bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of testosterone recovery in male patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma treated with transnasal transsphenoidal extrapseudocapsular microsurgery
Authors: Yan Zisheng , Wan Xueyan , Zhang Zhuo , Lu Liang , Chen Juan , Xu Yu , Zhang Huaqiu , Shu Kai , Lei Ting 
Published: February 2025

Aim: To investigate the predictor of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis recovery in male pituitary adenoma patients with trans-sphenoid extrapseudocapsular microsurgery.
Methods: From June 2019 to December 2021, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of gonadal hormone changes and resection degree before and after surgery in male patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) who underwent microsurgical resection by pseudocapsule technique in the same treatment group at the Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital. We explored the predictors affecting postoperative testosterone recovery using logistics regression analysis.
Results: Among 291 male patients with pituitary adenomas, the mean age was 50 years. Preoperative testosterone was lower than normal in 127 patients (43.6%); total resection and subtotal were performed in 279 patients (95.9%) and 12 patients (4.1%), respectively. Postoperative follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was elevated in 224 (77.0%) patients, luteinizing hormone (LH) was elevated in 230 (79.0%) patients, and prolactin was significantly decreased in 259 (89.0%) patients. Seventy-one of 127 patients with low preoperative testosterone levels recovered to normal levels. Univariate and multivariate analysis suggested that tumor size, coagulative necrotic pituitary apoplexy (CNPA), and invasiveness were predictors of testosterone recovery in patients (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: For male NFPA, transsphenoidal extra-pseudocapsule microsurgery can effectively restore the function of the anterior pituitary gland and promote the recovery of testosterone. Tumor size, CNPA and invasiveness were predictors of testosterone recovery in postoperative patients.
Health Policy Challenges and Reforms: Critical Updates for Orthopaedic Surgeons
Authors: Boufadel Peter , Fares Mohamad Y. , Daher Mohammad , Mathur Abhay , Saunders Patrick , Abboud Joseph A. , Kassam Hafiz F. 
Published: February 2025

» Medicare reimbursement: Physician payments have declined 29% since 2001, straining practice sustainability. Proposed legislation (H.R. 2474) could align payments with inflation, although concerns persist about its fiscal impact on Medicare.» Medicare advantage: These plans provide benefits such as cost caps and premium-free options for patients, but increase administrative burdens, delay care, and restrict provider networks for physicians.» Prior authorization: Intended to ensure appropriate care and control costs, prior authorization frequently delays treatment, raises administrative workloads, and contributes to physician burnout. Proposed reforms aim to balance efficiency and oversight.» Noncompete clauses: Advocates argue noncompete clauses protect healthcare investments, but critics highlight their role in limiting physician mobility, disrupting patient care, and reducing competition. Legal challenges to a federal ban add uncertainty.» Physician-owned hospitals: Supporters emphasize physician-owned hospitals' high-quality care and competitive benefits, whereas detractors warn of risks such as conflicts of interest, inequities in patient access, and strain on community hospitals.» Advancing nonopioid pain management: Nonopioid strategies reduce dependency risks and improve recovery but may require additional resources and upfront costs. Policies such as the Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation Act aim to incentivize their use.
Mixotrophy emerges as the optimal strategy in mature waters of the Amazon River plume
Authors: Fernández-Carrera Ana , Choisnard Noémie , Wodarg Dirk , Liskow Iris , Subramaniam Ajit , Montoya Joseph , Voss Maren , Loick-Wilde Natalie 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Current evidence shows that phytoplankton are mixotrophs, combining photoautotrophy with osmotrophy (i.e., uptake of dissolved organic matter). Additionally, some unicellular eukaryotes are also capable of phagotrophy, representing an intermediate step between autotrophs and herbivores named mixoplankton. Mixoplankton seem to provide higher-quality food for metazoans, and to improve energy transfer to higher trophic levels. However, field studies on all aspects of mixotrophy are difficult due to the challenge of distinguishing their activity from that of autotrophs. Our April/May 2018 and 2021 cruises focused on the base of the surface planktonic food web in the distinct Amazon River plume habitats, where we used nitrogen stable isotopes of amino acids (CSIA AA) in seston within a multidisciplinary framework for resolving trophic function. Mixotrophy dominates in the Outer Plume Margin, a region with mature waters aged ca. 27 days. Mixotrophy seems the optimal strategy for growth in these heterogeneous outer margins as part of the succession of phytoplankton functional diversity along the plume. Our study supports the growing evidence for the cosmopolitan distribution of mixotrophy among unicellular aquatic organisms, underscores the urgent need to study it in situ, and paves the way for a novel application of the CSIA AA in field research.
