bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of changes and influencing factors of stablization treatment effects and bioavailability after freeze-thaw: a case study of Pb-contaminated soil in a non-ferrous metal factory in Northeast China
Authors: Hao Wangwang , Wang Dongdong , Yu Miao , Cai Yun , Wang Yu 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionSolidification/Stabilization techniques are commonly used for the containment and isolation of Pb-contaminated soil, but they cannot reduce the amount of contaminants. Freeze – thaw after stabilization may affect Pb’s environmental behavior and increase the uncertainty of environmental risk.MethodsIn vitro experiments can simulate the bioavailability of heavy metals to the human body, accurately assessing their environmental health risks. In this study, soil samples from Pbcontaminated site are collected from a non-ferrous metal plant in Northeastern China. Through the results of stabilization and freeze–thaw after stabilization experiments, analyzing the changes of physicochemical property, Pb treatment effects (total concentration, leaching concentration, and occurrence forms) and microbial communities, and studying the influencing factors of Pb’s bioavailability.Result and discussionThe results show that stabilization and freeze – thaw after stabilization directly alter soil physicochemical property, thereby affecting the leaching and occurrence form of Pb and microbial communities, and closely related to changes in bioavailability of Pb. Both stabilization and freeze–thaw treatment reduced the leaching concentration of Pb, decreased the proportion of available Pb (acid-soluble state, oxidation state and reduction state), increased the bioavailability of Pb in the gastric phase, but decreased in the intestinal phase; And the dominant bacterial phylum in the soil changed to Firmicutes, the dominant bacterial genus changed to Bacillus; The analysis of the results shows that the bioavailability of Pb is related to soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil organic matter (SOM), soil moisture content (SMC), Pb (leaching, acid soluble state, oxidation state, residual state), types of microorganisms in soil.
Edge-guided feature fusion network for RGB-T salient object detection
Authors: Chen Yuanlin , Sun Zengbao , Yan Cheng , Zhao Ming 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionRGB-T Salient Object Detection (SOD) aims to accurately segment salient regions in both visible light and thermal infrared images. However, many existing methods overlook the critical complementarity between these modalities, which can enhance detection accuracy.MethodsWe propose the Edge-Guided Feature Fusion Network (EGFF-Net), which consists of cross-modal feature extraction, edge-guided feature fusion, and salience map prediction. Firstly, the cross-modal feature extraction module captures and aggregates united and intersecting information in each local region of RGB and thermal images. Then, the edge-guided feature fusion module enhances the edge features of salient regions, considering that edge information is very helpful in refining significant area details. Moreover, a layer-by-layer decoding structure integrates multi-level features and generates the prediction of salience maps.ResultsWe conduct extensive experiments on three benchmark datasets and compare EGFF-Net with state-of-the-art methods. Our approach achieves superior performance, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed modules in improving both detection accuracy and boundary refinement.DiscussionThe results highlight the importance of integrating cross-modal information and edge-guided fusion in RGB-T SOD. Our method outperforms existing techniques and provides a robust framework for future developments in multi-modal saliency detection.
The healthy eating movement on social media and its psychological effects on body image
Authors: Zaharia Alina , Gonța Iulia 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionThe present study aims to investigate the relationship between social-media pressure, the tendency to internalize standards of beauty and attractiveness associated with thin bodies, which subsequently leads to distortion of body shape perceptions, and restrictive and emotional eating behavior disorders.MethodsA survey-based research design was employed, utilizing an online questionnaire to collect data. The study sample consisted of 614 students, selected from the most prestigious universities in Bucharest. The questionnaire incorporated validated scales measuring Socio-Media Pressure for a Thin Body Image (SMPTB), Body Appreciation (BA), Body Shape Perception (BSP), Restrained Eating Behavior (REB), and Emotional Eating Behavior (EEB).ResultsThe results confirmed the hypotheses of the research, meaning food restrictions are a way to diminish the level of dissatisfaction with body shape, to reduce the difference between the ideal body shape and the real one. Food restrictions are perceived as natural behaviors, appropriate to support the standards of beauty and attractiveness specific to this historical stage. Emotional eating disorders emerge as a way to compensate for the discomfort generated by low body esteem.DiscussionThe results underscore the pervasive influence of social media in shaping eating behaviors and body image perceptions. Food restrictions, framed as natural responses to societal pressures, highlight the need for interventions addressing the normalization of harmful beauty standards. Emotional eating behaviors reveal the psychological toll of body dissatisfaction, emphasizing the importance of strategies to foster positive body image and mental well-being. These findings provide a foundation for developing educational campaigns and therapeutic approaches targeting the psychological impact of social media on eating behaviors.
