bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel Evaluation Standard Combining Gini-index and Variation Coefficient for Double Plateaus Histogram Equalization
Authors: li weiming , jiang xianyang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Image contrast enhancement or boosting is normally referred to as one of the most crucial tasks in image processing, and histogram equalization (HE) is one of the most pervasive methods applied to address this task. HE and its variants have been proven a simple and effective technique. However, no one consistent image quality evaluation standard has been built for them, not to say other relevant approaches. In other words, it is lack of enough attention to image quality evaluation for contrast enhancement algorithms. The authors proposed a novel evaluation standard combining Gini-index and variation coefficient. They verified the effectiveness of the proposed evaluation standard especially for double plateaus histogram equalization (DPHE) algorithm. Their experimental results showed that the proposed objective standard could provide an additional objective basis for the quality evaluation of DPHE, which may be extended to pervasive image enhancement algorithms.
Decreased Intranuclear Cardiac Troponin I Impairs Cardiac Autophagy through FOS/ATG5 in Ageing Hearts
Authors: Liu Ruimin , huang Shan , Hu Di , Liu Lingjuan , Sun Huichao , Tian Jie , Pan Bo 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objective
In our previous study, intranuclear cardiac troponin I (cTnI) was demonstrated may function as a co-factor of YY1. Here, we aimed to explore the role of intranuclear cTnI in ageing hearts.
Methods and Results
Nuclear translocation of cTnI was demonstrated by using Wester-blot and Immunofluorencence. The potential nucleolar localization sequences (NLSs) of cTnI were predicted by a web server, and then verified in 293t cells by putative NLS-eGFP-GST and NLS-mutant transfection. Ratio of Nuclear cTnI/ Total cTnI (Nu/T) decreased significantly in ageing hearts, accompanied with ATG5-decline related impaired cardiac autophagy. RNA sequencing was performed in cTnI knockout hearts. The differential expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed by overlapping with YY1 ChIP sequencing data. Those filtered DEGs’ expression level were determined by cTnI gain and loss experiments in vitro. A strong correlation was found between expression patterns cTnI and FOS. By using ChIP-q-PCR we demonstrated specific binding DNA sequences of cTnI were enriched in FOS promoter − 299~-157 region. It was further verified that pcDNA3.1 (-)-cTnI could increase the promoter activity of FOS by using luciferase report assay. At last, we found that FOS can regulate ATG5 (autophagy related gene 5) gene by using luciferase report assay.
Conclusion
Taken together, our results indicate that decrease of intranuclear cTnI in ageing hearts may cause impaired cardiac autophagy through FOS/ATG5 pathway.
Development and Validity Testing of a Matrix to Evaluate Maturity of Clinical Pathways: A Case Study in Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Larson Crystal Lynn , Vanstone Jason Robert , Mise Taysa-Rhea , Tupper Susan Mary , Groot Gary , Azizian Amir Reza 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Healthcare systems are transforming into learning health systems that use data-driven and research-informed approaches to achieve continuous improvement. One of these approaches is the use of clinical pathways, which are tools to standardize care for a specific population and improve healthcare quality. Evaluating the maturity of clinical pathways is necessary to inform pathway development teams and health system decision makers about required pathway revisions or implementation supports.
Main body
In an effort to improve the development, implementation, and sustainability of provincial clinical pathways, we developed a clinical pathways maturity evaluation matrix. To explore the initial content and face validity of the matrix, we used it to evaluate a case pathway within a provincial health authority in Saskatchewan, Canada.
Iterative cycles of feedback were gathered from stakeholders and patient and family partners to rank, retain, or remove sub-enablers of the draft matrix. We tested the matrix on the Chronic Pain Pathway (CPP) for primary care in a local pilot area and revised the matrix based on feedback from the CPP development team leader. The final matrix contains five enablers (i.e., Design, Ownership and Performer, Infrastructure, Performance Management, and Culture), 20 sub-enablers, and three trajectory definitions for each sub-enabler. Supplemental documents were created for six sub-enablers.
