bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel triad for the diagnosis of endometriosis, the short anogenital distance combines with high endometrial BCL2 and low endometrial FASL
Authors: Alabiad Mohamed Ali , Elhasadi Ibtesam , Aljafil Raja , Shalaby Amany Mohamed , Alshaikh Ahmed Baker A. , Edris Fawaz E. , Heraiz Ahmed Ismail , Alorini Mohammed , Aboregela Adel Mohamed , Mohamed Asmaa Hussein 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the anogenital distance from the upper verge of the anus to the posterior fourchette (AGDAF), FASL, and BCL2 combination as a reliable and non‐invasive tool for the diagnosis of endometriosis.MethodsThis study included 100 women with endometriosis and 50 women without endometriosis as the control group. All cases underwent history taking, body mass index (BMI) measurement, AGD measurement, and FASL and BCL2 immunohistochemical staining of the eutopic endometrial tissue.ResultsThis study included 150 women divided into endometriosis and control groups. Endometriosis cases significantly had shorter AGDAF, 22.9 ± 2.6 mm, compared with the control group, 27.3 ± 3.5 mm (P < 0.001). Lower FASL and higher BCL2 expression were associated with endometriosis (P < 0.001). The combined measurement of AGDAF (cut‐off point 24.55 mm) with FASL and BCL2 was associated with endometriosis (P < 0.001). The combined diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of AGDAF, FASL, and BCL2 were 83%, 78%, 87.3%, and 69.6%, respectively. The area under the curve was greater for AGDAF, FASL, and BCL2 in combination than for individual measurements.ConclusionCombining short AGDAF with high BCL2 and low FASL is a highly sensitive, non‐invasive diagnostic tool for endometriosis.
Maternal origin matters: Country of birth as a risk factor for obstetric anal sphincter injuries
Authors: André Kristin , Stuart Andrea , Källén Karin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveObstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) are severe complications to vaginal births with potential long‐term consequences. Maternal origin has been proposed to affect the overall risk, but the association and underlying explanation are uncertain. The objective was to assess the association between maternal country of birth and OASIS.MethodsA Swedish nationwide cohort study including singleton term vaginal births during 2005–2016. Data were extracted from the Swedish Medical Birth Registry and Statistics Sweden. Modified Poisson regression analyses were performed to obtain crude and adjusted risk ratios (RRs). Adjustments were made in four cumulative steps. Sub‐analyses were performed to investigate the risk of OASIS associated with female genital circumcision (FGC).ResultsIn all, 988 804 births were included. The rate of OASIS in Swedish‐born women was 3.5%. Women from East/Southeast Asia had an increased risk of OASIS (adjusted RR [aRR] 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.60–1.83), as did women born in Sub‐Saharan Africa (aRR 1.60, 95% CI 1.49–1.72). The risk remained significantly increased also after adjustment for maternal height. By contrast, women from South/Central America had a decreased risk of OASIS (aRR 0.65, 95% CI 0.56–0.76). FGC was associated with an increased risk of OASIS (aRR 3.05, 95% CI 2.60–3.58). Episiotomy appeared to have an overall protective effect (aRR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92–0.98), but not significantly more protective among women with female genital mutilation.ConclusionsCountry of birth plays an important role in the risk of OASIS. Women from East/Southeast Asia and Sub‐Saharan Africa are at significantly increased risk as compared with Swedish‐born women, whereas women from South/Central America are at lower risk. FGC is also a significant risk factor for OASIS.
