bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of efficacy in patients affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 1 treated with nusinersen.
Authors: Sframeli Maria , Polito Francesca , Vita Gian Luca , Macaione Vincenzo , Gitto Eloisa , Vita Giuseppe , Aguennouz M’hammed , Messina Sonia 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background/aim.
The advent of new therapies, such as the antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen, has significantly improved the natural course of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Tau proteins and neurofilaments are well known markers of axonal degeneration. The neurofilament light protein (NfL) has been proposed as a possible biomarker in SMA. This study aimed to investigate the role of total-tau (ttau), phosphorylated tau (ptau), NfL, and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNfH) proteins as potential cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of axonal degeneration and response to nusinersen treatment in 14 SMA type 1 patients with a wide age range (2-156 months).
Methods and results
Motor functions was assessed using the “Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders” (CHOP-INTEND) scale at baseline, six months, and ten months after treatment. Eight out 14 patients showed motor improvement. At baseline CSF ttau and ptau concentration showed a significant negative correlation with age (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0054 respectively) and a positive correlation with the CHOP-INTEND score (p = 0.0075 and p = 0.0342, respectively). After treatment the tau biomarkers did not show any change, whereas NfL and pNfH concentration significantly decreased (p = 0.0001). The NfL concentration decline related to age at baseline (p < 0.05). There was also a significant correlation between the decrease of NfL and the improvement of the CHOP-INTEND motor score, but only in the subgroup of patients with a functional improvement above 3 points (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
CSF NfL may be a powerful biomarker for monitoring treatment response to nusinersen both in younger and older patients with severe SMA.
Pathological Features and Immunohistochemical Characteristics of Clear Cell (Glycogen-Rich) Urothelial Carcinoma: A Case Report and Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: wang weiming , Zhang Baogang , Wu Zhangli , Hou Chuanling , li mengyao , Zhang tianyi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Clear cell (glycogen-rich) urothelial carcinoma is an exceedingly rare variant of invasive urothelial carcinoma, distinguished by the presence of abundant cytoplasmic glycogen, which imparts a clear appearance to the tumor cells under histological examination. In this case report, the diagnosis was established through histopathological evaluation with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemical analysis, and the identification of significant cytoplasmic glycogen accumulation. The patient, an 89-year-old male, was admitted on July 24, 2024, presenting with painless gross hematuria persisting for one week. Abdominal ultrasound and CT urography revealed a soft tissue mass on the right side of the bladder wall, measuring 30×30 mm, with a broad base connected to the bladder wall. The mass exhibited significant enhancement on contrast-enhanced scans, raising suspicion for malignancy. Microscopic examination revealed two distinct tumor cell morphologies: the conventional urothelial carcinoma pattern and a clear nest-like morphology, with the latter comprising over 70% of the tumor. Immunohistochemical staining for GATA-3, CK7, PAS, PAS-D, CAIX,PAX8,and RCC confirmed the diagnosis of clear cell (glycogen-rich) urothelial carcinoma. This rare variant of invasive urothelial carcinoma underscores the need for detailed diagnostic analysis to inform prognosis and treatment strategies.
Impact of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Motor Functionality and the Immune Response in Parkinson's Disease Patients with Vitamin D Deficiency
Authors: LI Danfeng , Ma Xibo , Zhang Wentao , Zhong Ping , Zhu Xiaowei , Chen Yan , Liu Shihua 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of vitamin D, regulatory T (Treg) cells, and T helper 17 (Th17) cells in the peripheral blood of patients with Parkinson's disease(PD), explore their potential relationships with PD, and further examine the effects of vitamin D intervention on these biomarkers and clinical outcomes. PD patients with low vitamin D3 levels were randomly assigned to two groups: those supplemented with vitamin D3 (VitD3, n=15) and those treated with vegetable oil (PL, n=15). Treatment was administered continuously for 3 months. Vitamin D3, Th17 and Treg levels and related clinical scales were continuously monitored and evaluated. The results revealed that the level of 25(OH) D3 in the peripheral blood increased in the VitD3 group, and the Th17 and Treg levels tended toward those of the normal population. Compared with those of the preintervention groups and the PL group after the 3-month follow-up, motor function improved in the VitD3 group. Additionally, vitamin D was negatively correlated with Th17 cells and positively correlated with Treg cells. In PD patients, motor function was positively correlated with vitamin D and Treg levels but negatively correlated with Th17 levels. We believe that it is necessary for PD patients with low vitamin D levels to supplement vitamin D to normal levels.
