bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of precipitation changes and land-use alteration on streamflow: A comparative analysis from two adjacent catchments in the Qilian Mountains, arid northwestern China
Authors: Bai Xuelian , Zhao Wenzhi , Liu Hu , Zhang Yongyong , Yang Qiyue , Liu Jintao , Chang Xueli 
Published: February 2023

Comparative analysis of the impacts of precipitation and land use on streamflow from adjacent catchments is critical to exploring pathways toward water security and sustainable development. In this work, two adjacent catchments (the Mayinghe and Xidahe, abbreviated as MYC and XDC, respectively) in northwestern China were selected to compare the impacts of precipitation change and land use alteration on streamflow change during 1956–2019 using field observation streamflow data and satellite data. An opposite trend of streamflow was found for the two catchments from 1956 to 2019: the streamflow decreased significantly in the MYC (-0.63 × 107m3/10a, p &lt; 0.05), while it increased in the XDC (0.71 × 107m3/10a, p &lt; 0.05). Land conversion dominated the streamflow reduction in the MYC, with a contribution of about 68.3%. In the XDC, precipitation was confirmed to be the major factor driving the increase in streamflow. The streamflow for farmland irrigation reached 27.97 × 104 m3/km2 in the MYC, which was the leading factor of streamflow reduction in the basin. The findings obtained from this work can shed light on the quantitative understanding of streamflow changes in small catchments and offer a scientific basis for sustainable water management in other inland river basins.
Integrated genomic analysis defines molecular subgroups in dilated cardiomyopathy and identifies novel biomarkers based on machine learning methods
Authors: Ye Ling-Fang , Weng Jia-Yi , Wu Li-Da 
Published: February 2023

Aim: As the most common cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) often leads to progressive heart failure and sudden cardiac death. This study was designed to investigate the molecular subgroups of DCM.Methods: Three datasets of DCM were downloaded from GEO database (GSE17800, GSE79962 and GSE3585). After log2-transformation and background correction with “limma” package in R software, the three datasets were merged into a metadata cohort. The consensus clustering was conducted by the “Consensus Cluster Plus” package to uncover the molecular subgroups of DCM. Moreover, clinical characteristics of different molecular subgroups were compared in detail. We also adopted Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) analysis based on subgroup‐specific signatures of gene expression profiles to further explore the specific gene modules of each molecular subgroup and its biological function. Two machine learning methods of LASSO regression algorithm and SVM-RFE algorithm was used to screen out the genetic biomarkers, of which the discriminative ability of molecular subgroups was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results: Based on the gene expression profiles, heart tissue samples from patients with DCM were clustered into three molecular subgroups. No statistical difference was found in age, body mass index (BMI) and left ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole (LVIDD) among three molecular subgroups. However, the results of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) statistics showed that patients from subgroup 2 had a worse condition than the other group. We found that some of the gene modules (pink, black and grey) in WGCNA analysis were significantly related to cardiac function, and each molecular subgroup had its specific gene modules functions in modulating occurrence and progression of DCM. LASSO regression algorithm and SVM-RFE algorithm was used to further screen out genetic biomarkers of molecular subgroup 2, including TCEAL4, ISG15, RWDD1, ALG5, MRPL20, JTB and LITAF. The results of ROC curves showed that all of the genetic biomarkers had favorable discriminative effectiveness.Conclusion: Patients from different molecular subgroups have their unique gene expression patterns and different clinical characteristics. More personalized treatment under the guidance of gene expression patterns should be realized.
