bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of MRI radiomic feature normalization for prognostic modelling in uterine endometrial and cervical cancers.
Authors: Hodneland Erlend , Andersen Erling , Wagner-Larsen Kari S , Dybvik Julie A , Lura Njål , Fasmer Kristine E , Halle Mari K , Krakstad Camilla , Haldorsen Ingfrid 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Widespread clinical use of MRI radiomic tumor profiling for prognostication and treatment planning in cancers faces major obstacles due to limitations in standardization of radiomic features. The purpose of the current work was to assess the impact of different MRI scanning- and normalization protocols for the statistical analyses of tumor radiomic data in two patient cohorts with uterine endometrial- (EC) (n = 136) and cervical (CC) (n = 132) cancer.
Material and methods
1.5 T and 3 T, T1-weighted MRI 2 minutes post-contrast injection, T2-weighted turbo spin echo imaging, and diffusion-weighted imaging were acquired. Radiomic features were extracted from within manually segmented tumors in 3D and normalized either using z-score normalization or a linear regression model (LRM) accounting for linear dependencies with MRI acquisition parameters. Patient clustering into two groups based on radiomic profile. Impact of MRI scanning parameters on cluster composition and prognostication by cluster groups were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis tests, Kaplan-Meier plots, log-rank test and random survival forest time-dependent area under curve (tdAUC) (α = 0.05).
Results
A large proportion of the radiomic features was statistically associated with MRI scanning protocol in both cohorts (EC: 162/385 [42%]; CC: 180/292 [62%]). A substantial number of EC (49/136 [36%]) and CC (50/132 [38%]) patients changed cluster when clustering was performed after z-score- versus LRM normalization. Prognostic modeling based on cluster groups yielded similar outputs for the two normalization methods in the EC/CC cohorts (log-rank test; z-score: p = 0.02/0.33; LRM: p = 0.01/0.45). Mean tdAUC for prognostic modeling of disease-specific survival (DSS) by the radiomic features in EC/CC was similar for the two normalization methods (random survival forest; z-score: mean tdAUC = 0.77/0.78; LRM: mean tdAUC = 0.80/0.75).
Conclusions
Severe biases in tumor radiomics data due to MRI scanning parameters exist. Z-score normalization does not eliminate these biases, whereas LRM normalization effectively does. Still, radiomic cluster groups after z-score- and LRM normalization were associated with similar DSS in EC and CC patients.
Efficient approximation of stochastic turning process based on power spectral density
Authors: Fodor Gergő , Bachrathy Dániel 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In this study, we utilize stochastic cutting force to enhance the existing 1-degree-of-freedom turning model. We adopt a stochastic model to address the stochastic resonance phenomenon occurring near stability boundaries. Additionally, we introduce a simplified stochastic model with additive noise only. Our investigations reveal that, with the recommended noise intensity of 0.1% to 1%, there is no significant difference in the stability charts and mean square characteristics between the two models. As a result, we can bypass time-consuming numerical methods, as the simplified model offers an analytical approach to compute variance based on power spectral density (PSD). By combining efficient techniques such as D-separation to determine stability boundaries and the PSD-based variance calculation, we construct a heatmap that clearly outlines dangerous stochastic resonance regions within the stable domain.