Interfacial Coupling effects of Chitosan integrated ZrO 2 /Bi 2 O 3 /CeO 2 quaternary composite for efficient wastewater treatment and antimicrobial activity
Authors: Nisha U. Mary , Venkatesh D. , Vasanthan S. , Rajeswaran P. , Balaji J. , Karthik P. Siva 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The quaternary phase of chitosan incorporated (CeO2/ZrO2/Bi2O3) composites synthesized by a simple co-precipitation technique. XRD and XPS analysis can study the phase identification and chemical states. SEM analysis revealed that the composites exist as nanoflakes morphology with agglomerated nanoparticles. Thermogravimetric analysis observed the decomposition temperature of the composites ranges between 680–760°C. Bruner-Emmett-Teller analysis showed 27.77 m2/g surface area and 0.003cc/g pore volume of the composite. The quaternary phase of the composite showed 92% degradation efficiency for malachite green at 180 min time intervals and 93% degradation efficiency for Acid Blue 113 at 240 min time intervals under solar light illumination. The photodegradation of MG and AB 113 was carried out using an optimal amount of catalyst dosage (9 mg), pH (7 & 9), dye concentration (10 ppm), and electrolytes (Na2CO3, NaHCO3). The ESI mass analysis of each degraded product of the dye molecule was recorded, and the structural information was provided. The reusability test exposed the stability of composites for up to three cycles, and consistent results were obtained each cycle. The microbial studies were investigated for the composites, and results showed efficient anti-bacterial activity on Escherichia coli at 100µl/mL concentration. The anti-fungal studies revealed the efficient activity of Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger for the composites.
Photocatalytic removal of synthetic dyes using Bi2O3–TiO2 nanocomposites obtained by simple hydrothermal route
Authors: Ruiz-Santoyo Victor , García-Carvajal Sarahí , Arenas-Arrocena M. Concepción 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The current study reports the preparation of TiO₂-modified Bi₂O₃ photocatalysts with different TiO₂ contents, synthesized via an in-situ hydrothermal method. The powder samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR–ATR, UV-vis, XPS, and N₂ physisorption analysis. The photocatalytic activity of the TiO2-modified Bi2O3 was studied for the removal of methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB) under different reaction conditions. Our study showed that the TiO2-modified Bi2O3 photocatalysts exhibited superior photocatalytic activity compared to the pristine samples of TiO2 and Bi2O3. The BiT16 sample achieved degradation rates of approximately 93.9% and 98.2% for MO and MB, respectively, within 120 minutes of reaction at 30 ppm. These results are closely related to the band gap values, differences in textural features, TiO2 content, and the reduction in the recombination process of e⁻/h⁺ pairs in the Bi2O3–TiO2 composites. Reaction kinetics were determined using the Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism, and during the third photoreaction cycle, the TiO2-modified Bi2O3 (BiT16) achieved photocatalytic degradation rates of 65.6% for MO and 70.5% for MB.