Genetic linkage map construction and QTL mapping for panicle-related traits in foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.)
Authors: Li Huan , Zhu Qianxue , Wang Tianguo , Zhao Yuqin , Fan Jiahui , Yang Lejie , Wang Shiyuan , Ma Yixuan , Chen Lu , Li Xiaorui , Dong Shuqi , Chu Xiaoqian , Yuan Xiangyang , Wang Jiagang , Gao Lulu , Yang Guanghui 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Panicle-related traits are important factors affecting foxtail millet yield and detecting the underlying genetic basis is imperative. In this study, we constructed a genetic linkage map using the F2 population crossed by Changsheng07 and Donggu218, two foxtail millet materials with significant differences in panicle-related traits. The genetic linkage map included 159 SSR markers and 37 Indel markers, covering 1545.5 cM, with average distance of 7.89 cM between adjacent markers. According to the phenotypes of nine panicle-related traits in F2:3 families, a total of 22 quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified, which could explain the phenotypic variation of 0.06–50.14%. Among them, the increased effect allele of 16 QTL were derived from the parent Changsheng07, and seven QTL (qMPL3.1, qMPL5, qMPW2, qSD5, qTGW5.1, qTGW5.2 and qGL5) were major QTL, which explained the phenotypic variation of 11.41, 12.78, 13.75, 34.81, 50.14, 40.28 and 11.32, respectively. Moreover, we found that a class II formin Seita.5G078800 may be the candidate gene in the mapping intervals of qMPL5, qSD5, qTGW5.2 and qGL5. These results will lay a foundation for cloning and molecular mechanism analysis of candidate genes, and provide a theoretical basis for molecular marker-assisted selection breeding for high yield in foxtail millet.
Fluorine-free binder-based dry thick battery electrodes with Parafilm® M for sustainable and efficient battery manufacturing
Authors: Kim Jinsoo , Kim Min Kyung , Yu Taegyun , Jang Sungbin , Lee Juho , Jang Min , Oh Hyeseong , Cha Hyungyeon , Lee Huiyeol , Kang Joonhee , Lee Seung Min , Shim Hyeong-Seok , Lee Kwon-Hyung , Song Gyujin , Jin Wooyoung , Kim Tae-Hee , Choi Sinho , Jeong Kyeong-Min , Han Joong Tark , Yoo Jung-Keun , Jung Hun-Gi , Song Sanghyun , Park Myoungkeon , Seong Jinwoo , Kim Dongoh , Choi Hyunwoo , Seong Minjong , Lim Min Jin , Hwang Wook Ryol , Nam Jieun , Jo Sanghoon 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Dry electrodes are being actively developed for sustainable and efficient battery manufacturing. Currently, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) binders dominate dry processes, yet their production contributes to significant CO2 emissions, and concerns persist regarding their high fluorine content, especially considering evolving per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) restrictions. Moreover, the poor adhesion of bare current collectors necessitates a wet coating-based primer layer, which dilutes its main objectives. This study introduces an alternative dry processing concept based on a thermoplastic fluorine-free binder with low environmental impact and high productivity. Parafilm® M (hereafter Parafilm), a well-known laboratory sealing film formulated with low-cost paraffin and polyethylene (PE), is a mixture of primarily saturated linear hydrocarbons, which are the most stable chemical species owing to its C-H covalent bonds and the wide gap between highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energies. It also has a low glass transition temperature (Tg), allowing facile cohesion of the active materials to be interconnected by mild pressing activation without wet-coated primer layers. This dry electrode binder provides substantial electrochemical properties based on both NCM811 cathodes over 5 mAh cm−2 for 700 cycles. Furthermore, the binder mechanics were maintained at the elevated temperature over Tg with its cheesy nature rather than liquefied melting. This integrated approach bridges the gap between materials and processes, paving the way for sustainable advancements in battery electrode manufacturing.
