bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EENet: Application of convolutional neural network‐based deep learning methods in bone tumor pathological diagnosis
Authors: Li Xiuyan , Ding Ruotong , Wang Qi , Yang Zhenyu , Duan Xiaojie , Sun Yukuan , Liu Aidong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBone tumors are one of the most common diseases in bone and soft tissue tumors, and accurate classification is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies. However, traditional pathological morphology diagnosis is subjective and uncertain, requiring highly specialized knowledge and experience. Therefore, how to efficiently and accurately classify bone tumor types based on pathological images is an urgent problem to be solved. In this study, a lightweight convolutional neural network (CNN) model called Efficient and Enhance Network (EENet) was proposed for the automatic recognition of bone tumor pathological images. The model introduced efficient channel attention (ECA) blocks to improve the efficiency of feature extraction and reduce computational complexity. A comprehensive dataset of bone pathological images, including five types of bone lesion tissues and normal bone tissue, was compiled for the research. Due to the low incidence of bone tumors and the difficulty in obtaining a large amount of data, the transfer learning method was chosen to overcome the problem of limited data volume. The experimental results from the fivefold cross‐validation demonstrate that the proposed model achieves 99.06% accuracy, 99.08% precision, 99.19% recall, 99.81% specificity, and 99.03% F1‐score in the bone tumor classification task, highlighting its potential as a clinical diagnostic tool.
Turtles and tortoises losing the race: Ecology and conservation of Testudines in Indawgyi Lake, Myanmar
Authors: Kyaw Ei Mon , Ong Lisa , Naing Nay Htet , Oo Thet Myat , Naing Kyaw Htet , Ko La Minn Ko , Tin Thinn Su , Htun Ye Yint , Chen Xiao‐Yong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTestudines (turtles and tortoises) rank among the most threatened vertebrates globally, with species in Asia particularly vulnerable due to exploitation, unregulated trade, habitat loss, and degradation. This study aimed to understand the ecology and conservation status of turtles and tortoises in the Indawgyi Lake basin. We conducted surveys along 47 transects, each 1–2 km in length, across four sampling periods (total distance covered = 74.9 km). Additionally, we also deployed four traps at three different locations to capture turtles during two of these sampling periods. In addition, we analyzed 14 soil samples collected from five locations to determine the nesting conditions of soft‐shell turtles. Finally, we identified conservation concerns through semi‐structured interviews with 146 local households, including fishermen and hunters, to gather local ecological knowledge (LEK) on the abundance, habitats, and breeding ecology of turtles and tortoises, as well as local conservation perspectives. Seven turtle and tortoise species were identified within the Indawgyi Lake basin. To our knowledge, two of these species, the Myanmar brown leaf turtle (Cyclemys fusca) and Oldham's leaf turtle (Cyclemys oldhamii), have yet to be officially documented in this area. Furthermore, an Amyda sp. (collected on 10 March 2019), known by the vernacular name “Late Par Tate,” is hitherto undescribed and is likely a newly discovered species. Our results showed disturbance (SW = 1.0) and higher organic matter (SW = 0.52) as the main estimators explaining the difference in nest observation frequency. Animal grazing areas had more nests than other sites affected by greater human disturbances. The local community identified hunting (44%), fishing (28%), and deforestation (13%) as the main activities threatening turtle and tortoise populations. The majority of turtles hunted were either consumed (over 43%) or sold to middlemen, who at times sold them on to foreign traders (less than 51%). Alarmingly, 99% of those interviewed expressed a notable deficiency in protection and conservation efforts by the Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division and NGOs. We advocate for enhanced conservation efforts, mainly through stronger enforcement, increased awareness, and the establishment of protection zones with restricted human access to facilitate the recovery of these populations, especially at nesting sites.
