 570 AU for the 183 (53.5%) patients with structural valve degeneration (SVD) and 13 ± 43 AU for those without SVD (P &lt; 0.0001). In vivo and ex vivo AVCs were strongly correlated (r = 0.88, P &lt; 0.0001). An in vivo AVC &gt; 100 AU (n = 147, 43%) had a specificity of 96% for diagnosing Stage 2–3 SVD (area under the curve = 0.92). Patients with AVC &gt; 100 AU had a worse outcome compared with those with AVC ≤ 100 AU (n = 195). In multivariable analysis, AVC was a predictor of overall mortality (hazard ratio [HR] and 95% confidence interval = 1.16 [1.04–1.29]; P = 0.006), cardiovascular mortality (HR = 1.22 [1.04–1.43]; P = 0.013), cardiovascular events (HR = 1.28 [1.16–1.41]; P &lt; 0.0001), and re-intervention (HR = 1.15 [1.06–1.25]; P &lt; 0.0001). After adjustment for Stage 2–3 SVD diagnosis, AVC remained a predictor of overall mortality (HR = 1.20 [1.04–1.39]; P = 0.015) and cardiovascular events (HR = 1.25 [1.09–1.43]; P = 0.001).

Conclusion
CT scan is a reliable tool to assess BP leaflet calcification. An AVC &gt; 100 AU is tightly associated with SVD and it is a strong predictor of overall mortality and cardiovascular events.
A de novo genome assembly of Solanum bulbocastanum Dun., a Mexican diploid species reproductively isolated from the A-genome species, including cultivated potatoes
Authors: Hosaka Awie J , Sanetomo Rena , Hosaka Kazuyoshi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Potato and its wild relatives are distributed mainly in the Mexican highlands and central Andes of South America. The South American A-genome species, including cultivated potatoes, are reproductively isolated from Mexican diploid species. Whole-genome sequencing has disclosed genome structure and similarity, mostly in cultivated potatoes and their closely related species. In this study, we generated a chromosome-scale assembly of the genome of a Mexican diploid species, Solanum bulbocastanum Dun., using PacBio long-read sequencing, optical mapping, and Hi-C scaffolding technologies. The final sequence assembly consisted of 737.9 Mb, among which 647.0 Mb were anchored to the 12 chromosomes. Compared with chromosome-scale assemblies of S. lycopersicum (tomato), S. etuberosum (non-tuber-bearing species with E-genome), S. verrucosum, S. chacoense, S. multidissectum, and S. phureja (all four are A-genome species), the S. bulbocastnum genome was the shortest. It contained fewer transposable elements (56.2%) than A-genome species. A cluster analysis was performed based on pairwise ratios of syntenic regions among the seven chromosome-scale assemblies, showing that the A-genome species were first clustered as a distinct group. Then, this group was clustered with S. bulbocastanum. Sequence similarity in 1,624 single-copy orthologous gene groups among 36 Solanum species and clones separated S. bulbocastanum as a specific group, including other Mexican diploid species, from the A-genome species. Therefore, the S. bulbocastanum genome differs in genome structure and gene sequences from the A-genome species. These findings provide important insights into understanding and utilizing the genetic diversity of S. bulbocastanum and the other Mexican diploid species in potato breeding.
Noninvasive tests for liver fibrosis in 2024: are there different scales for different diseases?
Authors: Lai Jimmy Che-To , Liang Lilian Yan , Wong Grace Lai-Hung 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLiver fibrosis is the common pathway from various chronic liver diseases and its progression leads to cirrhosis which carries a significant risk for the development of portal hypertension-related complications and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is crucial to identify and halt the worsening of liver fibrosis given its important prognostic implication. Liver biopsy is the gold standard for assessing the degree of liver fibrosis but is limited due to its invasiveness and impracticality for serial monitoring. Many noninvasive tests have been developed over the years trying to assess liver fibrosis in a practical and accurate way. The tests are mainly laboratory- or imaging-based, or in combination. Laboratory-based tests can be derived from simply routine blood tests to patented laboratory parameters. Imaging modalities include ultrasound and magnetic resonance elastography, in which vibration-controlled transient elastography is the most widely validated and adopted whereas magnetic resonance elastography has been proven the most accurate liver fibrosis assessment tool. Nonetheless, noninvasive tests do not always apply to all liver diseases, nor does a common cut-off value of a test mean the same degree of liver fibrosis in different scenarios. In this review, we discuss the diagnostic and prognostic performance, as well as the confounders and limitations, of different noninvasive tests on liver fibrosis assessment in various liver diseases.
Streamlining remote nanopore data access with slow5curl
Authors: Wong Bonson , Ferguson James M , Do Jessica Y , Gamaarachchi Hasindu , Deveson Ira W 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
As adoption of nanopore sequencing technology continues to advance, the need to maintain large volumes of raw current signal data for reanalysis with updated algorithms is a growing challenge. Here we introduce slow5curl, a software package designed to streamline nanopore data sharing, accessibility, and reanalysis.

