bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sequential treatment using low-dose rituximab and belimumab for thrombotic microangiopathy with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Yang Zhenle , Liu Suwen , Zong Zihan , Li Qian , Yu Lichun , Sun Shuzhen 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a serious complication that can occur in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and TMA adversely affects prognosis and increases mortality. The treatment of TMA often requires immunosuppressive agents, high-dose corticosteroids and plasma exchange (PEX). Both rituximab (RTX) and belimumab (BEL) target B cells. The combination of RTX and BEL has recently been used for refractory and severe organ involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus. However, the clinical outcome of patients with TMA and SLE treated with sequential therapy between RTX and BEL remains elusive.
Case Series:
We reported 2 patients who were diagnosed with SLE with TMA and were administered a combination treatment of high-dose corticosteroids, immunoglobulin, and PEX at the initial stage. No improvements in microangiopathic anaemia, thrombocytopenia, or renal failure were observed. Low-dose RTX was administered in both patients, and both patients responded well. BEL was utilized to rapidly reduce the reliance on these agents and prevent the relapse of SLE at the maintenance stage. Ultimately, 2 patients fully recovered with an SLE Disease Activity Index score of 0, and prednisolone was stopped without relapse.
Conclusion
Sequential treatment with low-dose RTX and BEL could be an encouraging approach for the treatment of TMA in patients with SLE and rapid glucocorticoid reduction.
Unraveling the Genetic Architecture of Peanut pod-related traits via Genome-Wide Association Study
Authors: Yang Junchen , Yue Yunlai , Chen Chengmeng , Chen Wen , Chen Yong , Zhang Hui 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a significant oilseed and food crop worldwide. Key factors affecting yield and quality include seed weight, hull weight, pod volume, and the ratio of seed weight to hull weight. This research aimed to elucidate the genetic underpinnings of peanut seed weight, hull weight, pod volume, and the ratio of seed weight to hull weight through genome-wide association studies (GWAS). A diverse population of 104 peanut varieties was utilized, and a high-density SNP dataset was generated through haplotype screening and genotype correction. A total of 40 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with peanut pod-related traits were identified through GWAS analysis, with 12 SNPs linked to seed weight, 12 associated with hull weight, 10 to the ratio of seed weight/hull weight(SW/HW), and 6 to pod volume. Notably, the loci identified for seed weight and hull weight were entirely identical. In 2013, three SNPs(AX-176804770, AX-147254843, and AX-177639117) were co-localized for the three traits: the seed weight, hull weight, and SW/HW. In 2015, only one SNP (AX-176810349) was co-localized for these traits. Based on these sites, 264 candidate genes were selected, with 84, 84, 76, and 20 genes related to seed weight, hull weight, SW/HW, and pod volume, respectively, and all of the genes are associated with plant growth. My research focuses on four key traits: seed weight, hull weight, pod volume, and the ratio of seed weight to hull weight. This study not only provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of these four traits but also serves as a resource of candidate genes aimed at enhancing peanut quality and facilitating genetic breeding efforts.
Recovery of Carbon Fiber from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics using Alkali Molten Hydroxide
Authors: Wajima Takaaki , Yamashita Kazuki 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

High-strength carbon fibers were recovered by a new method, involving the decomposition of the resin part of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) by heating it in a mixture of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH). Alkali molten hydroxide was prepared by heating the mixture of NaOH and KOH at various ratios (NaOH:KOH = 1:0, 3:1, 1:1, 1:3, 0:1) at 400oC, and the CFRP was then heated with the aforementioned alkali molten hydroxide under a nitrogen atmosphere at 200–400oC for 0–90 min. Subsequently, the CFRP was washed with distilled water and filtered to recover the carbon fibers, and its tensile strength was estimated. Carbon fibers with higher strength can be recovered by heating the CFRP with an alkali molten hydroxide. As the temperature increased, the strength of the recovered carbon fiber decreased owing to the increase in gas generation caused by the decomposition of the resin and carbon fiber in the molten hydroxide, such as H2 and CH4. KOH increase in the alkali molten hydroxide promoted decomposition of the resin, whereas the fiber was degraded. High-strength carbon fiber, nearly the same as virgin fiber, can be recovered at 200oC using the NaOH:KOH molten hydroxide at a ratio of 1:3.
