bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the relationship between serum nitric oxide of patients with thyroid disorders and metabolic syndrome indices and nitrate concentration of consuming water in Shiraz: A case-control study
Authors: Jafari Shaghayegh , Dehghani Mansooreh , Ghaem Haleh , Soveid Mahmood , Hashemi Hasan 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
This case-control study aimed to assess the effect of drinking water nitrate on the serum nitric oxide concentration and the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the population in the Middle East. The study included 50 control and 50 thyroid disorder cases who referred to two medical centers in 2021. In this study, serum nitric oxide concentration, drinking water nitrate, and metabolic syndrome components were measured in the two groups. The results showed there was a statistically significant difference between serum NO in the case and control groups (p-value < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the concentration of nitrate in drinking water and serum nitric oxide in the case and control groups; however, this relationship was not significant statistically. A statistically significant difference was found between serum nitric oxide and systolic blood pressure in the cases (p-value < 0/05), but there was no significant difference between MetS and nitric oxide. Therefore, we concluded that the relationship between nitric oxide and nitrate in consuming water should be determined in thyroid patients. In addition to their water consumption, it is better to study the nitrate of foods, especially vegetables.
whole-exome sequencing identifies a set of genes as markers of early hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence
Authors: Lu Shichun , Shi Huizhong , Zhang Wenwen , Hu Bingyang , Wang Yafei , Zhang Ze , Mao Guankun , Li Chonghui , Sun Ying 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by a high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. In recent years, the therapeutic regimen of PD-1 antibody combined with multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (mTKIs) has achieved better results in the clinical application of hepatocellular carcinoma. Whole-exome sequencing can reflect the mutational characteristics of patients’ exons and guide the clinical selection of molecular targeting drugs more accurately, which is in line with the concept of precision medicine.
METHODS: We performed exome sequencing on 63 patients with HCC treated with radical surgery at our hospital and collected their clinical indexes and postoperative follow-up data. Using machine learning, a prediction model for recurrence within one year was constructed and the model was presented in a nomogram. Patients treated with PD-1 antibodies in combination with mTKIs after relapse were grouped by prognosis, and the valuable mutated genes were screened according to whole-exome sequencing data. The tumor tissue immune cells were analyzed using the UCSC Xena database. The expressions of target proteins were verified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) respectively on commercial HCC cell lines and pathological specimens of hepatocellular carcinoma collected clinically.
RESULTS: The proportion of patients who relapsed within a year was 41% and the prognosis of those patients was poor. The characteristic exon mutation profile with a high frequency of variants in multiple mucin genes was present in Chinese HCC patients. Multiple nidi and 30 exon variants were brought into the prediction model with an AUC=0.94. MUC6 gene mutation was obvious in patients with an early recurrence, and MUC3A and MUC4 gene mutations were evident in patients with poorer responses to PD-1 antibodies combined with mTKIs. Those three mucins were negatively correlated with immune infiltrating cells.
CONCLUSIONS: We depicted the exon characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma in the Chinese population and established a predictive model for recurrence within one year after radical surgical treatment. Moreover, we found that mucins were worthy targets of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Cell clustering in intervertebral disc degeneration:
An attempted repair mechanism aborted via apoptosis?
Authors: Lama Polly , Joshep Ben , Mutreja Pulkit , Adams Michael 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Cell clusters are a histological hallmark feature of adversely loaded aging intervertebral discs. Clusters arising from cell proliferation are associated with replicative senescence, remain metabolically active and accumulate over time but their precise role in increasing grades of intervertebral disc degeneration remains obscure. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate small, medium, and large size cell-clusters during degeneration, or innate tissue repair response. For this purpose, human disc samples were collected from 55 subjects, aged 37-72 years, twenty-one patients had disc herniation, ten had degenerated non-herniated discs, and nine had degenerative scoliosis, spinal curvature < 45°. Fifteen non-degenerated control discs were collected from cadavers. To corelate, the influence of abnormal loading on clustering process, 18-month-old, 10 male and 10 female sprague dawley rat spines were compressed with a custom-built loading device to induce tissue damage and stimulate attempted repair response during sustained loading. Clusters and matrix changes were investigated with histology, immunohistochemistry, and SDS-PAGE. Data obtained were analyzed with spearman rank correlation and ANOVA. Results revealed, small and medium-sized clusters were positive for cell proliferation markers Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in control, slightly degenerated human, and rat discs loaded for <= 7 days. Large cell clusters were typically more abundant in severely degenerated and herniated human discs, and in rat discs loaded for <=30 days. Large clusters spatially associated with matrix fissures, proteoglycan loss, MMP-1, and caspase-3. Spatial associations findings were reconfirmed with SDS-PAGE that showed the presence of target molecular markers thorough its weight within the dense matrix. Caspase-3 activity amplified with sustained loading and were localised in larger clusters. Controls and slightly degenerated discs showed fewer cell clusters, less proteoglycan loss, MMP-1 and caspase 3 activity. In conclusion, this study provides the first direct evidence on cell clusters in the early stages of disc degeneration as indicative of a reparative phenotypes, however sustained physical loading, inflammatory catabolism alters cell metabolism facilitating formation of large clusters, thus attempted repair process fails and is aborted at least in part via apoptosis, which contributes towards further matrix dysregulation, and can perhaps be halted by senolytic drugs.