Extending TAM: interactivity, efficiency, and trust in ICT adoption among millennial farmers
Authors: Sasmita Hari Otang , Saleh Amiruddin , Priatna Wahyu Budi , Muljono Pudji 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

The adoption of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in agriculture can enhance productivity and reduce costs through technological advancements and digitization. However, an imbalance exists between high internet penetration and its use in Indonesian agriculture, especially among younger generations. This study investigated the impact of ICT factors on young small-scale farmers' ICT utilization to improve productive performance. This study extends the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by incorporating perceived interactivity, efficiency, and trust in ICT as additional constructs. A survey was conducted in Bogor District, Indonesia, using structural equation modeling for data analysis. The results show that interactivity significantly influences communication and information acquisition, while efficiency and trust affect communication, but not information acquisition. Communication and information significantly influence productivity. Mediation analysis revealed the crucial role of communication in translating efficiency, interactivity, and trust into productivity. The findings highlight the importance of designing ICT platforms that enable seamless two-way communication and the need for tailored training programs and localized content to enhance farmers' confidence in using ICT for information seeking. This study contributes to the literature on ICT adoption in agriculture by emphasizing the mediating role of communication in driving productivity and offers implications for policymakers, agricultural extension services, and ICT developers aiming to enhance farmers' productivity through technology adoption.
Super-Ductile, Ultra-Tough and High-Impact Polyolefin Alloys
Authors: Maimaitiming Aizezi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Polyolefins are the most commonly used synthetic materials in the world. However, unmanaged postconsumer polyolefins dominate global plastic waste, and blending polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) materials (wastes) results in undesirable poor mechanical properties owing to their thermodynamic incompatibility in the melt. Therefore, great challenges remain for the melt-compounding and mechanical recycling of PP and PE to prepare high-performance alloys. Here, we present a series of super-ductile, ultra-tough and high-impact PP/PE alloys with tailor-made hierarchical superstructures from order melts below 190°C. Excellent mechanical properties are achieved by generating stable ordered melts and synergistically controlling polymorphic crystals and intrinsic chain entanglements of the continuous PP phase, (multicore-in-core)-shell multiphase structure of the dispersed PE phase and interfacial networks between the PP/PE phases under directed processing and crystallization conditions. The polyolefin alloys have potential applications in separators for lithium-ion batteries and capacitors as well as lightweight mono-material components and parts for automobile and household appliances. Moreover, the findings provide an innovative and scalable strategy for the physical recycling of waste polyolefins.
PTSD Symptoms and their Relationship with Depression, Anxiety, and Physical Health in Patients undergoing Treatment for Advanced Stage Lung Cancer
Authors: Penn Christopher , Gerhart James , Saxena Shriya , McLouth Laurie 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
Advanced stage lung cancer (ASLC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality. Patients undergoing treatment for ASLC often experience significant comorbid psychiatric and physical distress. Given the acutely life-threatening nature of ASLC, and distressing physical symptoms, patients may be at risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Methods
This study investigated PTSD symptoms and their association with psychiatric comorbidities and physical health concerns among a subsample of 77 adults undergoing active treatment for ASLC as part of a cross-sectional mixed methods design.
Results
Approximately 14.5 percent of the sample reported clinically significant PTSD symptoms. Symptom severity was positively correlated with anxiety and depressive symptoms (p < .001), and physical concerns including pulmonary symptoms, poor sleep quality, pain intensity, and pain-related interference.