Relationship between Plant Strategy Types and Soil Characteristics in Backdunes and Foredunes
Authors: Elmas Emire , Türkiş Sevda , Bani Barış 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Dune ecosystems harbor a limited array of plant species, thriving despite their challenging habitats. This study aims to explore the distribution of plant strategy types in foredune and backdune regions and their correlation with soil variables. CSR strategies and seasonal soil variables were analysed, encompassing soil moisture, organic matter, TN, NH4-N, NO3, P, pH, Na, K, Cl, Ca, CaCO3, Mg, EC, and CEC. The dissimilarity between foredune and backdune areas was assessed using the Bray–Curtis similarity matrix and SIMPER. CCA was used to examine the relationships between plant strategies and soil variables. The dissimilarity rate between two sites in terms of the distribution of strategy types was 67.04%. All soil variables, except P for both areas and CaCO3 for the backdune, exhibited significant seasonal variations (p < 0.05). The C/CR and SC strategy types was in positive correlations with pH, salinity, EC, and CaCO3, and negative ones with TN, P, K, saturation, organic matter, moisture, and CEC. The R/CR, R/CSR, SR/CSR, S/SR, SC/CSR and CR/CSR strategy types correlated positively with TN, P, K, saturation, organic matter, moisture, and CEC. Similarly, negative correlations were detected between CR/CSR, R/CSR, SR/CSR, and S/SR strategy types and pH, salinity, EC, and CaCO3. This study underscores the spatial dynamics involved in reaching the climax stage within dune ecosystems, showcasing the resilience of species that adapt to stressful environments. Even in the absence of disturbance, species uniquely suited to these conditions can thrive, marking the culmination of succession in such ecosystems.
Draft Genome of Naganishia uzbekistanensis from a Clinical Pulmonary Infection
Authors: Dai Rongchen , Chen Xinfei , Fan Xin , Gu Li , Zhang Li , Guo Dan , Xu Yingchun , Xiao Meng 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The high-quality genome of Naganishia uzbekistanensis was first assembled from the clinical isolate CY11558, obtained from a patient with a postoperative pulmonary infection. This pioneering work provides a crucial reference for the diagnosis and identification of infections caused by this yeast species, thereby enhancing clinical treatment strategies.
Long-term effects of multicomponent training in the body composition and physical fitness of breast cancer survivors: a controlled and experimental study with clustering analysis
Authors: Encarnação Samuel Gonçalves Almeida , Schneider André , Almeida Roberto Gonçalves , Bernardes Luciano , Forte Pedro , Fernandes Helder Jaime , Monteiro António Miguel 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Multicomponent training is suggested as an efficient way to address the side effects of long-term treatment in breast cancer survivors and reduce the age-related relapse risk in these patients. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a multicomponent training intervention on breast cancer survivors' physical fitness and body composition.
Methods: This experimental and controlled study included 19 breast cancer survivors with 64.0 ± 8.6 years, to evaluate long-term effects (36 weeks) of multicomponent training on body composition [body weight (kg), body mass index, body fat (%), lean mass (kg), body water (%), basal metabolism (Kcal) and visceral fat (index)] and physical fitness [Upper limb strength (repetitions), lower limb strength (repetitions), upper limb flexibility (cm), lower limb flexibility (cm), dynamic balance (seconds), and aerobic fitness (repetitions)]. Bayesian statistical tests were employed to analyze the reduced dataset size, considering a Bayes factor ≥ 10 as the cutoff for significant differences. Hierarchical clustering identified participant improvements using Manhattan distance, and clusters were ranked by responsiveness.
Results: The experimental improved body weight, body fat percentage, and physical fitness after the intervention, while no changes were observed in the control group. Cluster analysis showed that higher responders varied from 28% to 86% across variables, while others showed lower, but still positive, responses.