Enhancing aquaculture sustainability and profitability: Effects of black soldier fly larval meal on the performance of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Cameroon
Authors: K. Hervé Mube , D. Calice Mekeu , Dzepe Daniel , F. Rousseau Djouaka , Chia Shaphan Y. , Efole Thomas , Ndindeng Sali A. , Tendonkeng Fernand 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

High cost and scarcity of feed ingredients have continued to challenge the aquaculture. This present study assessed the potential of black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens L.) larvae meal (BSFLM) as a sustainable alternative source of animal protein in the diet of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), a species widely farmed in Cameroon for its breeding potential and economic. Five diet formulations: a control diet with 100% fishmeal (FM, BSFLM0), and diets where FM was substituted at 50% (BSFLM50), 75% (BSFLM75), and 100% (BSFLM100) levels, were compared. Larvae of BSF were processed using three different methods: toasting, sand toasting, and boiling. Parameters assessed included the chemical and microbial properties of BSF larvae, catfish growth performance, health, consumer acceptance and economic viability of substituting FM with BSFLM. Our results demonstrate that boiling larvae significantly increased the dry and organic matter contents but reduced crude protein (CP) and fat levels, whereas toasting increased CP. Mineral content varied across processing methods: sand toasting had the highest calcium, boiling the highest iron, and toasting the highest potassium, sodium, and phosphorus levels. Sand-toasted larvae had the highest Escherichia coli levels, Lactobacillus was present only in boiled larvae, and there were no Enterobacteria or Salmonellain toasted or sand-toasted samples. At higher levels (75-100%), BSFLM improved catfish growth rates, feed conversion ratio, and survival compared to the control. Replacing FM with BSFLM also reduced production costs, increased profitability, and enhanced sustainability, as indicated by a lower fish-in-fish-out ratio. Inclusion of BSFLM significantly enhances the sustainability potential of aquaculture practices by reducing reliance on wild-caught fish for feed. Overall, BSFLM is a suitable alternative protein source that can support economic viability and environmental sustainability of aquaculture, promoting resilient fish farming practices.
Glass consumption and production at the turn of first millennium CE: chemical analyses of late antique and medieval glass from Koper (Capodistria, SI)
Authors: Šmit Žiga , Milavec Tina 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

A series of glasses from the site Kapucinski vrt (garden of the Capuchin monastery) in Koper (Capodistria) in northern Adriatic was measured by a combined PIXE and PIGE method. Koper has been continuously populated since late Roman period till the present with a rich medieval history, so the measurements were expected to show the trends in glass production and consumption from Late Antiquity until the Middle Ages, notably the transition between the natron to plant ash glass and supply of the fresh glass. Among the set 22 glass finds, both natron and plant ash glass were identified. Natron glass was of the types Foy 2.1 (with a noticeable component of Roman Mn) and HIMTa, all with the signs of recycling, while four samples (about 20% of the whole set) were unrecycled: they involve 2 examples of Levantine glass, an example of probably Mesopotamian origin and a lamp of mixed glass between the natron and plant-ash glass; this may indicate a modest supply of fresh glass during the period. Plant ash glass may be attributed to the Early or High Middle Ages, exploiting purified alkalis of the Levantine coasts (known as alume catino in Venetian glassmaking), while the admixture of impurities in the siliceous sands suggest circulation and consumption of glass that was produced and traded in the eastern Mediterranean since the 10th centuries onwards.
The Self-synthesis Function on the Construction of Anxiety: A Qualitative Analysis Based on Grounded Theory
Authors: Huang Ruizhi , Shen Huiqing , Qiu Huilin , Zha Shuyi , Jiang Ke 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study utilized a qualitative research approach known as the grounded theory method to explore the relationship between self-synthesis function and anxiety. Nineteen participants underwent semi-structured interviews, and MAXQDA2022 software was employed for coding assistance. The results revealed 125 open codes encompassing 2139 reference points. Eight axial coding codes emerged through dichotomous comparisons in three dimensions. Additionally, three destructive categories—"core factor," "sub-core factor," and "peripheral factor"—and two protective categories—"object-support" and "subject-effort"—were formed by clustering the number of reference points. In conclusion, (1) core factors contributing to anxiety primarily originate from the subjective aspect, while anxiety reduction mainly stems from the objective aspect. (2) Temporally, cognitive model disparities resulting from subject-object transformation are linked to anxiety. (3) The self-synthesis function mitigates anxiety by reducing disparities. (4) Adaptive anxiety signifies effective compensation by the self-synthesis function, whereas pathological anxiety results from its failure to compensate effectively.
MPV vs. Optical Platelet Volume Measurement: Which Is a Better Indicator for Neonatal Sepsis?
Authors: Yang Hao , Bao Jiqian , Guo Siqi , He Jiajing , Ye Lei , Zhang Yingjun , Dai Qingkai , Zhang Ge 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the accuracy of mean platelet volume (MPV) testing in the neonatal population and assess the applicability of the optical platelet volume measurement method on Sysmex XN9000 in this demographic.