A novel metric based approach of scoring early host immune response from oro- nasopharyngeal swabs predicts COVID-19 outcome
Authors: Rajput Yogita , Neral Arvind , Sherwani Nikita , Jain Vijaylakshmi , Sahu Malti , Paikra Fulsay , Lodhi Heeramani , Sundrani Omprakash , Panda Ravindra Kumar , Jain Vinit , Shammas Masood A. , Pal Jagannath 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Unpredictable fatal outcome of COVID-19 is attributed to dysregulated inflammation. Impaired early adaptive immune response leads to late stage inflammatory outcome. The purpose of this study was to develop biomarkers for early detection of host immune impairment at first diagnosis from leftover RNA samples, which may in turn identify high risk patients. Leftover RNA samples of COVID-19 patients at first diagnosis were stored. Following prospective follow-up, the samples were shorted and categorized into outcome groups. Impaired adaptive T cell response (severity score) and Impaired IL-10 response (undetectable IL-10 in the presence of high expression of a representative interferon response gene) were determined by RT-PCR based assay. We demonstrate that a T cell response based ‘severity score’ comprising rational combination of Ct values of a target genes’ signature can predict high risk noncomorbid potentially critical COVID-19 patients with a sensitivity of 91% (95%CI:58.7–99.8) and specificity of 92.6% (95% CI:75.7–99)(AUC:0.88). Although inclusion of comorbid patients reduced sensitivity to 77% (95%CI:54.6–92.2), the specificity was still 94% (95%CI:79.8–99.3)(AUC:0.82). The same for ‘impaired IL-10 response’ were little lower to predict high risk noncomorbid patients 64.2% (95%CI:35.1–87.2) and 82% (95%CI:65.5–93.2) respectively. Inclusion of comorbid patients drastically reduce sensitivity and specificity51.6% (95%CI:33.1–69.8) and 80.5% (95%CI:64.0-91.8) respectively. As best of our knowledge this is the first demonstration of a metric based approach showing the ‘severity score’ as an indicator of early adoptive immune response, could be used as predictor of severe COVID-19 outcome at the time of first diagnosis using the same leftover swab RNA. The work flow could reduce expenditure and reporting time of the prognostic test for an earliest clinical decision ensuring possibility of early rational management.
Morphological Analysis of the Distal Femur as a Surgical Reference in Biplane Distal Femoral Osteotomy
Authors: Sano Shohei , Matsushita Takehiko , Nagata Naosuke , Tokura Takeo , Nukuto Koji , Nakanishi Yuta , Nishida Kyohei , Nagai Kanto , Kanzaki Noriyuki , Hoshino Yuichi , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Kuroda Ryosuke 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Distal femoral osteotomy (DFO) is performed alone or with high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for patients with osteoarthritis and distal femur deformities. DFO is technically demanding, particularly when creating an anterior flange. Herein, we examined the morphological characteristics of the distal femur based on the cortical shape as a surgical reference for biplanar DFO. Computed tomography images of 50 valgus and 50 varus knees of patients who underwent biplanar DFO or total knee arthroplasty were analyzed. Axial slices at the initial level of the transverse osteotomy in the DFO and slices 10 mm proximal and 10 mm distal to that level were selected. The medial and lateral cortical angles and heights (MCLA, LCLA, MCH, and LCH) were measured on axial slices. Statistical comparisons were performed between the medial and lateral cortices and valgus and varus knees. MCLA and MCH were significantly smaller and lower, respectively, than LCLA and LCH (P < 0.01). The MCLA and MCH of varus knees were significantly smaller and lower, respectively, than those of valgus knees (P < 0.01). Surgeons should carefully observe morphological differences in the distal femur cortex, distinguishing between medial and lateral knees and varus and valgus knees during the creation of the anterior flange in the DFO.
Endonasal endoscopic or endoscopic-assisted transcranial surgery of Rathke’s cleft cysts: does the approach and surgical technique influence the radicality and recurrence rate?
Authors: linsler stefan , Schon Laura , Fischer Gerrit , Senger Sebastian , Oertel Joachim 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective
Resections of symptomatic Rathke’s cleft cysts (RCCs) are mainly performed via an endonasal transsphenoidal approach. However, there is a lack of equivalent data in current literature concerning transcranial keyhole approach in the treatment of RCCs. In order to find general recommendations for the surgical treatment of RCCs also with regard to recurrence, the object of this study is the analysis and comparison of both techniques.
Methods
Twenty-nine patients having been surgically treated between January 2004 and August 2019 were retrospectively analysed. The transsphenoidal approach was chosen in 16 cases and the transcranial keyhole approach in 13 cases. Both surgical techniques were analyzed and compared concerning preoperative symptoms and cyst characteristics, complications, surgical radicality, endocrinological and ophthalmological outcome and recurrences in patients´ follow up.
Results
The postoperative outcome of both techniques was identic and showed highly satisfying success rates with 92% for neurological deficits, 82% for endocrinological dysfunctions and 86% for visual deficits. In contrast, momentous postoperative complications were significantly more likely after transsphenoidal operations. After a mean follow-up time of 5,7 years, the recurrence rates of both cohorts were the same with 0% each.
