bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
One Case of Acute Syphilitic Posterior Placoid Chorioretinitis Complicated by Tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Yu Xiao , Zhao Yao , Zou Yuling , Mao Ziqing , You Zhipeng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective: This study presents a case of acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis (ASPPC) complicated by Tuberculosis Infection.
Case Description: An individual initially diagnosed with tuberculous chorioretinitis received quadruple anti-tuberculosis therapy in conjunction with glucocorticoid medications for a 4-month period. However, the condition deteriorated abruptly following an initial improvement. Subsequent systemic assessment revealed a positive syphilis diagnosis. Following 1 month of penicillin treatment, significant improvement was observed, and the patient maintained stability throughout the 4-year follow-up period.
Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of considering the potential for dual or multiple infections in the diagnostic evaluation of uveitis.
RETRACTED: Astaxanthin-Based Drug Design: A Virtual Screening Study for COVID-19 Main Protease Inhibition
Authors: Safaei-Ghomi Javad , Lordejani Hamid Ardeshiri , Marimuthu Parthiban , Salo-Ahen Outi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Research and application of short-term load forecasting based on CEEMDAN-LSTM modeling
Authors: Liu Hongli , Li Zhenyu , Li Chao , Shao Lei , Li Ji 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Accurate short-term load forecasts play an important role in guiding and regulating the operations of electric utilities.Using long- and short-term memory neural networks with an improved whale optimization technique, this study suggests a combination strategy for long- and short-term neural network prediction.The long-short-term memory neural network mitigates the issue of gradient vanishing and explosion, caused by the cumulative multiplication of the activation function of RNN when handling lengthy sequences.In order to address the issue of model parameter randomness, the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) is introduced. The improved Whale Optimization Algorithm (IWOA) is then obtained by using the roulette method to alter the individual whale population's optimization methods in order to avoid falling into the local optimum.In this paper, the adaptive noise-complete ensemble empirical modal decomposition method CEEMDAN is introduced to solve the problem of model training efficiency caused by the nonlinear non-smoothness of the model input data, so as to construct a combined CEEMDAN-IWOA-LSTM prediction model based on CEEMDAN-IWOA-LSTM.The results show that the model's prediction accuracy reaches 99.05%, and various prediction and assessment indexes are better than other prediction models, with the best performance and effect.
RETRACTED: Unveilling the impact of phosphorus availability on growth, root morphological and physiological traits of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) with contrasting aluminum tolerance in acidic soils
Authors: HAO Yunfei , Wang Xiaowen , He Jin , Dhanushkodi Ramadoss , Chen Yinglong , Li Zhou , Zhao Xuechun , Chen Jihui , Gu Xinyao , Dong Rui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Utilization of cervical cancer screening by cytology and the burden of epithelial abnormalities: A tertiary-center 42-year study
Authors: Ezzelarab Sahar , ElHusseiny Amro , Nasreldin Magda , Ali Radwa , Nabhan Ashraf , Consortium Early Cervical Cancer Detection 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Cytological screening remains a high-impact practice, particularly in low-resource settings, for preventing cervical cancer. The examination of screening practices over time and the prevalence of epithelial abnormalities have not been investigated in longitudinal studies in one of the largest countries in the Middle East and Africa.
Methods: Routine healthcare data were collected from March 1981 to December 2022 at the Early Cancer Detection Unit in a tertiary referral university hospital in the Greater Cairo Region, Egypt. Cervical smears were obtained using a standardized technique and sent to the cytopathology laboratory for conventional cytology examination by expert pathologists. The data were analyzed to determine the temporal trend of the number of women screened each year and the prevalence of epithelial abnormalities.
Results: Data included the results of satisfactory smears from 95120 women. The mean age (SD) of the women at the time of screening was 38.5 (10.5). None of the included women received an HPV vaccine. Abnormal epithelial cells were reported in 5174 women (5.44%). Of these epithelial abnormalities, the majority were low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in 4144 women (4.36%). Other abnormalities included atypical squamous cells in 378 women (0.40%), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in 226 women (0.24%), atypical glandular cells not otherwise specified in 184 women (0.19%), adenocarcinoma in 165 women (0.17%), squamous cell carcinoma in 70 women (0.07%), and atypical glandular cells favoring neoplasms in 7 women (0.01%). Women who were at an early age at first intercourse, those who opted for routine cervical cytology screening, and those who were older at screening were more likely to have epithelial abnormalities. The yearly number of screened women was positively associated with the detection of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (correlation coefficient [95% CI] = 0.84 [0.72, 0.91]) and negatively associated with the detection of squamous cell carcinoma (correlation coefficient [95% CI] = -0.55 [-0.73, -0.29]).