Method
From June 2023 to June 2024, we analyzed complete blood count (CBC) data from 1070 neonates with infections to assess MPV testing reliability using instrument alerts and histograms. Additionally, 284 neonates without infections or hematologic diseases were included to evaluate the Sysmex optical platelet volume indicator (PLT-F-Y) reliability. Finally, four cases of neonatal sepsis were examined to determine the correlation between PLT-F-Y and neonatal sepsis.
Results
In neonates with infections, 24.67% of MPV data did not accurately reflect platelet volume, and this issue was not confined to cases with low platelet counts. The PLT-F-Y indicator demonstrated superior accuracy in measuring platelet volume, with a reference range of approximately 42.6-64.2 MFI for neonates. Additionally, PLT-F-Y correlated with the progression of neonatal sepsis.
Conclusion
MPV is not a “perfect” indicator for newborns, whereas PLT-F-Y may serve as a potential better alternative.
The association between the body roundness index and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES
Authors: Zheng Zhou , Wang Huaguo , Chen Xiang , Chen Ruizhou , Wu Xinyi , Liu Longcha , Fu Cheng , Hu Mingpeng 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective:There is increasing evidence of an association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and obesity. However, the precise relationship between BRI, a novel indicator of visceral fat, and RA remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between BRI and RA risk.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the NHANES from 2011 to 2020. A logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the correlation between the BRI and RA risk, and restricted cubic splines (RCS) and fitting curve analysis were used to capture the potential non-linear relationship. Furthermore, a piecewise two-stage logistic regression model combined with smoothing techniques was employed to explore the potential threshold effect of BRI on RA risk.
Results: A total of 6.25% (830/13,273) of the 13,273 participants aged 20 and above included in the study were diagnosed with RA. The adjusted OR values for BRI and RA in Q2 (3.666, 4.924), Q3 (4.924, 6.477), and Q4 (6.470, 20.970) were compared with those for individuals with lower BRI-Q1 (1.049, 3.666). The ORs for the remaining categories were 1.22 (95% CI: 0.91–1.64, p = 0.181), 1.64 (95% CI: 1.25–2.17, p < 0.001) and 2.04 (95% CI: 1.55–2.70, p < 0.001), respectively. The results of the trend analysis showed that the adjusted OR for the trend was 1.28 (95% CI: 1.18–1.38, P < 0.001). The results of the RCS analysis indicated a significant linear correlation between the risk of RA and increasing BRI (p-value for the overall <0.001, p-value for non-linearity = 0.627). A sensitivity analysis demonstrated that when BRI was treated as a continuous variable, the observed association remained, with an adjusted OR of 1.12 (95% confidence interval: 1.08-1.15, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated that BRI interacted with smoking status, age and marital status, with never smokers, those under 50 and those living with a partner being more susceptible to BRI.
Conclusions: A significant positive correlation was observed between the risk of RA and BRI, particularly in individuals who had never smoked, were under the age of 50, and living with a partner. It is proposed that maintaining an appropriate BRI may contribute to a reduction in the incidence of RA.
Bilateral Geiger mode avalanche in InSe Schottky photodiodes
Authors: Chen Yan , Zhao Dongyang , Hu Tao , Cao Hechun , Zhao Xuefeng , Jia Yu , Wang Xudong , Shen Hong , Yang Jing , Zhang Yuanyuan , Tang Xiaodong , Bai Wei , Wang Jianlu , Chu Junhao 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Avalanche photodiodes (APDs) are crucial in emerging weak light signal detection fields. The major challenge of high-performance APDs is to achieve both an ultrahigh gain and ultralow breakdown voltage. The key to efficient carrier multiplication is searching for a high-mobility semiconductor and constructing a novel device structure with an alternative mechanism. Herein, we demonstrate the bilateral Geiger mode avalanche in two-dimensional (2D) Graphene/InSe/Cr asymmetrical Schottky junction (SJ) APDs. An ultrahigh gain of 6.3 × 107 is yielded at an extremely low breakdown voltage down to 1.4 V approaching its threshold limit of bandgap of InSe. A positive temperature coefficient of the ionization rate and an ultralow critical electric field (11.5 kV/cm) are present in the Graphene/InSe/Cr SJ APDs (GISC-SJ APDs). These support the low-bias triggering impact ionization and low-loss carrier multiplication for outstanding performance along with the unique asymmetric Schottky barrier configurations. Such device architecture enables an ultralow dark current of 100 fA, and a high sensitivity with weak light signals detection ability down to around 2900 photons at room temperature. These characteristics show the prospects of the asymmetrical InSe SJs for developing energy-efficient and high-gain APDs.
