bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myocardial strain analysis of echocardiography based on deep learning
Authors: Deng Yinlong , Cai Peiwei , Zhang Li , Cao Xiongcheng , Chen Yequn , Jiang Shiyan , Zhuang Zhemin , Wang Bin 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundStrain analysis provides more thorough spatiotemporal signatures for myocardial contraction, which is helpful for early detection of cardiac insufficiency. The use of deep learning (DL) to automatically measure myocardial strain from echocardiogram videos has garnered recent attention. However, the development of key techniques including segmentation and motion estimation remains a challenge. In this work, we developed a novel DL-based framework for myocardial segmentation and motion estimation to generate strain measures from echocardiogram videos.MethodsThree-dimensional (3D) Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) was developed for myocardial segmentation and optical flow network for motion estimation. The segmentation network was used to define the region of interest (ROI), and the optical flow network was used to estimate the pixel motion in the ROI. We performed a model architecture search to identify the optimal base architecture for motion estimation. The final workflow design and associated hyperparameters are the result of a careful implementation. In addition, we compared the DL model with a traditional speck tracking algorithm on an independent, external clinical data. Each video was double-blind measured by an ultrasound expert and a DL expert using speck tracking echocardiography (STE) and DL method, respectively.ResultsThe DL method successfully performed automatic segmentation, motion estimation, and global longitudinal strain (GLS) measurements in all examinations. The 3D segmentation has better spatio-temporal smoothness, average dice correlation reaches 0.82, and the effect of target frame is better than that of previous 2D networks. The best motion estimation network achieved an average end-point error of 0.05 ± 0.03 mm per frame, better than previously reported state-of-the-art. The DL method showed no significant difference relative to the traditional method in GLS measurement, Spearman correlation of 0.90 (p &lt; 0.001) and mean bias −1.2 ± 1.5%.ConclusionIn conclusion, our method exhibits better segmentation and motion estimation performance and demonstrates the feasibility of DL method for automatic strain analysis. The DL approach helps reduce time consumption and human effort, which holds great promise for translational research and precision medicine efforts.
Low physical activity is associated with adverse health outcome and higher costs in Indonesia: A national panel study
Authors: Anindya Kanya , Marthias Tiara , Zulfikar Biruni Muhammad , Hage Sophia , Ng Nawi , Laverty Anthony A. , McPake Barbara , Millett Christopher , Haregu Tilahun Nigatu , Hulse Emily S. G. , Cao Yingting , Lee John Tayu 
Published: December 2022

AimsTo assess the association between low physical activity, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and risk factors, health service utilization, risk of catastrophic health expenditure, and work productivity in Indonesia.MethodsIn this population-based, panel data analysis, we used data from two waves of the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS) for 2007/2008 and 2014/2015. Respondents aged 40–80 years who participated in both waves were included in this study (n = 5,936). Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). Multinomial logistic regression model was used to examine factors associated with physical activity levels (low, moderate, and high). We applied a series of multilevel mixed-effect panel regression to examine the associations between physical activity and outcome variables.ResultsThe prevalence of low physical activity increased from 18.2% in 2007 to 39.6% in 2014. Compared with those with high physical activity, respondents with low physical activity were more likely to have a 10-year high CVD risk (AOR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.51–2.95), use outpatient care (AOR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.07–1.96) and inpatient care (AOR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.07–1.96), experience catastrophic health expenditure of 10% of total household expenditure (AOR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.21–2.28), and have lower labor participation (AOR: 0.24, 95% 0.20–0.28).ConclusionsLow physical activity is associated with adverse health outcomes and considerable costs to the health system and wider society. Accelerated implementation of public health policies to reduce physical inactivity is likely to result in substantial population health and economic benefits.
Association between the metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) among health check-up population in Japan: A retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Gailing , Tao Lin , Zhu Qing , Jiao Xiaojing , Yan Lei , Shao Fengmin 
Published: December 2022

AimThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between a new metric—metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR)—and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) among Japanese participants who underwent health check-ups.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study that involved participants in a medical health screening program, which was conducted at the Medical Health Check-up Center in Japan. This retrospective study examined the relationship between METS-IR and eGFR among 881 individuals that joined the program between March 1, 2004, and December 31, 2012. Covariates consisted of serum laboratory tests and lifestyle questionnaires. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to explore the association between METS-IR and eGFR. In addition, subgroup and interaction analyses were done based on age, sex, body mass index (BMI), alcohol use, smoking status, and hyperuricemia.ResultsA total of 881 individuals participated in this study. High METS-IR was highly linked with reduced eGFR (adjusted β = -5.04, 95% confidence interval (CI): -7.65 to -2.43), while METS-IR was utilized as a categorical variable inside the multiple regression analysis. A decrease in eGFR of 2.54 units was reported for every 10-unit rise in METS-IR (adjusted β = -2.54, 95% CI: -4.04 to -1.05, P-value = 0.001). Stratified analysis suggested no marked interaction between METS-IR and eGFR across age, sex, BMI, and alcohol consumption groups. However, there was an indication of interaction between METS-IR level, smoking status (P-value = 0.001), and uric level (P-value = 0.011) on eGFR decrease.ConclusionsMETS-IR is remarkably associated with eGFR among the participants who underwent health check-ups in Gifu, Japan. Although more studies are required to prove it, METS-IR could be applied as a monitoring index for early screening, primary prevention, and diagnostic and treatment management strategies for chronic kidney disease.
