bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The burden of acid soils for crop production in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Silva Joao , Aramburu-Merlos Fernando , Baudron Frederic , Gameda Samuel , Sida Tesfaye , Ruganzu Vicky , Meliyo Joel , Jaleta Moti , Chamberlin Jordan , Hijmans Robert
Published: June 2024

Acid soils are widespread across sub-Saharan Africa. Agricultural lime can be used to alleviate production constraints associated with soil acidity, but lime is not widely available in the region, and it is unclear how profitable its use would be. To guide potential investments in lime market development, we estimated the profitability of acid soil remediation through liming. Crop yield loss to soil acidity occurs on 32.7 M ha, or 23% of sub-Saharan Africa’s cropland. The burden of acid soils is $6.0 billion (6% of the current production value), and 70% of that could be profitably alleviated. Under prevailing conditions, liming would be profitable in the year of application on 4.6 M ha, with an average profitability of $340 ha-1, and on 5.7 M ha when considering the multiple years that liming has an effect. Intensification of crop production and lower relative lime/output prices could make liming profitable on more cropland.
Highly aligned bacterial cellulose/PPy gradient conductive membranes for directed cell differentiation under electrical stimulation
Authors: Wang Li , Qi Fuyu , Wang Hao , Li Shuangshuang , Hu Sanming , Shi Zhijun , Yang Guang , Chen Hong
Published: June 2024

Both of the topographical and gradient conductive cues can influence the cellular activity and thereby tissue regeneration. However, they have not been combined simultaneously onto biomaterial with electrical stimulation to demonstrate the synergistic role so far. Herein, we assume that a bacterial cellulose (BC) -based membrane by incorporating aligned nanofibers and a concentration gradient of polypyrrole (PPy) with electrical stimulation treatment will promote cell differentiation in peripheral nerve regeneration. The results showed that PPy were successfully deposited on the aligned BC/PPy with gradient conductive structure, which exhibited good mechanical property, thermal stability, the gradient decrease in surface resistance, gradient increase in surface current from the up to down segments, as well as excellent biocompatibility. Especially, the membranes promoted the gradient proliferation and differentiation of PC12 cells in vitro. Importantly, combined with electric field (EF), the aligned BC/PPy gradient conductive membranes synergistically directed the differentiation of PC12 cells. The overall results suggest the aligned BC/PPy gradient conductive membranes with EF could be a promising therapeutic strategy to guide cellular activities for peripheral nerve regeneration.
Novel multifibrillar carbon and oxidation-stable carbon/ceramic hybrid fibers consisting of thousands of individual nanofibers with high tensile strength
Authors: Denk Jakob , Liao Xiaojian , Knolle Wolfgang , Kahnt Axel , Greiner Andreas , Schafföner Stefan , Agarwal Seema , Motz Guenter
Published: June 2024

In this study, multifibrillar carbon and carbon/ceramic (C/SiCON) fibers consisting of thousands of single nanofibers are continuously manufactured. The process starts with electrospinning of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and PAN/oligosilazane precursors resulting in poorly aligned polymer fibers. Subsequent stretching leads to parallel aligned multifibrillar fibers, which are continuously stabilized and pyrolyzed to C or C/SiCON hybrid fibers. The multifibrillar carbon fibers show a high tensile strength of 911 MPa and Young’s modulus of 154 GPa, whereas the multifibrillar C/SiCON fibers initially have only tensile strengths of 407 MPa and Young’s modulus of 77 GPa, due to sticking of the nanofibers during the stabilization in air. Additional curing with electron beam radiation, results in a remarkable increase in tensile strength of 707 MPa and Young's modulus of 98 GPa. The good mechanical properties are highlighted by the low linear density of the multifibrillar C/SiCON fibers (~1 tex) compared to conventional C and SiC fiber bundles (~200 tex). In combination with the large surface area of the fibers better mechanical properties of respective composites with a reduced fiber content can be achieved. In addition, the developed approach offers high potential to produce advanced endless multifibrillar carbon and C/SiCON nanofibers in an industrial scale.
Heavy metals removal by the microalgae Chlorococcum dorsiventrale : insights from enzymatic and molecular analysis
Authors: Hmani Rihab , Elleuch Jihen , Elleuch Fatma , Drira Marwa , Michaud Philippe , Aleya Lotfi , Abdelkafi Slim , Fendri Imen
Published: June 2024

Heavy metals are one of the main threats to marine life and ecosystems and any remedial action in that regard is urgently required. The aim of this work is to study the bioaccumulation of cadmium, chromium and lead in the microalgae Chlorococcum dorsiventrale isolated from Tunisian coastal waters along with assessing its enzymatic and molecular responses. This strain tolerated Cd and Cr accumulation while resisting that of Pb. Cd and Cr exposures elicited a decrease in chlorophyll, lipid and polysaccharide contents whereas no damages were detected following Pb treatment. For protein content, no significant changes were seen except for Pb which exhibited a slight increase after treatment with 5 mg/L. Stress defense-related genes expression using qRT-PCR revealed that exposure to Pb and Cr induced an up-regulation of catalase, superoxide dismutase and photosystem II protein D1 encoding genes while heat shock protein 70 was slightly overexpressed. As a result, removal efficiencies for Cr and Pb attained 89% and 95% respectively. The mechanisms whereby C. dorsiventrale was able to induce Cr biosorption were intracellular and extracellular adsorption while Pb was predominantly removed by adsorption.
Severe Dysphagia in a Patient with Wallenberg Syndrome and Killian Jamieson Diverticulum: A Case Report
Authors: Cotaoco Carmel , Goto Takao , Koyama Misaki , Sato Taku , Kondo Kenji , Ueha Rumi
Published: June 2024

