bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal and spatial variability of dynamic microstate brain-network in early Parkinson's disease
Authors: Chu Chunguang , Wang Jiang , Zhang Zhen , Li Zhen , Shen Xiao , Han Xiaoxuan , Bai Lipeng , Zhu Xiaodong , Liu Chen 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The spatiotemporal microstate attributes reflecting motor impairment and cognitive decline exist in early Parkinson’s disease (PD), which are derived from the unknown variation of brain network dynamics underlying each microstate class. To understand the dynamic neural underpinnings of different degree of motor impairment and cognitive decline associated with early PD patients, an improved data-driven brain network analysis based on microstate exploration, was proposed to pinpoint the network dynamical features at local region and global brain levels. The further exploration was to reveal the relation between regional variability and cerebral dysfunction in early PD. We have found the temporal variability of microstate B network in early PD was abnormally increased, and it was mainly distributed in left prefrontal, parietal, and occipital lobe. Comparatively, the temporal variability of microstate C network in early PD was significantly decreased, and it was mainly distributed in frontal and left occipital lobe. In microstate C network, the temporal variability of frontal lobe indicated the cognitive level of early PD patients. In addition, the spatial variability of microstate D network in early PD was significantly decreased, and it was mainly distributed in left prefrontal, bilateral temporal, and left-right parietal lobe. In microstate D network, the abnormal spatial variability of left temporal and right parietal lobe reflected the cognitive and motor impairment of early PD, respectively. Our approach provides innovative methodological support for future research on brain network dynamics, and provides insights into the spatiotemporal interaction patterns of brain activity and their variabilities in early PD.
Effects Of The Organic Fertilizers On Growth，Photosynthetic Characteristics And Water Use Of Pear-Jujube In The Loess Plateau
Authors: Ye Shenglan , Peng Biao , Liu Tiancheng 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
A field experiment was conducted to study the effects of different organic fertilizer application on growth, water use efficiency and nutritional quality of pear-jujube in the Loess Plateau. The results show that compared with the no fertilizer (CK), the bearing branch, leaf area and chlorophyll contents of different fertilizer treatments are significantly different (P<0.05), and the jujube hanging and leaf area under the soybean cake fertilizer(SC) treatment are 20.17 cm and 1246 mm2/leaf which are increased by 34% and 44.46% respectively. Compared with the CK the leaf area index (LAI) and density of canopy light interception of each treatment are significantly different (P<0.05) and the order is biogas manure (BM)>chemical fertilizer (CF)> sheep manure (SM) > soybean cake fertilizer (SC) >CK. The photosynthetic rate (Pn) and stomatal conductance (Gs) are improved, and the maxima of Pn and Gs are 22.38 μmol/(m2.s) and 0.5014 mmol/(m2.s) respectively under the BM treatment. The instantaneous water use efficiency of SC is up to 3.30% under the different fertilization which is increased by 1.29 percent point compared with the CK. The soil water content of the SC treatment is increased significantly under all organic fertilization. The yields are all increased significantly, and the yields are increased by 138.52%, 49.57% and 75.90% under the soybean cake fertilizer, sheep manure and biogas manure respectively. The nutritional quality of fruit is increased significantly. The water content of the SC treatment is increased significantly by 9.15 percent point compared with the CK. The nutritive indexes such as total soluble solids (TSS)，total soluble solids/titrable acids (TSS/TA) , vitamin C and total flavones are increased compare with the CK, and the TA contents are BM>CF>SM>SC>CK. In general, the organic fertilization can effectively promotes the growth, development, yield and fruit quality of pear-jujube in the Loess Plateau and the effect of the soybean cake fertilizer is the most significant.
Distal Femur Morphological Alteration After Early Patellar Dislocation in Growing Rabbits
Authors: Li Weifeng , Wang Qian , Wang Haiying , Wang Shunyi 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
The morphology of the femoral trochlear and patella have been well investigated after patellar dislocation; however, to date, the effects of patellar dislocation on the development of the distal femur remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate whether early patellar dislocation lead to the alterations of distal femur in immature rabbits.