An Interpretable DIC Risk Prediction Model Based on Convolutional Neural Networks with Time Series Data
Authors: Yang Hao , Li Jiaxi , Liu Siru , Zhang Mengjiao , Liu Jialin 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a complex, life-threatening syndrome associated with the end-stage of different coagulation disorders. Early prediction of the risk of DIC development is an urgent clinical need to reduce adverse outcomes. In this study, we developed a novel interpretable deep learning based time series for predicting the risk of DIC. The study cohort included ICU patients from a 4,300-bed academic hospital between January 1, 2019, and January 1, 2022. Experimental results show that our model achieves excellent performance (AUC: 0.986, accuracy: 95.7%, and F1:0.935). We used Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) to explain how predictive models identify patients with DIC. The decision basis of the model was displayed in the form of a heat map. The model can be used for the early identification of high-risk patients with DIC, which will help in the early intervention of DIC patients and improve the treatment effect.
A new data-driven framework for prediction of molten pool evolution and lack of fusion defects in multi-track multi-layer laser powder bed fusion processes
Authors: Parsazadeh Mohammad , Wu Di , Sharma Shashank , Joshi Sameehan , Pantawane Mangesh V. , Dahotre Narendra B. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
This study proposes a new data-driven approach to predict the area fraction of lack of fusion and morphology of 3D-printed parts produced using the laser powder bed fusion process. Different processing parameters were considered to develop this methodology, such as laser power, laser speed, hatch spacing, and layer thickness. Melt pool geometrical parameters were numerically predicted using a mathematical model optimized using the Nelder-Mead optimization method and a machine learning model. The Gaussian process was later employed to further modify the layerwise deposition. The accuracy of the proposed methodology was then extended to predictions of the area fraction of lack of fusion and the morphological aspects of the melt pools in 3D-printed parts by comparing them with the experimental observations. The results revealed that this data-driven approach, which is independent of the thermophysical properties of the material, is capable of reasonably predicting the area fraction of lack-of-fusion formed during materials deposition using the laser powder bed fusion process.
Comparative genomic analysis of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia unravels their genetic variations and versatility trait
Authors: Xu Yuanyuan , Cheng Tao , Rao Qingyan , Zhang Shuqi , MA YANLING 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a species with immensely broad phenotypic and genotypic diversity that could widely distribute in natural and clinical environments. However, little attention has been paid to reveal their genome plasticity to diverse environments. In the present study, a comparative genomic analysis of S. maltophilia isolated from clinical and natural sources was systematically explored its genetic diversity of 42 sequenced genomes. The results showed that S. maltophilia owned an open pan-genome and had strong adaptability to different environments. A total of 1612 core genes were existed with an average of 39.43% of each genome, and the shared core genes might be necessary to maintain the basic characteristics of those S. maltophilia strains. Based on the results of the phylogenetic tree, ANI value and the distribution of accessory genes, genes associated with the fundamental process of those strains from the same habitat were found to be mostly conserved in evolution. Isolates from the same habitat had a high degree of similarity in COG category, and the most significant KEGG pathways were mainly involved in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, indicating that genes related to essential processes were mostly conserved in evolution for the clinical and environmental settings. Meanwhile, the number of resistance and efflux pump gene was significantly higher in the clinical setting than that of in the environmental setting. Collectively, this study highlights the evolutionary relationships of S. maltophilia isolated from clinical and environmental sources, shedding new light on its genomic diversity.
Correlation analysis between soccer participation and liking or being proficient in it: A study with children and adolescents in China
Authors: Gao Yibo , Wang Huan , Wu Dongming , Deng Pengyu , Pan Xiang , Jiang Lupei , Zhang Yanfeng 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Children's and adolescents' participation in soccer is low in all regions of China. To achieve coordinated development of soccer in all regions and contribute to a strong sports nation, this study aims to identify the factors that influence the participation of children and adolescents in soccer programs through a cross-sectional analysis of the "soccer population" of children and adolescents aged 7–18. A total of 38,258 children and adolescents aged 7–18 completed a questionnaire; children in the 7–9 age group were helped by their primary guardians. The questions concerned the family level, school level, community level, and individual level. The results showed that the area of the region and the average annual precipitation were correlated with the participation of children and adolescents in soccer programs. In addition, the percentage of children and adolescents participating in soccer programs was higher than the percentage of those who liked it and were proficient in it. Parental encouragement and support, as well as easy access, availability, and safety of sports facilities, are likely to promote children's and adolescents' participation in soccer programs.
