bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with achieving various visual acuity outcomes during loading doses of aflibercept 2mg for treatment naïve exudative age-related macular degeneration: PRECISE Study Report 7
Authors: Sivaprasad Sobha , Chandak Swati , Gurudas Sarega , Muhammed Raheeba Pakeer , Kazantzis Dimitrios , Ghanchi Faruque , Grabowska Anna , Talks James , Pearce Ian , McKibbin Martin , Kotagiri Ajay , Menon Geeta , Burton Ben , Gale Richard 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

PURPOSE: To examine baseline OCT characteristics of patients initiated on aflibercept 2mg that achieved good and suboptimal VA after the first injection and post-loading.
METHODS: Patients with nAMD initiated on aflibercept therapy were recruited from December 2019 to August 2021. Demographic and OCT (Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering) features associated with good VA (VA>=68 ETDRS letter score, Snellen >= 6/12) and poor VA (VA < 54 letter score, Snellen < 6/18) or lost >= 5 ETDRS letters after first injection (V2) and after the loading phase (V4) were analysed using logistic regression via generalised estimating equations.
RESULTS: A total of 1,999 eyes of 1,862 patients were analysed. The mean age was 79.3 (SD 7.8) years, 1,126 (60.5%) were female, predominantly white ethnic background (1,772 [95.2%]) and the mean presenting VA was 58.0 (SD 14.5) ETDRS letter score.
After V4, 930 (46.6%) of 1,994 eyes achieved VA>=68 ETDRS letter score and 457 (22.9%) achieved VA<54 ETDRS letter score.
The OCT parameters found to be associated with reduced odds of VA >=68 ETDRS letter score and increased odds of VA < 54 ETDRS letter score included foveal-involving IRF, PCV (vs. Type 1), RAP (vs. Type 1), Type 2 eyes (vs. Type 1), foveal-involving CNV (vs. non-foveal CNV), any component of CNV complex, increased CST, foveal-involving SRHM, foveal-involving atrophy, foveal-involving fibrosis, foveal-involving EZ loss, foveal-involving ELM loss, ungradable EZ loss, ungradable ELM loss and foveal-involving EZ/ELM loss.
CONCLUSION:
This study could help inform patients about their post-loading VA based on OCT characteristics at presentation.
Prediction of regional lymph node status in rectal cancer with radiomics features based on deep learning segmented tumor area
Authors: Zhao Wanting , Li Wanqing , Hao Yongfei , Qiao Xiaoai , Hou Guorui , Du Shaohua , Zhang Guangwen , Zhang Jinsong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: To predict regional lymph node metastasis (LNM) in rectal cancer (RC) using deep learning-based tumor auto-segmentation and radiomics.
Methods: This single-center research retrospectively analyzed 282 patients with RC from two MR vendors. The deep learning-based auto-segmentation models were constructed on T2WI and DWI with 3D U-Net, 3D V-Net, and nnU-Net v2 and assessed with the Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC). Radiomics features on manual-based VOI (MbV) and deep learning-based VOI (DbV, with the highest DSC) were extracted respectively. After feature normalization and selection, five classifiers were used for radiomics model building and then for LNM prediction. The optimal model was selected using a 5-fold cross-validation strategy and evaluated with area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity.
Results: The DSC of the nnU-Net v2 was significantly higher than that of the 3D U-Net and 3D V-Net (T2WI: 0.886 vs 0.548 vs 0.616, p < 0.001; DWI: 0.906 vs 0.583 vs 0.433, p < 0.001; test set). The AUC of DbV based-radiomics models (0.700 for T2WI, 0.667 for DWI, and 0.800 for T2WI + DWI) were comparable to those of the corresponding MbV-based radiomics models (0.633 for T2WI, p = 0.638; 0.700 for DWI, p = 0.544; and 0.833 for T2WI + DWI, p = 0.248) in LNM prediction.
Conclusions: Radiomics features of T2WI and DWI based on nnU-net v2 segmented tumor area showed a reliable performance in predicting LNM in RC.