Discussion and Conclusion: The multicomponent physical exercise program effectively improved all physical fitness variables but was limited in body composition, exposing improvements only in body weight and % body fat. The intervention did not cause any side effects or injury to the participants.
Experiential Learning for Nutrition Literacy of School-Aged Children: A Study Protocol of Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Li Nana , Yang Jing , Zhang Ti , Zheng Liuyuan , Li Xiaoyue , Zhu Minmin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
The global increase in childhood and adolescent obesity presents a critical public health challenge. Nutrient literacy, which refers to the ability to acquire, understand, and apply nutritional information, has the potential to address this issue.
Methods
This cluster-randomized controlled trial targets third and fourth-grade students in Nanshan District, Shenzhen City. The study will span three months and involves eight primary schools, which are randomly assigned to the intervention or control groups in a 1:1 ratio. The experiential learning-based intervention mainly includes experiential classroom activities, practical nutritional activities, family healthy eating recording and daily nutrition health education. Control groups receive standard nutritional education provided by the schools. Data collection occurs at baseline and post-intervention, focusing on nutrient literacy and children's dietary habits using the “Food and Nutrition Literacy Questionnaire for Chinese School-age Children” (FNLQ-SC) and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ).
Discussion
This protocol integrates interactive classroom activities, practical skill development, and family involvement. It aims to improve children’s nutrient literacy and dietary habits, potentially mitigating childhood obesity and related chronic diseases.
Trial registration
The trial was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 30 October 2024 (No.: ChiCTR2400091566).
Distal femur replacement for infected bone defects due to end-stage periprosthetic joint infection or trauma. A staged strategy protocol using the stemless CompressÒ device protected with a fast resorbable antibiotic-loaded hydrogel.
Authors: Corona Pablo S. , Vicens Margalida H. , Fraile Rosa , Amat Carles , Vicente Matías 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Distal femur replacement (DFR) with a stemmed megaprosthesis represents a challenge due to high rates of loosening and limited reconstructive options if the implant fails. Such an unfavourable scenario is even more complex where there are also infected bone defects. The Compress® device was developed to provide an alternative to traditional intramedullary stems. We report on the outcomes of a staged protocol using the Compress® DFR, protected with a vancomycin-gentamicin-loaded hydrogel, in infected non-oncological scenarios.
Methods: Retrospective longitudinal cohort study including patients with infected defects of the distal femur following orthopaedic trauma or periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and managed with the protocol described. Protocol features, microbiological data, radiological results, complications, infection control and implant survivorship were assessed. Minimum follow-up was 18 months or until implant removal.
Results: 21 cases of Compress® DFR were included. On average, patients had had 4.9 prior surgeries and 14.5 cm distal femur bone defects after pseudo-oncological resection. After median follow-up of 42 months (18-83 months), no infection recurrence occurred; limb salvage was achieved in all cases. Five patients experienced aseptic loosening, all within the first 7 postoperative months. Beyond this time threshold, no further implant failures were observed, resulting in a cumulative implant survival rate of 75 % at 1 and 5 years, and of 75% at final follow-up.
Conclusion: Staged Compress® DFR (protected with an antibiotic-loaded hydrogel) is a valid option for selected patients. It offers high rates of infection control, implant survivorship, and ease of revision, with aseptic failures occurring primarily in the initial postoperative months.
Learning Experiences of Medical Imaging Undergraduates Participating in the “Creative H&amp;E” Project Incorporating Design Thinking: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Gao Yang , Wang Xiaomei , Li Xiaojin , Yin Haiyan , Ma Qun , Guo Yan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Cultivation of comprehensive quality medical imaging talent should start during the teaching of basic medical courses. The interdisciplinary team of Jining Medical College integrated design-thinking into the project-based teaching of basic medical courses and implemented the “Creative H&E” learning skills development competition project, which lasted for 14 weeks, including the preliminary contest (writing a textbook play script), semi-final contest (shooting creative videos), and final contest (on-site stage display).
