bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geo-epidemiology of malaria incidence in the Vhembe District to guide targeted elimination strategies, South-Africa, 2015-2018: a local resurgence
Authors: Dieng Sokhna , Adebayo-Ojo Temitope Christina , Kruger Taneshka , Riddin Megan , Trehard Helene , Tumelero Serena , Bendiane Marc-Karim , De Jager Christiaan , Patrick Sean , Bornman Riana , Gaudart Jean 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
In South Africa, the population at risk of malaria is 10% (around six million inhabitants) and concern only three provinces of which Limpopo Province is the most affected, particularly in Vhembe District. To accelerate the elimination process, local targeting is necessary. There are no studies on malaria incidence at locality level, due to difficulty of population availability at this scale. The aim of this study was to identify and describe malaria incidence patterns at the locality scale in the Vhembe District.
Method
The study area comprised 474 localities in Vhembe District for which smoothed malaria incidence curve were fitted with functional data method based on their weekly observed malaria incidence from July 2015 to June 2018. Then, hierarchical clustering algorithm was carried out considering different distances to classify the 474 smoothed malaria incidence curves. Thereafter, validity indices were used to determine the number of malaria incidence patterns.
Results
The cumulative malaria incidence of the study area was 4.1 cases/1000 person-years. Four distinct patterns of malaria incidence were identified: high, intermediate, low and very low with varying characteristics. Malaria incidence increased across transmission seasons and patterns. The localities in the two highest incidence patterns were mainly located around farms, and along the rivers. Some unusual malaria phenomena in Vhembe District were also highlighted as resurgence.
Conclusion
Four distinct malaria incidence patterns were found in Vhembe District with varying characteristics. Findings show also unusual malaria phenomena in Vhembe District that hinder malaria elimination in South Africa. Assessing the factors associated with these unusual malaria phenome would be helpful on building innovative strategies that lead South Africa on malaria elimination.
Variable Curvature Modeling Method of Soft Continuum Robots with Constraints
Authors: Liu Yuwang , Shi Wenping , Chen Peng , Cheng Liang , Ding Qing , Deng Zhaoyan 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The inherent compliance of continuum robots holds great promise in the fields of soft manipulation and safe human-robot interaction. This compliance reduces the risk of damage to the manipulated object and the surroundings. However, continuum robots have theoretically infinite degrees of freedom, and this high flexibility usually leads to complex deformations with external forces and positional constraints. How to describe this complex deformation is the main challenge for modelling continuum robots.
In this study, we investigated a novel variable curvature modeling method for continuum robots, considering external forces and positional constraints. The robot configuration curve is described by the developed mechanics model, and then the robot is fitted to the curve. To validate the model, a 10-section continuum robot prototype with a length of 1m was developed. The ability of the robot to reach the target points and track complex trajectories with load verified the feasibility and accuracy of the model. This work maight serve a new perspective for design analysis and motion control of continuum robots.
Parishin A-loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Modulate Macrophage Polarization to Attenuate Tendinopathy
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhu Lisha , Jin Shanshan , Wang Yu , Niu Yuting , Yu Ming , Li Zixin , Chen Liyuan , Wu Xiaolan , Ding Chengye , Wu Tianhao , Shi Xinmeng , Zhang Yixin , Luo Dan 
Published: October 2022

AbstractMacrophages are involved mainly in the balance between inflammation and tenogenesis during the healing process of tendinopathy. However, there is still lack of etiological therapeutic strategies to modulate macrophage state to treat tendinopathy efficiently. Here, we find that a small molecule compound Parishin-A (PA) isolated from Gastrodia elata could promote anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage polarization by inhibiting gene transcription and protein phosphorylation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 1. Local injection or sustained delivery of PA by mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) could almost recover the native tendon’s dense parallel-aligned collagen matrix in collagenase-induced tendinopathy by modulating macrophage-mediated immune microenvironment and preventing heterotopic ossification. Especially, MSNs decrease doses of PA, frequency of injection and yield preferable therapeutic effects. Mechanistically, intervention with PA could indirectly inhibit activation of mammalian target of rapamycin to repress chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of tendon stem/progenitor cells by influencing macrophage inflammatory cytokine secretion. Together, pharmacological intervention with natural small-molecule compound to modulate macrophage status appears to be a promising strategy for tendinopathy treatment.