The establishment of PD-1 inhibitor treatment prognosis model based on dynamic changes of peripheral blood indexes in patients with advanced lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Xie Yuyan , Sun Hao , Shan Liying , Ma Xin , Sun Qingyu , Liu Fang 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundUnlike patients with lung adenocarcinoma, patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) do not derive significant benefits from targeted therapy. In recent years, immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment approach for LUSC. However, not all patients with this type of cancer respond to immunotherapy, necessitating the identification of effective biomarkers to predict survival prognosis and evaluate the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively collected case and hematologic data from 212 patients with advanced squamous lung cancer who received PD-1 combination therapy. Hematological indices mainly contained SCC, CEA, NSE, Hb, LDH, WBC and RBC at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks of treatment. All patients underwent imaging examinations and efficacy was evaluated according to RECIST1.1 criteria. Univariate tests were used to assess the relationship between changes in serum biomarkers, clinical characteristics and treatment outcome. The survival prognosis of patients was investigated by telephone follow-up. The optimal critical values of all hematological indicators were calculated by ROC curves, and then logistic regression and Cox regression were used to analyze multiple serum markers in relation to efficacy and survival prognosis, respectively. Finally, column line plots were constructed and validated to predict the probability of patient survival.ResultsPost-treatment RBC12w&lt;3.81 × 10 12/L (p &lt; 0.034) was associated with lower ORR, and WBC6w&lt;9.34 × 109/L (p=0.041) was associated with higher DCR.SCC12w≥2.25 ng/mL (p = 0.015), NSE6w≥13.54 ng/mL(p = 0.044)and RBC0w≥4.2 × 10 9/L (p = 0.003) were independent predictors of PFS. SCC12w≥2.25 ng/mL (p &lt; 0.001) and NSE6w≥13.54ng/mL(p = 0.042) were independent predictor of OS. Patients in the SCC12w≥2.25 ng/mL (HR = 1.943,95% CI:1.218-3.079 vs. HR = 2.161,95%CI:1.087-3.241) and NSE6w≥13.54 ng/mL (HR = 1.657,95% CI:1.118-2.535 vs. HR = 2.064,95% CI:1.569-4.169) groups had shorter PFS and OS. In subgroup analysis, patients with stage III advanced squamous lung cancer had a better pro-gnosis than those with stage IV. PD-L1-positive, and SCC12w ≥2.25 ng/mL had a worse prognosis. The results of constructing column-line plots for predicting the survival probability of 1-, 3-, and 5-year PFS and OS: The C-index and 95% CI for PFS and OS of column-line plots were 0.725 (95% CI: 0.478-1.928) and 0.755 (95% CI: 0.642-0.868), respectively, and the bootstrap correction showed a good consistency of the column-line plots.ConclusionChanges in RBC12w ≥3.81×1012/L, WBC6w ≥9.34×10 9/L, SCC12w ≥2.25 ng/mL, and NSE6w ≥13.54 ng/mL after treatment are prognostic indicators of immunotherapy in patients with advanced squamous lung cancer.