Results
Slow5curl allows a user to fetch a specified read or group of reads from a raw nanopore dataset stored on a remote server, such as a public data repository, without downloading the entire file. Slow5curl uses an index to quickly fetch specific reads from a large dataset in SLOW5/BLOW5 format and highly parallelized data access requests to maximize download speeds. Using all public nanopore data from the Human Pangenome Reference Consortium (&gt;22 TB), we demonstrate how slow5curl can be used to quickly fetch and reanalyze raw signal reads corresponding to a set of target genes from each individual in large cohort dataset (n = 91), minimizing the time, egress costs, and local storage requirements for their reanalysis.

Conclusions
We provide slow5curl as a free, open-source package that will reduce frictions in data sharing for the nanopore community: https://github.com/BonsonW/slow5curl.
Colorimetric Concurrent Determination of Ultra-Trace Amounts of Pilocarpine and Timolol as Anti-Glaucoma Drugs in Binary Mixtures Using a Multivariate Calibration Approach Based on the Aggregation of Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Zanjani Asma , Sohrabi Mahmoud Reza , Kabiri Fard Hassan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
To study the ultra-trace simultaneous determination of drugs, the colorimetric method in combination with chemometrics can be used.

Objective
In this study, a simple, rapid, and sensitive UV-Vis spectrophotometric method using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was introduced for the simultaneous determination of ultra-trace amounts of pilocarpine (PIL) and timolol (TIM) in binary mixtures and biological samples.

Methods
AuNPs interacted with components and the aggregation mode of NPs occurred, and, finally, the color change of the solution (red to gray) was observed with the naked eye without the most modern and expensive instruments. The characterization of AuNPs was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS).

Results
The validation of the colorimetric way was studied in the concentration range of 100–800 and 100–600 μg/L with good linearity equal to 0.9772 and 0.9891 for PIL and TIM, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 165.00 and 92.40 μg/L, where the limit of quantitation (LOQ) was 500.00 and 280.00 μg/L for PIL and TIM, respectively. The effect of some factors such as interaction time, the concentration of components, and the volume of buffer on absorbance was investigated. Partial least squares (PLS) as an efficient multivariate calibration method was combined with colorimetry for the simultaneous determination of PIL and TIM in binary mixtures. The optimum number of latent variables was selected by k-fold cross-validation based on minimum mean square error prediction (MSEP), and the number of components equal to 1 with MSEP of 1.085 and 0.763 was considered for PIL and TIM, respectively. The mean recovery was obtained at 100.20 and 101.55% for PIL and TIM, respectively.

Conclusions
The colorimetric method can be introduced as a proper option for the simultaneous determination of components in pharmaceutical formulations and other samples.