Methods
30 rabbits (28-day-old) were included in the study. The experimental group comprised 30 left knees which underwent the surgery-induced lateral patellar dislocation. The control group consisted of 30 right knees, which did not undergo surgical procedures. Computed Tomography (CT) scan (fexion 0°) was performed immediately after surgery and 5 months post surgery. The width, thickness, lateral angle and medial angle of the distal femur were measured and evaluated between the two groups.
Results
The width, thickness, lateral angle and medial angle of the distal femur were not significantly different between the two groups after surgery. However, 5 months post-operatively, the width in the experimental group (11.50 ± 0.43 mm) and control Group (9.75 ± 0.32 mm) were significantly different (P < 0.05). The lateral angle of the distal femur was 44.5 ± 4.8° and 52.3 ± 3.6° in the experimental group and control Group, respectively (P < 0.05). The medial angle of the distal femur was found statistically difference in the experimental group (46.8 ± 4.6°) versus the control group (38.3 ± 3.8°) (P < 0.05). But the thickness of the distal femur were not significantly different between the experimental group and the control group.
Conclusion
From the study, the shape of the distal femoral section became sharp and triangular after early patellar dislocation, indicating that early patellar dislocation might lead to distal femoral dysplasia.
Exploration Of Interpretability Techniques For Deep COVID-19 Classification Using Chest X-Ray Images
Authors: Chatterjee Soumick , Saad Fatima , Sarasaen Chompunuch , Ghosh Suhita , Khatun Rupali , Radeva Petia , Rose Georg , Stober Sebastian , Speck Oliver , Nürnberger Andreas 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 has shocked the entire world with its fairly rapid spread and has challenged different sectors. One of the most effective ways to limit its spread is the early and accurate diagnosis of infected patients. Medical imaging such as X-ray and Computed Tomography (CT) combined with the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays an essential role in supporting the medical staff in the diagnosis process. Thereby, five different deep learning models (ResNet18, ResNet34, InceptionV3, InceptionResNetV2, and DenseNet161) and their Ensemble have been used in this paper, to classify COVID-19, pneumoniae and healthy subjects using Chest X-Ray images. Multi-label classification was performed to predict multiple pathologies for each patient, if present. Foremost, the interpretability of each of the networks was thoroughly studied using techniques like occlusion, saliency, input X gradient, guided backpropagation, integrated gradients, and DeepLIFT. The mean Micro-F1 score of the models for COVID-19 classifications ranges from 0.66 to 0.875, and is 0.89 for the Ensemble of the network models. The qualitative results depicted the ResNets to be the most interpretable models.
A Real-world Big Data Study Evaluating Glucose Levels by Sex and Age Among Healthy Children
Authors: Ziv Carmit Avnon , Banon Tamar , Tov Amir Ben , Chodick Gabriel , Gabay Linoy , Auerbach Adi , Hirsch Harry J. , Khademi Floris Levy 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose: To assess the distribution of glucose levels by age and sex in healthy children using a large-scale population-based cohort.Methods: A retrospective study with real-world de-identified data from a large, state mandated health fund in Israel among healthy children aged 2 to 18 years old between 2006 and 2019. Age, sex, and BMI differences in mean glucose levels were evaluated using 3-way Anova.Results: Study included 130,170 blood samples from 117,411 children, 53.3% were female. After adjusting for ager boys had higher glucose levels than girls, with a mean of 89.21 ±8.66 mg/dL vs. 87.59 ±8.35 (p<0.001). Compared to the 15 to 18 year-olds (88.49 mg/dl ±7.63), 2 to 5 year-olds had lower glucose levels (84.19 ±10.65, (p<0.001)), 11 to 14 year-olds had higher glucose (90.40 ±7.42 (p<0.001)) and 6 to 10 year-olds showed no difference (88.45 ±8.25). Among our cohort, 33.0% (n=42,991) had a BMI percentile record the same year as their glucose test result. There was a weak yet significant positive association between blood glucose levels and BMI (Pearson coefficient <0.1).Conclusions: Our large cohort indicates that boys have higher glucose levels than girls, as do adolescents compared to younger children. This finding is important for the delivery of adequate health care, screening for illness and avoiding unnecessary investigations and tests.