Oral rehydration therapy versus intravenous rehydration therapy in the first 12 h following hospitalization for hyperemesis gravidarum: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wan Jabarudin Wan Nurul Ezyani , Narayanan Vallikkannu , Hamdan Mukhri , Gunasagran Yogeeta , Thavarajan Rudra Devi , Kamarudin Maherah , Tan Peng Chiong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate oral rehydration therapy (ORT) compared with intravenous rehydration therapy (IVT) in the early inpatient management of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).MethodsA total of 124 women hospitalized for HG from February 10, 2021 till January 6, 2023 were randomized to ORT (n = 61) or IVT (n = 63) for an initial 12 h. Inclusion criteria includes women older than 18 years, with a viable intrauterine pregnancy less than 14 weeks at their first hospitalization for HG with ketonuria of at least 2+. Primary outcomes were (1) satisfaction score with allocated intervention, (2) weight change, and (3) ketonuria change at 12 h. Secondary outcomes included vomiting frequency, nausea score, serial vital signs, hematocrit and electrolyte levels at 12 h, deviation from treatment protocol (cross‐over therapy), participant recommendation of allocated treatment to a friend, and length of hospital stay.ResultsPrimary outcomes of (1) participant satisfaction score (on a 0–10 visual numerical rating scale) was 7 (interquartile range [IQR] 5–8) versus 9 (IQR 8–10), P < 0.001; (2) weight gain was 293 ± 780 g versus 948 ± 758 g, P < 0.001; and (3) ketonuria improvement was 50/61 (82.0%) versus 49/63 (77.8%) (relative risk [RR] 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.88–1.26, P = 0.561) for ORT versus IVT, respectively. For secondary outcomes, vomiting frequency was 2.6 ± 2.7 versus 1.1 ± 1.4 episodes (P < 0.001), participant cross‐over rate to opposing treatment 20/61 (32.8%) versus 0/63 (0%) (P < 0.001) (in the 12‐h study period) and participant recommendation of allocated treatment to a friend rate 24/61 (39.3%) versus 61/63 (96.8%) (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.30–0.56, P < 0.001) for ORT versus IVT, respectively. By hospital discharge, 31/61 (50.8%) of women allocated to ORT had required IVT. Other secondary outcomes of serial assessments of nausea score and vital signs, hematocrit and electrolyte levels, and length of hospital stay were not different.ConclusionsORT was inferior to IVT in two primary outcomes and three secondary outcomes. Cross‐over rate to intravenous therapy from oral therapy was 50.8% by hospital discharge. Intravenous rehydration therapy should remain as first‐line rehydration therapy in the early inpatient treatment of HG.Clinical Trial RegistrationThe present study was registered in ISRCTN registry on December 6, 2020 with trial identification number: ISRCTN 40152556 (https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN40152556). The first participant was recruited on February 10, 2021.
Implications of organophosphate pesticides on brain cells and their contribution toward progression of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Yadav Bharti , Kaur Sharanjot , Yadav Anuradha , Verma Harkomal , Kar Swastitapa , Sahu Binit Kumar , Pati Kumari Riya , Sarkar Bibekanada , Dhiman Monisha , Mantha Anil Kumar 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe most widespread neurodegenerative disorder, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is marked by severe behavioral abnormalities, cognitive and functional impairments. It is inextricably linked with the deposition of amyloid β (Aβ) plaques and tau protein in the brain. Loss of white matter, neurons, synapses, and reactive microgliosis are also frequently observed in patients of AD. Although the causative mechanisms behind the neuropathological alterations in AD are not fully understood, they are likely influenced by hereditary and environmental factors. The etiology and pathogenesis of AD are significantly influenced by the cells of the central nervous system, namely, glial cells and neurons, which are directly engaged in the transmission of electrical signals and the processing of information. Emerging evidence suggests that exposure to organophosphate pesticides (OPPs) can trigger inflammatory responses in glial cells, leading to various cascades of events that contribute to neuroinflammation, neuronal damage, and ultimately, AD pathogenesis. Furthermore, there are striking similarities between the biomarkers associated with AD and OPPs, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, dysregulation of microRNA, and accumulation of toxic protein aggregates, such as amyloid β. These shared markers suggest a potential mechanistic link between OPP exposure and AD pathology. In this review, we attempt to address the role of OPPs on altered cell physiology of the brain cells leading to neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress linked with AD pathogenesis.