Introduction
Lateral medullary syndrome (Wallenberg syndrome) and Killian Jamieson diverticulum are both conditions known to cause dysphagia. Here we present the first reported case of severe dysphagia due to Wallenberg syndrome and a Killian Jamieson diverticulum discovered incidentally during videofluoroscopic swallowing study.
Case Presentation
A 66-year-old male previously diagnosed with Wallenberg syndrome was referred to our hospital due to severe dysphagia. Pre-operative work-up revealed decreased left-sided pharyngeal contraction, left vocal fold paralysis, impaired laryngeal elevation, and poor upper esophageal sphincter relaxation during swallowing. Furthermore, on videofluoroscopic swallowing study, an incidental finding of a contrast-filled outpouching of the esophagus on the left, below the level of the cricopharyngeus, indicated the presence of a pharyngoesophageal diverticulum. The patient underwent bilateral cricopharyngeal myotomy with diverticulectomy, laryngeal suspension surgery, and tracheostoma revision. The diagnosis of a Killian Jamieson diverticulum was confirmed based on intra-operative findings, as the diverticular pouch was indeed seen to be located below the cricopharyngeal muscle.
Conclusion
For patients with severe dysphagia that does not improve with swallowing rehabilitation, swallowing improvement surgery is an option. It aims to improve pre-operatively identified dysfunctional sites in the swallowing mechanism. It is important to always consider pharyngoesophageal diverticula as a possible cause of dysphagia so as not to miss the diagnosis. In this patient’s case, diverticulectomy was necessary to ensure the best possible outcomes in terms of improving his dysphagia.
Assessment of Insulin Resistance, Oxidative Stress, and Liver Function in Type 2 Diabetic Patients on Dapagliflozin
Authors: Hadid Khalil A. , Alassaf Fawaz A. , Abed Mohammed N. , Alsaaty Mohammad Harith
Published: June 2024

Purpose
Investigation of the effect of dapagliflozin, on insulin resistance (InRs), glycemic control, oxidative stress (OS), and liver function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) by evaluating the consequence of adding dapagliflozin to metformin.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study enrolled 117 participants from November 2023 to April 2024. Participants were assigned into three groups. The control group included 48 healthy individuals; the metformin group (DM + MET) included 39 patients, and the metformin and dapagliflozin group (DM + MET + DAPA) included 30 patients.
Results
The DM + MET + DAPA group had significantly higher serum insulin and InRs than the DM + MET group (p > 0.001 and 0.05 respectively). Dapagliflozin did not disrupt liver function tests. Conversely, A significant decrease in AST levels (p < 0.01) was observed compared to metformin alone. Analysis of OS markers revealed a significant increase in malondialdehyde level and a decrease in total antioxidant capacity (p < 0.01) in dapagliflozin users compared to the DM + MET group.
Conclusion
Adding dapagliflozin to metformin did not improve insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetics who are beyond the early stage of the disease, possibly due to deteriorated OS. However, the apparent reduction in AST and neutral effect on other liver function parameters suggests dapagliflozin as an add-on therapy to metformin in diabetic liver diseases. However, routine monitoring of insulin sensitivity is recommended in this patient group.
Tunable Schottky barriers and magnetoelectric coupling driven by ferroelectric polarization reversal of In2Se3/MnI3 multiferroic heterostructures: A first-principles study
Authors: Guo Hao , Zhang Tao , Shen Jiao , Liang Ying , Fan Haidong , Jiang Wentao , Wang Qingyuan , Tian Xiaobao
Published: June 2024

Two-dimensional (2D) multiferroic materials are recognized as promising candidates for next-generation nanodevices due to their tunable magnetoelectric coupling and distinctive physical phenomena. In this study, we proposed a novel 2D multiferroic van der Waals heterostructure (vdWH) by stacking atomic layers of ferroelectric In2Se3 and ferromagnetic MnI3. Using first-principles calculations, we found that the MnI3/In2Se3 vdWH exhibit robust metallic conductivity across various spin and polarization states, preserving the distinctive band characteristics of isolated In2Se3 and MnI3. However, the alignment of Fermi levels causes the conduction band minimum (CBM) and valence band maximum (VBM) of In2Se3 and MnI3 to shift relative to their original band structures. Remarkably, the MnI3/In2Se3 with the upward polarization state of In2Se3 exhibits an Ohmic contact. Switching the polarization direction of In2Se3 from upward to downward can transform the MnI3/In2Se3 vdWH from an Ohmic contact to a p-type Schottky contact, while also modifying its dipole moment, magnetic strength and direction. Based on these properties of MnI3/In2Se3 vdWH, we designed the field-effect transistors (FETs) with high on/off rates and nonvolatile data storage device. Furthermore, the Schottky barrier heights (SBHs), magnetic moment, and dipole moment of MnI3/In2Se3 vdWH can also be effectively regulated by reducing the interlayer distance. With the continuous reduction of the interlayer distance of MnI3/In2Se3 vdWH, its easy magnetization axis is expected to shift from in-plane to out-of-plane. These findings offer new insights for the design and development of the next-generation spintronic and nonvolatile memory nanodevices.
Surgical treatment of primary intracranial and extracranial communicating leiomyosarcoma: a case report
Authors: Pu Kuairong , Wang Tianhong , Li Zhe , Lin Xiwen , Wu Jun , Shao Dongchuan , Zhao Nan
Published: June 2024