Influence of blending raw rubber and masterbatch of nitrile and acrylate rubbers on composite properties
Authors: Liang Jiuming 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Rubber seals are used in various fields such as automobile engines and power system transformers. Currently, the seals used in automobiles and power system oil-filled transformers are mainly derived from nitrile rubber, but nitrile rubber is easy to age at high temperatures. Therefore, this study mainly considers two ways of using raw rubber blending of nitrile rubber and acrylate rubber and masterbatch concurrently to investigate its effect on the properties of composites. The results show that after the masterbatch is used in parallel, although the process is complicated, the comprehensive performance of the vulcanized rubber is better than that of the composites blended with raw rubber. High hardness, good aging resistance and low compression permanent deformation. The blending and parallel use of nitrile rubber and acrylate rubber can give play to their respective advantages, on the one hand, it can reduce the cost of the products, and on the other hand, it can also improve the performance of the sealing products, which has a good application prospect and popularization value.
Enhancing Healthcare Service Quality: The Role of Organizational Support in Stabilizing Health Policy Implementation
Authors: Yu Xintao , Guo Yuangeng , Liu Xiaochen , Gao Yongchuang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Healthcare service quality is a core focus of China's health policy, aiming to achieve universal health coverage for its 1.4 billion population. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed threats to sustainable policy implementation, highlighting the need for organizational support to rebuild healthcare workers' confidence and ensure effective policy execution through enhanced commitment.
Methods
Using Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM), data were collected from 600 healthcare workers across 40 public hospitals in China. The study focused on evaluating how organizational support—including leadership, communication, and employee engagement programs—affects organizational commitment and how this commitment further impacts healthcare service quality. Data collection took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a highly relevant context for analyzing these relationships.
Findings
The results demonstrate that organizational support positively influences healthcare service quality (H1), and this effect is mediated by organizational commitment (H3). During the pandemic, higher levels of perceived organizational support effectively reduced stress and trauma, enhancing healthcare workers' psychological resilience and job performance. Organizational support also increased emotional commitment among employees (H2), strengthening their sense of belonging and responsibility toward organizational goals. Employees who perceive high organizational support are more engaged and better equipped to maintain high standards of care under pressure. Additionally, the study found that organizational commitment significantly contributes to healthcare service quality, particularly in high-pressure environments. Employees with stronger organizational commitment exhibit behaviors that improve patient care, demonstrating greater resilience and adaptability in stressful situations.
Conclusion
This study provides critical insights into stabilizing the implementation of health policies by adopting a people-centered approach, emphasizing the role of hospital administrators in promoting organizational support to improve healthcare service quality and ultimately achieving the overarching goal of stable, universal health coverage. Sustaining these measures post-pandemic is essential for improving healthcare service quality, stabilizing health policy implementation, and achieving broader public health objectives, ultimately strengthening the healthcare system’s resilience and sustainability.
Integrated bioinformatic analysis of the expression and prognosis of ACAP1 in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Jieyan , Hu Bowen , Chen Mujian , Zhong Qiong , Li Kangxin , Li Wentao , Jiang Yongjun , Liang Hui 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Backgroud:
Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is the subtype of kidney cancer which is one of the most malignant diseases with poor survival rate over the world. The expression of ACAP1 has been reported to associated with tumor immune infiltration and clinical outcome of Ovarian Cancer. However, its function in KIRC has not yet been fully elucidated.
Method
We utilized GEPIA, Human Protein Atlas, UALCAN, TIMER, and Metascape to determine the associations among ACAP1 expression, prognosis, and immune cell infiltration in KIRC.