Mechanical strain regulates osteogenesis via Antxr1/LncRNA H19/Wnt/β‐catenin axis
Authors: Liu Lifei , Guo Jianmin , Tong Xiaoyang , Zhang Miao , Chen Xi , Huang Mei , Zhu Chenyu , Bennett Samuel , Xu Jiake , Zou Jun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAlleviating bone loss is an essential way to prevent osteoporotic fractures. Proper exercise improves bone density without the side effects of long‐term medications, but the mechanism is unclear. Our study explored the role of Antxr1/LncRNA H19/Wnt/β‐catenin axis in the process of exercise‐mediated alleviation of bone loss. Here we discovered that moderate‐intensity treadmill exercise alleviates bone loss caused by ovariectomy and ameliorates bone strength accompanied by an increased lncRNA H19 expression. Concomitantly, Antxr1, a mechanosensitive protein was found downregulated by exercise but upregulated by ovariectomy. Interestingly, knockdown expression of Antxr1 increased lncRNA H19 expression and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, whereas overexpression of Antxr1 decreased lncRNA H19 expression and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. Hence, our study demonstrates the regulation of Antxr1/LncRNA H19/Wnt/β‐catenin axis in the process of mechanical strain‐induced osteogenic differentiation, which provides further mechanistic insight into the role of mechanical regulation in bone metabolism.
Is thermal sensitivity affected by predation risk? A case study in tadpoles from ephemeral environments
Authors: Miloch Daniela , Cecchetto Nicolas R. , Lescano Julián N. , Leynaud Gerardo C. , Perotti María Gabriela 
Published: February 2024

AbstractChanges in environmental temperature may induce variations in thermal tolerance and sensitivity in ectotherm organisms. These variations generate plastic responses that can be analyzed by examining their Thermal Performance Curves (TPCs). Additionally, some performance traits, like locomotion, could be affected by other factors such as biological interactions (e.g., predator–prey interaction). Here, we evaluate if the risk of predation modifies TPCs in Mendoza four‐eyed frog (Pleurodema nebulosum, Burmeister, 1861) and Guayapa's four‐eyed frog (Pleurodema guayapae, Barrio, 1964), two amphibian species that occur in ephemeral ponds in arid environments. We measured thermal tolerances and maximum swimming velocity at six different temperatures in tadpoles under three situations: control, exposure to predator chemical cues, and exposure to conspecific alarm cues. TPCs were fitted using General Additive Mixed Models. We found that curves of tadpoles at risk of predation differed from those of control mainly in thermal sensitivity parameters. Our work confirms the importance of biotic interactions have in thermal physiology.
Machine Learning and Deep Learning Applications in Magnetic Particle Imaging
Authors: Nigam Saumya , Gjelaj Elvira , Wang Rui , Wei Guo‐Wei , Wang Ping 
Published: February 2024

In recent years, magnetic particle imaging (MPI) has emerged as a promising imaging technique depicting high sensitivity and spatial resolution. It originated in the early 2000s where it proposed a new approach to challenge the low spatial resolution achieved by using relaxometry in order to measure the magnetic fields. MPI presents 2D and 3D images with high temporal resolution, non‐ionizing radiation, and optimal visual contrast due to its lack of background tissue signal. Traditionally, the images were reconstructed by the conversion of signal from the induced voltage by generating system matrix and X‐space based methods. Because image reconstruction and analyses play an integral role in obtaining precise information from MPI signals, newer artificial intelligence‐based methods are continuously being researched and developed upon. In this work, we summarize and review the significance and employment of machine learning and deep learning models for applications with MPI and the potential they hold for the future.Level of Evidence5Technical EfficacyStage 1
Codon usage bias of secretory protein in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4
Authors: Fang Hui , Li Min , Yu Shenxin , Sun Jiaman , Qin Zelin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBanana Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (Foc‐TR4) is a highly destructive pathogen that infects nearly all major banana cultivars and has a tendency to spread further. Secreted proteins play a crucial role in the process of Fusarium wilt infection in bananas. In this study, we analyzed the codon usage bias (CUB) of the Foc‐TR4 classical secretory protein genome for the first time and observed a strong bias toward codons ending with C. We found that 572 out of the 14,543 amino acid sequences in the Foc‐TR4 genome exhibited characteristics of classical secretory proteins. The CUB was largely influenced by selection optimization pressure, as indicated by the ENC value and neutral plot analysis. Among the identified codons, such as UCC and CCC, 11 were found to be optimal for Foc‐TR4 gene expression. Codons with higher GC content and a C base in the third position showed greater selectivity. The CUB in the secretory proteins encoded by Foc‐TR4 provides insights into their evolutionary patterns, contributing to the development and screening of novel and effective antifungal drugs.
