bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiomics and artificial neural networks modelling for identification of high-risk carotid plaques
Authors: Gui Chengzhi , Cao Chen , Zhang Xin , Zhang Jiaxin , Ni Guangjian , Ming Dong 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to investigate the classification of symptomatic plaques by evaluating the models generated via two different approaches, a radiomics-based machine learning (ML) approach, and an end-to-end learning approach which utilized deep learning (DL) techniques with several representative model frameworks.MethodsWe collected high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) data from 104 patients with carotid artery stenosis, who were diagnosed with either symptomatic plaques (SPs) or asymptomatic plaques (ASPs), in two medical centers. 74 patients were diagnosed with SPs and 30 patients were ASPs. Sampling Perfection with Application-optimized Contrasts (SPACE) by using different flip angle Evolutions was used for MRI imaging. Repeated stratified five-fold cross-validation was used to evaluate the accuracy and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of the trained classifier. The two proposed approaches were investigated to train the models separately. The difference in the model performance of the two proposed methods was quantitatively evaluated to find a better model to differentiate between SPs and ASPs.Results3D-SE-Densenet-121 model showed the best performance among all prediction models (AUC, accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and F1-score of 0.9300, 0.9308, 0.9008, 0.8588, and 0.8614, respectively), which were 0.0689, 0.1119, 0.1043, 0.0805, and 0.1089 higher than the best radiomics-based ML model (MLP). Decision curve analysis showed that the 3D-SE-Densenet-121 model delivered more net benefit than the best radiomics-based ML model (MLP) with a wider threshold probability.ConclusionThe DL models were able to accurately differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid plaques with limited data, which outperformed radiomics-based ML models in identifying symptomatic plaques.
Application of a new hydrocarbon detection technique with phase decomposition in carbonate reservoir of the Pre-Caspian Basin
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhang Yiqiong , Ji Zhifeng , Jin Shutang , Jiang Ren , Wang Xueke , Wang Yankun , Sheng Shanbo , Lin Yaping 
Published: July 2023

Due to the low porosity and thin thickness of the Carboniferous carbonate reservoir in the Pre-Caspian Basin, the impedance difference between the reservoir and the surrounding rock is not obvious, and the seismic response characteristics are weak. It is ambiguous to detect oil and gas based on the convention attribute amplitude and frequency information. According to the geological characteristics of the Carboniferous Reservoir in the Pre-Caspian Basin, we proposed a new hydrocarbon detection method from the phase decomposition of sensitive frequency in post-stack seismic data, which improves the accuracy of hydrocarbon detection. The forward model that is a method of numerical analysis is utilized to testify the feasibility of hydrocarbon detection with phase decomposition, which showed that the amplitude of oil and gas layers in −90° phase components is stronger than that of water layer. The special frequency band seismic data sensitive to oil and gas is decomposed into 10 Hz, 20 Hz, 30 Hz, 40 Hz, 50 Hz, and 60 Hz single frequency energy body, and then hydrocarbon is detected according to the amplitude anomaly in specific frequency energy body. The application of forward model and filed example demonstrates that the fluid type in the reservoir can be directly identified by the phase decomposition technique, which has higher accuracy than the conventional hydrocarbon detection technology with post-stack data. After the application of this technology, the coincidence between hydrocarbon results and oil test results in the block was increased from 60% to 80%, and the coincidence rate is much higher than the detection results using conventional attributes, more than 90%. All the two exploration wells deployed according to the detection results have obtained higher oil production, new discovered oil geologic reserves have been increased to 5.54 million tons.