Results
In this study, multiple bioinformatics tools and databases were performed to explore the expression level and clinical value of ACAP1 in KIRC. We found that the expression of ACAP1 was upregulated in KIRC. Further, the survival analysis showed that KIRC patients with higher expression of ACAP1 had poor survival outcomes. Meanwhile, our data showed that the expression of ACAP1 were correlated with immune infiltration levels. Functional enrichment analyses showed that chemokine signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, NF-Kappa B signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, B cell receptor signaling pathway are very key signaling pathways which correlated with ACAP1 in KIRC. ACAP1 correlated eight positive genes were significantly associated with KIRC prognosis including MAP4K1, ZAP70, DEF6, ARHGAP9, LIMD2, FMNL1, BATF and ARHGEF1. Knockdown of ACAP1 inhibit ACHN and 786-0 cells growth by promoting cell apoptosis, and decreasing cell migration and invasion.
Conclusions
In conclusion, our findings showed that ACAP1 is a key regulator of immune cell infiltration in KIRC and may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker.
Multifidus fat infiltration negatively influence the postoperative outcomes in lumbar disc herniation following transforaminal approach percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy
Authors: Sun Kai , Qin Renjie , Wang Wenzhuo , Jiao Genlong , Sun Guodong , Chen Guoliang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the influence of multifidus muscle fat infiltration on clinical outcomes in lumbar disc herniation (LDH) undergoing percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD).
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 224 patients who underwent lateral PELD, with complete one-year follow-up data. Patients were divided into two groups based on preoperative MRI evaluation of L4 multifidus muscle fat infiltration: a mild group (< 25%) and a severe group (≥ 25%). Baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes were recorded and compared.
Results
At the final follow-up, significant improvements in VAS scores for back and leg pain, ODI scores, and EQ-5D scores were observed in both groups. There were no statistically significant differences in preoperative VAS scores for back and leg pain, ODI scores, and EQ-5D scores between the two groups. However, significant differences were found in VAS scores for back pain, ODI scores, and EQ-5D scores at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively (P < 0.05), while no significant difference was noted in VAS scores for leg pain during follow-up. The total recurrence rate was 6.7% (15 out of 224 cases), with 12 cases in the severe group and 3 cases in the mild group, showing a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
The effectiveness of postoperative PELD in patients with LDH is impacted by severe multifidus muscle fat infiltration. Multifidus muscle fat infiltration represents a risk factor for recurrent LDH after PELD.
Heavy gravity combined with light gravity local anesthetic in subarachnoid anesthesia for cesarean section did not reduce the incidence of intraoperative hypotension in maternal women: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Qiao Wei , Liu Linlin , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Liu Kairui , Wang Lingzhi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Subarachnoid anesthesia is the primary anesthetic method for elective cesarean section surgery, characterized by rapidly taking effect and reliable analgesia. However, subarachnoid anesthesia is prone to cause a high block level, resulting in a high incidence of maternal hypotension. How to reduce the incidence of maternal hypotension under subarachnoid anesthesia is a practical problem that needs to be solved urgently in clinical practice.
Methods
This prospective cohort study was performed at Nantong Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital in China between January and June 2023. This study compared the incidence of hypotension in maternal women undergoing subarachnoid anesthesia during elective cesarean section in four groups, including group A (control group) with 10 mg of 10% glucose solution; Group B with 5mg 10% glucose solution group; Group C with 4 mg 10% glucose solution group; Group D with 2 mg 10% glucose solution group. Each group was given a dose of 10 mg Ropivacaine with a concentration of 0.5% and a volume of 2 ml. The primary outcome was the incidence of maternal hypotension. The secondary outcomes were the plane of anesthesia, abdominal wall muscle relaxation degree and the incidence of adverse events.
Results
Data from 74 (18, A group; 26, B group; 15, C group; 15, D group) participants were analyzed. Heavy gravity combined with light gravity local anesthetic in subarachnoid anesthesia for cesarean section did not reduce the incidence of intraoperative hypotension in maternal women (P = 0.152). The plane of anesthesia gradually shifted from T4 to T10 as the specific gravity of ropivacaine decreased (P < 0.01). Satisfaction about abdominal wall muscle relaxation degree gradually decreased with the decrease of the specific gravity of ropivacaine (P = 0.04). And the incidence of adverse events gradually increased with the decrease of the specific gravity of ropivacaine (P = 0.027).