Transcriptome sequencing of Cocos nucifera leaves in response to Rhynchophorus ferrugineus infestation
Authors: Liu Li , Yan Wei , Liu Bo 
Published: February 2023

Red palm weevil (RPW, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) is an invasive pest of palms. In China, coconut (Cocos nucifera) production is being significantly affected by the RPW attack. To develop a long-term RPW control strategy, host-plant resistance is the most sustainable option. In this regard, the availability of transcriptome sequencing data from RPW-infected coconut plants can be highly useful. Therefore, the present study assessed coconut leaf physiological responses and transcriptional changes after different days of RPW attack i.e., 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 days after infestation (DAI). A comparison of physiological data indicated that populations with the higher number of RPW insects i.e., population C (15 males +21 females) and D (20 males +28 females) triggered higher antioxidant enzyme activities. We used this data to study the transcriptomic responses on 5 and 20 DAI. Of the 38,432 detected transcripts, 3,984, 1,981, 3,925, and 2,257 were differentially expressed in CK (control/no RPW)_vs._C (5 DAI), CK_vs._D (5 DAI), CK_vs._C (20 DAI), and CK_vs._D (20 DAI), respectively. These transcripts were enriched in plant-pathogen interaction, phenylpropanoid/flavonoid biosynthesis, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and reactive oxygen scavenging pathway. We discuss these results and present several candidate genes to be manipulated for developing a sustainable strategy to control RPW attack regarding host-plant resistance. Furthermore, these findings provide a basis for developing effective early and late RPW attack detection strategies.
Intimate partner violence against women of reproductive age and associated factors during COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Ethiopia, 2021: A community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Demeke Mekasha Getnet , Shibeshi Ehtemariam Tefera 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health concern that affects more than one-third of all women globally. Assessing the prevalence of intimate partner violence and associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in various localities is crucial for intervention actions. So far, a few studies have been done in Ethiopia during the current COVID-19 pandemic.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of intimate partner violence in women of reproductive age and associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in Debre Berhan town, Ethiopia, 2021.MethodologyA community-based cross-sectional study was done. A total of 809 ever-partnered women of reproductive age were selected randomly via a multistage sampling method. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with the resulting 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to verify the strength of associations. Significant associations were declared at p-values &lt;0.05.ResultAmong the 796 women who successfully participated in the study, 337 (42.3%) experienced at least one type of intimate partner violence. Prevalence of psychological, physical, and sexual violence was 35.3% (281), 15.3% (122), and 15.2% (121), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that women with no formal education [AOR (95% CI): 3.66 (1.91–6.98)], having no own income [AOR (95% CI): 1.78 (1.24–2.56)], and attitude of IPV were acceptable [AOR (95% CI): 4.02 (1.33–12.14)]; a male partner with no formal education [AOR (95% CI): 3.06 (1.53–6.14)], with “level of religious beliefs” [weak—AOR (95% CI): 4.17 (1.45–12.03); and medium—AOR (95% CI): 1.64 (1.13–2.39)], who is alcoholic [AOR (95% CI): 5.91 (4.03–8.67)], and with smoking habits [AOR (95% CI): 2.04 (1.10–3.77)] and &gt;5 [AOR (95% CI): 1.83 (1.01–3.39)] was significantly associated with the presence of intimate partner violence.Conclusion and recommendationThis study revealed a high prevalence of IPV in the study participants. The high intimate partner violence prevalence was due to multiple factors, thus demanding empowering women and tailored health education for male partners.
Digital expression profile of immune checkpoint genes in medulloblastomas identifies CD24 and CD276 as putative immunotherapy targets
Authors: Marques Rui Ferreira , Moreno Daniel Antunes , da Silva Luciane , Leal Leticia Ferro , de Paula Flávia Escremim , Santana Iara , Teixeira Gustavo , Saggioro Fabiano , Neder Luciano , Junior Carlos Almeida , Mançano Bruna , Reis Rui Manuel 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionMedulloblastoma is the most common and lethal pediatric malignant brain tumor. It comprises four main molecular subgroups: WNT-activated, SHH-activated, Group 3, and Group 4. Medulloblastoma treatment is surgical resection, craniospinal radiation, and chemotherapy. However, many patients do not respond to therapy, and most suffer severe side effects. Cancer immunotherapy targeting immune checkpoints (IC) (PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA4) has been getting disappointing outcomes in brain tumors. Nevertheless, other less explored immune checkpoints may be promising candidates for medulloblastoma therapy.ObjectivesIn the present study, we aimed to characterize the expression profile of 19 immune checkpoints in medulloblastoma.MethodsWe analyzed 88 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded medulloblastomas previously classified