Purification, structural characterization, and neuroprotective effect of 3,6‐diisobutyl‐2,5‐piperazinedione from Halomonas pacifica CARE‐V15 against okadaic acid‐induced neurotoxicity in zebrafish model
Authors: Narasimman Vignesh , Ramachandran Saravanan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHalomonas pacifica CARE‐V15 was isolated from the southeastern coast of India to determine its genome sequence. Secondary metabolite gene clusters were identified using an anti‐SMASH server. The concentrated crude ethyl acetate extract was evaluated by GC–MS. The bioactive compound from the crude ethyl acetate extract was fractionated by gel column chromatography. HPLC was used to purify the 3,6‐diisobutyl‐2,5‐piperazinedione (DIP), and the structure was determined using FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. Purified DIP was used in an in silico molecular docking analysis. Purified DIP exhibits a stronger affinity for antioxidant genes like glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GSR). Using in silco molecular docking analysis, the protein−ligand binding affinities of GSR (−4.70 kcal/mol), GST (−5.27 kcal/mol), and GPx (−5.37 kcal/mol) were measured. The expression of antioxidant genes were investigated by qRT‐PCR. The in vivo reactive oxygen species production, lipid peroxidation, and cell death levels were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased in OA‐induced group, but all these levels were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased in the purified DIP pretreated group. Purified DIP from halophilic bacteria could thus be a useful treatment for neurological disorders associated with oxidative stress.
Levulinic acid as a strategy for control of postharvest citrus blue mold by a newly isolated Penicillium italicum
Authors: Bazoti Suzana F , Camargo Aline Frumi , Bonatto Charline , Kubeneck Simone , Longo Vitória Dassoler , Romani Larissa Capeletti , Fongaro Gislaine , de Oliveira Débora , Treichel Helen 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDLevulinic acid (LA) is a multifunctional compound that is relevant to the economy of bio‐based chemical products. Citrus sinensis, the Valencia variety, is one of the world's most consumed citrus fruit varieties but suffers significant losses as a result of blue mold infestation. This research evaluated the inhibitory action of unpurified levulinic acid obtained from watermelon residues against the fungus Penicillium italicum, proposing a new use as a fungal inhibitor.RESULTSLA was evaluated in in vitro tests and inhibited the mycelial growth of the fungus. In in vivo experiments with oranges, fungal proliferation in fruits was investigated by applying a crude mixture containing LA (43 mmol L−1) and formic acid (FA, 28 mmol L−1), and comparing the effects with FA alone and negative control (without inhibitory agent). The weight loss and disease incidence results decreased when LA was used as an inhibitory agent, with no negative impacts on fruit quality being observed. Its inhibitory effect was confirmed by determining the activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD), where there was no increase in activities owing to inhibition of the fungus before its proliferation in the fruits.CONCLUSIONThis study provides relevant data on the new use of raw LA as an antifungal agent, an effect still unexplored for this compound in recent literature, offering a practical and innovative solution to combat blue mold. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Advancing dental care access for patients with disabilities: A global scoping review of predoctoral training
Authors: Nanji Natasha , Nanji Alisha , Chamut Steffany , Chandel Tejasvita 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo examine predoctoral training programs that address the unique needs of patients with special healthcare needs (SHCN) and provide an overview of current global training initiatives, while exploring innovative approaches to enhance dental students' preparation in managing SHCN patients.MethodsA scoping review (SR) was conducted focusing on three key concepts: dental education, pre‐doctoral training, and intellectual disability/developmental disability. The search encompassed five databases including Medline, Embase, Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source (EBSCO), Global Health (EBSCO), and WHO Global Index Medicus, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. EndNote and Covidence were utilized to prevent duplication and facilitate title/abstract screening.ResultsAfter screening abstracts, a total of 2309 articles were initially identified with 28 articles meeting eligibility criteria for data extraction relevant to the research question. Two major categories characterized the key findings included in the review: 12 interventional studies and 16 perception‐based studies.ConclusionThis SR revealed that dental students are not adequately trained to treat special needs populations; consequentially, dental students lack confidence in providing high‐quality care to this demographic. The absence of standardized training poses a global challenge, exacerbating care disparities. Addressing this issue is crucial to better prepare dental students and advance equitable access and quality care for underserved populations.