Unsteady aerodynamic characteristics and dynamic performance of the high-speed train in plate braking under a crosswind
Authors: Lv Dazhou , Liu Yong , Zheng Qiyao , Zhang Lin , Niu Jiqiang 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
As one of the key technologies of the train, the braking system plays a vital role in ensuring the safe operation of the train. Plate braking has the characteristics that the higher the train speed, the better the braking effect, and it can be used as one of the options for emergency braking of the high-speed train. The dynamic grid technology is used to realize the plate movement, and the unsteady aerodynamic characteristic simulation of the train in plate braking process is realized based on the IDDES with SST k-w turbulence model. The formation and evolution of the flow field in the process of plate braking are analyzed by the visualization technology, and the influence law of plate opening on the aerodynamic forces of each car under the crosswind is explored. By loading the aerodynamic forces into the vehicle system dynamics model for calculation, the safety indexes (derailment coefficient and wheel load reduction rate) of the plate braking train under crosswind with different speeds are obtained. The results show that the rapid opening of the plate provides a large braking force for the train, but it destroys the stability of the flow field around the train, especially the flow field above the train, and the above phenomenon further aggravated by crosswind. The aerodynamic force distribution of each car in the train was significantly changed by crosswind, the proportion of the lateral force of the head car in the train is significantly increased, and the aerodynamic forces of each car were further increased by the opening of the plate. From the perspective of vehicle dynamics performance, with the increase of crosswind speed, the derailment coefficient and wheel load reduction rate of each car increase obviously, and even derailment and overturn occur. Under the crosswind, the dynamic performance of the head car is the worst, and it was further deteriorated by opening of the plate. The impact of the tail car is relatively small, and the dynamic performance of the head car can be used to evaluate the safety of the train. It is recommended to avoid opening the plate of the head car in strong crosswind.
Performance Analysis Between Dmrac and Pi Control Algorithms for Dc-dc Converter of Hybrid Energy Storage System in Electric Vehicle
Authors: Islam Maidul , Abdullah Muhammad , Farhana Alia , Ahmad Salmiah 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
This paper presents a performance comparison between Direct Model Reference Adaptive Control (DMRAC) with the conventional Proportional Integral (PI) control for the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) power converter. It is well noted that the power converter of HEV is highly nonlinear due to the load demand variation and duty ratio changes in different driving modes. To cope with this issue, the nonlinear control approach of DMRAC is proposed as an alternative to the conventional linear PI control algorithm. The prime focus is to regulate the power distribution in the power converter system to track the load and current demand by the HEV. MATLAB Simulink toolbox is used to construct the system and simulate the responses of the two controllers. For regular operation, the results show that DMRAC outperform PI controller in tracking both current and load demands. While in the presence of disturbance, DMRAC can only show its efficacy in current demand tracking and requires some time to surpass the PI controller in tracking the load demand. The performances have been calculated based on the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). Based on the finding, it can be proved that the DMRAC can become a good alternative to control the power of HEV through power converters, especially when there is a variation in the demanded current.
Triclosan Loaded pH-sensitive Vehicles Spray Facilitate Infected Wound Healing by Eliminating Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Biofilm
Authors: Wang Changrong , Huang Jinghua , Lin Yifei , Chen Xiangjun , Li Wenting , Zheng Shuna , Zhang Yumin , Li Keke , Hong Wei , Liu Jinjian 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The use of conventional antibiotics has rapidly declined due to the development of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of novel vehicles to facilitate effective antibiotics delivery, especially for bacteria that form biofilm. Herein, we designed a library of pH-sensitive polymer vehicles with pKa values ranging from 6.2-5.0. We found that pKa values located into 5.3-5.7 displayed certain antibacterial effect and effective biofilm elimination. The antibacterial effect the copolymer vehicles is highly pKa dependent. Regardless of physical environment or pH 5.6 conditions, biofilm elimination improved silightly. Among the five vehicles, the copolymer (PEPB36/35) with pKa about 5.7 not only exhibited the best biosafety, but also significantly improved the biocompatibility of antibiotics triclosan (TCS). Moreover, PEPB36/35 nanoparticles (NPs) destroyed cell membranes and promoted cargos into cells under an acidic environment. The formed of PEPB36/35@TCS NPs spray was able to kill Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) in biofilm and accelerate infected wound healing, which reduced inflammation and promoted angiogenesis. Collectively, these findings affirm that the designed pH-sensitive vehicles improve antibacterial efficacy of TCS in killing bacteria in biofilm.