The CPP scored 15 out of 40 possible points of maturity. Although the pathway scored highest in the Design enabler (10/12), it requires more attention in several areas, specifically the Ownership and Performer and the Performance Management enablers, each of which scored zero. Additionally, the Infrastructure and Culture enablers scored 2/4 and 3/8 points, respectively. These areas of the CPP are in need of improvement in order to enhance the overall maturity of the CPP.
Short conclusion
We developed a clinical pathways maturity matrix to evaluate the various dimensions of clinical pathways’ development and implementation. The goals of this initial work were to develop and validate a tool to assess the maturity and readiness of new or existing pathways and to track pathways' revisions and improvements.
Turning Waste into Wealth: An Efficient Platform for Capturing, Recycling and Reusing Perfluorinated Compounds
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Yang Zhuojing , Zhu Yutong , Tan Xiao , Gunjal Samruddhi , Wang Yiqing , Xin Ruijing , Fu Changkui , Macintosh Katie , Sprague Lee , Leung Lam , Hopkins Timothy , Whittaker Andrew 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a group of compounds, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctylsulfonic acid (PFOS), that have raised environment and human health concerns. Opportunities exist for improved efficiency and scalable technologies over more broad-spectrum approaches for capture and utilization of these compounds from contaminated sources. In this study, we introduce a new type of reusable polymeric sorbent (perfluoropolyether-containing resin (PFPE-IEX+)) for rapid, efficient, and selective removal of multiple PFAS impurities from various contaminated water sources. The sorbent contains a hydrophobic polystyrenic backbone, with positively charged quaternary ammonium functional group and PFPE segments being crosslinked by divinylbenzene. The PFPE-IEX + resin shows superior PFAS sorption efficiency compared with commercially available sorbents in real PFAS contaminated media. The resin achieves > 98% removal efficiency and > 500 mg/g sorption capacity for all types of examined PFAS, including the short-chain heptafluorobutyric acid (PFBA) and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA). We dedicated efforts to achieve efficient PFAS removal without breakthrough and subsequent resin regeneration with ~ 100% PFAS recovery in a proof-of-concept cartridge setup using real PFAS contaminated water sources, including potable water and landfill leachate. The recycled PFAS was then used as electrolyte additives to facilitate the formation of a ZnF2 rich protection layer on the anode surface to improve the cycling stability of aqueous zinc batteries. The outcomes of this study not only offer valuable guidance to the design and preparation of efficient sorbents applicable in cartridge-based PFAS removal from the environment, but also present an important strategy to reuse the recycled PFAS in battery systems to turn an environmental concern to a societal benefit to wealth.
Comparison of Immunotherapy in different time in combination with Lenvatinib for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a real-world study
Authors: Yu Zeyu , Leng Bin , You Ran , Wang Chendong , Diao Lingfeng , Xu Qingyu , Yin Guowen 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Introduction:
The Lenvatinib combined with immunotherapy therapies are still controversial in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). This research aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of Lenvatinib monotherapy (L) and combination therapy with Lenvatinib plus immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) administered synchronously (LI) and sequential therapy with initial Lenvatinib monotherapy followed by subsequent addition of ICIs (L-LI) in uHCC patients.
Methods
181 uHCC patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were classified into three groups: (1) Lenvatinib monotherapy (L). (2) Synchronous administration of Lenvatinib and ICIs (LI). (3) Sequential therapy where patients initially received Lenvatinib monotherapy for 3 months followed by addition of ICIs sequentially (L-LI). Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), baseline characteristics, safety were compared among these groups.
Results
There were 108 patients in these groups after propensity score matching (PSM). OS and PFS were compared among these groups. The subgroup of patients with or without distant metastases were also compared. ECOG PS and AFP were independent prognostic factors for survival. The frequency of grade ≥ 3 AEs demonstrated no significant difference.