for each molecular subgroup and three non-tumoral brain tissue. mRNA levels of 19 immune checkpoint-related genes were quantified using the nCounter (PanCancer Immune Profiling Panel) assay. Further in silico analysis was performed in two larger public microarray datasets, one of which enabled comparisons between tumoral and non-tumoral tissues. Immunohistochemistry of PD-L1 was performed in a subset of cases. Microsatellite instability was also molecularly analyzed.ResultsWe observed an absence of expression of the canonic ICs, namely PDCD1 (PD-1), CD274 (PD-L1), and CTLA4, as well as CD80, CD86, BTLA, IDO1, CD48, TNFSF14, CD160, CEACAM1, and CD244. PD-L1 protein expression was also practically absent. We found higher mRNA levels of CD24, CD47, CD276 (B7-H3), and PVR, and lower mRNA levels of HAVCR2, LAG3, and TIGIT genes, with significant differences across the four molecular subgroups. Compared to the non-tumor tissues, the expression levels of CD276 in all subgroups and CD24 in SHH, Group 3, and Group 4 subgroups are significantly higher. The in silico analysis confirmed the expression profile found in the Brazilian cohort, including the lower/absent expression of the canonic ICs. Moreover, it confirmed the overexpression of CD24 and CD276 in medulloblastomas compared with the non-tumor tissue. Additionally, CD276 and CD24 high levels were associated with worse survival.ConclusionThese results highlight the low or absence of mRNA levels of the canonic targetable ICs in medulloblastomas. Importantly, the analysis revealed overexpression of CD24 and CD276, which can constitute prognostic biomarkers and attractive immunotherapy targets for medulloblastomas.
Tuning microstructure and mechanical and wear resistance of ZrNbTiMo refractory high-entropy alloy films via sputtering power
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Cai Wumin , Zhang Yan , Wang Linqing , Wang Junjun 
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Recently, great efforts have been dedicated to tailoring the microstructure of the RHEA films to further optimize the performance of the films. However, there is still a lack of in-depth study on their wear mechanism and microstructure evolution.Methods: In this work, the novel ZrNbTiMo RHEA films were prepared by DC magnetron sputtering and splicing target techniques. The effects of sputtering power on the microstructure, hardness, toughness, and wear resistance of ZrNbTiMo RHEA films were investigated in detail.Results: The ZrNbTiMo films possess the nanocomposite structure, the bcc nanocrystal is wrapped in an amorphous phase. The wear resistance of the film is expected to be improved by finding an appropriate ratio between the amorphous phase and the nanocrystal phase. The nanocrystal structure ensures the high hardness (6.547 ∼ 7.560 GPa) of the ZrNbTiMo film. In addition, the nanocrystals hinder crack propagation, this toughness mechanism effectively improves the toughness of the film. The ZrNbTiMo film prepared at 150 W possesses excellent mechanical properties, hardness of 7.240 GPa and toughness of 0.437 ± 0.040 MPa × m1/2, exhibits better wear resistance (wear rate: 5.223 × 10−7 mm3/N m).Discussion: The wear resistance of ZrNbTiMo film is controlled by both hardness and toughness. The nanocomposite structure makes the ZrNbTiMo films possess a composite fracture which could improve the toughness of the ZrNbTiMo film. The wear-resistant ZrNbTiMo RHEA films with wear rates of the order of 10−6 mm3/N m have been prepared by tuning the sputtering power, this film can be used as a potential candidate for wear-resistant coatings.
Delayed Infliximab Treatment Affects the Outcomes of Patients With Crohn's Disease During the COVID-19 Epidemic in China: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Li Yong , Chen Lulu , Chen Shuijiao , Liu Xiaowei 
Published: February 2023

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has swept the world and led to delays in the treatment of Crohn's disease patients treated with biologics. This study aims to investigate the risk factors for delayed treatment during the epidemic and to observe the short- and long-term influences of such delays among them to provide some reference on treatments.Methods: This study retrospectively enrolled patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease who received infliximab treatment between January 23, 2020 and April 30, 2020. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors for delayed treatment. Propensity score matching was utilized to compare the effects of delayed treatment on the short- and long-term outcomes.Result: Our cohort identified a total of 53 patients with a delay rate of 71.7%. Of these patients, 38 were in the delayed group, and 15 were in the non-delayed group. Logistic regression analysis showed that the baseline levels of C-reactive protein were an influence factor for delaying treatment (OR = 0.967, 95% CI = 0.935–1.000, p = 0.047). Regarding short-term effects, the delayed group had a lower decrease in the Crohn's Disease Activity Index than the non-delayed group [−43.3 (−92.7, −9.7) vs. −17.3 (−29.0, 79.9), p = 0.038] and significantly higher long-term readmission rates (33.3% vs. 0%, p = 0.014).Conclusion: Delayed infliximab treatment could affect the short- and long-term outcomes in patients with Crohn's disease. Our study suggested that the regulated course of treatment with biological agents should be performed effectively and that education should be enhanced to minimize delays in treatment.