Background: Primary intracranial-extracranial communicating leiomyosarcomas, capable of invading both the intracranial and extracranial regions and involving complex anatomical structures, are exceedingly rare neoplasms.
Case presentation: A 37-year-old male patient who initially presented with a subcutaneous mass on the left frontal vertex. Following surgical intervention, a recurrent lump appeared on the left frontotemporal vertex. Symptoms, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a lump on the left frontal vertex accompanied by an irregular abnormal lesion. On both occasions, the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma was confirmed. The patient underwent leiomyosarcoma excision under general anesthesia. Recurrence of the leiomyosarcoma occurred 2 years and 4 months post-surgery, necessitating an expanded excision of the lesion. After 2 years of follow-up, no significant complications were observed, and the patient's condition remains stable.
Conclusion: Primary extracranial communicating leiomyosarcoma is an exceptionally rare entity, with surgery currently serving as the primary treatment modality. The decision to excise the lesion should be based on the patient’s age, tumor location, pathological features, and the presence of distant metastases.
Critical Analysis and Application of Enhanced Hunter-Prey Algorithm for MPPT in Photovoltaic Systems Under Complex Partial Shading Conditions
Authors: Li Zhuoxuan , Fu Changxin
Published: June 2024

The Hunter Prey Optimization (HPO) algorithm represents a novel population-based optimization approach renowned for its efficacy in addressing intricate problems and optimization challenges. Photovoltaic (PV) systems, characterized by multi-peaked shading conditions, often pose a challenge to conventional Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) techniques in accurately identifying the global maximum power point. In this research, an MPPT control strategy grounded in Improved Hunter Prey Optimization (IHPO) is proposed. Eight distinct shading scenarios are meticulously crafted to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed MPPT method in capturing the maximum power point. The performance evaluation is conducted utilizing both MATLAB simulation and an embedded system, alongside a comparative analysis with alternative power tracking methodologies, considering the diverse climatic conditions across different seasons. Simulation outcomes demonstrate the capability of the proposed control strategy in accurately tracking the global maximum power point, achieving a commendable efficiency of 100% across seven shading conditions with a tracking response time of approximately 0.2 seconds. Verification results obtained from the experimental platform illustrate a tracking efficiency of 98.75% for the proposed method. Finally, the IHPO method's output performance is evaluated on the StarSim RCP platform, indicating a substantial enhancement in the tracking efficiency of the photovoltaic system while maintaining rapid response times.
Coping and Emotional Development for Adolescents to Reduce Stress (CEDARS): Pilot test of a school-based positive psychological intervention for adolescents
Authors: Kamsickas Lisa , Stephens Jacquelyn E. , Jackson Kathryn , Heard-Garris Nia , Chang Vickie , Schoeps Konstanze , Bussolari Cori J. , Vo Dzung X. , Moskowitz Judith T. , Duncan Larissa G.
Published: June 2024

Introduction:
This study tested the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of Coping and Emotional Development for Adolescents to Reduce Stress (CEDARS) a positive psychological intervention (PPI), tailored for adolescents and administered in a classroom setting, in boosting CEDARS skill use and emotional well-being.
Method:
Adolescents (N = 102, 45% female) aged 13-15, in four physical education classes at the same school were randomly assigned by classroom to either receive the CEDARS intervention (n = 59) or engage in the usual class activities (n = 44). Participants completed self-report measures at three time points assessing use of intervention skills, positive and negative affect, depressive symptoms, and perceived stress.
Results and Conclusion:
Groups differed significantly on race with 57% of the intervention group compared to 75% of the control group identifying as Asian or Pacific Islander. Race-adjusted analyses revealed that both groups improved on intervention skill use, negative affect, depressive symptoms, and perceived stress. The group by time interaction was significant such that the CEDARS group increased skill use from pre- to post- intervention and this difference persisted at follow-up. Contrary to hypotheses, there were also significant group by time interactions indicating that the control group had a steeper decline in depression and perceived stress from pre- to post-intervention. Students reported high acceptability and feasibility and suggested key changes to increase engagement. The current study expands on the existing PPI literature focused on adolescents and highlights the need for larger and more diverse samples, as well as developmentally- and culturally-tailored interventions.
Computed Tomography Enterography-Based Radiomics Nomograms to Predict Inflammatory Activity for Ileocolonic Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Ma Yuping , Zhu Luanxin , Cui Bota , Zhang Faming , Li Haige , Zhu Jianguo
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesTo develop and validate nomograms, derived from morphological features, and computed tomography enterography (CTE) -based radiomics, for evaluating inflammatory activity in patients with ileocolonic Crohn’s disease (CD).
MethodsA total of 54 CD patients (237 bowel segments) with clinically confirmed CD were retrospectively reviewed. The simple endoscopic score for Crohn’s disease (SES-CD) was used as a reference standard to quantify the degree of mucosal inflammation and evaluate the disease severity. Radiomics and image morphological features were extracted in the training cohort, and then a morphological model (M-score) and a radiomics model (Rad-score) were built respectively. A combined nomogram was further generated by incorporating M-score and Rad-score. Predictive values of each model were assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were employed to evaluate the accuracy and clinical applicability of the nomogram in the testing cohort.
ResultsThe area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the nomogram, based on the stenosis, comb sign and Rad-score, was 0.834 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.728–0.940] for distinguishing active from remissive disease. Moreover, the nomogram built using comb sign and Rad-score also achieved satisfied AUC [0.781 (95%CI: 0.611–0.951)] in distinguishing mild activity from moderate-to-severe activity. The calibration curve and DCA confirmed the accuracy and clinical utility of both nomograms.
Conclusions Nomograms constructed by combining CTE-based radiomics and morphological features might be a useful supporting tool for grading inflammatory activity, aiding clinical decision-making for the management of CD.
DSCANet: Underwater Acoustic Target Recognition Using the Depthwise Separable Convolutional Attention Module
Authors: Tang Chonghua , Hu Gang
Published: June 2024

