bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of Machine Learning Algorithms for Accurate Determination of Bilirubin Level on Medically Relevant Tissue Phantom Images
Authors: Yuan Yijia , Huang Jiayao , Yu Jiachen , Tan Justin Kok Soon , Chng Kevin Ziyang , Lee Jiun , Kim Sangho 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Neonatal Jaundice is a common occurrence in neonates. High excess bilirubin would lead to hyperbilirubinemia, leading to irreversible adverse damage such as kernicterus. Therefore, it is necessary and important to monitor neonates’ bilirubin levels in real-time for immediate intervention. However, current screening protocols have their inherent limitations, necessitating more convenient measurements. In this proof-of-concept study, we evaluated the feasibility of using machine learning for the screening of hyperbilirubinemia in neonates from smartphone-acquired photographs. Different machine learning models were compared and evaluated to gain a better understanding of feature selection and model performance in bilirubin determination. An in vitro study was conducted with a bilirubin-containing tissue phantom to identify potential biological and environmental confounding factors. The findings of this study present a systematic characterization of the confounding effect of various factors through separate parametric tests. These tests uncover potential techniques in image pre-processing highlighting important biological features (light scattering property and skin thickness) and external features (ISO, lighting conditions and white balance), which together contribute to robust model approaches for accurately determining bilirubin concentrations. By obtaining an accuracy of 0.848 in classification and 0.812 in regression, these findings indicate strong potential in aiding in the design of clinical studies using patient-derived images.
Biopesticidal Potential of Extracts of Nicotiana tabacum, Nicotiana rustica A. galanga, Azadirachta indica and Curcuma longa against Tribolium Castanelum
Authors: Akbar Rasheed , Ali Ashraf , Khattak Wajid Ali , Faheem Brekhna , Zaman Sikandar , Farid Abid , Khan Imtiaz Ali , Javed Qaiser , Sun Jianfan , Nawaz Mohsin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is one of the most devastating pests of stored grains. In current study, the pesticidal effect of deltamethrin and five plant extracts Nicotiana tabacum, Nicotiana rustica A. galangal Azadirachta indica and Curcuma longa was evaluated. Deltamethrin was applied at the rate of 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005 and 0.006% while five different concentrations 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 % were used for each of the plant extracts, for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Four replications for each treatment were carried out adapting Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Probit analysis was used to determine the LC50 and LC90 values. In contact toxicity test, deltamethrin demonstrated the highest toxicity with 0.88 v/v and 4.74 v/v, LC50 and LC90 respectively. The plant extracts however, demonstrated the highest mortality rate after 96 h of exposure. Lowest LC50 of 1.00 g/L and LC90,5.38 g/L, was recorded for N. rustica. Next in order was N. tabacum with LC50 1.09 g/L and LC90 6.50 g/L, followed by C. longa LC50 1.33 g/L and LC90 6.89 g/L and A. indica LC50 1.46 g/L and LC90 7.43 g/L against the pest species. In residual toxicity on the other hand, deltamethrin exhibited an LC50 of 0.93v/v and LC90 3.83 v/v. Whereas, in case of plant extracts the order of toxicity in terms of lowest LC50 0.79 g/L and LC90 10.37 g/L was observed with N. rustica, followed by LC50 1.18 g/L and LC90 9.02 g/L N. tabacum and LC50 1.82 g/L and LC90 22.36 g/L, A. indica against the red flour beetle. Various groups of phytochemicals such as phenols, saponins, alkaloids, di-terpenes, flavonoids and phytol-steroids were identified in the plants species aqueous extracts. Findings in the present study suggest that N. rustica, N. tabacum, C. longa, and A. indica can be effectively utilized to control T. castaneum as well as these plant species may be useful in the development of novel bio-pesticides.
Quantitative evaluation of ocular vascularity and correlation analysis in patients with diabetic retinopathy by SMI and OCTA
Authors: Wei Jin , Chen Chong , Shen Yinchen , Li Fang , Shu Yiyang , Liu Haiyun 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Aims
To find potential relation between retrobulbar vessels and fundus microvessels and to detect sensitive and effective clinical indicators in predicting the progress of diabetic retinopathy (DR), ocular hemodynamics were measured using superb microvascular imaging (SMI) and ultrawide-field optical coherence tomography angiography (UWF-OCTA).