Comprehensive analysis of m6A related gene mutation characteristics and prognosis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Jiang Tao , Xing Linshuai , Zhao Lipeng , Ye Ziqi , Yu Dong , Lin Shengtao 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered as the second most common cancer worldwide. M6A RNA methylation is involved in diverse biological processes. Studies have shown that m6A RNA methylation abnormalities play an important role in the pathogenesis of many human diseases, including cancer. The current study was designed to characterize the mutation of m6A related genes and explore their prognostic role in colorectal cancer.
Methods
RNA-seq data and somatic mutation data of TCGA-COAD and TCGA-READ were downloaded from UCSC xena for comprehensive analysis. M6A related genes were selected from previous literatures, including "Writer" protein (METTL3, METTL5, METTL14, METTL16, ZC3H13, RBM15, WTAP, KIAA1429), "Reader" protein YTHDF1、YTHDF2、YTHDF3、YTHDC1、YTHDC2、HNRNPC、IGF2BP1、IGF2BP2、IGF2BP3), and "Eraser" protein (FTO、ALKBH5). Univariate Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier were used to explore the correlation between m6A-related genes and colorectal cancer prognosis. The correlations between m6A-related genes and clinical parameters and immune-related indicators were explored by Spearman correlation analysis.
Results
In CRC, the expressions of m6A-related genes were significantly different between CRC and normal control except METTL14、YTHDF2、YTHDF3. Some of CRC patients (178 in 536) have a m6A-related genes mutation. ZC3H13 has highest mutation frequency of all m6A-related genes. M6A-related genes mainly enrich in regulation of mRNA metabolic process pathway. Patients with high expressions of FMR1、LRPPRC、METTL14、RBMX 、YTHDC2、 YTHDF2、YTHDF3 have poor prognosis in CRC. There was a significant correlation between the FMR1、LRPPRC、RBMX 、YTHDC2、 IGF2BP1 expression and the clinical characteristics of CRC. In addition, these genes are significantly associated with immune-related indicators. According to the expression patterns of FMR1, LRPPRC, RBMX, YTHDC2, and IGF2BP1, patients with CRC were clustered into two groups, and their survival was significantly different. By evaluating the tumor microenvironment in two clusters using ssGSEA, expressions of immune checkpoints and GSVA enrichment analysis, we observed that the immune and stem cell index of two cluster were much different.
Conclusion
Our study identified novel prognostic markers associated with immune of CRC cancer patients. Moreover, the potential mechanisms of prognostic markers in regulating the etiology of CRC cancer were investigated. These findings enrich our understanding of the relationships between m6a related genes and CRC, and may provide novel ideas in the therapy of CRC patients.
Avoiding extraction of severely damaged teeth: Impact of crown-root ratio altering apical root resection, orthodontic extrusion, and surgical crown lengthening on load capability
Authors: Naumann Michael , Adali U. , Rosentritt M. , Happe A. , Frankenberger R. , Sterzenbach G. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Objectives

to investigate the biomechanical impact of procedures changing crown-to-root ratio (RCRR) aimed to restore severely damaged upper central incisors to avoid tooth extraction compared to implant placement. There is no evidence on load capability after apical root resection (AS), orthodontic extrusion (OE), and surgical crown lengthening (SCL) in respect to RCRR, respectively.