Conclusions
Our study demonstrated that, in all patients, the combination groups (LI, L-LI) had longer OS and PFS than the L group, and there was no statistical difference between the LI group and the L-LI group. However, in the subgroup of patients without distant metastases, the L-LI group exhibited longer PFS compared to the LI group. Conversely, in the subgroup of patients with distant metastases, the LI group showed longer PFS than the L-LI group.
Determination of cinnamaldehyde, thymol and eugenol in essential oils by LC-MS/MS and antibacterial activity of them against bacteria
Authors: Li Zhi , Li Yan , Cheng Wenbo 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Based on Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), A qualitative and quantitative method for simultaneous detection of 3 bioactive compounds, including cinnamaldehyde (CNM), thymol (THY) and eugenol (EUG) in plant essential oil was established in this study. We tested the antibacterial activity of 3 bioactive compounds. Several necessary tests for 12 steroids, such as LLOQ, recovery and precision, have verified the repeatability and practicability of the method. Then, the antibacterial activity of 3 bioactive compounds against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was evaluated by minimal inhibitory concentration and the synergistic antimicrobial effect. The results indicated that the MIC of CNM, THY and EUG against E. coli were 1.0, 1.0 mg/mL, and 0.5 µg/mL, respectively. And the MIC of CNM, THY and EUG against S. aureus were 0.5, 1.0 mg/mL, and 0.5 µg/mL, respectively. According to the results of fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI), it is considered that CNM + THY and CNM + THY + EUG has obvious synergistic inhibitory effect on E. coli, and CNM + THY and CNM + EUG has obvious synergistic inhibitory effect on S. aureus. In addition, the trace metals in the treated bacteria were analyzed.
Spatial co-occurrence of firearm homicides and opioid overdose deaths in Chicago by level of COVID-19 mortality, 2017-2021
Authors: McLone Suzanne G , II John R. Pamplin , Pappu Jaii D. , Gradus Jaimie L. , Jay Jonathan S. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

To describe the co-occurring trends of firearm homicides and opioid overdose deaths before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, the authors used 2017-2021 medical examiner’s by firearm homicide, opioid overdose, and COVID-19 mortality data from Chicago, IL. Deaths were assigned to zip codes based on decedents’ residence. We stratified zip codes into quartiles by COVID-19 mortality rate, then compared firearm homicide and fatal opioid overdose rates by COVID-19 quartile. Throughout the study period, firearm homicide and opioid overdose rates were highest in the highest COVID-19 mortality quartile and lowest in the lowest COVID-19 mortality quartile. Increases in firearm homicide and opioid overdose were observed across all COVID-19 mortality quartiles. High co-occurrence of these deaths at the community level call for addressing the systemic forces which made them most vulnerable before the pandemic. Such strategies should consider the environments where people reside, not only where fatal injuries occur.
Morphometric analysis of language-related cortex and its association with cognitive and verbal abilities in Indian children with autism and controls
Authors: Berkins Samuel , Koshy Beena , Livingstone Roshan S , Pearlin Benedicta , Jasper Anitha , Grace Hannah , Ravibabu Preethi , Rai Ekta 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background and aim Research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has highlighted abnormal asymmetry patterns in brain regions associated with language. Despite the rising prevalence of ASD in India, there is a dearth of neurobiological studies within the Indian population. This investigation explores morphometric differences and asymmetry patterns in language-related brain regions among Indian children with ASD and typically developing (TD) children, examining their correlation with cognitive abilities.Methods and Procedures Utilizing T1-weighted volumetric images from a 3T MRI scanner, we measured cortical volume (CV) and cortical thickness (CT) in 61 ASD and 17 TD children.Outcomes and Results Children with ASD displayed smaller cortical measures in bilateral insula (Ins) and planum polare (PP). Furthermore, ASD children displayed decreased leftward CV asymmetry in superior temporal gyrus (STG), reversed CV asymmetry in pars triangularis (Ptri) and Ins, and absence of CV asymmetry in PP compared to TD children. Additionally, increased rightward CT asymmetry in STG, decreased rightward CT asymmetry in supramarginal gyrus, and reversed CT asymmetry in Ptri and angular gyrus compared to TD children. No significant associations were found between these brain regions, their asymmetry, and VIQ, FSIQ, or autism severity.Conclusions These findings shed light on atypical language area development in Indian children with ASD.