Conclusions: The small number of annually screened Egyptian women and the temporal trend in epithelial abnormalities critically demonstrate the need for establishing and scaling up a structured population-based program to achieve the goal of eliminating cervical cancer.
Decarboxylation of acidic cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa during storage period
Authors: Kim Eun-Soo , Park Sang-Hyuck , Kinney Chad , Olejar Kenneth J , Corredor-Perilla Carolina I 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the quantity of acidic cannabinoids converted to neutral cannabinoids during the 15-day storage period. The secretory cavity contents acquired from the capitate-stalked glandular trichomes by glass microcapillaries and air-dried inflorescence were analysed by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The ratio of acidic cannabinoids to the total cannabinoids was much lower in the air-dried inflorescence samples compared to the secretory cavity samples as follows. In the secretory cavity content, the percentage of acidic cannabinoids to the total cannabinoids was measured as 86.7% cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), 1.4% cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), 4.1% cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), and 6.4% Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ 9-THCA), respectively. In the air-dried inflorescence, however, the acidic cannabinoids were detected with 42.5% CBDA, 0.4% CBGA, 1.7% CBCA, and 2.4% Δ 9-THCA, respectively. The ratio of cannabidiol (CBD) to cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) was close to 1:95 (w/w) in secretory cavity contents, however, it was roughly 1:20 (w/w) in the air-dried inflorescence. In addition, Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ 9-THCV) and Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (Δ 9-THCVA) were only detected in the air-dried inflorescence sample, and the ratio of Δ 9-THCV to Δ 9-THCVA was about 1:20 (w/w). Besides, cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA) was only observed in the secretory cavity content.
Assessment of Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Strategies in Calcareous Soils of Khuzestan Province: A Case Study Using the Nutrient Index Value Method
Authors: Abdehvand Zeinab Zaheri , Karimi Danya , Rangzan Kazem , Mousavi Seyed Roohollah 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Soil fertility (SF) is crucial factor that directly impact the performance and quality of crop production. To investigate the SF status in agricultural lands under winter wheat in Khuzestan province, 811 samples were collected from the soil surface (0–25 cm) depth. Eleven soil properties i.e. electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE), available phosphorus (Pav), exchangeable potassium (Kex), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and soil pH. The Nutrient Index Value (NIV) was calculated based on wheat nutritional requirements. The results indicated that 100%, 93%, and 74% of the study areas for CCE, pH, and EC fell into the low, moderate, and moderate to high NIV classes, respectively. Also, 25% of area is classified as low fertility (NIV < 1.67), 75% falls under medium fertility (1.67 < NIV value < 2.33), and none of in high fertility (NIV value > 2.33). Assessment of the mean wheat yield (AWY) and its comparison with NIV showed that the highest yield was in the Ramhormoz region (5200 Kg. ha− 1), while the lowest yield was in the Hendijan region (3000 Kg. ha− 1) with the lowest EC rate in the study area. Elevated levels of salinity and CCE in soils had the most negative impact on irrigated WY, while Pav, TN, and Mn availability showed significant effects on crop production. Therefore, implementing SF management practices is essential for both quantitative and qualitative improvement in irrigated wheat production in Khuzestan province.
Optimizing Qubit Performance through Smoothing Techniques
Authors: Malashin Ivan P. , Masich Igor S. , Tynchenko Vadim S. , Borodulin Aleksei S. , Neluyb Vladimir A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study explores novel approach to enhance the performance of qubits by leveraging signal smoothing algorithms to qubit chips, aiming primarily to mitigate experimental variability and enhance overall stability. This effort is intricately tied to the improvement of the Hamiltonian spectrum. By optimizing qubit operation through advanced smoothing techniques, we not only extend coherence times but also ascertain the robustness and quality of the qubit. Our findings highlight a substantial improvement in the precision of quantum information processing, indicating enhanced reliability in quantum computing experiments. Please note: Abbreviations should be introduced at the first mention in the main text – no abbreviations lists. Suggested structure of main text (not enforced) is provided below.
Tradeoffs in growth and fuel reduction when using prescribed fire in young mixed conifer stands
Authors: York Robert , Russell Kane Winslow 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background

Following high-severity wildfires in conifer forests that rely on wind dispersal for regeneration, reforestation practices are used to hasten the development of large, fire-resistant trees that are better able to persist through the next fire. Planted forests, however, are particularly prone to high-severity wildfire effects for the initial decades following their establishment. This vulnerability suggests the need for surface fuel reduction treatments in the early stages of stand development. Such treatments would be aligned with the disturbance regime of frequent-fire forests and could also hasten the development of multi-aged structures dominated by fireresistant trees. Conventional treatments early in stand development include shrub competition reduction and precommercial thinning, but prescribed fire is typically avoided. To assess the potential for inclusion of prescribed fire in young stand management, we investigated how four different treatments – mastication, mastication plus herbicide, two prescribed burns, and mastication plus two burns – affected individual and stand-level growth versus fuel loads in young mixed-conifer plantations in the north-central Sierra Nevada, California, USA.