The classification and recognition of underwater acoustic targets is a critical support technology for underwater acoustic information countermeasures. The extraction and classification of features of the underwater target is its research focus. Researchers have done an in-depth study from multiple perspectives. However, because the underwater acoustic signal is affected by ambient noise and operating conditions of different targets, the signal-to-noise ratio of the underwater acoustic signal is very low, the components of underwater acoustic signal are complicated, and specific signal pre-processing is usually necessary, such as signal enhancement and signal decomposition. In existing methods, the main focus is on extracting and classifying underwater acoustic signal features after multi-step preprocessing. However, these methods overlook the integration of feature extraction and classification, leading to certain drawbacks. To overcome these limitations, we propose a new model called Depthwise Separable Convolutional Attention (DSCA). This model can better recognize and classify underwater acoustic targets. We also use multiple DSCAs to construct a neural network, which we called DSCANet. The DSCANet can be used for classification and recognition of underwater acoustic targets. The structure of the DSCANet is unified and simple, and no specific pre-processing of the underwater acoustic signal is necessary. Spatial structure features are extracted from bottom layers of the DSCANet, and semantic features are extracted from top layers of the DSCANet, and then classifying them. The DSCANet integrates feature extraction and target classification for underwater acoustic targets. The DSCANet is trained and validated on ShipsEar, an open dataset, the classification accuracy reaches 93%, which is the highest in contrast experiment.
Systemic risk approach to mitigate delay cascading in railway networks
Authors: Daniotti Simone , Servedio Vito DP , Kager Johannes , Robben-Baldauf Aad , Thurner Stefan
Published: June 2024

Delay cascades may significantly disrupt the regular operation of public transportation systems. What are the origins and processes involved in delay-spreading in public railway systems? How can delay propagation in national railway systems be efficiently managed with a minimum of effort? With a network-based systemic risk approach, we quantify the impact of trains on the system.This allows us to find which train assignments play the leading roles in transmitting delays to following trains. This identification of weak spots in the system now enables us to effectively reduce delay cascades by adding very few specific short-distance train services. Agent-based simulations validate our results.
Rapid and precise large area mapping of rare-earth doping homogeneity in luminescent materials
Authors: Hrabovsky Jan , Kucera Miroslav , Palousova Lucie , Zázvorka Jakub , Kubat Jan , Bi Lei , Veis Martin
Published: June 2024

Doping of luminescent materials by rare-earth (RE) ions is a common practice to achieve desired emission properties in a broad spectral range for large variety of applications including lasers, light emitting diodes, scintillators, quantum technologies, thermoluminescence dosimetry, biomedical/theranostic platforms, etc. As several rare-earths ions are frequently combined, it is subsequently difficult to effectively detect and control their homogeneous distribution within the host material. In this work, the simple, rapid, large scale and precise method of RE mapping using the commercial UV-Vis scanner is presented on the example of Gd/Ce-doped YAG/LuAG single crystals with inhomogeneous RE distribution. Moreover, the influence of RE distribution on the physical, optical and luminescent properties is discussed, with no observable qualitative effect on photoluminescent emission, luminescence decay kinetic and moreover to optical anisotropy. In contrary, RE rich areas exhibit significantly higher values of refractive index, Faraday rotation as well as optical absorption and observed parameter changes precisely followed the RE distribution borders identified by commercial scanner device. Presented method thus provides accurate information about the RE distribution in the material volume in high resolution (≈20 μm) compared to other techniques and thus offers simple, cheap and precise tool for the RE ions mapping in transparent materials.
Lidocaine and risk of postoperative vomiting in children undergoing tonsillectomy: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Hu Yang , Du Ming-cheng , Chen Yi , Long Xiang , Jiang Jing-jing , Gong Yuan
Published: June 2024