The prognosis of patients with postoperative hyperglycemia after Stanford type A aortic dissection surgery and construction of prediction model for postoperative hyperglycemia
Authors: Chen Yubin , Ouyang Tianyu , Yin Yue , Fang Cheng , Tang Can-e , Luo Fanyan , Luo Jingmin 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveThe mortality of type A aortic dissection (TAAD) is extremely high. The effect of postoperative hyperglycemia (PHG) on the prognosis of TAAD surgery is unclear. This study aims to investigate the prognosis of patients with PHG after TAAD surgery and construct prediction model for PHG.MethodsPatients underwent TAAD surgery from January 2016 to December 2020 in Xiangya Hospital were collected. A total of 203 patients were included and patients were divided into non PHG group and PHG group. The occurrence of postoperative delirium, cardiac complications, spinal cord complication, cerebral complications, acute kidney injury (AKI), hepatic dysfunction, hypoxemia, and in-hospital mortality were compared between two groups. Data from MIMIC-IV database were further applied to validate the relationship between PHG and clinical outcomes. The prediction model for PHG was then constructed using Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) analysis. The predictive value of selected features was further validated using patient data from MIMIC-IV database. Finally, the 28-days survival rate of patient with PHG was analyzed using data from MIMIC-IV database.ResultsThere were 86 patients developed PHG. The incidences of postoperative AKI, hepatic dysfunction, and in-hospital mortality were significant higher in PHG group. The ventilation time after surgery was significant longer in PHG group. Data from MIMIC-IV database validated these results. Neutrophil, platelet, lactic acid, weight, and lymphocyte were selected as features for prediction model. The values of AUC in training and testing set were 0.8697 and 0.8286 respectively. Then, five features were applied to construct another prediction model using data from MIMIC-IV database and the value of AUC in the new model was 0.8185. Finally, 28-days survival rate of patients with PHG was significantly lower and PHG was an independent risk factor for 28-days mortality after TAAD surgery.ConclusionPHG was significantly associated with the occurrence of AKI, hepatic dysfunction, increased ventilation time, and in-hospital mortality after TAAD surgery. The feature combination of neutrophil, platelet, lactic acid, weight, and lymphocyte could effectively predict PHG. The 28-days survival rate of patients with PHG was significantly lower. Moreover, PHG was an independent risk factor for 28-days mortality after TAAD surgery.
Dexamethasone affects human fetal adrenal steroidogenesis and subsequent ACTH response in an ex vivo culture model
Authors: Melau Cecilie , Gayete Mor Berta , Lundgaard Riis Malene , Nielsen John E. , Dreisler Eva , Aaboe Kasper , Tutein Brenøe Pia , Langhoff Thuesen Lea , Juul Hare Kristine , Mitchell Rod T. , Frederiksen Hanne , Juul Anders , Jørgensen Anne 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionAdministration of dexamethasone (DEX) has been used experimentally to suppress androgenization of external genitalia in 46,XX fetuses with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Despite this, the prenatal biological mechanism-of-action of DEX on fetal development is not known. This study aimed to examine direct effects of DEX on human fetal adrenal (HFA) steroidogenic activity including possible effects on the subsequent response to ACTH-stimulation.MethodsHuman fetal adrenal (HFA) tissue from 30 fetuses (1st trimester) were cultured ex vivo with A) DEX (10 µm) for 14 days, or B) DEX (10 µm) for 10 days followed by ACTH (1 nM) for 4 days. DEX-mediated effects on HFA morphology, viability, and apoptosis (immunohistochemistry), gene expression (quantitative PCR), and steroid hormone secretion (LC-MS/MS) were investigated.ResultsDEX-treatment caused decreased androstenedione (p&lt;0.05) and increased cortisol (p&lt;0.01) secretion suggesting that direct effects on the adrenal gland may contribute to the negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in vivo. An altered response to ACTH stimulation in HFA pre-treated with DEX included increased androgen (p&lt;0.05) and reduced cortisol production (p&lt;0.05), supporting clinical observations of a temporary decreased ACTH-response following prenatal DEX-treatment. Additionally, the secretion of corticosterone was decreased (p&lt;0.0001) following ACTH-stimulation in the initially DEX-treated HFAs. DiscussionThe observed effects suggest that prenatal DEX-treatment can cause direct effects on HFA steroidogenesis and in the subsequent response to ACTH-stimulation. This may indicate a requirement for careful monitoring of adrenal function in prenatally DEX-treated neonates, with particular focus on their mineralocorticoid levels.