Design and dosimetric characterization of a transportable proton minibeam collimation system
Authors: Ahmed Mabroor , Beyreuther Elke , Gantz Sebastian , Horst Felix , Meyer Juergen , Pawelke Jörg , Schmid Thomas E. , Stolz Jessica , Wilkens Jan J. , Bartzsch Stefan 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundProton Minibeam Radiation Therapy has shown to widen the therapeutic window compared to conventional radiation treatment in pre-clinical studies. The underlying biological mechanisms, however, require more research.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to develop and characterize a mechanical collimation setup capable of producing 250µm wide proton minibeams with a center-to-center distance of 1000µm.MethodsTo find the optimal arrangement Monte Carlo simulations were employed using the Geant4 toolkit TOPAS to maximize key parameters such as the peak-to-valley dose ratio (PVDR) and the valley dose rate. The experimental characterization of the optimized setup was carried out with film dosimetry at the University Proton Therapy beamline in Dresden and the proton beamline of the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle with 150MeV and 50.5MeV, respectively. A microDiamond detector (PTW, Freiburg, Germany) was utilized at both beamlines for online proton minibeam dosimetry.ResultsA PVDR of 10 was achieved in Dresden and a PVDR of 14 in Seattle. Dosimetry measurements were carried out with EBT3 films at a depth of 5mm in a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) phantom. When comparing film dosimetry with the microDiamond, excellent agreement was observed in the valleys. However, the peak dose showed a discrepancy of approximately 10% in the 150MeV beam and 20% in the 50.5MeV beam between film and microDiamond.DiscussionThe characteristics of the minibeams generated with our system compares well with those of other collimated minibeams despite being smaller. The deviations of microDiamond measurements from film readings might be subject to the diamond detector responding differently in the peak and valley regions. Applying previously reported correction factors aligns the dose profile measured by the microDiamond with the profile acquired with EBT3 films in Dresden.ConclusionThe novel proton minibeam system can be operated independently of specific beamlines. It can be transported easily and hence used for inter-institutional comparative studies. The quality of the minibeams allows us to perform in vitro and in vivo experiments in the future. The microDiamond was demonstrated to have great potential for online dosimetry for proton minibeams, yet requires more research to explain the observed discrepancies.
Increased ferritin, serum lactate dehydrogenase, and aspartate aminotransferase levels predict macrophage activation syndrome complicating systemic lupus erythematosus: a retrospective study
Authors: Liu Yingying , Pan Yuting , Jin Jing , Wang Panpan , Zhang Tonghao , Fan Zhidan , Yu Haiguo 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the diagnosis of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) at the onset of active childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE), which is under-researched, and to compare the characteristics of cSLE with and without MAS, hypothesizing the existence of possible predictors of MAS in active cSLE.MethodsThis study enrolled 157 patients diagnosed with cSLE, with or without MAS, from Nanjing Medical University between January 2018 and May 2023. Data analysis was performed using an independent samples t-test or the Mann–Whitney U-test, the χ2 test, the Youden index to determine the optimal cutoff values for diagnosis, and binary logistic regression analysis to determine the predicted probability.ResultsFifteen patients (9%) had MAS in the active phase, with an SLE disease activity index of 16.6 (range, 6–32). Bone marrow aspirations revealed hemophagocytosis in 8/15 cases (53%). Fever was the most common feature of MAS patients. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and ferritin levels were elevated in the patients. Lower leukocyte, neutrophil, and platelet counts, including serum sodium and fibrinogen, and increased alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ferritin, triglyceride, and D-dimer levels occurred in MAS patients, unlike those without MAS. Optimal cutoff values for ferritin (≥607.35 ng/ml), LDH (≥424 U/L), and AST (≥61 U/L) were predictors of MAS occurrence in cSLE. No MAS patients experienced recurrence during an 18-month mean follow-up.ConclusionsDespite the narrow scope of the study, elevated levels of ferritin, LDH, and AST may represent indicators of cSLE complicated by MAS. Early diagnosis and treatment may improve outcomes.