Material and Methods

Human maxillary central incisors were endodontically treated, decoronated and divided into 4 groups (n = 48). Following specimen preparation was performed: (I) adhesive core-and-post build-up (control), (II) as (I) and 2mm apical root resection (AS), (III) before adhesive core-and-post build-up teeth were shortened 2mm coronally (OE) (IV) as (I), but specimens were embedded 4mm instead of 2mm below the CEJ (SCL), group (V) implant-borne restoration with individual all-ceramic abutments (n = 12; ∅4.1/l = 12mm) (IBR). All specimens received all-ceramic crowns, thermo-mechanical (TML), and subsequent linear loading (LL) until failure. RCRR were calculated and Log-rank, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney-U, ANOVA, and Chi-Square tests applied (p = 0.05).

Results

Fracture loads after subsequent LL differed significantly (p = 0.001) between groups, while implants showed highest values. Fmax median (min/max): (I) 252 (204/542), (II) 293 (243/443), (III) 253 (183/371), (IV) 195 (140/274), (V) 446 (370/539). Pair-wise comparison showed significant differences (p = 0.001) between group I / IV and group V, I and IV (p = 0.045), II and IV (p = 0.001), and III compared to IV (p = 0.033), respectively. RCRR below 1 significantly increased load capability compared to RCRR =1.

Conclusions

OE appears to preferable to ensure biomechanical stability of severely damaged teeth compared to SCL. AR has no adverse biomechanical impact. RCRR < 1 is biomechanically beneficial.
Clinical Relevance: In case of a severely damaged maxillary incisor orthodontic extrusion should be preferred compared to surgical crown lengthening prior single-crown restoration. As orthodontic extrusion apical root resection has no adverse effect on load capability. Single-crown implant-borne restoration are most load capable.
Integrating Herbal Medicine into Oncology Care Delivery: Development, Implementation and Evaluation of a Novel Program
Authors: Hou Yen-Nien , Chimonas Susan , Gubili Jyothirmai , Deng Gary , Mao Jun 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Objective
To develop, implement and evaluate a novel program facilitating patient-provider communication about, and appropriate use of, herbal medicine at a large academic cancer center.
Methods
In the Herbal Oncology Program (HOP), integrative medicine providers counseled patients about unmet symptom needs and prescribed traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs when indicated, taking into consideration the clinical context, patient preference, and research evidence. Follow-ups assessed use and tracked outcomes. Medical record data included symptoms and other concerns that motivated patients to seek herbal products; types and numbers of dispensed TCM herbs; and demographic characteristics. A survey assessed patient experience and satisfaction.
Results
All 851 participants were outpatients, with 712 (84%) in active treatment. HOP dispensed 1266 herbal prescriptions for a range of symptoms, most commonly GI symptoms (467, 37%); pain (353, 28%); and treatment-related fatigue, sleep and mood disorders (346, 27%). Of 269 patients invited to the survey, 107 (40%) completed it. A majority 70.9% (73/103) were satisfied with the effectiveness of dispensed herbs in relieving their symptoms, and few 6.7% (7/104) had experienced mild adverse events that resolved after discontinuing herbal use.
Conclusions
HOP demonstrates the feasibility of integrating herbal medicine into an academic oncology setting. Patient satisfaction with HOP was high, with limited adverse events. The patterns of herbal prescriptions in HOP suggest future areas for clinical research to strengthen the evidence base around safe and effective use.
Automatic detection and vascular territory classification of hyperacute staged ischemic stroke on diffusion weighted image using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Lee Kun-Yu , Liu Chia-Chuan , Chen David Yen-Ting , Weng Chi-Lun , Chiu Hung-Wen , Chiang Chen-Hua 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Automated ischemic stroke detection and classification according to its vascular territory is an essential step in stroke image evaluation, especially at hyperacute stage where mechanical thrombectomy may improve patients’ outcome. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of various convolutional neural network (CNN) models on hyperacute staged diffusion-weighted images (DWI) for detection of ischemic stroke and classification into anterior circulation infarct (ACI), posterior circulation infarct (PCI) and normal image slices.