Highlights
A colorimetric method using AuNPs was proposed. The PLS method was coupled with a colorimetric method for the ultra-trace simultaneous estimation of PIL and TIM in binary mixtures. Ultra-trace amounts of PIL and TIM were also determined in biological samples. The proposed method is simple, fast, and less expensive than chromatography methods.
Morphological variation of the cirri and penis in the hermaphroditic sea-turtle barnacle Chelonibia testudinaria (Linnaeus, 1758) (Cirripedia: Balanomorpha: Chelonibiidae)
Authors: Cash Kevin , Goodwin Glenn D , Burkholder Derek , Hoch J Matthew 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity of the penis and cirri of acorn barnacles is well documented for intertidal species. We investigated whether these phenomena also occur in the epizoic sea-turtle barnacle, Chelonibia testudinaria (Linnaeus, 1758). We compared the morphologies of the penis and cirri, and fertilization rates for adult, hermaphroditic barnacles on different regions of the carapace of sea turtles, and at different levels of crowding on the carapace. Barnacles were more abundant in the posterior position of loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta (Linnaeus, 1758), followed by the central, central costal, and anterior positions. Barnacles in clustered groups were fertilized 68% more often than solitary individuals. Penis size increased with barnacle size and among individual sea turtles. Cirrus length and width also varied with barnacle size, among individual sea turtles, and among positions. Larger barnacles had longer and wider feeding cirri, and cirri were longer and wider in the central and posterior positions of the carapace than in the anterior and central costal positions. The phenotypic plasticity of the morphologies of the penis and cirrus is far less dramatic in Ch. testudinaria than in intertidal species. This may be explained by the epizoic barnacles not being permanently fixed and able to move to preferred positions on the host shell.
Nurse bees regulate the larval nutrition of developing workers (Apis mellifera) when feeding on various pollen types
Authors: Kratz Madlen , Manning Robert , Dods Kenneth , Baer Boris , Blache Dominique 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Nutrition has been identified as a key driver of colony health and productivity. Yet, in honey bees, relatively little is known about how the vast variety of natural pollen sources impact larval development. The impact of the nutritional quality of 4 naturally occurring pollen sources, of importance to the Western Australian beekeeping industry, was tested on honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) development. Bee packages consisting of 800 g of bees and a mated sister queen were assigned to 40 nucleus hives and randomly allocated to one of the 4 feed treatments (10 colonies each) of marri (Corymbia calophylla Lindl.), jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata Sm.), clover (Trifolium repens L.), and canola (Brassica napus L.) pollen. Emerging bees were collected once the first bees started hatching on the assigned feed sources. Newly emerging bees were weighed individually, and body composition was measured in batches according to the feed treatment groups. Food consumption was recorded for the duration of the experiment. Nurse bees successfully raised young adult workers from the larval stage until emergence when fed with one of 4 pollen patties with different nutritional qualities. There was no difference in the body composition or weight of emerging bees fed on the different pollen types. However, the body weight of bees increased over time, most likely related to colony size and structure. With the type of pollen patties having little impact on larval development, the availability of pollen may be more important than its composition, providing bees have access to all essential nutrients.
Behavior of an aerodynamic sliding bearing with textured surface under turbulent conditions
Authors: Kadda Mehala , Nadia Bendaoud , Zohra Khelif Fatima , Habib Bendaoud Mohammed , Imene Bouchelaghem , Hadja Khoussa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Recent advancements in turbomachinery development aim to reduce components while improving performance and minimizing environmental impact. Aerodynamic bearings, supporting high-speed rotors by dissipating significant energies, are key elements requiring thorough understanding. In order to better predict the behavior of aerodynamic bearings operating under severe conditions, numerical models using computational fluid dynamics have been employed to study the thermal effect on the tribological behavior of these air-lubricated bearings. An analysis of surface texturing of the bearings has also been conducted to evaluate its influence on operational performance compared to non-textured surfaces, considering the influence of rotation speed, radial load, and textures on the tribological performance of plain bearings. The main results observed are as follows. First, there is a noticeable change in geometric characteristics, such as the application of micro-textures, lubrication and friction, compared with conventional plain bearings. This textured surface appears to have a significant influence on the pressure and velocity distribution of the lubricating fluid, leading to significant changes in the bearing's tribological and operational performance. In addition, numerical analysis also reveals significant variations in shear stresses in the vicinity of the bearing walls. These variations can potentially affect the strength and durability of the bearing under severe operating conditions. Additionally, the results show a downward trend in system temperature, suggesting improved thermal management thanks to the textured surface. Another essential aspect revealed by this analysis is the decrease in the coefficient of friction with increasing shaft speed. This observation underlines the importance of operating speed and applied radial load in the bearing's tribological behavior and suggests further optimization possibilities for reducing energy losses and extending the life of the aerodynamic sliding bearing.