Investigating the causal mediating effect of type 2 diabetes on the relationship between traits and systolic blood pressure: A two-step Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Hao Xuezeng , Li Weixin , Shi Ruiqing , Wang Qiuhong 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension commonly coexist, and we presumed that T2DM might mediate the relationship between some shared risk factors and systolic blood pressure (SBP).MethodsThe causal association between T2DM and SBP was first confirmed using Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses, and a two-step MR design was then used to test the causal mediating effect of T2DM on the relationship between 107 traits and SBP using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies.ResultsT2DM was causally associated with SBP. The univariable MR of the two-step causal mediation analyses suggested that 44 and 45 of the 107 traits had causal associations with T2DM and SBP, respectively. Five of the 27 traits that were significantly associated with both T2DM and SBP could not be reversely altered by T2DM and were included in the second step of the causal mediation analyses. The results indicated that most of the investigated traits causally altered SBP independent of T2DM, but the partial causal mediating effect of T2DM on the association between fasting insulin and SBP was successfully identified with a mediation proportion of 33.6%.ConclusionsOur study provides novel insights into the role of risk factors in the comorbidity of T2DM and high blood pressure, which is important for long-term disease prevention and management.
Nomogram incorporating ultrasonic markers of endometrial receptivity to determine the embryo-endometrial synchrony after in vitro fertilization
Authors: He Qi , Zhou Ying , Zhou Weiqin , Mao Caiping , Kang Qian , Pan Yanping , Wang Nan , Zhong Yanyu , Pan Zhansheng 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundA successful pregnancy using in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) requires a receptive endometrium, good-quality embryos, and a synchronized embryo-endometrial dialogue. Although embryo quality and endometrial receptivity (ER) have been fully assessed to exclude substandard conditions, the probability of successful ET is relatively low. Currently, embryo-endometrial synchrony is considered to be a possible explanation, because delayed, advanced, or narrowed window of implantation (WOI) may lead to ET failure.ObjectiveThis study aims to establish a nomogram incorporating a series of ultrasonic ER markers on the day before implantation to assess the embryo-endometrial synchrony, which may contribute to the improvement of clinical pregnancy outcomes.MethodsTotally 583 women with 1135 complete IVF cycles were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 357 women with 698 cycles and 226 women with 437 cycles were assigned to the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Ultrasonic ER markers obtained on the day before implantation were collected for analyses. In the training cohort, the screened correlates of clinical pregnancy failure were utilized to develop a nomogram for determining whether an infertile woman is suitable for the ET next day. This model was validated both in the training and validation cohorts.ResultsSpiral artery (SA) resistance index (RI), vascularisation index (VI), and flow index (FI) were independently associated with the ET failure (all P &lt; 0.05). They were served as the components of the developed nomogram to visualize the likelihood of implantation failure in IVF-ET. This model was validated to present good discrimination and calibration, and obtained clinical net benefits both in the training and validation cohorts.ConclusionWe developed a nomogram that included SA-RI, VI, and FI on the day before implantation. It may assist physicians to identify patients with displaced WOI, thus avoiding meaningless ET prior to implantation.