Pharmacophore-Guided Computational Modeling of Marine-Derived γ-Secretase Modulators for Amyloid-Beta Reduction in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Hossain Md. Sakhawat , Amin Md. Al , Sakib Md. Saruar Alam , Akter Akhi , Das Liton Chandra , Islam Md Nurul , Rahman Md Masuder 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease is primarily caused by the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) proteins, with γ-secretase playing a key role in the formation of Aβ (1–42). This study aimed to identify novel γ-secretase modulators from marine resources that selectively lower Aβ production. Using BMS 299897 and ELN 318463 as reference drugs, we developed a Shared Feature Pharmacophore (SFP) map featuring 1 hydrogen bond donor, 3 hydrogen bond acceptors, 4 hydrophobic regions, 2 aromatic bonds, and 2 halogen bond donors. Screening a library of 47,451 marine-derived compounds through this map identified six promising hits. Synthetic γ-secretase modulators were designed using fragment-based drug design by integrating bioactive fragments from these hits with the essential 4-chlorobenzenesulfonamide ring of the reference drugs. Molecular docking and pharmacokinetic analyses highlighted three compounds (Molecule 6, Molecule 24, and Molecule 28) with stronger binding affinities than BMS 299897 and favorable blood-brain barrier permeability. Additionally, 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated stable conformational dynamics and robust interactions for Molecule 24. While these findings are promising, further experimental validation is necessary to confirm the effectiveness and safety of these compounds as potential Alzheimer’s treatments.
Lipopolysaccharide-Binding Protein (LBP): A Prognostic Biomarker for Gastric Cancer Linked to Immune Infiltration
Authors: Lv Hao , Guo Xuyang , Zhu Xiaoman , Chao Yue , Li Dandan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Gastric cancer, characterized by increasing incidence and mortality rates worldwide, presents significant challenges due to the absence of effective early detection and screening methodologies. This limitation impedes timely therapeutic interventions, highlighting the necessity for novel biomarker discovery. Among potential candidates, Lipopolysaccharide-Binding Protein (LBP), implicated in several cancer types including lung, colon, and cervical cancers, emerges as a noteworthy focus. Despite its established involvement, LBP's specific contributions and mechanisms in gastric cancer require elucidation, especially considering the disease's distinct biological and pathological characteristics.
Methods: This Study leverages data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and Human Protein Atlas (HPA) to scrutinize LBP's mRNA and protein expression levels in gastric cancer, exploring associations with clinical outcomes. Analytical techniques encompassed volcano plots, protein-protein interaction networks, Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), and immune infiltration assessments. Furthermore, lentiviral vectors containing interference sequences targeted at LBP were employed to manipulate its expression in AGS and HGC-27 gastric cancer cell lines, facilitating analyses of gene knockdown effects on cellular behaviors indicative of malignancy progression.
Results: Our pan-cancer comparative analysis across 33 cancer types revealed a significant upregulation of LBP in gastric cancer, with diagnostic ROC curve analysis yielding an AUC of 0.765. Univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses identified high LBP expression as inversely related to patient survival. Additionally, immune infiltration and functional enrichment analyses indicated LBP's involvement in pathways crucial to cancer development, such as immune response modulation and lipid metabolism. Experimentally, LBP knockdown in gastric cancer cell lines resulted in reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities, underscoring its pivotal role in tumor dynamics.
Conclusion: LBP is intricately linked to gastric cancer's pathogenesis, influencing cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and thereby represents a valuable prognostic and diagnostic biomarker. This Study not only highlights LBP's potential as a therapeutic target but also lays the groundwork for future investigations into its mechanistic pathways in gastric cancer.