Methods
Observational, cross-sectional study evaluating patients with DR with SMI (Aplio i900, Canon Medical) and UWF-OCTA (BM-400K BMizar, Tupai Medical Technology). The peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistive index (RI) of central retinal artery (CRA), posterior ciliary artery (PCA) and ophthalmic artery (OA) were measured using SMI. The fundus vascular parameters were evaluated by UWF-OCTA. A correlation analysis was used to determinethe correlation between SMI and UWF-OCTA parameters.
Results
139 eyes (29 with no signs of DR (NDR), 36 mild to moderate nonproliferative DR (M-NPDR), 37 severe NPDR (S-NPDR) and 37 PDR) were included. PSV and EDV of retrobulbar vessels decreased from NDR to S-NPDR while increased in PDR. RI of OA showed a decreasing trend in the progression of DR, but other vessels didn’t show the same trend. ROC curve analysis showed that CRAPSV, CRAEDV, PCAEDV, OAPSV and OAEDV had diagnostic value in distinguishing M-NPDR and S-NPDR. From the correlation analysis, a significant association was observed between the SMI parameters of CRA and PCA and UWF-OCTA parameters. CRA hemodynamics were more associated with fundus vascular parameters especially the retina in the NDR group than M-NPDR group. In contrast, PCA consistently correlated with fundus vascular parameters, especially in the choroid, from the NDR to the M-NPDR group. However, OA showed poor correlation with OCTA parameters.
Conclusion
The velocity of retrobulbar vessels, particularly the CRA may serve as a valuable predictor for assessing the progress of DR. Additionally, SMI may offer substantial significant utility in monitoring disease progression among patients with DR.
Clinical analysis and imaging study of lateral lumbar intervertebral fusion in the treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis
Authors: Jin Yuanzhang , Zhao Yibo , Lu Xiangdong , Qi Detai , Zhou Runtian , Wang Xiaonan , Zhao Bin , Zhao Xiaofeng 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
With the increase in aging populations and the progress of technology, lateral lumbar intervertebral fusion (LLIF) for the treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) has been gaining more and more interest and usage.
Objective
To explore the feasibility and advantages of LLIF in the treatment of DLS and to observe the outcome through measurements of clinical efficacy and imaging changes.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was performed for 52 DLS patients (12 males and 40 females, aged 65.84 ± 9.873 years) who underwent LLIF from January 2019 to January 2023. The operation time, blood loss, complications, clinical efficacy indicators (VAS, ODI, and SF-36), and imaging indicators (coronal position: Cobb angle and CSVL-C7PL; and sagittal position: LL, SVA, PI, and TK) were measured, and follow-up was carried out for these patients. The postoperative and follow-up measurements were compared to the preoperative values.
Results
All patients successfully completed the operation, with an overall operation time of 283.90 ± 81.62 min, total blood loss of 257.27 ± 213.44 ml, and no serious complications. The clinical efficacy indexes after surgery and at follow-up were significantly improved compared with the preoperative period (P < 0.001). Compared to the preoperative values, the Cobb angle and LL angle were significantly improved after surgery (P < 0.001). Meanwhile, CSVL-C7PL, SVA, and TK did not change much after surgery (P > 0.05) but improved significantly at follow-up (P < 0.001). There was no significant change in PI at either the postoperative or follow-up timepoint.
Conclusion
LLIF showed less surgical bleeding, less trauma, and fast postoperative recovery, which can significantly restore and improve the balance of sagittal and coronal positions of the lumbar spine, and also improve the compensatory thoracic scoliosis.