Seasonal impact of constructed wetlands on nitrogen and phosphorus in sediments of flood control lakes with pollution assessment
Authors: Li Xiao , Liu Xinlin , Huang Yang , Zhang Yulong , Li Jian 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe primary drivers of eutrophication in lakes following the reduction of external nutrient inputs are the release of N and P from sediments. Constructed wetlands play a pivotal role in ameliorating N, P, and other biogenic element levels. However, the presence of large vegetation in these wetlands also substantially contributes to nutrient accumulation in sediments, a phenomenon influenced by seasonal variations. In this study, a typical constructed wetland was selected as the research site. The research aimed to analyze the forms of N and P in sediments during both summer and winter. Simultaneously, a comprehensive pollution assessment and analysis were conducted within the study area. The findings indicate that elevated summer temperatures, together with the presence of wetland vegetation, promote the release of N through the nitrification process. Additionally, seasonal variations exert a significant impact on the distribution of P storage. Furthermore, the role of constructed wetlands in the absorption and release of N and P is primarily controlled by the influence of organic matter on nitrate‐nitrogen, nitrite‐nitrogen, and available phosphorus, and is also subject to seasonal fluctuations. In summary, under the comprehensive influence of constructed wetlands, vegetation types, and seasons, sediments within the lake generally exhibit a state of mild or moderate pollution. Therefore, targeted measures should be adopted to optimally adjust vegetation types, and human intervention is necessary, involving timely sediment harvesting during the summer to reduce N and P loads, and enhancing sediment adsorption and retention capacity for N and P during the winter.
Reproductive performance of freshwater snail, Helisoma duryi under the effect of bulk and nano zinc oxide
Authors: Kandeil Manar A. , Salem Hoda K. , Eissa Samia H. , Hassan Sama S. , El‐Sawy Abdelhamid M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNanotechnology has been used to apply nanoparticle essential elements to enhance the ability of animals to absorb these elements and consequently improve their reproductive performance. High concentrations of nanoparticles (NPs) can directly harm a range of aquatic life forms, ultimately contributing to a decline in biodiversity. Helisoma duryi snails are a good model for studying the toxicological effects of bulk zinc oxide (ZnO‐BPs) and nano zinc oxide (ZnO‐NPs) on freshwater gastropods. This study aimed to compare the toxic effects of ZnO‐BPs and ZnO‐NPs on H. duryi snails and explore how waterborne and dietary exposure influenced the reproductive performance of this snail. ZnO‐BPs and ZnO‐NPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X‐ray powder (XRD). This study revealed that the size of ZnO‐BPs and ZnO‐NPs were 154 nm and 11–31 nm, respectively. The results showed that exposure of adult snails to sub‐lethal concentrations of both ZnO forms (bulk and nano) for 24 h/week for 4 weeks markedly changed their reproductive performance in a concentration‐dependent manner, where fecundity was negatively affected by high concentrations. It was concluded that dietary exposure to the lowest tested concentration of ZnO‐NPs (1 ppm) has a positive effect as the number of eggs and egg masses/snails increased and the incubation period decreased. Also, poly‐vitelline eggs (The formation of twins) were observed. ZnO‐NPs at low concentrations positively affect the reproductive performance of snails, especially after dietary exposure. The results revealed that 1 ppm ZnO‐NPs could be supplementary provided to snails to improve their fertility, reduce the developmental time course, increase hatchability percentage, and produce poly‐vitelline eggs.
L‐proline‐based DES in Knoevenagel synthesis of arylidene rhodanines, thiazolidine‐2,4‐diones, and barbituric derivatives
Authors: Hesse Stéphanie , Hertzog Jasmine , Rup‐Jacques Sandrine 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDeep eutectic solvents (DES) are environmentally friendly solvents that prevent the use of toxic organic solvents and have been extensively studied in recent years. However, volatile organic compounds (VOC) are often still used during workup and isolation of products. Here, a zero‐VOC strategy for Knoevenagel reaction is reported. (Hetero)aromatic aldehydes are successfully condensed with rhodanine, thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione TZD, or barbituric acid under mild conditions in an L‐proline‐based DES and pure compounds are obtained after hydrolysis without any purification. For the less reactive TZD, activation by microwave allows diminution of reaction time from 24 h to just 1 h.