Uncovering convergence and divergence between autism and schizophrenia using genomic tools and patients’ neurons
Authors: Romanovsky Eva , Choudhary Ashwani , Akel Ahmad Abu , Stern Shani 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are highly heritable and result in abnormal repetitive behaviors and impairment in communication and cognitive skills. Previous studies have focused on the genetic correlation between ASDs and other neuropsychiatric disorders, but an in-depth understanding of the correlation to other disorders is required. We conducted an extensive meta-analysis of common variants identified in ASDs by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and compared it to the consensus genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Schizophrenia (SCZ). We found approximately 75% of the SNPs that are associated with ASD are also associated with SCZ. We have also probed cellular phenotypes reported in ASD neurons compared to SCZ neurons from induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models. Interestingly, Autism neurons start with an early maturation and schizophrenia neurons start with a late maturation, but both end up with deficits in synaptic activity when compared to control neurons as they mature.
A small size walking type piezoelectric actuator with flexible mechanism vertical installation
Authors: Zhou Dudu , She Mingyun , Wu Hao , Gao Jingwen , Li Jianping , Tian Hailong , Deng Fuqin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In order to reduce the backward motion of the piezoelectric actuator and realize the miniaturization of the piezoelectric actuator, a walking-type piezoelectric actuator with vertical placement of flexible mechanism is proposed in this work. Two parallelogram flexible mechanisms are placed vertically to complete the "walking" movement of the actuator, and two flexible mechanisms are placed vertically to effectively reduce the volume of the actuator. The structure is simulated and analyzed by finite element method (FEM). In addition, the performance of the piezoelectric actuator is compared by experiments. Under the conditions of U=120V, f=1Hz, φ=160°, the forward and reverse vertical load of the piezoelectric actuator are 10kg. The maximum horizontal resistance of the forward motion is about 4.5N. In φ=160° condition, the maximum forward motion speed of the slider is 2705.85µm/s. Under the same voltage and frequency conditions, the forward motion vertical load of the single-driving foot piezoelectric actuator is 1600g, the maximum horizontal resistance of the forward motion is about 0.8N, and the maximum speed of the forward motion is 403.11µm/s. The experiment results show that the walking type piezoelectric actuator with the new flexible mechanism vertically placement has better working performance than the single-driving foot piezoelectric actuator in all aspects. Compared with the walking type piezoelectric actuator with traditional flexible mechanism placement method, the volume of the vertically placed flexible mechanism piezoelectric actuator proposed in this study is only 90×70×40mm, which significantly reduces the volume of the walking type piezoelectric actuator, and has certain significance for the miniaturization and market application of the piezoelectric actuator.
The Proliferation Regulation Role of 17β-Estradiol-Induced miR-16-5p in Mouse Thymic Epithelial Cells
Authors: Guo Dongguang , Chen Mingyan , Tian Jinhe , He Yaojia , Li Yugu 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
To investigate the proliferation regulation role of 17β-Estradiol(E2)-induced miR-16-5p in mouse thymic epithelial cells. The miRNA expression profiles in the 50 nmo/L E2 treated MTEC1 cells were determined by high-throughput sequencing. Then the significantly upregulated miRNA expression that responsive to E2 was screened and validated. Subsequently, the proliferation functions and mechanism of screened miRNA were analyzed in MTEC1 cells. MiR-16-5p was found that significantly upregulated and had “high” levels of of expression among the 36 upregulation miRNAs, which were significantly induced by 50 nmol/L E2. Transfection assays showed that overexpression of miR-16-5p reduced cell viability, suppressed cell proliferation, and induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in MTEC1 cells. Results from further analysis confirmed CCND1 and Igfbp3 as the target genes of miR-16-5p, and that the effects of Igfbp3 knockdown were similar to those of miR-16-5p overexpression in MTEC1 cells. Moreover, it is similar to the roles of E2 affect MTEC1 cells proliferation, a significant up-regulation trend of miR-16-5p expression levels in MTEC1 cells was observed from 25 nmol/L to 50 nmol/L E2 after treatment for 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h, respectively. This data indicated that the expression of miR-16-5p is an E2-responsive miRNA in MTEC1 cells, and also provided evidence that miR-16-5p has a proliferation role in MTEC1 cells proliferation. Suggests that E2 may affect thymic thymus involution by regulating the expression of miRNA in TECs.
Diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer in the light of modern molecular genetic achievements
Authors: Kagirova E. M. , Khusainova R. I. , Minniakhmetov I. R. 
Published: November 2023

The purpose of the study was to systematize and summarize the literature data on the study of clinical and genetic aspects, molecular pathogenesis, as well as new trends in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer.Material and Methods. A literature search was conducted using Web of science, scopus, medline, pubmed, and elibrary databases.Results. Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death in women diagnosed with gynecological cancer. ovarian cancer is a heterogeneous disease composed of different types of tumors, each of which has differences in pathogenesis, spectrum and mutation frequencies in characteristic genes, response to therapy and prognosis of the disease. more than 80 % of all malignant ovarian tumors are of epithelial origin (carcinomas) and about 26 % of all cases of ovarian cancer are caused by germline mutations found in the BRCA1/BRCA2 genes. to date, the priority areas in the study of ovarian cancer are the improvement of diagnostic methods, algorithm of examination of women, identification of new biomarkers, study of tumor microenvironment and composition of ascitic fluid to detect cancer at early stages and prescribe appropriate therapy. Recent advances in targeted therapy based on the molecular profile of the tumor have made it possible to personalize treatment and increase its effectiveness. Achievements in molecular genetic, cytological, immunological and biochemical studies contribute to the development of novel approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer.Conclusion. With the advent of new novel approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer, it is becoming increasingly clear that the tumor microenvironment can significantly affect the success of chemotherapy. New biomarkers can help identify the best candidates for ovarian cancer treatment. Further basic and applied research is needed to explore the use of different diagnostic and therapeutic agents in ovarian cancer.
A study to identify novel biomarkers associated with multiple myeloma
Authors: Iyshwarya Bhaskar Kalarani , Ramakrishnan Veerabathiran 
Published: November 2023

Background. multiple myeloma (mm) is a plasma cell cancer that affects white blood cells. plasma cells from the bone marrow grow abnormally, as a consequence of which patients have high amounts of monoclonal immunoglobulin in their blood and urine, poor renal function, and recurring infections due to this condition. osteolytic bone lesions and immunodeficiency also impact multiple myeloma patients’ longevity and quality of life. The disease accounts for 13 % of all hematological malignancies worldwide, making it the second most common blood cancer.Material and Methods. The studies investigating mm biomarkers from 2000 to 2021 are collected from various databases. “multiple myeloma”, “biomarkers”, “genetic markers”, “prognostic markers”, “epidemiology of multiple myeloma”, and “risk factors for multiple myeloma” are the key phrases utilized to gather the articles.Results. The scientific and medical research progressed into mm, and the number of cases increased over time and continues to rise, prompting researchers and clinicians to discover new consequences of the disease and new markers for prognosis, diagnosis, detection, and treatment of cancer in the earliest stages. Prognostic and predictive signs for illness recurrence and response to medication may be detected adequately by innovative potential biomarkers, which are more accurate than current approaches.Conclusion. treatment for multiple myeloma includes a variety of chemotherapeutic medicines, including immune modulators and proteasome inhibitors; however, most patients still experience recurrence after completing treatment. There have been numerous novel techniques for managing multiple myeloma, and this review summarises the most commonly used and the new ones that have appeared in the previously published articles.