Materials and Methods
In this retrospective study, 253 cases of hyperacute staged DWI were identified, downloaded and reviewed. After exclusion, DWI from 127 cases were used and we created a dataset containing total of 2119 image slices, and separates it into three groups, namely ACI (618 slices), PCI (149 slices) and normal (1352 slices). Two transfer learning based CNN models, namely Inception-V3, EfficientNet-b0 and one self-derived modified LeNet model were used. The performance of the models was evaluated and activation maps using gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-Cam) technique were made.
Results
Inception-V3 had the best overall accuracy (86.3%), weighted F1 score (86.2%) and kappa score (0.715), followed by modified LeNet (85.2% accuracy, 84.7% weighted F1 score and 0.693 kappa score). The EfficientNet-b0 had the poorest performance of 83.6% accuracy, 83% weighted F1 score and 0.662 kappa score. The activation map showed that one possible explanation for misclassification is due to susceptibility artifact.
Conclusions
A sufficiently high performance can be achieved by using CNN model to detect ischemic stroke on hyperacute staged DWI and classify it according to vascular territory.
On the characterization of bias errors in defocusing-based 3D particle tracking velocimetry for microfluidics
Authors: Coutinho Gonçalo , Moita Ana , Ribeiro Ana , Moreira António , Rossi Massimiliano 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
In this work, we provide a systematic theoretical and experimental characterization of bias errors in defocusing particle tracking (DPT) methods with respect to microfluidic applications. Bias errors are often neglected in DPT measurements and to date only few works reported empirical procedures to compensate for that. A generalized bias correction procedure as well as a systematic characterization of the impact of such error in DPT measurements is still lacking.We show that the field curvature aberration and the refractive index mismatch are the main sources of bias error in these applications. We propose a correction methodology based on the determination of the curved focal plane by means of a reference measurement of a Poiseuille flow.We discuss the impact of the refractive index mismatch and how to correctly compensate for it. We validated our methodology and quantified the bias errors on 10 different experimental setups, using different working fluids, materials, geometries, and microscope objective lenses ranging from 5 \(\times\) to 40$\times$ magnification. Our results indicate that the impact of this type of bias errors is in general not predictable and must be evaluated case by case. The proposed methodology allows to estimate and minimize the bias error in most microfluidic setups and is suitable for any single-camera DPT approach.
Effect of ICU quality control indicators on VAP incidence and mortality: a Retrospective Study of 1267 hospitals in China
Authors: Ding Xin , Ma Xudong , Gao Sifa , Su Longxiang , Shan Guangliang , Hu Yaoda , Chen Jieqin , Ma Dandan , Zhang Feng , Zhu Wen , Sun Guoqiang , Meng Xiaoyang , Ma Lian , Zhou Xiang , Liu Dawei , Du Bin 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the effects of ICU quality control indicators on the VAP morbidity and mortality in China throughout 2019
Methods
This was a retrospective study. A total of 1267 ICUs from 30 provinces in mainland China were included. Data were collected using the National Clinical Improvement System Data that reports ICU information. 10 related quality control indicators were analyzed, including 5 structural factors (patient-to-bed ratio, physician-to-bed ratio, nurse-to-bed ratio, patient-to-physician ratio, patient-to-nurse ratio), 3 process factors (unplanned endotracheal extubation rate, reintubation rate within 48h, and microbiology detection rate before antibiotic use) and 2 outcome factors (VAP morbidity and mortality). The information of most common infectious pathogens and most common used antibiotics in ICU was also collected. Generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze the association between these factors and VAP morbidity and mortality.