A real-world pharmacovigilance study of Sorafenib based on the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System
Authors: Zhang Dongdong , Cai Ying , Sun Yixin , Zeng Peiji , Wang Wei , Wang Wenhui , Jiang Xiaohua , Lian Yifan 
Published: December 2024

AimsThe primary objective of this study was to closely monitor and identify adverse events (AEs) associated with Sorafenib, a pharmacological therapeutic agent used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, and thyroid cancer. The ultimate goal was to optimize patient safety and provide evidence-based guidance for the appropriate use of this drug.MethodsReports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database were comprehensively collected and analyzed, covering the first quarter of 2004 to the first quarter of 2024. Disproportionality analysis was performed using robust algorithms for effective data mining to quantify the signals associated with Sorafenib-related AEs.ResultsIn total, we identifued 18,624 patients (82,857 AEs in the Sorafenib population) from the collected reports and examined, the occurrence of Sorafenib-induced AEs in 26 organ systems. The study results revealed the presence of the expected AEs, including Diarrhoea, Palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Fatigue, and Rash, which was consistent with the information provided in the drug insert. In addition, unexpected significant AEs, such as Gait inability, Palmoplantar keratoderma and Hyperkeratosis were observed at the preferred term (PT) level. These findings suggest the potential occurrence of adverse reactions not currently documented in drug descriptions.ConclusionThis study successfully detected new and unforeseen signals associated with Sorafenib-related AEs related to Sorafenib administration, providing important insights into the complex correlations between AEs and Sorafenib use. The results of this study emphasize the critical importance of continuous and vigilant surveillance for the timely identification and effective management of AEs to improve the overall patient safety and wellbeing in the context of Sorafenib therapy.
Anticoagulation approach in morbid obesity: a comprehensive review on venous thromboembolism management
Authors: Sorodoc Victorita , Asaftei Andreea , Ceasovschih Alexandr , Lionte Catalina , Crisan Simina , Constantin Mihai , Indrei Lucia , Sorodoc Laurentiu 
Published: December 2024

Obesity is a recognized risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE), associated with distinct challenges in managing anticoagulation therapy. There is still limited evidence regarding the impact of extreme body weight on the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, and safety of various anticoagulant medications. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review to address both prophylactic and therapeutic anticoagulant dosages specifically for managing VTE in patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥40 kg/m2 or weight ≥120 kg. Our aim was to synthesize the findings of relevant studies alongside the latest recommendations on anticoagulation in this unique population. We gathered and analyzed data on all classes of anticoagulants available for VTE management, including vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), unfractionated heparin (UFH), low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), fondaparinux, and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), offering insights into their efficacy and safety profiles. Additionally, we explored special subpopulations of morbidly obese patients, such as those with cancer, renal dysfunction, or those undergoing bariatric surgery, recognizing the nuanced therapeutic challenges they present. The current evidence for anticoagulant therapy in morbidly obese patients with VTE is evidently insufficient, underscoring the need for a tailored approach and meticulous monitoring to achieve an optimal therapeutic balance.
Metformin’s effect on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease through the miR-200a-5p and AMPK/SERCA2b pathway
Authors: Chen Hang , Huang Minshan , Zhang Dan , Wang Hui , Wang Da , Li Mengwei , Wang Xianmei , Zhu Rui , Liu Jianjun , Ma Lanqing 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionMetformin has shown benefits in treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), but its mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigates miR-200a-5p’s role in the AMPK/SERCA2b pathway to reduce liver fat accumulation and ER stress in MASLD.MethodsA PA cell model induced by palmitic and oleic acids (2:1) was used to assess lipid accumulation via Oil Red O and Nile Red staining. mRNA levels of miR-200a-5p and lipid metabolism genes were measured with RT-PCR, and AMPK, p-AMPK, and SERCA2b protein levels were analyzed by Western blotting. The interaction between miR-200a-5p and AMPK was studied using a luciferase reporter assay. A high-fat diet-induced MASLD mouse model was used to evaluate metformin’s effects on liver steatosis and lipid profiles. Serum miR-200a-5p levels were also analyzed in MASLD patients.ResultsIn the PA cell model, elevated miR-200a-5p and lipid metabolism gene mRNA levels were observed, with decreased AMPK and SERCA2b protein levels. miR-200a-5p mimic reduced AMPK and SERCA2b expression. Metformin treatment reduced liver steatosis and lipid deposition in mice, normalizing miR-200a-5p, lipid metabolism gene mRNA, and AMPK/SERCA2b protein levels. Elevated serum miR-200a-5p was detected in MASLD patients.DiscussionThese findings suggest that metformin alleviates lipid deposition and ER stress in MASLD through the modulation of the AMPK/SERCA2b pathway via miR-200a-5p.