Conclusions
Regarding its equal outcome with its lower complication rate, the authors suggest using the supraorbital keyhole approach for RCCs whose anatomical configuration allow both techniques. Yet, the decision should always consider the surgeon’s personal experience and other individual patient characteristics. Further studies with higher numbers of cases and longer follow-up periods are necessary to analyse the effect of the selected approach on recurrence.
Mitigation of Drought Stress Effects on Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Callus through CaO Nanoparticles and Graphene Oxide in Tissue Culture Conditions
Authors: Yazıcılar Büşra , Nadaroğlu Hayrunnisa , Alaylı Azize , Nadar Muthukumar , Gedikli Semin , Bezirganoglu ismail 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Drought stress poses a significant threat to fertile soils worldwide, triggering profound physiological, biochemical, and molecular changes in plants that adversely impact agricultural productivity. This study explores the potential of nanotechnology, specifically Calcium Oxide Nanoparticles (CaO NPs) and Graphene Oxide (GO), to ameliorate the negative effects of drought stress on two distinct alfalfa ecotypes. Seeds from Erzurum and Konya regions were regenerated in the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, and ensuing callus formation was induced through 2,4-D and Kinetin. The callus samples underwent a one-month treatment with varying concentrations of mannitol (50 and 100 mM), CaO NPs, and GO (0.5 and 1.5 ppm). Results revealed a decrease in dry/wet weight with increasing mannitol concentration, contrasting with an increase in weight under CaO NPs and GO treatment. Proline, DNSA, MDA, and H2O2 exhibited proportional increases under drought stress, while CaO NPs and GO treatments mitigated these effects. Physiological and biochemical analyses identified optimal conditions for Erzurum as 50 mM mannitol/2 CaO NPs/0.5 ppm GO, and for Konya as 50 mM mannitol/0.5 ppm GO. Gene expression analysis indicated up-regulation of mtr-miR159 and mtr-miR393 with heightened drought stress, with down-regulation observed in CaO NPs and GO treatments. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) confirmed Ca2+ accumulation in alfalfa tissues. In conclusion, CaO NPs and GO treatments exhibited a significant reduction in the adverse effects of drought stress on alfalfa callus under tissue culture conditions. This research sheds light on the potential of nanotechnological interventions to alleviate the impact of environmental stressors on crop plants, opening avenues for sustainable agriculture in the face of changing climatic conditions. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and scalability of these findings for field applications.
3D printed scaffolds of biosilica and spongin from marine sponges: Analysis of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity for bone tissue repair
Authors: Sousa Karolyne dos Santos Jorge , de Souza Amanda , Cruz Matheus de Almeida , de Lima Lindiane Eloisa , Santo Giovanna do Espirito , Amaral Gustavo Oliva , Granito Renata Neves , Renno Ana Claudia 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Biosilica (BS) and spongin (SPG) from marine sponges are highlighted for their potential to promote bone regeneration. Moreover, additive manufacturing, specifically 3D printing, is introduced as a technology for producing bone grafts with optimized interconnected porous structures, allowing for better cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Thus, the aims of this study were to characterize the BS and BS/SPG 3D printed scaffolds and to evaluate the biological effects in vitro. The physicochemical characteristics of BS and BS/SPG 3D printed scaffolds were analyzed by SEM, FTIR, porosity, evaluation of mass loss, and pH measurement. For in vitro analysis, the cellular viability of the MC3T3-E1 cell lineage was assessed using the AlamarBlue® assay and SEM, while genotoxicity was evaluated through the micronucleus assay. SEM analysis revealed distinct features: the presence of spicules in BS, the fibrillar structure of SPG, and material degradation over the immersion period. FTIR indicated peaks corresponding to silicon oxide in BS samples and carbon oxide and amine in SPG samples. BS-SPG scaffolds exhibited higher porosity, while BS scaffolds displayed greater mass loss. pH measurements indicated a significant decrease induced by BS, which was mitigated by SPG over the experimental periods. In vitro studies demonstrated the biocompatibility and non-cytotoxicity of scaffold extracts. The micronucleus (MN) test further confirmed the absence of cytotoxicity in the samples. These findings suggest that 3D printed BS and BS/SPG scaffolds may possess desirable morphological and physicochemical properties, indicating in vitro biocompatibility.