Methods
A qualitative research design was employed to explore how the unique project-based learning method of “Creative H&E” specifically affects the learning experience of medical imaging undergraduates. Ten award-winning students majoring in medical imaging were selected for in-depth one-on-one interviews. The interview outline covered six topics: motivation and preparation for the competition, creative background and process of the winning works, design and realization of the winning works, teamwork and communication during preparation and participation, experience and outcome of the competition, and feedback and suggestions of the competition. The interview results were systematically analyzed using NVivo 14 software.
Results
The medical imaging undergraduates were interested in “Creative H&E” projects and believed that this experience deepened their knowledge and understanding, cultivated their teamwork abilities, and stimulated innovative thinking.
Conclusions
Through creative conception and design realization, medical knowledge and design thinking are skillfully combined, and innovative thinking and practical abilities are significantly improved.
This experience provided a solid foundation for the undergraduates’ future academic and professional development, and stimulated their desire for more practical opportunities. Project-based learning with design thinking has a remarkable effect on medical imaging in undergraduate education, which can enhance students’ learning motivation and satisfaction and their practical skills and innovative thinking. This study provides a useful reference for medical imaging reforms and innovations in undergraduate education.
Liquid-matter relaxor ferroelectrics: from double-well to flatten energy landscapes in polar nematic fluids
Authors: AYA Satoshi , Zhang Xinxin , Zou Yu , Deng Minghui , Huang Xiang , Ye Fan , Liu Xiujuan , Xu Erxiang , Shen Yang , Huang Mingjun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Knowing that the traditional relaxor ferroelectrics stem in crystalline matters, one may ask whether one would stabilize the liquid-matter analogy. The perspective is challenging and may enable a generic design of fluidic and flexible relaxor ferroelectrics. In this report, we unveil a novel polar matter state, dubbed the nematic relaxor ferroelectrics, by artificially introducing random-field polar nanoregions with nematicity into a dielectric nematic environment. We observe clear signatures of relaxors with strong field-induced polarizations, up to 1.1 μC·cm-2 at an ultralow electric field at 5 V·μm-1, and ultrahigh dielectric permittivity over a broad temperature range. Based on the Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire theory, we reconstruct free-energy landscapes from electricity-field vs polarization curves. We discover a continuous modification of energy landscapes from a double-well shape to a single-well shape with a broadening energy bottom, corresponding to a shift from nematic ferroelectrics to nematic relaxors with significant polarization fluctuations.
Changes in Hippocampal Volume after Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Authors: Kriukova Kseniia , Boswell Misque , Asifriyaz Tuba , Gong Joyce , Duncan Dominique , Vespa Paul 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective: To investigate hippocampal volume changes in moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients compared to healthy controls and assess their association with post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE), focusing on age-related effects.
Methods: Imaging and demographic data for TBI patients were obtained from the Epilepsy Bioinformatics Study for Antiepileptogenic Therapy (EpiBioS4Rx) database; healthy controls matched by age and sex were sourced from Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Intramural Healthy Volunteer Dataset, the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), and the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE). MRI images for TBI subjects were obtained within 14–32 days post-injury. MRI data were preprocessed and segmented using FreeSurfer's recon-all pipeline and the hippocampal subfield segmentation module.
Results: TBI patients showed significantly smaller average hippocampal volumes than controls (β = −191.0, p = 8.33e−04, FDR p = 1.47e−03, Cohen’s d = −0.36), notably in the right and left CA1 head regions. No significant hippocampal volume differences were found between TBI⁺ and TBI⁻ patients overall. In patients aged 60+, TBI⁺ patients had significantly larger volumes in the right CA1 head than TBI⁻ patients (β = 57.43, p = 0.0300, FDR p = 0.040; Cohen’s d = 1.06).