The dose-response of intravenous lidocaine for preventing postoperative vomiting (POV) in children is unclear. This study investigated whether intravenous lidocaine dose-dependently decreases POV risk within 24 h postoperatively in children undergoing tonsillectomy (with/without adenoidectomy) without severe complications. Patients aged 3–12 years (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I–II) scheduled for elective tonsillectomy (with/without adenoidectomy) were enrolled from December 2021 to March 2022. They were randomly grouped according to the lidocaine dose (A [0 mg kg-1], B [1 mg kg-1], C [1.5 mg kg-1], and D [2 mg kg-1]) and were administered the same induction protocol (sufentanil, propofol, and suxamethonium chloride). Anaesthesia was maintained using sevoflurane. POV incidence within 24 h postoperatively was 46%, 40%, 36%, and 20% in groups A, B, C, and D, respectively, with significant differences between groups D and A. That of postoperative analgesic rescue in groups A, B, C, and D was 62%, 36%, 34%, and 16%, respectively, with significant differences between groups D and B, C and A, and D and A. No severe adverse events occurred. Intravenous lidocaine (2 mg kg-1) dose-dependently decreases POV risk without serious adverse events in children undergoing tonsillectomy (with/without adenoidectomy).
Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100053006.
Comparing the effectiveness of treating branch retinal vein occlusion with a novel One and Stepped Pro Re Nata treatment protocol
Authors: Chen Po-Yu(Jay) , Hsu Alan Y. , Lai Chun-Ting , Lin Chun-Ju , Hsia Ning-Yi , Chen Wen-Lu , Tien Peng-Tai , Lin Jane-Ming , Chen San-Ni , Tsai Yi-Yu
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to investigate the anatomical and functional outcomes of branch vein occlusion (BRVO) eyes treated with anti-VEGF injections using a novel One and Stepped pro re nata (PRN) protocol. This retrospective case series evaluated the electronic medical records from 22 BRVO patients who were treated with anti-VEGF agents under our novel “One and Stepped PRN” protocol at a single tertiary medical center between January 2016 and October 2022. Outcomes of interest included best-corrected visual acuity and central retinal thickness. 22 treatment-naive BRVO eyes (14 males, eight females) were included. The mean age was 65.82+/- 10.88 years. Average follow-up was 54.45 +/- 7.65 weeks. 7 (31.81%) received mainly Ranibizumab, and 15 (68.18%) received mainly Aflibercept. The baseline average BCVA was 45.86 +/- 19.46 ETDRS letters, and the baseline average CRT was 562.5 +/- 164.02 µm. The mean number of injections received was 3.54 +/- 1.74. Average BCVA improvement was 23.91 +/- 17.36 ETDRS letters (p < 0.0001) and average CRT improvement was 245.55 +/- 153.31 µm (p < 0.0001). Our results were comparable to the BRAVO and VIBRANT trials while comparatively using fewer anti-VEGF injections. In summary, our novel anti-VEGF protocol applied under real-world conditions achieved good anatomical and visual outcomes among treatment-naive BRVO eyes.
Impaired liver function: effect on paclitaxel toxicity, dose modifications and overall survival
Authors: Schmidt Marieke , Vernooij Robin , Nuland Merel van , Smeijsters Erin , Devriese Lot , Mohammad Nadia Haj , Hermens Thom , Stammers Julian , Swart Christina , Egberts Toine , Haitjema Saskia , Lammers Laureen
Published: June 2024

Background:
The anticancer drug paclitaxel is primarily metabolised in the liver. Previous studies indicated a correlation between impaired liver function and paclitaxel toxicity which may indicate dose reduction. Since evidence is limited, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of impaired liver function on haematological toxicity of paclitaxel, dose modifications and overall survival (OS).
Methods:
For this single-center retrospective observational study, patients treated with paclitaxel for breast, oesophageal and ovarian cancer at the University Medical Centre Utrecht between 2011 and 2022 were identified from the Utrecht Patient Oriented Database (UPOD). Based on regression analysis, the risk of developing grade 3/4 haematological toxicity was compared between patients with normal and impaired (based on NCI criteria bilirubin and ASAT concentrations) liver function. Additionally, differences in occurrence of toxicity related dose modifications and OS were evaluated between both groups.
Results:
A total of 569 patients were included. Breast cancer patients with palliative treatment and mildly impaired liver function (ASAT ≤ 2x ULN, bilirubin ≤ ULN) had an increased risk of developing grade 3/4 neutropenia (HR = 4.39, 95% CI 1.20-16.02, p = 0.03). In addition, impaired liver function patients treated according to the palliative ovarian cancer regimen had an increased risk of developing grade 3/4 leukopenia (HR = 12.64, 95% CI 2.12–75.22, p = 0.01) and dose modification (treatment discontinuation) (HR = 3.91, 95% CI 1.74–8.79, p < 0.01). Impaired liver function was also associated with decreased OS in inoperable oesophageal and (palliative) ovarian cancer patients (HR = 7.65, 95% CI 2.54–23.1, p < 0.01 and HR = 2.98, 95% CI 1.36–6.54, p < 0.01, respectively). The risk of developing grade 3/4 haematological toxicity in the lower dosed paclitaxel treatment protocols was not significantly different in patients with impaired liver function.
Conclusions:
This study shows that patients with impaired liver function treated with paclitaxel for breast and ovarian cancer in palliative setting are at higher risk of developing haematological toxicity compared to patients with normal liver function at start of therapy. Furthermore, in patients with ovarian (palliative) and inoperable oesophageal cancer, impaired liver function is associated with decreased OS. Within these groups of patients it is important to weigh the risk of upfront paclitaxel dose-modifications versus an adaptive strategy.
Risk factor analysis and prediction model to establish recurrence or progression of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas in men after transnasal sphenoidal surgery
Authors: Zhong Jiansheng , Chen Yuyang , Wang Mingyue , Li Jun , Li Ziqi , Li Haixiang , Wei Liangfeng , Wang Shousen
Published: June 2024