Prognostic Value of Epstein-Barr Virus Infection in Patients with Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhou Zhihao , Li Guanghua , Wang Zhixiong , Huang Jiahua , Wang Zhao 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Since Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded small RNAs (EBER) has become the standard for detection of EBV, the prognostic role of EBV infection in gastric cancer (GC) remains controversial. The main aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the correlation between EBV infection and the prognosis of GC.Methods: We systematically searched PubMed and EMBASE to identify eligible studies to review up to June 23,2021. Pooled hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the fixed effects model or random-effects model for overall survival (OS). Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were also performed, and publication bias was assessed by using Stata 14.0.Results: 35 studies comprising 26163 patients with GC were included in this meta-analysis. After pooling all studies, EBV-positive patients were noted to have better OS than EBV-negative patients (HR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.84, P < 0.001), though with high heterogeneity (I2: 51.7%). In subgroup analysis, similar conclusion can be drawn for patients in Asian and American, while for patients in Europe EBV infection is not a prognostic indicator. Apart from that, studies conducted in Asia and Europe, statistical method of multivariate analysis, high quality score, all had significant heterogeneity. Pooled data based on sensitivity analyses did not change the conclusion.Conclusions: EBV infection was associated with better OS in patients with GC. These results differed between studies due to differences in region, which need further study to clarify its prognostic significance.Prospero registration number: CRD42021262332.
m 7 G methylation for Overall Survival Prediction in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Niu Yumeng , Li Xiangwei , Wang Yuxuan , Long Xiaomao , Zhou Yifan , Liu Songtao , Lei Tao , Bin Shen 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with high heterogeneity and poor prognosis. m7G methylation have been widely confirmed as a major mechanism for tumor initiation and progression and affecting implications for regulation and tumorigenesis. Therefore, discussions on m7G methylation would demonstrate the value of discussions.
Method
In this study, we downloaded the mRNA expression profifiles and corresponding clinical data of HCC patients from the Cancer Genome Atlas database. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression model was utilized to construct m7G methylation’gene signature. Based on these, we established the nomograms for prognosis prediction and validated the model in the GSE72094 dataset. The cell type was identifified using the CIBERSORT algorithm for estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts, which was then used to screen signifificant tumor immune-infifiltrating cells associated with the HCC prognosis prediction model.
Results
The univariate COX regression analysis showed that 15 genes were associated with the overall survival (OS) as prognostic differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (FDR < 0.05). Patients were divided into two risk groups using a 6-gene signature, with the highrisk group having a signifificantly worse OS than their low-risk counterparts (p < 0.001). We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to confifirm the predictive capacity of the signature.
Conclusion
Final results shows a novel m7G methylationgene signature can be used for prognostic prediction in HCC. Targeting m7G could become an option for the treatment of HCC.
MicroRNA expression profile of Chicken cecal in different stages during Histomonas meleagridis infection
Authors: Zhang Yu-Ming , Chen Qiao-Guang , Chen Chen , Wang Shuang , Li Zai-Fan , Hou Zhao-Feng , Liu Dan-Dan , Tao Jian-Ping , Xu Jin-jun 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Histomonas meleagridis is an anaerobic, intercellular parasite, which infects gallinaceous birds such as turkeys and chickens. In recent years, the reemergence of Histomoniasis has caused serious economic losses as drugs to treat the disease have been banned. At present, H. meleagridis research focuses on virulence, gene expression analysis, and the innate immunity of the host. However, there are no studies on the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) associated with the host inflammatory and immune responses induced by H. meleagridis. In this research, high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the expression profile of cecal miRNA at 10 and 15 days post-infection (DPI) in chickens infected with Chinese JSYZ-F strain H. meleagridis.Results: Compared with the controls, 94 and 127 DEMs were found in cecal of infected chickens at 10 DPI (CE vs CC) and 15 DPI (CEH vs CCH), respectively, of which 60 DEMs were shared at two-time points. Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis of the target genes of DEMs indicated that 881 and 1027 GO terms were significantly enriched at 10 and 15 DPI, respectively. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of the target genes of DEMs demonstrated that 5 and 3 KEGG pathways were significantly enriched at 10 and 15 DPI, respectively. The integrated analysis of miRNA–gene network revealed that the DEMs played important roles in the host inflammatory and immune responses to H. meleagridis infection by dynamically regulating expression levels of inflammation and immune-related cytokines. Conclusion: This article not only suggested that host miRNA expression was dynamically altered by H. meleagridis and host but also revealed differences in the regulation of T cell involved in host responses to different times H. meleagridis infection. This article contributes to future research into miRNA-target interactions during H. meleagridis infection in chickens and provides new ideas for H. meleagridis treatment and control.