Results

Total surface fuel load more than doubled over five years in the mastication only and mastication plus herbicide treatments. Fuel accumulation was avoided in the two treatments that included prescribed fire. Stand growth was similar across the mastication only, mastication plus herbicide, and mastication plus burn treatments. Stand growth was lowest in the burn only treatment. The mastication plus herbicide treatment maximized individual tree growth, especially for white fir and incense-cedar. Individual tree growth was similar among the burn only, mastication only, and mastication plus burn treatments.

Conclusions

Mastication followed by repeated prescribed burning could be a viable management strategy to reduce wildfire hazard without sacrificing growth in young mixed-conifer stands that are entering a vulnerable stage of fire risk. Mastication in combination with herbicide may facilitate the growth of large, fire-resistant trees, but does not address surface fuel buildup. The use of fire alone can effectively reduce fuels, but stand growth may be somewhat low relative to mastication and herbicide. Incorporating prescribed fire is a promising approach for protecting planted stands from high-severity fire while transitioning them into multi-aged structures. Gapbased silvicultural systems that facilitate the development of multi-cohort stands can also use prescribed fire broadly in order to restore heterogeneity and low surface fuel loads.
Predictive Value of Inflammatory Prognostic Index for Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography and /or Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Jiang Yan , Luo Baolin , Chen Yaqin , Peng Yanchun , Lu Wen , Chen Liangwan , Lin Yanjuan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aims
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between IPI levels and Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (CIN) risk and postoperative clinical outcomes in patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) and/ or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Methods
A total of 3,340 consecutive patients who underwent CAG and/or PCI between May 2017 and December 2022 were enrolled in this study. Based on their baseline IPI levels, patients were categorized into four groups. Clinical characteristics and postoperative outcomes were compared among these groups. In-hospital outcomes focused on CIN risk, repeated revascularization, major bleeding, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), while the long-term outcome examined the all-cause readmission rate.
Results
Quartile analysis found a significant link between IPI levels and CIN risk, notably in the highest quartile (p < 0.001). Even after adjusting for baseline factors, this association remained significant, with an adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) of 2.33 (95%CI 1.50–3.64; p = 0.001). Notably, baseline IPI level emerged as an independent predictor of severe arrhythmia, with aOR of 0.50 (95%CI 0.35–0.69; p < 0.001), particularly driven by the highest quartile. Furthermore, a significant correlation between IPI and acute myocardial infarction was observed (p < 0.001), which remained significant post-adjustment.
Conclusions
For patients undergoing CAG and/or PCI, baseline IPI levels can independently predict clinical prognosis. As a comprehensive inflammation indicator, IPI effectively identifies high-risk patients post-procedure. This study underscores IPI's potential to assist medical professionals in making more precise clinical decisions, ultimately reducing mortality and readmission rates linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Reversal of stress- or chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression by socheongryong-tang aqueous extract
Authors: Jeon Youngsic , Ko Hyeonseok , Woo Dong-Young , Kim Taejung , Kang Ki Sung , Kim Su Nam , Kim Young-Joo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Socheongryong-tang (SCRT) has been recognized as a traditional medication for managing chills and fever in East Asian countries, including Korea, China, and Japan. This study aimed to elucidate the novel biological activity and mode of action underlying the immunity-boosting effects of SCRT in murine macrophages. Our findings demonstrate that SCRT significantly enhances phagocytic activity, productions of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and mRNA expression of cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These effects are attributed to the activation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling axis. Importantly, SCRT maintains its immunomodulatory effects even under stressful conditions induced by hydrocortisone (HCOR) treatment or chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). This resilience against stress or chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression underscores the potential of SCRT aqueous extract as a promising therapeutic agent for mitigating immunosuppression associated with stress or chemotherapy.