Objective This paper aims to analyze the risk factors for the recurrence or progression of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) in male patients after transnasal sphenoidal surgery and to develop a predictive model for prognosis.
Method Clinical and follow-up data of 126 male patients with NFPAs treated by transnasal sphenoidal surgery from January 2011 to January 2021 in Fuzhou 900th Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Basic clinical information (age), imaging features (tumor size, modified Knosp grading, and resection extent), and histopathological features (Ki-67) were retrieved to construct a nomogram prediction model and to validate its performance.
Result Out of 126 cases, 7 (5.56%) showed postoperative tumor recurrence, and 18 (14.29%) exhibited postoperative residual regrowth (progression). Age (P=0.024), maximum tumor diameter (P<0.001), modified Knosp grade (P<0.001), resection extent (P<0.001), and Ki67 (P＜0.001) were statistically significant between the recurrence group, the progression group, and the alleviate group. Three independent risk factors (modified Knosp classification, resection extent, and Ki67) affecting postoperative remission were used to construct a predictive model for long-term postoperative failure to remit. In addition, the nomogram and ROC curve based on the above results indicated significant clinical value.
Conclusion A nomogramprediction model based on modified Knosp grading (grades 3B-4), resection extent (partial resection), and Ki-67 (≥3%) predicts the recurrence or progression of NFPAs in men after transnasal sphenoidal surgery.
Electroacupuncture Alleviates Neuroinflammation and Memory Dysfunction by Regulating Hippocampal Microglial α7nAChR in LPS-Induced Systemic Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Yu Xiangmei , Cheng Xiaomei , Lan Yanyan , Huang Qiuling , Chen Honglin , Pang Lina , Fu Jiehui , Zeng Weiquan , Wang Zhifu
Published: June 2024

Background
Cognitive impairment induced by systemic inflammatory diseases is associated with hippocampal microglial activation and central neuroinflammation. This paper investigated whether electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation exerts anti-inflammatory effects and improves cognitive impairment through the hippocampal microglial α7 receptor.
Methods
ES efficacy was evaluated with respect to microglial activation and cognitive dysfunction amelioration following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intraperitoneal injection in mice. Behavioral testing of “what,” “where,” and “when” memories was used to observe spatial memory. Microglial α7 was knocked out by hybridization of α7nAchRfl/fl and Cx3Cr1cre transgenic mice. Furthermore, the cholinergic transmission between medium septum (MS) and the hippocampus (HP) was studied using magnetic resonance spectroscopy to investigate the EA effects on the central cholinergic anti-inflammatory properties.
Results
EA can improve the spatial memory and increase the cholinergic level of the MS and promote the cholinergic transmission of MS–HP. EA also activated the cholinergic neurons of MS, increased the expression of microglial α7nAChR, and decreased the expression of Iba-1. The results of qPCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay detection showed EA could reduce the expression of mRNA related to cytokine (IL-1β, iNOS, IL-10, Arg1, CD206, and TNF-α) in the HP. Hippocampal injection of a7 antagonist or specific knockout of microglia a7 can reverse the EA effects of anti-inflammatory properties and improve cognitive impairment.
Conclusion
EA treatment ameliorates system inflammation-induced cognitive decline mediated by hippocampal microglial α7 receptor, which displays cholinergic antineuroinflammation properties and improves cognitive function.
Unveiling the link between changing weather patterns and apple output in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: KAUR MANMEET , Arundhati
Published: June 2024

This paper includes the change in area, production and productivity of Apple crop in Shimla District of Himachal Pradesh. The goal of this paper was to look at the performance of apple crop in the study area over the last four decades to see if there had been any apparent change. There was a considerable increase in the area under apple crop from 13558.67 ha during the first period to 26114.4 ha during the last decade. The change in area over the years has been increased by 51.9%. There has been an increasing trend in the area from last thirty six years. This paper would aid in identifying the fundamental causes of such performance, allowing a broad assessment of future output potential. Further, it develops a correlation matrix between average maximum temperature, average minimum temperature, average rainfall and average productivity of apple within the chosen time period. Based on the correlation it can be concluded that warmer temperatures may increase crop production. But, unusually high lowest temperatures may exceed a threshold. The relationship between climatic conditions and productivity has been highlighted by the fact that heavy precipitation corresponds with decreased yield, whereas average rainfall and lowest temperatures show very weak positive relationships.
Experimental and modeling study of the interfacial and convective heat transfer coefficients of 6061 aluminum alloy in hot gas forming
Authors: lin jiatian , Li Dechong , Zheng Kailun , Liu Xiaochuan
Published: June 2024