Trauma team members’ perceptions of the effectiveness of the current trauma care system in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A phenomenological study
Authors: Goshu Eyayalem , Zodwa Margaret 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Trauma is a leading cause of mortality and disability in low- and middle-income countries, with Ethiopia having the highest percentage (26.7%) of fatalities per 100 000 inhabitants. The effectiveness and quality of trauma care in Addis Ababa city vary by hospital.
Objective
This qualitative study aimed to explore trauma team members’ perceptions of the effectiveness of the current trauma care system in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods
This study used a qualitative phenomenological design to analyze trauma care team members’ perceptions of the current trauma care system in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The population included trauma team members, health-care personnel, hospital leaders and coordinators from nine hospitals. The data were collected through semi structured interviews and focus group discussions. The study used the Colaizzi approach and ATLAS.ti 23 software for data analysis, employing deductive and inductive coding methodologies to identify patterns. Memos and display matrices were generated for in-depth analysis.
Results
This study identified several challenges with the trauma care system in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, including a lack of effective leadership, coordination, and teamwork spirit; insufficient referral connections in the trauma care system; knowledge gaps among health-care professionals; and poor organization of the emergency room and trauma center. In addition, factors such as insufficient pharmaceutical and medical equipment and ineffective ambulance services have contributed to the increased number of deaths and disabilities among trauma patients in the country.
Conclusion
The qualitative report highlights the gaps in Ethiopia's emergency trauma care system and recommends strategies for improvement, including clear leadership, policies, resources, communication, and continuous training.
HSV-1 immune escapes in microglia by down-regulating GM130 to inhibit TLR3-mediated innate immune responses
Authors: Liu Jia , Chen Xiqian , Liu Junxian , Zhang Hainan , Lu Wei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the mechanism of GM130 regulating the antiviral immune response of TLR3 after HSV-1 infection of microglia cells. To explore the regulatory of berberine on GM130 and TLR3 mediated immune response.
Methods
The vitro model of HSV-1 infection was established by infecting BV2 cells with HSV-1.
Results
Compared with the uninfected group, the Golgi apparatus fragmentation and GM130 decrease after HSV-1 infected; TLR3 increased at 6h and began to decrease at 12h after HSV-1 infected ; the secretion of IFN-β, TNF-α and IL-6 increased after infection. Knockdown of GM130 aggravated the fragmentation of Golgi apparatus, and caused TLR3 to further decrease, and the virus titer also increased significantly. Knockdown of GM130 can inhibit the increase of TLR3 and inflammatory factors induced by TLR3 agonists and increase the viral titer. Over-expression of GM130 alleviated the Golgi fragmentation induced by HSV-1, partially restored the level of TLR3, and reduced the viral titer. Over-expression of GM130 reversed the reduction of TLR3 and inflammatory cytokines induced by TLR3 inhibitors. Therefore, the decrease in GM130 caused by HSV-1 infection will lead to increased viral replication by inhibiting TLR3-mediated innate immunity. Berberine can protect the Golgi apparatus and reverse the down-regulation of GM130, as well as reverse the down-regulation of TLR3 and its downstream factor factors after HSV-1 infection, reducing the virus titer.
Conclusion
In microglia, HSV-1 immune escapes by causing the GM130/TLR3 pathway to affect the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Berberine protects the Golgi apparatus and enhances TLR3 mediated antiviral immune response.
ZO-1 remodels the cytoskeleton and boosts self-renewal in OCT4-reprogrammed human hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells through adherens junction pathway
Authors: Huang Xingang , Ruan Yingchun , Sun Pengpeng , Yu Xiaozhen , Chen Hua , Kong Qingnuan , Liu Zhijing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: The challenge of expanding haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) in vitro has limited the clinical application of this technology. Human hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells (hHFMSCs) can be reprogrammed to generate intermediate stem cells by introducing only OCT4 (hHFMSCsOCT4). Prestimulating these cells with a low concentration of the cytokines FLT3 and SCF leads to the generation of a distinct subset, named floating hHFMSCsOCT4, which can maintain self-renewal in vitro and be induced to undergo erythropoiesis, suggesting that these cells are promising seed cells for artificial haematopoiesis.