Climatology and trends of cloudiness in a productive rice and vegetable region of South‐Eastern South America
Authors: Nadia Testani , Robledo Federico A. , Díaz Leandro B. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractClouds are a key element of the climate system. They play a crucial role in modulating solar radiative flux reaching the Earth's surface and influencing environmental conditions. In particular, total cloud cover (TCC) has both direct and indirect influence on agricultural production. Through dialogues with vegetable and rice producers of Northeastern Argentina (NEA), an important productive region in South‐Eastern South America, the key role of cloud cover on crop yields was brought to the forefront. In this study, we present the climatology and observed long‐term changes in TCC in NEA. The analyses are performed based on two independent datasets: TCC ground‐based (GB) observations and satellite‐based estimates from the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP). The datasets cover a common period, from December 1983 to November 2016 (Satellite Period), while GB TCC observations extend further, from March 1961 to February 2021 (GB Period). To facilitate a more comprehensive examination of GB TCC, we introduce a novel Cloud Index, expressed in a familiar unit (%), which allows the study of its temporal variations. TCC exhibits a distinct annual cycle and substantial spatial variability over NEA, consistently evident in both satellite and GB datasets. Over the Satellite Period (GB Period), we observed a decrease in NEA's TCC in both datasets (GB dataset), with seasonal variations and spatial heterogeneity. We ensured the reliability of our results by comparing the two datasets, which showed similar temporal variability, although the ISCCP Cloud Amount values were larger than the GB TCC. The described TCC climatology and observed changes have considerable implications for NEA's agricultural production and provide a robust foundation for future research. This article generates robust methodological basis for the analysis of this complex variable, a necessary step to explore the forcing of climate variability that modulates cloudiness in future research, and that could facilitate future studies in other regions of South America and the world.
Last‐minute coordination: Adapting to demand to support last‐mile operations
Authors: Chen Kedong , Su Hung‐Chung , Linderman Kevin , Li William 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the highly competitive e‐commerce industry, customer‐facing warehouses are crucial as the “order penetration points” for e‐commerce last‐mile operations. This research examines how warehouses use last‐minute coordination, an unstructured mechanism, to ensure sufficient inventory at the order penetration points. Previous research has focused on structured mechanisms like contracts and inventory management systems to enhance warehouse performance. However, these mechanisms can be ineffective when faced with unforeseen local contingencies. To adjust inventory and adapt to changes in supply and/or demand, warehouses need to engage in unstructured, last‐minute coordination with other warehouses. Using coordination and loose coupling theories, we find that coordinating with many warehouses (i.e., large coordination scope) reduces the operational efficiency of individual warehouses. At the network level, we find that a centralized coordination structure improves the operational efficiency of the entire network. We also show that demand uncertainty reinforces the existing last‐minute coordination patterns, using the Separable Temporal Exponential Random Graph Model (ST‐ERGM). This research highlights the importance of last‐minute coordination and reveals its effects on both individual warehouses and the overall network.
Vectorial‐Optics‐Enabled Multi‐View Non‐Line‐Of‐Sight Imaging with High Signal‐To‐Noise Ratio
Authors: Wang Zewei , Li Xiaoyin , Pu Mingbo , Chen Lianwei , Zhang Fei , Zhang Qi , Zhao Zhibin , Yang Longfei , Guo Yinghui , Luo Xiangang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNon‐line‐of‐sight (NLOS) imaging enables the reconstruction of targets beyond the direct line of sight, which has extensive applications across various fields. However, it remains unclear how and to what extent the vectorial nature of light, which plays a critical role in optical imaging and object recognition, can enhance the imaging performance of active NLOS imaging. Here, this work proposes a method that utilizes vector optical fields (VOFs) with arbitrarily designed polarization distributions to realize NLOS imaging in challenging conditions with low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). A generalized VOF reflection model is established at the relay surface for active NLOS imaging to determine the optimal illumination angle and polarization as well as the received polarization. Based on this model, the feasibility of multi‐view NLOS imaging is demonstrated with enhanced SNR of echo signals under proper VOF modulation, surpassing the limitations of conventional single‐view NLOS imaging. Simulations and experiments validate the superior performance of the proposed approach to realize accurate reconstruction and recognition of hidden objects.