Conclusions
Heavy gravity combined with light gravity local anesthetic in subarachnoid anesthesia for cesarean section did not reduce the incidence of intraoperative hypotension in maternal women.
Molecular Manipulation of Polyamide Nanostructures Reconciles the Permeance–Selectivity Threshold for Precise Ion Separation
Authors: Han Gang , pan Zhenxiang , Lei Yalong , Yan Tiange , Zheng Fuxin , Liao Yu , Zhan Jiang , Zhang Tong , SHAO LU 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Membrane nanofiltration (NF) has emerged as a prominent energy-efficient separation technology for widespread applications related to the water‒energy nexus. However, state-of-the-art polyamide (PA) NF membranes are markedly constrained by a ubiquitous, pernicious tradeoff between water permeance and selectivity. Leveraging the prestigious structure-determining performance rationale, this work conceives a facile and robust molecular engineering approach that enables simultaneous improvements in water permeance and co-cation selectivity through synthetic molecular construction of a PA nanofilm with unique cationic triazolyl heterocyclic polyamide (CTHP) structures during scalable interfacial polymerization. Experimental data in conjunction with molecular simulations reveal that the CTHP structures instigate exquisite regulation of the PA subnanometer pore architecture and the specific binding affinity with water and ions, which not only affords precise ion sieving ability and advanced Donnan exclusion selectivity but also energetically facilitates the partitioning and transport of water molecules. The exemplified PA membrane exhibits unparalleled divalent cation rejections of over 99%, accompanied by a 9-fold increase in monovalent/divalent cation sieving selectivity, which is substantially greater than that of the pristine benchmark, a superior water permeation rate, and excellent chemical and operational stability, circumventing the permeance/selectivity threshold. We believe that the molecular engineering strategy implemented in this work holds broad prospects for the rational design and fabrication of semipermeable polymeric NF membranes for sustainable and precision separations.
Integrating Green Logistics into Urban Agglomeration Networks: Efficiency Improvement Approaches and Case Study
Authors: tian yu , wang bangjun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Against the backdrop of global climate change and China's pursuit of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, the logistics industry's role in emission reduction is crucial. However, existing research has mostly focused on world-class urban agglomerations, with relatively insufficient attention paid to the Huaihai urban agglomeration. This study takes the Huaihai urban agglomeration as the object and constructs a comprehensive evaluation system based on the theory of hub and spoke logistics network. By considering carbon emissions, an input-output evaluation index system from a network perspective is constructed. The two-stage network super efficiency SBM model is innovatively used to evaluate the logistics ecological efficiency, and an internal and external directed network is constructed by combining the improved gravity model and social network analysis to deeply analyze the development status of green and low-carbon logistics. The study found that the spatial distribution of logistics efficiency in this urban agglomeration is uneven, with cities such as Xuzhou showing outstanding performance, and the logistics network presenting specific structures and characteristics. Factors such as urbanization and green technology innovation have a significant impact on logistics efficiency. This study provides a basis for regional logistics planning and policy formulation, promotes sustainable development of regional logistics economy, and assists in the implementation of "dual carbon" strategy.