Universal health coverage and the poor: To what extent are health financing policies making a difference? Evidence from a Benefit Incidence Analysis in Zambia
Authors: Ridde Valery , Chitah Bona , Rudasingwa Martin , De Allegri Manuela , (Deceased) Chrispin Mphuka , Chansa Collins , Yeboah Edmund , Bonnet Emmanuel 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Zambia has invested in several healthcare financing reforms aimed at achieving universal access to health services. Several evaluations have investigated the effects of these reforms on the utilization of health services. However, only one study has assessed the distributional incidence of health spending across different socioeconomic groups, but without differentiating between public and overall health spending and between curative and maternal health services. Our study aims to fill this gap by undertaking a quasi-longitudinal benefit incidence analysis of public and overall health spending between 2006 and 2014. Methods: We conducted a Benefit Incidence Analysis (BIA) to measure the socioeconomic inequality of public and overall health spending on curative services and institutional delivery across different health facility typologies at three time points. We combined data from household surveys and National Health Accounts. Results: Results showed that public (concentration index of -0.003; SE 0.027 in 2006 and -0.207; SE 0.011 in 2014) and overall (0.050; SE 0.033 in 2006 and -0.169; SE 0.011 in 2014) health spending on curative services tended to benefit the poorer segments of the population while public (0.241; SE 0.018 in 2007 and 0.120; SE 0.007 in 2014) and overall health spending (0.051; SE 0.022 in 2007 and 0.116; SE 0.007 in 2014) on institutional delivery tended to benefit the least-poor. Higher inequalities were observed at higher care levels for both curative and institutional delivery services.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the implementation of UHC policies in Zambia led to a reduction in socioeconomic inequality in health spending, particularly at health centres and for curative care. Further action is needed to address existing barriers for the poor to benefit from health spending on curative services and at higher levels of care.
Epidemiological Status of Malaria in Karimganj District of Assam, India (2001-2020)
Authors: Dey Ankita , Dey Debojit 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In the present study Epidemiological status of Malaria in Karimganj disctrict of Assam is monitored from 2001–2020. Plasmodium falciparum accounts for 81% disease burden in the the district but survey also revealed that 41% & 32% cases caused by P. vivax in Block Primary Health Centre (BPHC)- Patharkandi & R.K. Nagar respectively. As per 20 years data from 2001–2020 it was noticed that the Slide Falciparum Rate (SFR) declined from 0.54% (2001) to 0% (2020) but contrastingly high intensity of P. vivax positive cases reported in 2018, 2019 & 2020 with Pv% 60, 45 & 100 respectively, indicating P. vivax as threat in future years. Out of 5 BPHCs in the district 3 BPHCs- Kachuadam, R.K. Nagar & Grishganj viewed mortality zero in last 5 years (2016–2020). In 2016, total 4 mortality recorded in Assam out of which 2 deaths reported from Karimganj district 1 each from BPHCs- Patharkandi and Nilambazar. In 2019 Assam witnessed 6 mortality of which 2 again reported from Karimganj district under same BPHC Nilambazar. From the survey it is also noted that malaria cases are temperature, humidity and rainfall dependent. Favourable temperature is 20-35o & humidity 57–76%. Thus, maximum cases recorded between between April to July. Study also revealed that gradual decrease in Annual Parasite Index in the district in past 20 years with only 4 mortality in last five years (2016–2020). Hence, from the survey it can be presumed that the National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control Programme working sincerely towards malaria free district in future years.