Quantitative Proteomics of Breast Benign and Malignant Tumors Reveals a Malignancy Signature
Authors: Moreno-Ulloa Aldo , Zárate-Córdova Vareska L. , Ramírez-Sánchez Israel , Lopez Juan Carlos Cruz , Perez-Ortiz Andric , Villarreal-Garza Cynthia , Díaz-Chávez José , Estrada-Mena Benito , Aguirre Bani Antonio , López-Almanza Ximena P. , Romero Esmeralda Lira , Estrada-Mena Fco. Javier 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The distinction between benign and malignant breast tumors is a challenge in clinical settings. While omic studies have contributed to discovering genetic and proteomic signatures in breast cancer, the molecular differences between benign and malignant tumors remain less studied. This pilot study aimed to investigate proteomic differences between both type of tumors to identify protein signatures indicative of malignancy. The relevance of our findings was assessed using published proteomics and transcriptomic datasets. Using SWATH-based mass spectrometry, we quantified 1,221 proteins in benign (n = 10) and malignant (n = 5) breast tumors. Protein-protein interaction (PPI)-based networks and enrichment analyses revealed dysregulation in pathways associated with extracellular matrix organization, platelet degranulation, innate immune system, and RNA metabolism. Through unsupervised analysis, a four-protein signature (OGN, LUM, DCN, and COL14A1) associated with the extracellular matrix emerged, differentiating between benign and malignant tumors. This protein dysregulation pattern was consistently verified in cancerous versus non-cancerous breast tissue across diverse proteomics and transcriptomics datasets. Notably, the dysregulation magnitude was higher in breast cancer subtypes with poor prognosis, such as Basal-Like and HER2 compared to Luminal A. These findings suggest a potential role for the identified signature in discerning malignant from non-cancerous breast tissue, offering valuable insights into enhancing diagnostic precision.
Anti-Spike Protein Antibody Immunoreactivity Is Widely Expressed in Human Lymph Nodes with or without Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna mRNA Vaccination in Non-Infected Individuals
Authors: Nogami Makoto , Hoshi Tomoaki , Toukairin Yoko , Arai Tomomi , Nishio Tadashi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The novel coronavirus SARS-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), the rapidly spreading pandemic. When SARS-CoV-2 enters the target cell, the spike (S) glycoprotein binds to a cellular receptor angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Effective vaccination has been achieved, utilizing the Spike (S) protein mRNA sequence. Objective: For a full understanding of the effects of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna mRNA vaccines, we evaluated the lymphoid responses. We have performed S protein western blots for proteins extracted from axillary lymph nodes, and S protein immunohistochemistry for the axillary lymph node tissues from human autopsies. Results: Our results showed that both vaccinated and control cases (non-vaccinated or negative for anti-S and anti-N antibodies) had positive S protein reactivity in both western blots and immunohistochemistry. This reactivity was present several months after vaccination. One anti-S protein antibody western blots showed a positive correlation with serum anti-S protein amounts. The positivity in non-vaccinated uninfected individuals indicates that either the antibodies against S protein are cross-reacting to other proteins present in human tissues, or due to insidious infections to SARS-CoV-2. Further evaluation is necessary for the reliability of anti-S protein antibodies in SARS-CoV-2 studies.
Investigating Inconel 625: Mechanical and Microstructural Changes Under Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Patel Warish , Inbaraj Kantharaj , Faujdar Manu , Batra Raman , Yadav Rakesh Kumar , Mariswamy Madhusudhan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
A production method used to 3D print or repair metal objects is referred to as wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). It belongs to a group of Additive Manufacturing (AM) techniques known as Direct Energy Deposition (DED). To form a desired 3D shape, layers of metal are deposited on top of one another in WAAM.In the scope of WAAM, Mechanical and Microstructural (MM) changes refer to modifications that take occurred within a material's characteristics and structures during the AM process.An in-depth analysis of the changes that WAAM makes on the MM of Inconel 625 (I-625), a superalloy made of nickel.In this study, the fabrication of I-625 alloy utilizing Cold Metal Transfer (CMT)-WAAM (CMT-WAAM) has been analyzed. The specimen's layers varied in microstructure, according to microstructural examinations, with the lowest layer being composed of minute primary cellular grains.The typical microhardness of the manufactured specimen marginally increased from 255 HV to 259 HV with an increase in Travel Speed (TS), according to mechanical parameters that include hardness and tensile qualities.The development in yield strength (YS), which starting 650 MPa to 690 MPa, and ultimate tensile strength (UTS), which goes beginning 380 MPa to 408 MPa.The CMT-WAAM technique was used to build the components, and the results revealed that each had mechanical performance superior to that of I-625 alloy casting parts, except UTS. This proved that I-625 alloys could be produced using the CMT method.