Identification of tRNA-derived RNAs in adipose tissue from overweight type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and their potential biological functions
Authors: Zhang Jie , Xi Yingfei , Fei Qiuping , Xu Jun , Hu Jinxing 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)causes a huge public health burden worldwide, especially for those who are overweight or obese, the pain is often greater. And search for effective targets in overweight T2DM could help improve patient quality of life and prognosis. tRNA-derived RNAs (tsRNAs) are multifunctional regulators that are currently receiving much attention, but there is still a lack of knowledge about tsRNAs in overweight T2DM.MethodsT2DM patients with BMI ≥ 25 (Overweight group) and BMI&lt; 25 (Control group) were subjected to tsRNA sequencing; differentially expressed tsRNAs in the two groups were analyzed and their expression was verified using qRT-PCR. The biological function of downstream target genes was also evaluated by enrichment analysis.ResultsqRT-PCR evaluation identified a tsRNA with up-regulated expression (tRF-1-28-Glu-TTC-3-M2) and a tsRNA with down-regulated expression (tRF-1-31-His-GTG-1), both of which may be involved in metabolic and energy-related processes.ConclusionDysregulation of tsRNA expression in overweight patients with T2DM suggests a potential role for tsRNA in the development of T2DM.
Mesenchymal stem cells therapy improves ovarian function in premature ovarian failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on preclinical studies
Authors: Guo Congcong , Ma Yubo , Situ Yanqiu , Liu Li , Luo Guoqun , Li Huan , Ma Wenmin , Sun Li , Wang Wen , Weng Qiuying , Wu Linlin , Fan Dazhi 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundStudies have revealed that the transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) might be a potential star candidate for premature ovarian failure (POF) in animal experiments. However, individual studies with a small sample size cannot be used to draw a clear conclusion. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the potential of using MSCs in the treatment of POF in animals.MethodsSeven databases were searched for studies exploring the effect of the transplantation of MSCs on POF in animal models. The PRISMA guideline was followed, and the methodological quality was ensured using SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool. RevMan 5.4 and STATA 12.0 software was performed to meta-analysis.ResultsIn total, 37 studies involving 1,079 animals were included. Significant associations were found for MSCs with the levels of E2 (SMD 2.69 [95% CI 1.97, 3.41]), FSH (-2.02, [-2.74, -1.30]), primary follicles (2.04, [1.17, 2.92]), secondary follicles (1.93, [1.05, 2.81]), and primordial follicles (2.38, [1.19, 3.57]. Other outcomes, such as AMH, LH, INHB, antral follicles, growing follicles, mature follicles, and early antral were also found to be significant. There was no difference in FSH/LH, corpus leteum, follicles, and estruc cycle.ConclusionsOur meta-analysis result indicated that the transplantation of MSCs might exert therapeutic effects on animal models of POF, and these effects might be associated with improving the disorder of the sexual cycle, modulating serum hormone expressions to a better state, and restoring ovarian function.
Altered glucocorticoid reactivity and behavioral phenotype in rx3-/- larval zebrafish
Authors: Herget Ulrich , Ryu Soojin , De Marco Rodrigo J. 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionThe transcription factor rx3 is important for the formation of the pituitary and parts of the hypothalamus. Mutant animals lacking rx3 function have been well characterized in developmental studies, but relatively little is known about their behavioral phenotypes.MethodsWe used cell type staining to reveal differences in stress axis architecture, and performed cortisol measurements and behavior analysis to study both hormonal and behavioral stress responses in rx3 mutants.Results and DiscussionConsistent with the role of rx3 in hypothalamus and pituitary development, we show a distinct loss of corticotrope cells involved in stress regulation, severe reduction of pituitary innervation by hypothalamic cells, and lack of stress-induced cortisol release in rx3 mutants. Interestingly, despite these deficits, we report that rx3-/- larval zebrafish can still display nominal behavioral responses to both stressful and non-stressful stimuli. However, unlike wildtypes, mutants lacking proper pituitary-interrenal function do not show enhanced behavioral performance under moderate stress level, supporting the view that corticotroph cells are not required for behavioral responses to some types of stressful stimuli but modulate subtle behavioral adjustments under moderate stress.