Conclusions
PTSD symptoms were elevated among patients with ASLC and uniquely linked to difficulties with sleep and pulmonary symptoms. Further assessment is needed as these symptoms are often accompanied by other psychiatric symptoms and physical health concerns that can erode well-being and quality of life.
MXene-supported Ni-Co bimetallic MOF 2D lamellar membrane for enhanced electrochemical oxygen reactions and Li-O 2 battery
Authors: Liu Liming , Lian Hongxia , Deng Heming , Zhang Weixin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) battery is a revolutionary high-performance battery technology due to its exceptionally high theoretical energy density, but challenges associated with the cathode material have hindered its further advancement. Here, an in-situ synthesis strategy was adopted to load a bimetallic Ni-Co metal-organic framework (MOF) onto MXene (Ti3C2) layer, and subsequently prepared a free-standing and flexible Ni/Co-MOF@Ti3C2 hybrid membrane through a layer-by-layer self-assembly method for efficient oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) and as a cathode for Li-O2 batteries. The Ni/Co-MOF@Ti3C2 hybrid membrane integrates the high conductivity and unique two-dimensional layered structure of MXene with the bimetallic active sites of Ni-Co MOF, exhibiting remarkable ORR catalytic activity. The structural characteristics of Ni/Co-MOF@Ti3C2 hybrid membrane provide smoother expansion pathways for Li+ or O2, effectively promoting the deposition and decomposition of Li2O2, thereby overcoming the inherent limitations of traditional slurry-based cathode preparation methods for Li-O2 batteries. Experimental results indicate that Li-O2 batteries utilizing the Ni/Co-MOF@Ti3C2 hybrid membrane as the cathode achieve an ultra-high capacity of 36125 mAh/g at a current density of 1000 mA/g, while demonstrating excellent cycle stability and outstanding rate performance. The promising results offers novel insights into the innovative design of air cathodes for metal-air batteries.
Deeply interactive pillars: Achieve advanced feature enhancement in 3D point clouds with deep interactions
Authors: 施 玲玲 , 陈 静 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

The pillar-based feature learning mode demonstrates significant efficiency in 3D object detection. However, its aggressive downsampling operation results in the loss of explicit geometric cues, which adversely affects the model's ability to understand small target objects. Additionally, during the Pillar Feature Encoding (PFE) process, the 3D object detector encounters issues such as high-dimensional information loss and uneven numerical distribution, which hinder the improvement of model performance and quantification potential. To address these challenges, we introduce a novel method called Deeply Interactive Pillars (DIP). First, we propose a self-supplying dual token mechanism to facilitate global feature interaction. By incorporating spatial tokens and semantic tokens, the model enhances efficient interaction across global features, and the synergy between these tokens improves the model's ability to represent small targets in complex scenarios. Second, we design a new feature fusion module, the 3D Dual-Pool Attention Fusion Module (DP-AF), to refine the max-pooling operation in PointPillars. The DP-AF module integrates the benefits of double pooling and the Squeeze-and-Excitation (SE) mechanism, effectively enhancing the important information within the feature map of 3D point cloud data.Extensive experiments on the KITTI dataset validate the superior performance of our proposed DI-Pillar method. In pedestrian and cyclist detection tasks, DI-Pillar achieves accuracy rates of 59.85%, 53.30%, and 48.12% for pedestrians, and 89.07%, 67.70%, and 63.45% for cyclists, across the three difficulty levels of easy, medium, and hard, respectively. These results demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method.
AppRaise: Software for quantifying evidence uncertainty in systematic reviews using a Bayesian mixture model
Authors: Kabali Conrad 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Systematic reviews are essential for evidence-based healthcare decision-making. While it is relatively straightforward to quantitatively assess random errors in systematic reviews, as these are typically reported in primary studies, the assessment of biases often remains narrative. Primary studies seldom provide quantitative estimates of biases and their uncertainties, resulting in systematic reviews rarely including such measurements. Additionally, evidence appraisers often face time constraints and technical challenges that prevent them from conducting quantitative bias assessments themselves. Given that multiple biases and random errors collectively skew the point estimate from the truth, it is important to incorporate comprehensive quantitative methods of uncertainty in systematic reviews. These methods should integrate random errors and biases into a unified measure of uncertainty and be easily accessible to evidence appraisers, preferably through user-friendly software.