Do plant biostimulants affect the survival of Escherichia coli in lettuce?
Authors: Fiore Leonardo , Cardarelli Mariateresa , Ruzzi Maurizio , Ficca Anna Grazia , Rouphael Youssef , Luziatelli Francesca , Colla Giuseppe 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionConsidering that plant biostimulants can be sprayed multiple times on leafy crops even just before harvest, it is relevant to know the impact of biostimulant applications on Escherichia coli population dynamics of lettuce leaves to ensure food safety. Two trials were carried out to investigate whether the applications of a seaweed extract and a vegetal-derived protein hydrolysate (PH) could affect the E. coli growth in shake flasks (Exp. 1) and plant growth and survival of artificially inoculated E. coli on the leaf surface of lettuce grown in a floating system (Exp. 2).MethodsThe non-pathogenic E. coli strain K12 was used in both trials. In Exp. 1, biostimulants’ inhibitory/stimulatory effect on E. coli growth was evaluated in liquid culture after 24 hours of incubation at 37°C. The 31-day agronomic trial (Exp. 2) was conducted in a polyethylene greenhouse on lettuce grown in a floating system.ResultsIn Exp. 1, E. coli growth was not affected by LB medium amended with biostimulants, whereas both biostimulants stimulated total aerobic bacteria and inhibited E. coli population on lettuce leaves with a more pronounced inhibitory effect of PH applications on E. coli (Exp. 2). Total plant biomass and its partitioning (on fresh and dry weight basis), and N concentrations (as total N and nitrates) of leaves were not influenced by both biostimulant treatments.ConclusionThe use of plant biostimulants could be a valuable and sustainable strategy to improve the microbiological quality of leafy greens to produce ready-to-eat foods.
Contributions of hemispheric dynamics in visual word recognition: uncovering familiarity effects through lateralized priming
Authors: Kim Sangyub , Nam Kichun 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionThis investigation aimed to explore interhemispheric interactions in visual word processing with a focus on proficiency development. Given the asymmetrical specialization in visual word processing across hemispheres, the study hypothesized that the primary hemisphere predominantly regulates interhemispheric interactions. The familiarity effect, serving as a measure of visual word processing proficiency, was examined to determine how proficiency influences these interactions.MethodsA primed-lateralized lexical decision task with a stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) of 100 ms was employed. The task involved presenting primes and targets in parafoveal visual fields (left visual field/right visual field) to assess behavioral responses. By manipulating prime and target visual field locations, the study aimed to evaluate both inter- and intrahemispheric interactions during visual word processing.ResultsThe findings revealed a significant interhemispheric familiarity effect in response times when the left visual field (LVF)/right hemisphere (RH) served as the prime and the right visual field (RVF)/left hemisphere (LH) as the target. Additionally, a significant intrahemispheric familiarity effect was observed within the LVF/RH condition, suggesting a prominent role of the RH in visual-perceptual processing during the development of visual word recognition proficiency.DiscussionThese results provide compelling evidence for asymmetric specialization between the hemispheres in visual word processing. The significant inter- and intrahemispheric familiarity effects underscore the importance of RH visual-perceptual processing in proficiency development. These insights enhance our understanding of interhemispheric dynamics in the evolution of visual word recognition proficiency, highlighting the complex coordination between hemispheres in facilitating fluent visual word processing.