Results
The morbidity of VAP in these hospitals in 2019 was 5.03 (2.38, 10.25) per 1000 ventilator days, and the mortality of VAP was 11.11 (0.32, 26.00)%. The most common causative pathogen was Acinetobacter baumannii (in 39.98% hospitals), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (38.26%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. In 26.90% hospitals, third-generation cephalosporin was the most used antibiotics, followed by carbapenem (24.22%), penicillin and beta-lactamase inhibitor combination (20.09%), cephalosporin with beta-lactamase inhibitor (17.93%). All the structural factors were significantly associated with VAP morbidity, but not with the mortality, although the trend was inconsistent. Process factors including unplanned endotracheal extubation rate, reintubation rate in 48 hours and microbiology detection rate before antibiotic use were associated with higher VAP mortality, while unplanned endotracheal extubation rate and reintubation rate in 48 hours were associated with higher VAP mortality. Furthermore, K. pneumoniae as the most common pathogen was associated with higher VAP mortality, and carbapenems as the most used antibiotics was associated with lower VAP mortality.
Conclusion
This study highlights the association between the ICU QC factors and VAP morbidity and mortality. The process factors rather than the structural factors need to be further improved for the QC of VAP in ICU.
The vessels around the transverse colon mesentery – An investigation using 44 cadaver specimens and 505 cases in which dynamic computed tomography angiography was performed
Authors: Ogi Yusuke , Egi Hiroyuki , Ishimaru Kei , Koga Shigehiro , Yoshida Motohira , Kikuchi Satoshi , Akita Satoshi , Sugishita Hiroki , Matsumoto Hironori , Shimokawa Tetsuya , Takeuchi Akihide , Watanabe Yuji 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background. Laparoscopic and robotic surgery for transverse colon cancer are difficult due to complex fusion of the foregut and midgut and variation of the vessels of the transverse colon. Although the vessels of the right colon have been investigated, middle colic artery (MCA) variation and the relationship with vessels around the transvers colon are unknown. We investigated variation of the MCA using computed tomography angiography (CTA) and cadaver specimen, and the relationship between the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and MCA using CTA. The classification of vessels around the transverse colon may lead to safer and reliable surgery. Methods. This study included 505 consecutive patients who underwent CTA in our institution from 2014 to 2020 and 44 cadaver specimens. Vascular anatomical classifications and relationships were analyzed using CT images. Results. The MCA was defined as the arteries arising from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) that flowed into the transverse colon at the distal ends. The classifications were as follows: Type I, branching right and left from common trunk; Type II, the right and left branches bifurcated separately from the SMA; and Type III, the MCA branched from a vessel other than the SMA. Type II was subclassified into two subtypes, Type IIa with one left branch and Type IIb with two or more left branches from SMA. In the CTA and cadaver studies, respectively, the classifications were as follows: type I, n = 290 and n = 31; type IIa, n = 211 and n = 13; type IIb, n = 3 and n = 0; and type III, n = 1 and n = 0. We classified the relationship between the MCA and left side of the SMV into three types: Type A, a common trunk runs along the left edge of the SMV (n = 173; 59.7%); Type B, a right branch of the MCA runs along the left edge of the SMV (n = 116; 40.0%); and type C, the MCA runs dorsal of the SMV (n = 1; 0.3%). Conclusions. This study revealed that The MCA branching classifications and relationship between the SMV and MCA. Preoperative CT angiography may be able to reliably identify vessel variation, which may be practically useful.
Comprehensive performance of a low-cost spring-assisted mechanism for digital light processing
Authors: Yang Cheng-Jung , Wu Sin-Syuan 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
In the field of additive layer manufacturing, constrained-surface digital light processing has attracted considerable attention due to its high precision and low material loss. During the process of separating the cured layer from the resin tank, the high separation force generated by the pulling-up mechanism increases the printing failure rate and reduces the life cycle of the resin tank. Although changing the separation mechanism can significantly reduce the separation force, this often has the tradeoff of high equipment costs. This study comprehensively evaluated the performance of a low-cost spring-assisted mechanism for the separation process. The Taguchi method was used to confirm the variability of the spring-assisted mechanism and obtain the parameters that minimize the separation force and time. The spring-assisted mechanism was then applied to printing different geometric shapes and areas, and the results demonstrated better manufacturing stability than the pulling-up or tilting mechanism. A linear regression equation was established to predict the separation force of specific geometric shapes and areas to greatly reduce the calculation costs and time.