Evaluation of PIK3CA mutations in advanced ER+/HER2-breast cancer in Portugal – U-PIK Project
Authors: Peixoto Ana , Cirnes Luís , Carvalho Ana Luísa , Andrade Maria João , Brito Maria José , Borralho Paula , Coimbra Nuno , Borralho Pedro M. , Carneiro Ana Sofia , Castro Lisandra , Correia Lurdes , Dionísio Maria Rita , Faria Carlos , Figueiredo Paulo , Gomes Ana , Paixão Joana , Pinheiro Manuela , Prazeres Hugo , Ribeiro Joana , Salgueiro Natália , Schmitt Fernando C. , Silva Fátima , Silvestre Ana Rita , Sousa Ana Carla , Almeida-Tavares Joana , Teixeira Manuel R. , André Saudade , Machado José Carlos 
Published: February 2023

Background: Around 40% of ER+/HER2-breast carcinomas (BC) present mutations in the PIK3CA gene. Assessment of PIK3CA mutational status is required to identify patients eligible for treatment with PI3Kα inhibitors, with alpelisib currently the only approved tyrosine kinase inhibitor in this setting. U-PIK project aimed to conduct a ring trial to validate and implement the PIK3CA mutation testing in several Portuguese centers, decentralizing it and optimizing its quality at national level.Methods: Eight Tester centers selected two samples of patients with advanced ER+/HER2- BC and generated eight replicates of each (n = 16). PIK3CA mutational status was assessed in two rounds. Six centers used the cobas®PIK3CA mutation test, and two used PCR and Sanger sequencing. In parallel, two reference centers (IPATIMUP and the Portuguese Institute of Oncology [IPO]-Porto) performed PIK3CA mutation testing by NGS in the two rounds. The quality of molecular reports describing the results was also assessed. Testing results and molecular reports were received and analyzed by U-PIK coordinators: IPATIMUP, IPO-Porto, and IPO-Lisboa.Results: Overall, five centers achieved a concordance rate with NGS results (allele frequency [AF] ≥5%) of 100%, one of 94%, one of 93%, and one of 87.5%, considering the overall performance in the two testing rounds. NGS reassessment of discrepancies in the results of the methods used by the Tester centers and the reference centers identified one probable false positive and two mutations with low AF (1–3%, at the analytical sensitivity threshold), interpreted as subclonal variants with heterogeneous representation in the tissue sections processed by the respective centers. The analysis of molecular reports revealed the need to implement the use of appropriate sequence variant nomenclature with the identification of reference sequences (HGVS-nomenclature) and to state the tumor cell content in each sample.Conclusion: The concordance rates between the method used by each tester center and NGS validate the use of the PIK3CA mutational status test performed at these centers in clinical practice in patients with advanced ER+/HER2- BC.