Methods: Floating cell subsets were isolated from adherent cell subsets using centrifugation. Cell adhesion was assessed through disassociation and adhesion assays. OCT4 expression levels were measured using immunofluorescence staining, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting. RNA sequencing and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis were then conducted to identify proliferation-related biological processes enriched by the upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Proliferative capacity was assessed using CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Cytoskeleton was observed through Wright‒Giemsa, Coomassie brilliant blue, and phalloidin staining. Expression of adherens junction (AJ) core members was confirmed through RT‒qPCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining before and after ZO-1 knockdown. A regulatory network was constructed to determine relationships among cytoskeleton, proliferation, and the AJ pathway. Student's t tests (GraphPad Prism 8.0.2) were used for group comparisons. The results were considered significant at P < 0.05.
Results: Excessive OCT4 expression weakens adhesion and causes floating hHFMSCsOCT4. These cells have moderate proliferation and undergo cytoskeleton remodeling, with increased contraction and aggregation of F-actin near the nucleus. The upregulation of ZO-1 can impact the actin, E-cadherin, and β-catenin genes, as well as the nuclear positioning of β-catenin, leading to variations in the cytoskeleton and cell cycle. Finally, a regulatory network revealed that the AJ pathway critically bridges cytoskeletal remodelling and haematopoiesis-related proliferation in a β-catenin-dependent manner.
Conclusions: Increasing OCT4 levels can remodel the cytoskeleton through the ZO-1-containing AJ pathway, potentially boosting the self-renewal ability of hHFMSCs to mimic HSPCs, suggesting a plausible mechanism for utilizing novel seed cells in artificial hematopoietic in vitro.
Algebraicity of weakly holomorphic modular functions at divisors of meromorphic modular forms for certain Fuchsian groups
Authors: Kim Chang Heon , Shin Gyucheol 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We show that the values of a certain basis of weakly holomorphic modular functions on $\Gamma_{0}^{+}(N)$ at points of the divisors of any meromorphic modular form of weight $k$ on $\Gamma_{0}^{+}(N)$ with algebraic Fourier coefficients are algebraic. We also find the basis of an Eisenstein space of weight 2 on $\Gamma_{0}^{+}(N)$. As an application, we show that a certain eta quotient has only single zeros on the fundamental domain. Moreover, we give a number field containing all the values of the certain basis of $M_{0}^{\#}(\G)$ at the zeros of this certain eta quotient.
2010 Mathematics Subject Classification: 11F03, 11F12, 11F25, 11F30, 11G30, 11R04
Nutritional potential of raw or parboiled Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) leaves as feedstuff for finishing broilers
Authors: Ogieriakhi Philemon O. , Oyedeji Johnson O. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
A study was conducted using ninety finishing broiler chickens to determine the nutritional potentials of air-dried fresh and parboiled air-dried siam (Chromolaena odorata) leaves harvested lush green. The first set of leaves was air-dried with minimal sun rays and designated as fresh air-dried Chromolaena odorata leaves (FADCOL). The second set of leaves was parboiled for 10 minutes at 80oC before air-drying with minimal sun rays and was designated as parboiled air-dried Chromolaena odorata leaves (PADCOL). Both sets of processed leaves were subjected to proximate analyses. A standard broiler finisher diet formulated was used as the control dietary treatment. In the second and third treatments, 20% of the standard broiler finisher diet was replaced by FADCOL and PADCOL, respectively. Each treatment group was replicated in three places of ten broiler chickens. Nutrient retention trials were carried out using total collection method. Results showed that parboiled air-dried Chromolaena odorata leaves had numerically higher crude fat and fibre contents but lower crude protein and total ash content than the fresh samples. There were no significant differences in crude protein, crude fibre and total ash retentions among finishing broilers fed various test diets (p > 0.05). However, the dry matter and crude fat retentions were significantly influenced by dietary treatments (p < 0.05). With the comparable crude protein retention, it was concluded that Chromolaena odorata leaves, whether air dried as harvested or parboiled before air drying, had the potential for supporting growth in finishing broilers.