AquiferLevel_PredicT: Predictability of Groundwater Level Dynamics in Aquifers Through Causal Reasoning Modelling
Authors: Molina Jose-Luis , García-Aróstegui Jose-Luis 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The analysis of causal relationships of hydrological processes is a very unexplored field. It is even less investigated the usage of Causal Reasoning modelling for the study of groundwater hydrodynamic processes. This paper is aimed to analyse and model the relationship of the binomial Rainfall-Piezometry. For that, the inherent causality contained in temporal data records has been captured, analysed and interpreted. This has been done through Bayesian Causal Reasoning (BCR) which is technique belonging to Artificial Intelligence (AI) based on Bayesian Theorem. The data for Rainfall and Groundwater levels (piezometry) has been taken in hourly data records. The methodology comprises two main stages, first an analytical method from classic regression analysis, and second, a Bayesian Causal Modelling Translation (BCMT) that itself comprises several iterative steps. This research ultimately become a tool for aquifers management that comprises a bivariate function made of two variables Rainfall and piezometry (Temporal Groundwater level evolution). This innovative methodology has been successfully applied in the Quaternary aquifer of the Campo de Cartagena groundwater body, which is an aquifer system that directly is connected to Mar Menor coastal lagoon (Murcia region, SE Spain). This system has been in the spotlight worldwide due to major environmental problems, closely related to the lack of groundwater management.
Modeling and Simulation of the Automated Lane Change Process, Taking Into Account Freeplay and Friction in the Vehicle Steering System
Authors: Żardecki Dariusz , Gidlewski Mirosław , Jaśkiewicz Marek , Jemioł Leszek 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The paper reports rather unique research on the influence of freeplay and friction in the car steering mechanism on automatically controlled process of lane change. The developed controller algorithm was based on very simplified (and thus effective in on-line calculations) reference models of the car dynamics, obviously without taking into account the nonlinearities of its steering system. Extensive simulation investigations of the developed controller algorithm carried out in a very wide range of changes in road and operational conditions, with regard to two-axle medium-duty truck, confirmed its advantages. The research presented in this article concerns the unpublished area of analyzes concerning the sensitivity of the lane change controller to freeplay and friction occurring in the steering mechanism of a controlled car. Some results of the simulation tests turned out to be surprising The piecewise-linear luz(...) and tar (...) projections used in these studies to describe the freeplay and friction effects facilitated modeling and simulation calculations.
Transplanted Allogeneic Stem Cells Secrete GDF-15 and stimulate an Active Immune Remodeling Process in the Ischemic Myocardium
Authors: Mishra Rachana , Saha Progyaparamita , Datla Srinivasa Raju , Mellacheruvu Pranav , Gunasekaran Muthukumar , Fu Xuebin , Guru Sameer Ahmad , Chen Ling , Bolli Roberto , Kaushal Sunjay , Sharma Sudhish 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Despite promising results in clinical studies, the mechanism for the beneficial effects of allogenic cell-based therapies remains unclear. Macrophages are not only critical mediators of inflammation but also critical players in cardiac remodeling. We hypothesized that transplanted allogenic rat cardiac progenitor cells (rCPCs) augment T-regulatory cells which ultimately promote proliferation of M2 like macrophages by an as-yet undefined mechanism.Methods and Results: To test this hypothesis, we used crossover rat strains for exploring the mechanism of myocardial repair by allogenic CPCs. Human CPCs (hCPCs) were isolated from adult patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, and rat CPCs (rCPCs) were isolated from male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat hearts. Allogenic rCPCs suppressed the proliferation of T-cells observed in mixed lymphocyte reactions in vitro. Transplanted syngeneic or allogeneic rCPCs significantly increased cardiac function in a rat myocardial infarct (MI) model, whereas xenogeneic CPCs did not. Allogeneic rCPCs stimulated immunomodulatory responses by specifically increasing T-regulatory cells and M2 polarization, while maintaining their cardiac recovery potential and safety profile.Mechanistically, we confirmed the inactivation of NF-kB in Treg cells and increased M2 macrophages in the myocardium after MI by transplanted CPCs derived GDF15 and it’s uptake by CD48 receptor on immune cells.Conclusion: Collectively, these findings strongly support the active immunomodulatory properties and robust therapeutic potential of allogenic CPCs in post-MI cardiac dysfunction.