Controlled Generation of High‐Purity Scalar Orbital Angular Momentum States from a High‐Power Single‐Crystal Fiber Laser
Authors: Zhao Yongguang , Chen Bin , Zheng Changsheng , Jia Daiwen , Dong Jifei , Guo Jun , Wang Zhanxin , Yu Haohai , Zhang Huaijin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light, which is associated with the rotation of the phase structure, gives rise to numerous novel physical phenomena inlight–matter interactions. However, the direct generation of scalar OAM lasers with power‐handling capability and controllable states at the source remains challenging owing to mode degeneracy, handedness selection, and nonlinear thermal effects, which can even lead to topological charge splitting. This paper proposes a novel approach that allows spatial mode‐conversion‐controlled laser oscillation in a high‐gain OAM laser cavity with an integrated spiral‐face output coupler (SFOC). By adapting position‐dependent resonant modes, scalar optical vortices with a record power level (>60 W), high purity (>90%), and controllable OAM states (ħ or −8ħ) are demonstrated. Further, the dynamic process of OAM generation and evolution in the cavity is revealed. The concept presented herein opens a new route for the generation of OAM laser sources toward high power levels and holds promise for advancing classical and quantum optics, particularly in the area of light–matter interactions.
Time‐resolved fluorescence and diffuse reflectance for lung squamous carcinoma margin detection
Authors: Costa Sarah , Fang Qiyin , Farrell Thomas , Dao Erica , Farquharson Michael 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectivesA major challenge in non‐small cell lung cancer surgery is the occurrence of positive tumor margins. This may lead to the need for additional surgeries and has been linked to poor patient prognosis. This study aims to develop an in vivo surgical tool that can differentiate cancerous from noncancerous lung tissue at the margin.MethodsA time‐resolved fluorescence and diffuse reflectance bimodal device was used to measure the lifetime, spectra, and intensities of endogenous fluorophores as well as optical properties of lung tissue. The tumor and fibrotic tissue data, each containing 36 samples, was obtained from patients who underwent surgical removal of lung tissue after being diagnosed with squamous carcinoma but before any other treatment was administered. The normal lung tissue data were obtained from nine normal tissue samples.ResultsThe results show a statistically significant difference between cancerous and noncancerous tissue. The results also show a difference in metabolic related optical properties between fibrotic and normal lung tissue samples.ConclusionsThis work demonstrates the feasibility of a device that can differentiate cancerous and noncancerous lung tissue for patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma.
Polypyrrole Modified Granular Activated Carbon Nanocomposite for Treatment of Wastewater Containing Highly Toxic Hexavalent Chromium
Authors: Setshedi Katlego Z. , Kalombo Lonji , Nomadolo Nomvuyo , Hlekelele Lerato , Ray Suprakas Sinha , Maity Arjun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study explored the fabrication of Polypyrrole (PPy) and Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) composites (PPy‐GAC) for effective removal of toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from aqueous solutions. Two synthesis methods are employed: (1) electrostatic deposition of PPy onto pre‐charged GAC paper and (2) in‐situ chemical polymerization of pyrrole monomer with GAC particles. Batch adsorption experiments investigated the impact of various operational parameters on Cr(VI) removal. Compared to pristine GAC (54.64 mg g−1), the PPy‐GAC composite exhibited a remarkable 3‐fold increase in equilibrium adsorption capacity, reaching 175.44 mg g−1. Pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model (R2 > 0.999) accurately described the adsorption kinetics, while the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 > 0.99) provided a good fit for the equilibrium data. Maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) increased with temperature, reaching 204.08, 243.90, and 270.27 mg g−1 at 298, 308, and 318 K, respectively. Furthermore, a fixed‐bed column experiment examined the composite's effectiveness in continuous Cr(VI) removal, demonstrating its suitability for practical applications. Notably, the PPy‐GAC composite successfully removed Cr(VI) from a real wastewater sample containing 68 µg L−1 Cr(VI) obtained from a ferrochrome industry, highlighting its potential for real‐world remediation.