Priming Grapevines through Oregano Essential Oil Vapour Results in a Metabolomic Shift Eliciting Resistance against downy mildew
Authors: Fandino Ana Cecilia Aliaga , Vigneron Nicolas , Alfonso Esteban , Burdet Jean-Philippe , Remolif Eric , Cattani Amanda Malvessi , Smit-Sadki Tara , Cluzet Stéphanie , Valls Josep , Pétriacq Pierre , Rienth Markus 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Defence priming of plants with natural products is extensively studied in the agricultural field to reduce the use of synthetic and copper-based pesticides. Previous studies have shown that Oregano essential oil vapour (OEOV) is an effective priming agent against downy mildew (DM) in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Chasselas), activating different transcriptomic regulated defence mechanisms. In the present study, we complement transcriptomic data with metabolomic insights, confirming some previous regulating patterns and highlighting new mechanisms underlying OEOV-induced resistance. A significant modulation of the phenylpropanoid pathway was noted. The data also confirmed the induction of an oxidative stress response indicated by an up-regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related genes and a congruent depletion of putative L-glutathione. Interestingly, OEOV promoted the accumulation of organic metabolites such as terpenes and other potential phytoalexins, which could potentially contribute to grapevine innate immune response to Plasmopara viticola. Overall, this study uncovered a diverse influence of OEOV on V. vinifera defence mechanisms against DM, enhancing our comprehension of the mode of action of essential oils. This insight offers various prospects for crafting innovative biocontrol products, fostering a more dynamic and sustainable approach to agriculture.
Validity of rapid urease test using swab of gastric mucus to mucosal forceps and 13C-urease breath test: a multicenter prospective observational study
Authors: Yoshikawa Takaaki , Yamauchi Atsushi , Kou Tadayuki , Murao Takahisa , Kamada Tomoari , Suehiro Mitsuhiko , Kawano Koichiro , Haruma Ken , Yazumi Shujiro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Theoretically, a rapid urease test (RUT) using a swab of the gastric wall (Swab-RUT) for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is safe. However, the validity and utility of Swab-RUT remain unclear. Therefore, we assessed the validity and utility of Swab-RUT compared to RUT using mucosal forceps of the gastric wall (Forceps-RUT) and 13C-urease breath test (UBT).
Methods: This study was a multicenter prospective observational study. When the examinees were suspected of H. pylori infection during esophagogastroduodenoscopy, we performed Swab-RUT and Forceps-RUT continuously. When the examinees were not suspected of H. pylori infection, we performed Swab-RUT alone. We validated the status of H. pylori infection using UBT.
Results: Ninety-four examinees were enrolled from four institutions between May 2016 and December 2020 (median age [range], 56.5 [26–88] years). In this study, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of Swab-RUT to UBT were 0.933 (95% confidence interval: 0.779–0.992), 0.922 (0.827–0.974), and 0.926 (0.853–0.970), respectively. The Kappa coefficient of Swab-RUT to UBT was 0.833, and that of Swab-RUT to forceps-RUT was 0.936. No complications were observed in this study.
Conclusion: Swab-RUT is a valid examination for the status of H. pylori infection compared to the conventional Forceps-RUT.
Flood risk mitigation in small catchments using an early-warning system based on machine learning models
Authors: Luppichini Marco , Vailati Giada , Fontana Lorenzo , Bini Monica 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In consideration of ongoing climate changes, it has been necessary to provide new tools capable of mitigating hydrogeological risks. These effects will be more marked in small catchments, where the geological and environmental contexts do not require long warning times to implement risk mitigation measures. In this context, deep learning models can be an effective tool for local authorities to have solid forecasts of outflows and to make correct choices during the alarm phase. However, in small river basins, model uncertainty appears to play an important role. In this study, we address this issue by providing machine learning models able to estimate uncertainty on the basis of the observed hydrometric height. Once the deep learning models have been trained, their application is purely objective and very rapid, permitting the development of simple software that can be used even by lower skilled individuals.
GMP Production of [18F]FE-PE2I on a TRACERLab FX2 N synthesis module, a Radiotracer for in vivo PET Imaging of the Dopamine Transport
Authors: Ferrat Melodie , Moein Mohammad Mahdi , Cananau Carmen , Tegnebratt Tetyana , Saliba Paul , Norman Fredrik , Steiger Carsten , Bratteby Klas , Samén Erik , Dahl Kenneth , Tran Thuy A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by a degeneration of the dopaminergic system. Dopamine transporter (DAT) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has emerged as a powerful and non-invasive method to quantify dopaminergic function in the living brain. The PET radioligand, [18F]FE-PE2I, a cocaine chemical derivative, has shown promising properties for in vivo PET imaging of DAT, including high affinity and selectivity for DAT, excellent brain permeability, and favorable metabolism. The aim of the current study was to scale up the production of [18F]FE-PE2I to fulfil the increasing clinical demand for this tracer.
Results
Thus, a fully automated and GMP-compliant production procedure has been developed using a commercially available radiosynthesis module GE TRACERLab FX2 N. [18F]FE-PE2I was produced with a radiochemical yield of 39 ± 8% (n = 4, relative [18F]F− delivered to the module). The synthesis time was 70 minutes, and the molar activity was 925.3 ± 763 GBq/µmol (250 ± 20 Ci/µmol). The produced [18F]FE-PE2I was stable over 6 hours at room temperature.
Conclusion
The protocol reliably provides a sterile and pyrogen–free GMP-compliant product.