A bibliometric analysis of autophagy in lung diseases from 2012 to 2021
Authors: Lin Feihong , Chen Yong , Mo Wei , Zhou Huanping , Xiao Zhuoran , Hu Song , Shi Xuan , Liu Meiyun , Wei Juan , Zhu Wanli , Wang Sheng , Lv Xin 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundAutophagy refers to the process in which cells wrap their damaged organelles or unwanted proteins into a double-membrane structure and direct them to lysosomes for degradation. Autophagy can regulate many lung diseases such as pulmonary hypertension, acute lung injury, and lung cancer. However, few bibliometric studies on autophagy are available. The aim of the present study was to clarify the role of autophagy in lung diseases by bibliometric analysis.MethodsPublications were retrieved from the 2012–2021 Science Citation Index Expanded of Web of Science Core Collection on 20 September 2022. Bibliometrix package in R software was used for data retrieval. VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used to visualize the research focus and trend regarding the effect of autophagy on lung disease.ResultsA total of 4,522 original articles and reviews on autophagy in lung diseases published between 2012 and 2021 were identified. China had the largest number of published papers and citations, whereas the United States (US) ranked first in the H-index and G-index. Moreover, cooperation network analysis showed close cooperation between the US, China, and some European countries, and the top 10 affiliates were all from these countries and regions. Bibliometric analysis showed that “autophagy” and “apoptosis” were the keywords with the highest frequency. During the past decade, most studies were concerned with basic research on pathways related to the regulatory role of autophagy in the inhibition and attenuation of lung diseases.ConclusionThe study of autophagy in lung diseases is still in the development stage. The information published in these articles has helped researchers understand further the hot spots and development trends in the field more and learn about the collaboration network information regarding authors, countries, and institutions, as well as the paper citation correlation. More studies have been performed to gain deeper insights into the pathogenesis of autophagy by focusing on the links and effects between various diseases. More recently, research in this field has paid increasing attention to the function of autophagy in COVID-19–related lung diseases.
Tumor necrosis factor-α-primed mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes promote M2 macrophage polarization via Galectin-1 and modify intrauterine adhesion on a novel murine model
Authors: Li Jingman , Pan Yuchen , Yang Jingjing , Wang Jiali , Jiang Qi , Dou Huan , Hou Yayi 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundIntrauterine adhesion (IUA) is a condition caused due to damage or infection of the endometrium. It is characterized by continuous inflammation and following fibrosis and dysfunction. However, the current animal IUA models have several disadvantages, including complex operation, high mortality, and many extra distractions owing to opening of the abdominal cavity to expose the uterus. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have been used in treatment of IUA, are heterogeneous and immunosuppressive. However, their therapeutic effect is not as good as expected.MethodsHere, we successfully built a new murine IUA model, called electric tool-scratching IUA model, and applied it in our experiments to investigate the efficacy of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) primed MSCs (T-MSCs). In the new model, we used a self-made electric tool that can cause mechanical damage to the endometrium without opening the abdominal cavity. ELISA and histological staining analysis were performed to evaluate pathological features of IUA. qRT-PCR, flow cytometry and immunofluoresence staining were performed to detect the phenotypes of macrophages. TMT proteomics quantification and western blotting assay were performed to analyze the differentially expressed proteins of MSC exosomes.ResultsBased on the new IUA model, we found TNF-α pretreatment could enhance the ability of MSCs to relieve inflammation and reduce endometrium fibrosis. Mechanistically, T-MSC promoted macrophage polarization to M2 phenotype through exosomes. Subsequently, we found the expression of Galectin-1 was increased in T-MSC exosomes. Finally, we analyzed the gene expression pattern of Galectin-1 treated macrophages and found Galectin-1 promoted macrophage polarization to M2 phenotype mainly through the Jak-STAT signaling pathway.ConclusionsOur studies proposed an innovative mouse model and a better MSC treatment strategy for IUA.
Ocean acidification and ammonium enrichment interact to stimulate a short-term spike in growth rate of a bloom forming macroalga
Authors: Reidenbach Leah B. , Dudgeon Steve R. , Kübler Janet E. 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionThe coastal macroalgal genus, Ulva, is found worldwide and is considered a nuisance algal genus due to its propensity for forming vast blooms. The response of Ulva to ocean acidification (OA) is of concern, particularly with nutrient enrichment, as these combined drivers may enhance algal blooms because of increased availability of dissolved inorganic resources.MethodsWe determined how a suite of physiological parameters were affected by OA and ammonium (NH4+) enrichment in 22-day laboratory experiments to gain a mechanistic understanding of growth, nutrient assimilation, and photosynthetic processes. We predicted how physiological parameters change across a range of pCO2 and NH4+ scenarios to ascertain bloom potential under future climate change regimes.ResultsDuring the first five days of growth, there was a positive synergy between pCO2 and NH4+ enrichment, which could accelerate initiation of an Ulva bloom. After day 5, growth rates declined overall and there was no effect of pCO2, NH4+, nor their interaction. pCO2 and NH4+ acted synergistically to increase NO3- uptake rates, which may have contributed to increased growth in the first five days. Under the saturating photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) used in this experiment (500 μmol photon m-2 s-1), maximum photosynthetic rates were negatively affected by increased pCO2, which could be due to increased sensitivity to light when high CO2 reduces energy requirements for inorganic carbon acquisition. Activity of CCMs decreased under high pCO2 and high NH4+ conditions indicating that nutrients play a role in alleviating photodamage and regulating CCMs under high-light intensities.DiscussionThis study demonstrates that OA could play a role in initiating or enhancing Ulva blooms in a eutrophic environment and highlights the need for understanding the potential interactions among light, OA, and nutrient enrichment in regulating photosynthetic processes.