Heat transfer coefficient, including interfacial heat transfer coefficient (IHTC) and convective heat transfer coefficient (CHTC), plays a pivotal role in the thermal dynamics of the hot gas forming process. This parameter can optimize the temperature field, thereby affecting the deformation and mechanical properties of the material to improve productivity. In this paper, we present an innovative experimental apparatus designed to measure the temperature evolutions of the aluminum specimen and the die during the hot gas forming process. This apparatus is capable of simultaneously measuring IHTC and CHTC. Using the inverse finite element method, the simulated temperature histories are matched with empirical data and the best-fit values are adopted as indicative of IHTC and CHTC. This study identified the effects of contact pressure and die temperature on IHTC, as well as the impact of gas pressure on CHTC. In addition, predictive models were developed to forecast the IHTC and CHTC at varying contact pressures and die temperatures with a prediction accuracy surpassing 0.95. Leveraging the predictive models presented in this paper, users can modulate contact pressure and die temperature based on specific production needs to achieve a targeted temperature profile. This method offers enhanced precision in managing the temperature field of the workpiece during hot gas forming experiments, thereby refining the temperature distribution. Moreover, it optimizes the formability and microstructural attributes of the material, ultimately leading to better mechanical characteristics.
Integrative physiology and transcriptome reveal differences between G. hirsutum and G. barbadense in response to salt stress and the identification of key salt tolerance genes
Authors: Feng Liuchun , Chen Yu , Ma Tengyun , Zhou Chenhui , Sang Shifei , Li Junhua , Ji Shengdong
Published: June 2024

Background
Soil salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses that threatens crop growth and the environment. G. hirsutum and G. barbadense, as two major cultivated cotton species, are widely cultivated worldwide. Also, they are preferred crops for saline cultivation due to their high salt tolerance. However, until recently, the differences and regulatory mechanisms of their responses to salt stress have rarely been reported.
Results
In this study, we comprehensively compared the effects of salt stress on G. hirsutum TM-1 and G. barbadense H7124. The results showed that salt stress severely inhibited the growth of both cotton species, with H7124 exhibiting a better growth phenotype, especially on the leaves. Further measurements found the leaves of H7124 maintained greater cellular homeostasis and better photosynthetic capacity under salt stress. Physiologically, we observed that H7124 exhibited superior osmotic regulation and antioxidant capability compared to TM-1, while TM-1 displayed greater K+ absorption capability than H7124 under salt stress. Transcriptome analysis revealed significant molecular differences between the two cotton species in response to salt stress. The key pathways of TM-1 induced by salt are mainly related to growth, development and regulation, such as porphyrin metabolism, DNA replication, ribosome and photosynthesis. Conversely, the key pathways of H7124 were mainly related to plant defense, such as plant hormone signal transduction, MAPK signaling pathway-plant, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. These differences underscore the varied molecular strategies adopted by the two cotton species to navigate through salt stress, and H7124 may exhibit stronger responses to salt stress. Furthermore, we identified 217 potential salt tolerance related DEGs based on gene function, 167 of which overlapped with the confidence intervals of significant SNPs identified in previous GWASs, indicating the high reliability of these genes. Finally, we selected key genes involved in different pathways and monitored their expression levels at different time points, revealing the time-specific differences between the two cotton species under salt stress.
Conclusions
These findings provide new insights into the differences in the regulatory mechanisms of salt tolerance between G. hirsutum and G. barbadense, and provide key candidate genes for salt tolerance molecular breeding in cotton.
Serum Metabolomics Revealed the Underlying Mechanisms of the Improvement Effects of Mussel Polysaccharide on Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver
Authors: Yu Wenwen , Zhang Chao , Li Shuaiguang , Zhang Jinhua , Zhang Xiuhua , Han Guanying , Liu Fei , Shao Huarong , Ling Peixue , Fang Baishan
Published: June 2024

We investigated the ameliorative effect of mussel polysaccharide α-D-glucan (MP-A) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and further investigated its action mechanism based on serum metabolomics. The results showed that MP-A improved the hepatic steatosis in the rat NAFLD model induced by high-fat diet (HFD) significantly. MP-A could improve the metabolic disorders in NAFLD models. Four metabolites, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and glycine ursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA), mainly produced by intestinal flora and absorbed into the blood were screened out through serum metabolomics techniques and analysis. Compared with the normal group, the levels of these four metabolites were reduced in the HFD group but increased through the MP-A intervention. The four metabolites significantly reduced the intracellular lipid droplet accumulation and triglyceride (TG) content in sodium oleate-induced HepG2 cells. Meanwhile, they upregulated the intracellular farnesoid X receptor (FXR) protein expression and downregulated the sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1C (SREBP-1C) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) proteins expression. These results suggested that MP-A might improve NAFLD by affecting the metabolites of intestinal flora, UDCA, IPA, I3C and GUDCA, which then regulated the FXR-SREBP-1C-FAS signaling pathway and liver lipid metabolism.
Recurrent rectal cancer cured by transsacral prone longitudinal incision combined with bilateral gluteus maximus "kite" flap filling: A case report
Authors: Zhang Lixia , Jiang Xiaoling , Wu Maoyuan , Zhang Wenwen , Wang Guanyan , Yang Wei , Li Tingchao , He Lianli , Wang Gangcheng
Published: June 2024

Locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) refers to the lesions that appear in the pelvic cavity and perineum with the same pathological type as the primary tumor after radical operation of rectal cancer, excluding other distant metastases such as liver, lung, and bone. Radical surgical resection in such patients is a central element in improving quality of life and survival. In this paper, we report the case of a patient who was admitted to our hospital with a recurrence of ulcerated moderately differentiated carcinoma of the lower rectum with vaginal involvement after comprehensive treatment. After discussion by a multidisciplinary team, a transsacral prone longitudinal incision combined with bilateral gluteus maximus "kite" flap padding was used to remove the tumor tissue completely, and the postoperative area healed well, which improved the patient's quality of life and increased her survival rate.
Impact of ICU Admission Thresholds on Outcomes in Rapid Response System Activations: A Multicenter Study in Japan
Authors: Ono Shohei , Uchino Shigehiko , Tokito Miho , Saito Taishi , Sasabuchi Yusuke , Sanui Masamitsu
Published: June 2024

Background
The variability in ICU admission rates for patients activated by the Rapid Response System (RRS) is substantial and differs significantly across institutions. This study explores the disparities in ICU admission thresholds and their impact on patient outcomes.
Methods
A multicenter retrospective observational study was conducted using a Japanese in-hospital emergency registry, focusing on patients for whom the RRS was activated from 2018 to 2022. We calculated the ICU admission rate (ratio of ICU admissions to RRS activations) and the Standardized ICU Admission Ratio (SIAR: ratio of actual to predicted ICU admissions) for each institution (N = 35). The relationship between SIAR and patient outcomes, specifically death or Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) at 30 days, was analyzed using multivariable analysis with the Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) model.
Results
The study included 8,794 patients, with 26.9% admitted to the ICU. The median ICU admission rate was 0.33 (1st quantile: 0.21, 3rd quantile: 0.47), and the median SIAR was 0.98 (1st quantile: 0.75, 3rd quantile: 1.17). Univariable analysis indicated that a higher SIAR significantly correlated with a lower incidence of CPC ≥ 3 or death at 30 days (P = 0.037) and showed a trend towards lower mortality at 30 days (P = 0.059). The GEE model revealed that the odds ratio of SIAR for death at 30 days was 0.89 (95% CI = 0.72 to 1.09; P = 0.30), and for CPC ≥ 3 or death at 30 days was 0.78 (95% CI = 0.64 to 0.95; P = 0.015).
Conclusions
This study demonstrates a significant association between higher SIAR and improved patient outcomes, suggesting that lower ICU admission thresholds during RRS activations may enhance patient prognosis.
Arsenic Contamination of Drinking Water: A Study of the Exposure to Residents From the Passagem De Mariana, A Historical Gold Mining Town in the Quadrilátero Ferrifero, Brazil
Authors: Mendes Louise Aparecida , de Lena Jorge Carvalho , Abreu Adriana Trópia , Soares Liliane Catone , Silva Emanueli do Nascimento da , Froes Roberta Eliane Santos , Palmieri Helena Eugênia Leonhardt , Costa Adivane Terezinha
Published: June 2024

Human biomonitoring is one of the important tools for assessing exposure to toxic chemicals. A history of arsenic contamination via drinking water from gold mines in the Passagem district of Mariana, Brazil, is a way of incorporating this element into the body. This study aimed to evaluate water quality consumed by residents of Passagem de Mariana and to analyze biological samples, and investigate the magnitude of the exposure to arsenic. The results showed the presence of this trace element in higher concentrations than the maximum value permitted by the law. In two samples, concentrations were above 10 µg L− 1, regardless of the season, for two years. As for biological samples, arsenic concentrations in hair samples (0.048 to 0.925 µg g− 1) were lower than the normal level (< 1µg g− 1). Arsenic was quantified in urine, both in individuals in the exposed (9.80 to 211 µg L− 1) and in the reference group (8.20 to 55.7 µg L− 1), whose content is capable of affecting a degree of medium and high toxicological risk (> 15 µg L− 1). This group was affected by other sources contributing to arsenic exposure, making it necessary to study other environmental matrices as well as foods. After confirming the exposure, continued biomonitoring was recommended since the adverse effects caused by arsenic can be manifested in the long term.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy combined with lenvatinib at different time points in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Yu Zeyu , Leng Bin , You Ran , Wang Chendong , Diao Lingfeng , Xu Qingyu , Yin Guowen
Published: June 2024

Background: The lenvatinib combined with immunotherapy therapies as first-line treatment are still controversial in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). This research aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib monotherapy (L) and synchronous therapy (LI) and sequential therapy (L-LI) in uHCC patients.
Methods:181 uHCC patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were classified into three groups: (1) Lenvatinib monotherapy (L). (2) Synchronous therapy (LI) (lenvatinib plus immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) at the same time). (3) Sequential therapy (L-LI) (patients were initially treated with lenvatinib monotherapy for 3 months, stable disease remained, followed by subsequent addition of ICIs). Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), baseline characteristics, safety were compared among these groups.
Results: The combination groups (LI, L-LI) had longer OS and PFSthan the L group, and there was no significant difference between the LI group and the L-LI group. However, in the subgroup of patients without distant metastases, the L-LI group exhibited longer PFS compared to the LI group. Conversely, in the subgroup of patients with distant metastases, the LI group showed longer PFS than the L-LI group. The ECOG PS and AFP were independent prognostic factors for survival. The frequency of grade ≥ 3 AEs was not significantly different.
Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that, in all patients, the combination groups (LI, L-LI) had longer OS and PFS than the L group, and there was no significant difference between the LI group and the L-LI group. However, synchronous therapy (LI) has better efficacy in patients with distant metastases, but worse efficacy in patients without distant metastases than sequential therapy (L-LI).