Pyrolysis Characteristics and Kinetics of Prunus avium L. Leaves using a Thermogravimetric Analyser
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Jiang Yahua , Liu Yu , Li Quan 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
To investigate the differences in the pyrolysis characteristics of leaves of sweet cherry tree (Prunus avium L.) under rain-shelter cultivation (RS) or under open-field cultivation (CK), thermogravimetric (TG), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves were compared at three heating rates of 10, 20 and 30°C·min− 1. There were two obvious mass loss peaks at 280°C and 330°C, which were manifested by the slow pyrolysis of hemicellulose in the low temperature region and the rapid pyrolysis of cellulose in the high temperature region, respectively. The curve in the pyrolysis range after 440°C was stable, and the mass change corresponded to the pyrolysis of a small amount of macromolecular organic extracts and inorganic salts. When the temperature reached 600°C, approximately 69% and 73% of the CK and RS leaves were thermally destroyed, respectively. The Coats-Redfern method was used for kinetic calculations to obtain an activation energy of 29.75 ~ 36.14 kJ·mol− 1 in the first-order pyrolysis kinetics stage. The second-order pyrolysis kinetics stage can fit the pyrolysis process well. The pyrolysis characteristics and kinetic parameters of the leaves were related to the heating rate and the hemicellulose content, cellulose content and lignin ratio in each sample.
Changes in the anterior and posterior occlusal plane in nongrowing females with hyperdivergent skeletal Class II malocclusion treated with mini-implant anchorage
Authors: Wei Hui , Mo Shuixue , Zhang Wenzhong 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Objectives: To analyse anterior and posterior occlusal plane (AOP and POP, respectively) canting changes in camouflage treatment of females growth completed with hyperdivergent skeletal Class II malocclusion using mini-implant (MI) anchorage.
Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 50 nongrowing females with hyperdivergent skeletal Class II malocclusion treated with extraction of the maxillary first premolars and mandibular second premolars. Participants were divided into the MI (n = 25) and control (without MIs, n = 25) groups. Cephalometric analyses of these patients were performed before (T1) and after (T2) treatment. Measurements were taken at each treatment stage and analysed within and between groups.
Results:Significant correlations were observed between AOP and POP canting and mandibular position (P < 0.05), and AOP canting had a greater impact on mandibular position. Moreover, compared with those of the control group, the AOP and POP canting, the vertical height of the maxillary first molar and incisor, and mandibular plane angle were significantly decreased.
Conclusions: During the camouflaging treatment of nongrowing females with hyperdivergent skeletal Class II malocclusion using MI anchorage, reduction in POP and AOP canting and intrusion of the maxillary incisor and first molar made a difference in the mandibular counterclockwise rotation, which, in turn, improved the facial profile.
Clinical relevance: These findings can form the basis for evaluating the reduction in POP and AOP cantings and the intrusion of the maxillary incisor and first molar in the camouflaging treatment of nongrowing females with hyperdivergent skeletal Class II malocclusion using MI anchorage.
Choroidal thickness and vascularity index in Chinese children with high myopia
Authors: De-hai Zhu , Hui Wang , Ruo-shi Li , Jing Wen , Rui-ying Li , Jing-jing Zhao 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
To evaluate the choroidal thickness (CT), topographical variation, and vascularity index in Chinese children with high myopia through enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT).
Methods
A total of 93 eyes of children were enrolled:35 in the high myopia group and 58 in the normal group. The choroidal architectural parameters were determined using OCT. The 7 measurements of the macular CT were obtained at different spots, including right beneath the fovea or the subfoveal area (SFCT) spot, and temporal and nasal spots at a radius of 0.5-mm, 1.5-mm, and 3-mm. The total choroidal area (TCA), stromal area (SA), and luminal area (LA) was measured. The choroidal vascularity index (CVI) was defined as the ratio of LA to TCA. The correlation between choroidal vascular parameters and other factors were analyzed.
Results
CTs were thinner in high myopic groups than the normal control group at all the locations (P for trend <0.01 for all locations). TCA, LA, and SA of the high myopia eyes were significantly smaller than that of the normal controls. TCA, LA, and SA of the high myopia eyes were significantly smaller than that of the normal controls. AL was negative correlated with SFCT, LA, SA, and TCA (P < 0.05, respectively), SE was positive correlated with SFCT, LA, SA, and TCA (P < 0.05, respectively).
Conclusion
The topographical variations of choroidal thickness with high myopia are the thickest temporal to the fovea. The myopic eyes had thinner CTs, TCA, LA and SA compared to normal controls, indicating its potential role to serve as the sensitive indicator for predicting myopic severity. The CVI does not change significantly in children high myopia, which may suggest choroid microstructure impairment is in the early stage, thus warranted further investigations in a follow-up study.