The influence of the modifying elements on the microstructure, mechanical, and deformation properties of aluminum alloys
Authors: Alzahrani Mahmoud A. , Moustafa Essam B. , Alsoruji Ghazi , Mosleh Ahmed O. 
Published: December 2022

In the current work, the standard A242 aluminum cast alloy is modified using the stir casting method with titanium (Ti) (0.5% wt.) and boron (B) (0.1% wt.) modifiers. Polarized optical and scanning electron microscopy were utilized to examine the A242 base microstructure, and A242 + TiB modified alloys; the results revealed that the modified A242 + TiB alloy was refined by 13.5 times more than the as-cast alloy. The mechanical properties were investigated experimentally using compression test in addition to the hardness test; the results revealed that the ultimate compressive strength of the A242 + TiB modified alloy was increased by 9.0% more than those of the A242 standard alloy. Moreover, the yield stress was enhanced by 40% at room temperature and 20% at 250 °C. The dynamic properties were studied using a free vibration impact test to study the modifiers’ effect on the dynamic behavior. The grain refinement notably impacted the damping capacity; due to the as-cast inhomogeneity, the conventional alloy A242 exhibited a greater FRF than the modified alloy A242 + TiB. The modified alloy displayed fewer resonance peaks due to grain refinement and excellent intermetallic phase distribution. The simulation process of the investigated alloys was performed using ABAQUS finite element software to predict the deformation behavior under different temperatures. The FE results showed that the modified alloy was more resistant to deformation by 9.1% than the reference alloy, A242, at room temperature and 7.6% at 250 °C, which agreed with the experimental findings.
The integration of morphological design and topology optimization to enhance the visual quality of electricity pylons
Authors: Di Angelo Luca , Furferi Rocco , Gherardini Francesco , Guardiani Emanuele 
Published: December 2022

Purpose: This paper aims to enhance the visual quality of artificial above-ground structures, like pylons, masts, and towers of infrastructures and facilities, through a systematic design method for their morphological and structural optimization.Design/methodology/approach: The method achieves the functional and aesthetic goals based on the application of computer-aided tools. In particular, this is achieved according to three key steps:• Morphological development of landscape-related symbolism, environment, or culture and social needs.• Topology optimization of the design concept to reduce the structural weight and its visual impact.• Engineering of the resulting optimized structure.Practical implications: As a case study, the method is used for designing electricity pylons for the coastal territory of a Mediterranean European country, such as Italy. Citizens were involved during the identification phase of a symbolic shape for the concept development and during the final assessment phase.Research limitations/implications: The engineering phase has been performed by assembling standard lattice components with welded connections. Even if the use of this truss-like structure should lead to a minimum cost, the developed structure employs an additional 15%–20% of trusses and sheet metal covers the final cost is higher than a standard lattice pylon.Findings: The result is a structure with enhanced visual quality according to the international guidelines and fully complying with mandatory and functional requirements, such as regulatory and industrial feasibility, as well as those arising from social components.Originality/value: The method shows its potential in defining a custom design for lightweight structures with enhanced visual quality regarding the critical situation discussed here. The method considers both the subjective perception of citizens and their priorities and the landscape where the structures will be installed.
Arrhythmia and other modifiable risk factors in incident dementia and MCI among elderly individuals with low educational levels in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Yen-Chang , Liu Chung-Hsiang , Liao Yu-Chi , Chang Hsin-Te , Chiu Pai-Yi 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionThere is increasing evidence that arrhythmia is a risk factor for dementia; however, it appears that arrhythmia affects the cognitive function of individuals differentially across age groups, races, and educational levels. Demographic differences including educational level have also been found to moderate the effects of modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline.MethodsThis study recruited 1,361 individuals including a group of cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals, a group of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and a group of patients with dementia with low education levels. The participants were evaluated in terms of modifiable risk factors for dementia, including arrhythmia and neuropsychiatric symptoms.ResultsCox proportional hazard regression models revealed that among older MCI patients (&gt;75 years), those with arrhythmia faced an elevated risk of dementia. Among younger MCI patients, those taking anti-hypertensive drugs faced a relatively low risk of dementia. Among younger MCI patients, male sex and higher educational level were associated with an elevated risk of dementia. Among CU individuals, those with coronary heart disease and taking anti-lipid compounds faced an elevated risk of MCI and those with symptoms of depression faced an elevated risk of dementia.DiscussionThe risk and protective factors mentioned above could potentially be used as markers in predicting the onset of dementia in clinical settings, especially for individuals with low educational levels.