Lipid droplet formation induced by icaritin derivative IC2 promotes a combination strategy for cancer therapy
Authors: Wu Guosheng , Ying Liang , Zhang Qian , Xiong He , Wang Jie , Chen Sitao , Yang Chen , Jin Yiyuan , Lai Zengwei , Feng Ninghan , Ge Yunjun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background Lipid metabolism is crucial in cancer progression. Lipid droplets (LDs) generated in cancer cells can act as protective mechanisms through alleviating lipotoxicity under stress conditions. We previously developed IC2 from the Chinese medicine icaritin as an inhibitor of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1). IC2 has been shown to disrupt lipid metabolism and inhibits cancer cell proliferation. However, the impact of IC2 on intracellular LDs and the potential of targeting LD formation for combination cancer therapy remain unexplored.Methods LD formation in cancer cells was analyzed with oil red O or BODIPY staining by microscopy. LD quantification was normalized to the cell number. IC2-induced cellular responses were revealed by transcriptional analysis, real-time PCR, and immunoblotting. Mitochondrial functions were assessed by measuring ATP production and oxygen consumption. The lipid source for LD formation was studied using lipid transporter inhibitors or lipid deprivation. The effect of inhibiting LD formation on IC2's anti-tumor effects was evaluated using MTT assays and apoptosis assays, which was subsequently validated in an in vivo xenografted tumor model.Results IC2 exerted anti-tumor effects, resulting in LD formation in various cancer cells. LD formation stimulated by IC2 was independent of extracellular lipid sources and did not result from increased de novo fatty acid (FA) synthesis within the cancer cells. Transcriptional analysis indicated that IC2 disturbed mitochondrial functions, which was confirmed by impaired mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reduced capacity for ATP production and oxygen consumption. Moreover, IC2 treatment led to a greater accumulation of lipids in LDs outside the mitochondria compared with the control group. IC2 inhibited the proliferation of PC3 cells and promoted the apoptosis of the cancer cells. These effects were further enhanced after inhibiting the diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), a key intracellular enzyme involved in LD formation. In PC3-xenografted mice, the DGAT1 inhibitor augmented the IC2-induced reduction in tumor growth by modulating LD formation.Conclusion LD formation is a feedback response to IC2's anti-tumor effects, which compromises the anti-tumor actions. IC2’s anti-tumor efficacy can be enhanced by combining it with inhibitors targeting LD formation. This strategy may be extended to other anti-tumor agents that regulate lipid metabolism.
Profiling the Nasopharyngeal Microbiome in Patients with Community- Acquired Pneumonia Caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae: Diagnostic Challenges and Ecological Insights
Authors: Zubiria-Barrera Cristina , Yamba Linda Yamba , Klassert Tilman E. , Bos Malena , Ahl Jonas , Wasserstrom Lisa , Slevogt Hortense , Riesbeck Kristian 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a significant health threat for adults. Although conjugate vaccines have reduced pneumococcal CAP incidence in children, Streptococcus pneumoniae-related CAP remains prevalent among older adults. The nasopharynx acts as a reservoir for S. pneumoniae, yet the interplay between this pathogen and the nasopharyngeal microbiome during and after pneumonia remains poorly understood.
Materials and Methods
This study included 61 adult patients diagnosed with pneumococcal CAP and 61 matched healthy controls. An S. pneumoniae-specific PCR, urine antigen tests and bacterial cultures were performed. Nasopharyngeal swabs collected at admission and three months post-infection were analyzed for microbiome dynamics through 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.
Results
16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing revealed Streptococcus spp. in the majority of all nasopharyngeal samples during infection compared to the other diagnostic test performed. While overall bacterial biomass did not differ between groups, patients exhibited higher alpha diversity (p = 0.012) and lower microbiome stability post-infection. Beta diversity analysis distinguished infection from healthy status (p = 0.002). Taxonomic analysis showed similar core microbiota across groups, but Streptococcus spp. was significantly more abundant during infection, particularly in those patients with viral co-infections. Notably, unique significant bacterial interactions were identified both during and after infection, as well as in healthy states. A negative correlation was observed between Corynebacterium and Streptococcus spp. in infected patients, suggesting a potential antagonistic interaction between these taxa.
Conclusions
The nasopharyngeal microbiome in patients with pneumococcal CAP demonstrates persistent disruption post-infection, characterized by lower resilience three months after acute illness. Additionally, we identified specific bacterial interplays during and after infection that differed from those in healthy donors. These bacterial dynamics might play critical roles in pathogen colonization resistance and infection prevention. Thus, our findings highlight the need for further investigation into microbial interactions and potential microbiome-based therapies for respiratory infections, particularly in vulnerable populations.