Conclusion: Hippocampal atrophy is evident in TBI patients but not directly linked to PTE development in most age groups. In patients over 60, hypertrophy in the right CA1 head may be associated with PTE, suggesting age and regional hippocampal changes influence epilepsy risk post-TBI. These findings highlight the complexity of hippocampal involvement in PTE and suggest potential shared mechanisms with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
Targeted disruption of PRC1.1 complex enhances bone remodeling
Authors: Wu Xudong , Liu Dayong , Liu Jinsong , Feng Shiqing , Xing Liangyu , Xu Jinxin , Gong Meihan , Liu Yunzhi , Meng Lingyu , Du Ruyue , Li Xuanyuan , Zhou Ying , Ouyang Zhaoguang , Liu Xu , Tao Shaofei , Cao Yuxin , Liu Chunyi , Gao Feng , Han Ruohui , Shen Hui , Dong Yan , Xu Yong , Li Tao , Chen He , Zhao Yingying , Fan Baoyou 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs) are pivotal epigenetic regulators preserving cell identity by restricting the transcription responsiveness to sub-threshold levels of extracellular signals. Their roles in osteoblast function and bone formation remain largely unexplored. Here in aging osteoblasts, we observed a selective activation of PRC1.1 complex, with KDM2B acting as a chromatin-binding factor and BCOR and PCGF1 serving as essential catalytic partners for histone H2A monoubiquitylation (H2AK119ub1). Using genetic models, we found that osteoblast-specific KDM2B inactivation significantly enhances bone remodeling under steady-state conditions and in scenarios of bone loss. This enhancement is attributed to H2AK119ub1 downregulation which leads to the derepression of Wnt signaling. Furthermore, we developed a small molecule termed iBP, that specifically inhibits the interaction between BCOR and PCGF1, thereby suppressing PRC1.1 activity. Notably, iBP promotes bone formation in mouse models of bone loss. Therefore, our findings suggest that targeting PRC1.1 augments cellular responses to Wnt signaling and may offer a promising strategy to counteract bone deterioration.
M-VIDIA: A Multi-View representation to Increase modality Depth using Integrative AI
Authors: Goh Wilson , Peng Hui 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) models are powerful tools for addressing data challenges such as complexity, sparsity, and noise. Multi-view learning (MVL), which leverages multiple data representations (“views”), holds great potential by enhancing signal quality and improving task performance. However, its application in biomedical research remains largely underexplored. To address this gap, we introduce Multi-View representation to Increase Modality Depth using Integrative AI (M-VIDIA), a novel MVL framework. M-VIDIA integrates diverse views to boost performance across various tasks, including differential expression analysis, patient diagnosis, and cell clustering. Our findings demonstrate that M-VIDIA consistently outperforms other approaches, significantly improving sensitivity and signal quality. This represents a major advancement in data-driven AI, highlighting the crucial role of high-quality data representation in producing reproducible and interpretable results in biomedical research. M-VIDIA is available for use at http://www.ai4pro.tech:3838.
Trends and Challenges in Geriatric Neurosurgery: Preparing for the Future
Authors: Møen Einar Naveen , Mahesparan Rupavathana , Schipmann Stephanie 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background.
The world is experiencing a demographic shift towards a larger proportion of older people. This has large consequences, also for the healthcare system, and neurosurgical departments. Geriatric patients represent a range of unique challenges, including those related to treatment, resource allocation, prioritization and ethical concerns. In order to meet the challenge with an increased demand of geriatric neurosurgical care and prepare for planning and establishment of health service requirements, we must first understand the demographic trends, common diagnoses, and types of procedures geriatric patients undergo. The objective of this study is to investigate and report these parameters.
Methods.
Data was retrieved from the Lifecare Orbit Surgical Management system on all geriatric patients (≥ 65). The dataset included date of birth, date of surgery, duration of surgery, procedure codes, diagnosis codes, and type of admission. Descriptive statistics and linear regression were done using the R programming language.
Results.
The most common procedures in the geriatric population were decompression of lumbar spinal canal and nerve roots (8.54%), decompression of lumbar nerve roots (7.38%), and evacuation of subdural hematoma (7.16%). The prevalence of emergency procedures increased with advancing age, and conversely, more complex elective procedures decreased with advancing age.
Conclusions.
In this study, we identified a shift toward emergency-driven care and a reduction in complex procedures as patients age. Further analysis of resource utilization and clinical outcomes, such as length of stay, will be essential in guiding future strategies for geriatric neurosurgical care.