To address this need, we propose a Bayesian mixture model and introduce AppRaise, a free, web-based interactive software designed to implement this approach. We showcase its application through a health technology assessment (HTA) report on the effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring in reducing A1c levels among individuals with type 1 diabetes.
Applying the AppRaise software to the HTA report revealed a high level of certainty (86% probability) that continuous glucose monitoring would, on average, result in a reduction in A1c levels compared with self-monitoring of blood glucose among Ontarians with type 1 diabetes. AppRaise can be utilized as a standalone tool or as a complement to validate the quality of evidence assessed using qualitative-based scoring methods.
Sensitive and facile detection of vitamin D based on fluorescent labeled aptamer probe and exonuclease I-assisted signal amplification
Authors: Xu Xinqiu , Jia Chaofan , Zhang Fengjiao , Li Hao , Gong Weilei , Wang Changqin , Wei Yin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

The combination of nanomaterials and biomolecular recognition units, and the signal transduction based on fluorescence, have broad prospects in the development of small molecule optical adaptive sensors. In this study, we systematically studied a rapid and simple aptamer-based fluorescence sensor that uses fullerene as a quencher for the detection of vitamin D3. The surface of fullerene consists of a π-electron cloud, which makes it a powerful electron acceptor material capable of accepting or transferring excited electrons from fluorophores such as carboxyfluorescein (FAM). The aptamer labeled with fluorescein (5’6-FAM) is adsorbed onto the fullerene surface through hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions, leading to fluorescence quenching due to Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). However, in the presence of vitamin D3, it can specifically bind to FAM-ssDNA, forming a vitamin D3-aptamer-hairpin structure that cannot be adsorbed onto the fullerene surface. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the linear detection range for vitamin D3 was 0–600 nM, with a detection limit of 200 nM. When exonuclease I was used, the detection limit was improved to 50 nM. Furthermore, the recovery rate of vitamin D3 in water samples was 88.4–96.3%. The feasibility of the sensor was validated by successfully detecting vitamin D3 in water samples.
Immune dysregulation in long covid may contribute to the development of neurological disorders through the effects of cytokines
Authors: Rassokhin V. V. , Arsentieva N. A. , Korobova Z. R. , Lyubimova N. E. , Batsunov O. K. , Boeva E. V. , Knizhnikova A. A. , Norka A. O. , Khalezova N. B. , Belyakov N. A. 
Published: February 2025

Aim of the study: to investigate the role of proinflammatory markers and some immune cells in neural and cognitive disorders in long COVID patients.Materials and methods. The study included 81 patients diagnosed with long COVID, the presence of which was determined by the persistence of a complex of multidirectional symptoms for more than 12 weeks that developed during or after COVID-19. Flow cytometry was used to assess lymphocyte subsets. The main lymphocyte subpopulations were analyzed: T cells, cytotoxic T cells, B cells, NK and NKT cells in blood plasma via multiplex xMAP analysis. Also concentrations of GM-CSF, IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, MCP-1, MIP-1b, TNF were measured. The content of proinflammatory cytokines and some immune system cells was characterized in respondents with long COVID. A comparative analysis of data was conducted with individuals without a history of COVID-19, as well as between patients with different numbers of SARS-CoV-2 cases.Results and discussion. The study identified characteristic features of long COVID that affect both the nervous and immune systems.Analysis of the blood cells revealed absolute and relative lymphopenia due to a decrease in NK cells. We also noticed an increased number of NKT cells in patients who suffered multiple COVID-19, when compared to those who only were infected with SARS-CoV-2 once. Cytokine analysis revealed increase in concentrations of IL-5, IL-8, IL-13, IL-17 and CCL2/MCP1 in blood plasma of long COVID patients.Conclusion. The data provides additional support to the theory of immune dysregulation in neurological symptoms of long COVID.