Dissimilar effects of the hydrophilic carbon dots on the amyloid aggregation of two model proteins and the mechanism discussion
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Yuangong , Dong Jiawei , Li Dexin , Ba Xinwu , Wang Sujuan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMany proteins could aggregate into amyloid fibrils under certain conditions. However, the aggregation process and morphology of the fibrils may be significantly different because of the distinct protein structure. In this article, the hydrophilic carbon dots (Lys‐CA‐CDs) were prepared using lysine (Lys) and citric acid (CA) as reactant under the assistance of a microwave. The dissimilar modulation effect of Lys‐CA‐CDs on the aggregation process of distinct structure protein was further investigated, where bovine serum albumin (BSA) and hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) were chosen as model proteins. All results showed that Lys‐CA‐CDs displayed the contrary influence on the aggregation process of BSA and HEWL. Lys‐CA‐CDs could induce BSA to aggregate into more wormlike fibrils and inhibit the aggregation of HEWL into hair‐like fibrils. The influence on the aggregation process of BSA may be assigned to the increased concentration of BSA around the Lys‐CA‐CDs caused by their interaction. However, inserting of Lys‐CA‐CDs into the inner structure of HEWL led to the change of protein secondary structure. The change of secondary structure further made it difficult for HEWL to aggregate into fibrils and Lys‐CA‐CDs showed the inhibition effect on HEWL aggregation.
Treatment with RNase alleviates brain injury but not neuroinflammation in neonatal hypoxia/ischemia
Authors: Anderberg Rozita H , Andersson E. Axel , Bucher Valentina , Preissner Klaus T. , Mallard Carina , Ek C. Joakim 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThere is a need for new treatments to reduce brain injuries derived from neonatal hypoxia/ischemia. The only viable option used in the clinic today in infants born at term is therapeutic hypothermia, which has a limited efficacy. Treatments with exogenous RNase have shown great promise in a range of different adult animal models including stroke, ischemia/reperfusion injury, or experimental heart transplantation, often by conferring vascular protective and anti‐inflammatory effects. However, any neuroprotective function of RNase treatment in the neonate remains unknown. Using a well‐established model of neonatal hypoxic/ischemic brain injury, we evaluated the influence of RNase treatment on RNase activity, gray and white matter tissue loss, blood–brain barrier function, as well as levels and expression of inflammatory cytokines in the brain up to 6 h after the injury using multiplex immunoassay and RT‐PCR. Intraperitoneal treatment with RNase increased RNase activity in both plasma and cerebropinal fluids. The RNase treatment resulted in a reduction of brain tissue loss but did not affect the blood–brain barrier function and had only a minor modulatory effect on the inflammatory response. It is concluded that RNase treatment may be promising as a neuroprotective regimen, whereas the mechanistic effects of this treatment appear to be different in the neonate compared to the adult and need further investigation.
Impact of frailty in patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation
Authors: Soejima Kyoko , Nogami Akihiko , Kumagai Koichiro , Uno Kikuya , Kurita Takashi , Morishima Itsuro , Miura Fumiharu , Kato Ritsushi , Kimura Tetsuya , Takita Atsushi , Gosho Masahiko , Aonuma Kazutaka ,   RYOUMA Investigators
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe relationships between frailty and clinical outcomes in elderly Japanese patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) after catheter ablation (CA) have not been established. We evaluated the frailty rate of patients undergoing CA for NVAF, examined whether CA for NVAF improves frailty, and analyzed the CA outcomes of patients with and without frailty.MethodsElderly Japanese patients (≥65 years; mean age: 72.8 years) who participated in the real‐world ablation therapy with anti‐coagulants in management of atrial fibrillation registry and who responded to the frailty screening index survey were included (n = 213). Frailty and AF recurrence were assessed preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months after CA.ResultsTwenty‐six patients (12.8%) were frail, 109 (53.7%) were pre‐frail, and 68 (33.5%) were robust. Cardiovascular (frailty: 0.5%/person‐year; pre‐frailty: 0.1%/person‐year; robust: 0.1%/person‐year) and cardiac (frailty: 0.5%/person‐year; pre‐frailty: 0.1%/person‐year; robust: 0.1%/person‐year) events, as well as major bleeding (frailty: 0.3%/person‐year; pre‐frailty: 0.1%/person‐year; robust: 0.1%/person‐year), were numerically more frequent in the frailty group. No deaths from cardiovascular or stroke/systemic thromboembolic events occurred. A large proportion of patients did not experience 3‐month (frailty: 96.2%; pre‐frailty: 96.3%; robust: 88.2%) or 6‐month (frailty: 88.5%; pre‐frailty: 91.7%; robust: 86.8%) AF recurrence after CA. Weight loss, walking speed, and fatigue improved in the frailty and pre‐frailty groups after CA.ConclusionJapanese patients aged ≥65 years with frailty or pre‐frailty had improved frailty screening index components, such as weight loss, walking speed and fatigue, after CA. Therefore, elderly patients with frailty or pre‐frailty may benefit from CA for NVAF.