A dual-task gait test detects mild cognitive impairment with a specificity of 91.2%
Authors: Wang Yuxin , Yang Qing , Tian Chong , Zeng Jing , Yang Mengshu , Li Jie , Mao Jing 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundMild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a valuable intervention window in the progress of senile dementia, but the question of how to easily and conveniently detect MCI in the community remains unanswered. Gait performance reflects cognitive function, but how to reliably detect MCI through gait testing is still being explored.ObjectiveTo develop a dual-task gait testing method that could reliably detect MCI in the community.MethodsA cross-sectional diagnostic study was conducted in 111 older adults (mean age = 72.14 ± 6.90 years) from five communities in Wuhan, China. A novel dual-task gait testing method, walking while identifying animals in pictures (AniP-DT gait test), was developed. The participants were classified into MCI or cognitively intact based on their performance on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA). Gait performance was assessed using both single-task and the AniP-DT gait test. Multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression were used to model the association between gait speed and cognitive status, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the discrimination ability.ResultsCompared to the cognitively intact group, the gait speed of the MCI group was lower in both single-task and the AniP-DT gait tests. The gait speed of the AniP-DT gait test was significantly associated with MoCA scores after adjusting the covariates and exhibited good discrimination ability in MCI detection (AUC = 0.814), with a specificity of 91.2%. ROC analysis of the logistic models revealed better discrimination ability of dual-task gait velocity when adjusted with age and years of education (AUC = 0.862).ConclusionThe evidence in this study suggested that the AniP-DT gait test could be an easy and reliable screening tool for MCI in community older adults.
MyopiaDETR: End-to-end pathological myopia detection based on transformer using 2D fundus images
Authors: Li Manyu , Liu Shichang , Wang Zihan , Li Xin , Yan Zezhong , Zhu Renping , Wan Zhijiang 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundAutomated diagnosis of various retinal diseases based on fundus images can serve as an important clinical decision aid for curing vision loss. However, developing such an automated diagnostic solution is challenged by the characteristics of lesion area in 2D fundus images, such as morphology irregularity, imaging angle, and insufficient data.MethodsTo overcome those challenges, we propose a novel deep learning model named MyopiaDETR to detect the lesion area of normal myopia (NM), high myopia (HM) and pathological myopia (PM) using 2D fundus images provided by the iChallenge-PM dataset. To solve the challenge of morphology irregularity, we present a novel attentional FPN architecture and generate multi-scale feature maps to a traditional Detection Transformer (DETR) for detecting irregular lesion more accurate. Then, we choose the DETR structure to view the lesion from the perspective of set prediction and capture better global information. Several data augmentation methods are used on the iChallenge-PM dataset to solve the challenge of insufficient data.ResultsThe experimental results demonstrate that our model achieves excellent localization and classification performance on the iChallenge-PM dataset, reaching AP50 of 86.32%.ConclusionOur model is effective to detect lesion areas in 2D fundus images. The model not only achieves a significant improvement in capturing small objects, but also a significant improvement in convergence speed during training.
Associations between dietary fatty acid patterns and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in typical dietary population: A UK biobank study
Authors: Tian Aowen , Sun Zewen , Zhang Miaoran , Li Jiuling , Pan Xingchen , Chen Peng 
Published: February 2023

Background and AimsDietary fatty acid composition is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Few evidence had identified a clear role of dietary fatty acid composition of typical diet in NAFLD. We aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and NAFLD in populations with typical diets and to explore the effect of fatty acid composition in dietary patterns on NAFLD.MethodsPrincipal component analysis was used to identify 4 dietary patterns in UK Biobank participants. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between dietary patterns and NAFLD. Mediation analysis was performed to evaluate the extent to which the relationship between dietary patterns and NAFLD was explained by dietary fatty acid combinations, as surrogated by serum fatty acids measured by nuclear magnetic resonance.ResultsA dietary fatty acid pattern (DFP1) characterized by “PUFA enriched vegetarian” was negatively associated with NAFLD risk. Serum fatty acids were significantly associated with DFP1 and NAFLD. Mediation analysis showed SFA (27.8%, p &lt; 0.001), PUFA (25.1%, p &lt; 0.001), ω-6 PUFA (14.3%, p &lt; 0.001), LA (15.6%, p &lt; 0.001) and DHA (10%, p &lt; 0.001) had a significant indirect effect on the association between DFP1 and NAFLD. A dietary pattern characterized by “PUFA enriched carnivore” (DFP2) was not associated with NAFLD risk.ConclusionA “PUFA enriched vegetarian” dietary pattern with increased LA and DHA, may be beneficial for the treatment or prevention of NAFLD, while a “PUFA enriched carnivore” dietary pattern may not be harmful to NAFLD.