The rights of nature and the human right to nature: an overview of the European legal system and challenges for the ecological transition
Authors: Alves Fátima , Costa Paulo Manuel , Novelli Luca , Vidal Diogo Guedes 
Published: July 2023

Introduction: The recognition of the Rights of Nature has been established though several constitutional, legislative, and judicial enactments, which aim to provide legal protection for non-humans’ entities and natural systems. Although some countries have made progress in recognizing the rights of nature, the prevailing assumption remains that nature is a resource to be exploited for human benefit. In the context of ecological transition debates, it is important to understand how the European legal system perceives Nature and its rights. Achieving a significant shift in legal and cultural norms that prioritize nature’s protection may be challenging.Methods: This paper reports on research conducted in a sample of 6 countries within the PHOENIX consortium, a European H2020 project that aims to develop participatory methodologies and democratic innovations to facilitate the ecological transition as envisioned by the European Green Deal, whose objective was to find out how these countries embodied the Rights of nature into their legal systems, both at constitutional level and at the level of environmental and related laws and policies.Results: The results indicate that in legislative terms, concepts of nature are absent, and instead, the term environment or natural resources are used. Furthermore, rights of nature are rarely recognized in all countries, with anthropocentric and in instrumental views prevailing. In contrast, the human right to Nature is widely recognized in all countries, referring to the right of all individuals to access to and live in a healthy environment.Discussion: Despite the importance of the human right to Nature as a matter of equity and justice, failure to recognise the rights of nature and protect/respect its limits may constitute a potential barrier to ecological transition.
The impact of the digital economy on green total factor productivity in Belt and Road countries: the mediating role of energy transition
Authors: Wang Anqi , Ren Junyu 
Published: July 2023

Introduction: The prospective Belt and Road (B&amp;R) Initiative by China must be thoroughly examined by the participating nations in all respects. It is now essential to investigate whether the digital economy of the B&amp;R countries can support green total factor productivity (GTFP). This study examines the connection between green total factor productivity (GTFP) and the digital economy in B&amp;R countries with the aim of providing China with practical recommendations for advancing the initiative.Methods: This study explores 40 B&amp;R countries from 2006 to 2021, calculates the GTFP using the unexpected super-efficient SBM model and the Global Malmquist-Luenberger index method, and constructs the digital economy index using the principal component analysis method. OLS, FMOLS methods, and spatial panel regressions are used to examine the digital economy-GTFP nexus.Results and Discussion: In the selected 40 B&amp;R countries, there is a non-linear relationship between the digital economy and GTFP, and the overall effect of the digital economy on GTFP is negative, implying that the growth of the digital economy will cause a decline in GTFP. Energy transition has mediation effects that can mitigate the negative impact of digital economic growth on GTFP. The spatial spillover effects of the digital economy on the GTFP of neighboring countries are evident. There is also heterogeneity; the digital economy will reduce GTFP in high- and middle-income countries, but the negative effects are not evident in low-income countries. This paper adds to the discussion of the digital economy and green development by drawing different conclusions from previous studies using a variety of regression models, providing a fresh foundation for policy-making.