Assessing paraspinal muscle atrophy with electrical impedance myography: Limitations and insights
Authors: Guven Ali E. , Chiapparelli Erika , Camino‐Willhuber Gaston , Zhu Jiaqi , Schönnagel Lukas , Amoroso Krizia , Caffard Thomas , Erduran Ada , Shue Jennifer , Sama Andrew A. , Girardi Federico P. , Cammisa Frank P. , Hughes Alexander P. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractParaspinal muscle atrophy is gaining attention in spine surgery due to its link to back pain, spinal degeneration and worse postoperative outcomes. Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is a noninvasive diagnostic tool for muscle quality assessment, primarily utilized for patients with neuromuscular diseases. However, EIM's accuracy for paraspinal muscle assessment remains understudied. In this study, we investigated the correlation between EIM readings and MRI‐derived muscle parameters, as well as the influence of dermal and subcutaneous parameters on these readings. We retrospectively analyzed patients with lumbar spinal degeneration who underwent paraspinal EIM assessment between May 2023 to July 2023. Paraspinal muscle fatty infiltration (FI) and functional cross‐sectional area (fCSA), as well as the subcutaneous thickness were assessed on MRI scans. Skin ultrasound imaging was assessed for dermal thickness and the echogenicities of the dermal and subcutaneous layers. All measurements were performed on the bilaterally. The correlation between EIM readings were compared with ultrasound and MRI parameters using Spearman's correlation analyses. A total of 20 patients (65.0% female) with a median age of 69.5 years (IQR, 61.3–73.8) were analyzed. The fCSA and FI did not significantly correlate with the EIM readings, regardless of frequency. All EIM readings across frequencies correlated with subcutaneous thickness, echogenicity, or dermal thickness. With the current methodology, paraspinal EIM is not a valid alternative to MRI assessment of muscle quality, as it is strongly influenced by the dermal and subcutaneous layers. Further studies are required for refining the methodology and confirming our results.
Effects of focal vibration on changes in sports performance in amateur athletes: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Canet‐Vintró Max , Rodríguez‐Sanz Jacobo , López‐de‐Celis Carlos , Campañá‐Arnal Enric , Hidalgo‐Garcia César , Pérez‐Bellmunt Albert 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a focal vibration protocol added to an activation protocol with active muscle contractions and to see what repercussions it has on sprint, countermovement jump (CMJ), and lower limb isometric strength. A double‐blind randomized clinical trial was conducted in the Functional Anatomy Laboratory and the sample consisted of 70 athletes. The main outcome measures were knee extension force, CMJ, sprint, and surface electromyography. Repeated‐measures analysis of variance revealed significant improvements. They were found in the within‐group analysis for the Experimental Group in the isometric extension force (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.368), CMJ (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.301) and 30 m sprint (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.376). In the electromyography, there are changes in the Sham Group in all muscles, in CMJ and Sprint tests, and no differences in the Experimental Group, except for the RF muscle. In the between‐group analysis, statistically significant differences were found only in favor of the Experimental Group in CMJ (p = 0.017; η2 = 0.81) and 30 m sprint (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.152). These results confirm a significant improvement in the sprint, CMJ performance, and quadriceps strength, after a focal vibration protocol, added to a muscle active contraction, compared to a focal vibration sham protocol. Therefore, our results suggest that the focal vibration can be a very useful tool in sports involving high‐powered actions.