Emotion and Emotion Regulation During Parent-Child Interactions: The Effect of Partner Presence
Authors: Enav Yael , Knudtson Marguerite , Goldenberg Amit , Gross James J. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Having people around, especially if they provide social support, often leads to positive outcomes both physically and mentally. Social support is especially beneficial when it comes from a loved one or romantic partner. In these studies, we aim to expand the understanding of how the presence of one’s romantic partner affects emotion regulation in parental situations. Specifically, we examined how partner presence influences the parent’s emotional intensity, emotion regulation, and interpretation of their child’s emotion regulation. We examined these questions in parents of both typically developing children (Study 1) as well as autistic children (Study 2), which we assume leads to more intense emotional interactions. The parents of autistic children were better able to regulate their emotions when their partners were present compared to when they were absent. Furthermore, parents’ ratings of their children’s ability to regulate their emotions were higher when their parent’s partner was present compared to when the partner was absent in both studies. However, we found no significant difference in the parents’ emotional intensity when their partners were present compared to when their partners were absent during the emotionally charged incident with their child in either study. Our findings help highlight the impact of partner presence on parent and child emotion regulation.
“It’s as if her husband has become the wife and she the wife has become the husband”: the Social Norms and Gender Dynamics of Men’s Engagement in Family Planning Practices in the DRC
Authors: Ekambi Salomine , Sugg Kathryn , Mpata Florence , Marachto Dédé Aliango , Winch Peter 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a disparity exists in the fertility desires of men and women, with men often expressing a desire for more children than their partners. This disconnect can be attributed to social and gender norms that influence discussions and decision-making regarding birth spacing, birth limiting, and the adoption of modern contraceptive methods. This qualitative study examined social norms shaping the perception, attitudes, and decision-making around family planning among men in the DRC.
Methods
The study protocol was adapted from the 5-step process set forth in the Social Norms Exploration Tool (SNET). Data collection took place in the three provinces of Kasai Central, Lualaba, and Sankuru. This process was divided into three phases, a reference-group identification phase incorporating short, quantitative questionnaires, an exploration of norms and attitudes with the population of interest (N = 317) – here married and unmarried men – and further exploration of social norms among the reference groups (N = 144) cited by men.
Results
Social norms around family planning are contradictory and can be better understood by breaking down the concept of family planning into three categories of descriptive and injunctive norms: 1) the use of modern contraceptive methods, 2) birth spacing and family size, and 3) couple communication and decision-making. We found that while social norms oppose the use of modern contraceptive methods and mainly advocate for larger family size, there is notable social support for birth spacing. Some men reported they would support their wives in learning about contraceptive methods if they were able to make the final decision. However, other men felt that allowing their wives to seek a method would undermine their authority or their virility.
Conclusions
To increase modern contraceptive uptake, interventions should address the underlying issues that contribute to non-adherence, addressing the three categories and their associated norms individually and engaging reference groups important to each, including healthcare providers, religious leaders, and male peer groups, into family planning programming.
Predictive models for occurrence of expansive intracranial hematomas and surgical evacuation outcomes in traumatic brain injury patients in Uganda: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Kamabu Larrey Kasereka , Oboth Ronald , Bbosa Godfrey , Baptist Ssenyondwa John , Kaddumukasa Martin N. , Deng Daniel , Lekuya Hervé Monka , Kataka Louange Maha , Kiryabwire Joel , Moses Galukande , Sajatovic Martha , Kaddumukasa Mark , Fuller Anthony T. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background:
Hematoma expansion is a common manifestation of acute intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) which is associated with poor outcomes and functional status.
Objective
We determined the prevalence of expansive intracranial hematomas (EIH) and assessed the predictive model for EIH occurrence and surgical evacuation outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Uganda.
Methods
We recruited adult patients with TBI with intracranial hematomas in a prospective cohort study. Data analysis using logistic regression to identify relevant risk factors, assess the interactions between variables, and developing a predictive model for EIH occurrence and surgical evacuation outcomes in TBI patients was performed. The predictive accuracies of these algorithms were compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). A p-values of < 0.05 at a 95% Confidence interval (CI) was considered significant.