First evidence of microplastics and their characterization in bottled drinking water from a developing country
Authors: Hossain M. Belal , Yu Jimmy , Banik Partho , Noman Md. Abu , Nur As-Ad Ujjaman , Haque Md. Rashedul , Rahman Md. Mostafizur , Albeshr Mohammed Fahad , Arai Takaomi 
Published: July 2023

Microplastics (MPs) have become pervasive in the environment, posing a threat to the environment, living organisms, and human health. Therefore, MPs have been extensively investigated in bodies of water, soils, and the atmosphere. However, there is limited information about MPs contamination in drinking water sold in plastic packaging from underdeveloped countries. In this study, we analyzed water samples from 10 different common brands of bottled water to detect and characterize MPs using stereomicroscopic and FTIR techniques. Oral consumption of MPs per capita was also estimated. Interestingly, our findings demonstrated that MPs were present in every brand. The average abundance of MPs varied from 14 ± 6.8 particles/L to 56 ± 23 particles/L, with a mean of 35 ± 19 particles/L in all brands. This number of MPs in the studied country was comparatively higher than those found in other countries. MPs were found in four different shapes (fibers, fragments, films, and beads), with fibers dominating the samples (90%). MPs were sorted into eight different colors, with the transparent one accounting for about 66% of the overall count, and 94% of the MPs were &lt;0.5 mm in size. Infrared spectral analysis (FTIR) confirmed four types of polymers, e.g., low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) where LDPE and HDPE were dominant. The estimated daily intake of MPs per person was determined to be 2.63 particles, translating to a yearly intake of 960 particles/person. MPs in bottled drinking water might come from the sources of the raw water and the materials used in the packaging, which warrants additional research. As MPs in drinking water have direct exposure to human health, we should be aware of using plastic packaging for drinking water.
Uncovering ferroptosis in Parkinson’s disease via bioinformatics and machine learning, and reversed deducing potential therapeutic natural products
Authors: Wang Peng , Chen Qi , Tang Zhuqian , Wang Liang , Gong Bizhen , Li Min , Li Shaodan , Yang Minghui 
Published: July 2023

Objective: Ferroptosis, a novel form of cell death, is closely associated with excessive iron accumulated within the substantia nigra in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Despite extensive research, the underlying molecular mechanisms driving ferroptosis in PD remain elusive. Here, we employed a bioinformatics and machine learning approach to predict the genes associated with ferroptosis in PD and investigate the interactions between natural products and their active ingredients with these genes.Methods: We comprehensively analyzed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for ferroptosis associated with PD (PDFerDEGs) by pairing 3 datasets (GSE7621, GSE20146, and GSE202665) from the NCBI GEO database and the FerrDb V2 database. A machine learning approach was then used to screen PDFerDEGs for signature genes. We mined the interacted natural product components based on screened signature genes. Finally, we mapped a network combined with ingredients and signature genes, then carried out molecular docking validation of core ingredients and targets to uncover potential therapeutic targets and ingredients for PD.Results: We identified 109 PDFerDEGs that were significantly enriched in biological processes and KEGG pathways associated with ferroptosis (including iron ion homeostasis, iron ion transport and ferroptosis, etc.). We obtained 29 overlapping genes and identified 6 hub genes (TLR4, IL6, ADIPOQ, PTGS2, ATG7, and FADS2) by screening with two machine learning algorithms. Based on this, we screened 263 natural product components and subsequently mapped the “Overlapping Genes-Ingredients” network. According to the network, top 5 core active ingredients (quercetin, 17-beta-estradiol, glycerin, trans-resveratrol, and tocopherol) were molecularly docked to hub genes to reveal their potential role in the treatment of ferroptosis in PD.Conclusion: Our findings suggested that PDFerDEGs are associated with ferroptosis and play a role in the progression of PD. Taken together, core ingredients (quercetin, 17-beta-estradiol, glycerin, trans-resveratrol, and tocopherol) bind well to hub genes (TLR4, IL6, ADIPOQ, PTGS2, ATG7, and FADS2), highlighting novel biomarkers for PD.