Results
A total of 324 study participants with intracranial hemorrhage were followed up for 6 months after surgery. About 59.3% (192/324) had expansive intracranial hemorrhage. The study participants with expansive intracranial hemorrhage had poor quality of life at both 3 and 6-months with p < 0.010 respectively. Among the 5 machine learning algorithms, the random forest performed the best in predicting EIH in both the training cohort (AUC = 0.833) and the validation cohort (AUC = 0.734). The top five features in the random forest algorithm-based model were subdural hematoma, diffuse axonal injury, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, association between depressed fracture and subdural hematoma. Other models demonstrated good discrimination with AUC for intraoperative complication (0.675) and poor discrimination for mortality (0.366) after neurosurgical evacuation in TBI patients.
Conclusion
Expansive intracranial hemorrhage is common among patients with traumatic brain injury in Uganda. Early identification of patients with subdural hematoma, diffuse axonal injury, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, association between depressed fracture and subdural hematoma, were crucial in predicting EIH and intraoperative complications.
Tandem transcription factors PpNAC56 and PpNAC72 synergistically activate the transcription of PpPGF to regulate softening during peach fruit ripening
Authors: Zhang Langlang , Wang Xiaofei , Dong Kang , Tan Bin , Zheng Xianbo , Ye Xia , Wang Wei , Cheng Jun , Feng Jiancan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Rapid softening after harvest is a significant challenge for peach production, as it results in fruit rotting and significantly reduces shelf life. In this study, we conducted an analysis that revealed the presence of two tandem genes, PpNAC56 and PpNAC72, within the sr(slow ripening) locus, which are highly conserved in dicots. Additionally, we found that PpNAC56 is the orthologous gene of Non-ripening (NOR) in tomato. Transcript analysis demonstrated that both PpNAC56 and PpNAC72 are highly expressed in peach fruit, with their transcript levels up-regulated at the onset of peach fruit ripening. The yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays showed PpNAC56 interacts with PpNAC72 and this interaction is also detected in tomato and apple. Transient VIGS experiments showed that PpNAC56 and PpNAC72 positively regulate peach fruit softening. The Yeast one-hybrid, the dual luciferase assay and LUC bioluminescence imaging proved that PpNAC56 and PpNAC72 directly binds to the PpPGF promoters and activate its transcription. Notably, PpNAC56 and PpNAC72 together, have a higher levels of activation activity for PpPGF than the genes of PpNAC56 or PpNAC72 alone. In summary, our findings demonstrate that the tandem transcription factors PpNAC56 and PpNAC72 synergistically activate the transcription of PpPGF to regulate fruit softening during peach fruit ripening.
Pure Red Cell Aplasia Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Children Response to Rituximab– A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Ou Rongqiong , Zhang Bihong , Li Sha , Tan Weiping 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose: This study analyzes the clinical presentation of SLE-associated PRCA in a pediatric patient at our institution and evaluates rituximab's therapeutic efficacy.
Methods: To summarize the clinical characteristics of SLE related PRCA in a child diagnosed in our hospital by literature review, and discuss the efficacy of rituximab in treating this disease.
Results: A 12-year-old girl from Guangdong, China, was admitted to our hospital with the chief complaint of "3 years of SLE history and anemia persisting for 16 days." She received her initial SLE diagnosis at 8 years and 5 months of age. Intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse and methylprednisolone (MP) pulse therapy were administered, followed by maintenance treatment with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). During her follow-up, she maintained an SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score of "0." At 12 years of age, the patient developed progressive anemia, A bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of pure red cell aplastic anemia. The anemia did not respond to immunoglobulin, corticosteroids, or cyclosporine A. Subsequently, rituximab was administered, leading to a gradual normalization of her hemoglobin and reticulocyte count. She was subsequently treated with MMF for maintenance, with an SLEDAI score of "0" during the follow-up period.
Conclusion: Corticosteroids have traditionally been the mainstay of treatment for SLE-related PRCA, and the combination of cyclosporine and corticosteroids has shown promise in improving remission rates and reducing recurrence rates. The administration of rituximab, followed by sequential MMF use in the presented case, demonstrated significant efficacy.