bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Research on the positioning and enhancement path of marine cities in China’s internal circulation network
Authors: Sun Junkai , Gao Xinyue , Zhang Xindan , Dai Guilin 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionChina’s marine cities have reached a critical juncture after 40 years of rapid development. In this new stage, where internal circulation is the main focus, there is a need to enhance the internal circulation capabilities of these cities and unleash their full economic potential. This paper aims to explore the positioning and improvement path of marine cities in China's internal circulation network, and fully unleash the development potential of marine cities.MethodsBased on data from 284 prefecture-level cities in China, this paper constructs the social network of China's urban internal circulation with the help of the modified gravity model, and explores the conditional configuration of the improvement of the status of marine cities in internal circulation network by using the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method.Results and discussion(1) The development level of marine cities' internal circulation can be categorized into three tiers, led by Shanghai. The development gap between the 14 marine cities has gradually widened over recent years. (2) Chinese marine cities can be divided into three groups in the topological structure of China's urban internal circulation network: core, periphery, and edge, with Shanghai being the core "bridge" in the network. The traditional advantages of some northern economically strong cities in the construction of the internal circulation network have gradually been lost, and many marine cities have seen their leadership and control over the internal circulation network significantly weakened. (3) No single factor is a necessary condition for achieving a high-level status of marine cities in the internal circulation network. (4) The four conditional variables of demand side, supply side, industrial linkage and inter-regional integration have two sufficient condition configurations to enhance the status of marine cities in internal circulation network. Among them, the "industry-regional integration"-dominated configuration with the core of unblocking the bottlenecks of the internal circulation is the main path.
Systematic characterization of the barrier function of diverse ex vivo models of damaged human skin
Authors: Barthe Manon , Clerbaux Laure-Alix , Thénot Jean-Paul , Braud Véronique M. , Osman-Ponchet Hanan 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThe skin barrier plays a crucial role in protecting our body against external agents. Disruption of this barrier’s function leads to increased susceptibility to infections and dermatological diseases. Damaged skin can be due to the use of detergents, sunburn or excessive scratching. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic the recommended hygiene measures to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, such as wearing masks, frequent handwashing, and the use of sanitizers, can also potentially alter the skin barrier.ObjectivesThe purpose of the study was to characterize the barrier function of ex vivo models of damaged human skin.MethodsSkin barrier damage was induced through different chemical and mechanical treatments, representative of the potential factors damaging human skin. The skin barrier function was evaluated in terms of permeability, dermal absorption capacity, stratum corneum thickness and gene expression of barrier markers. As inflammation is linked to skin barrier integrity, inflammatory markers were also analyzed.Results and discussionThe different treatments applied to ex vivo skin models allow the simulation of diverse degrees of skin damage, making these models valuable for assessing the efficacy of topical products targeted at skin repair and for studying the effects of compromised skin barrier on viral penetration.
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus was found in Northern Jiangxi Province, China
Authors: Hu Haijun , He Ying , Chen Fei , Liu Zhanbin , Wang Wei , Yang Shu , Qian Ke , Zhan Zhuan , Guo Yangping , Li Hui , Zheng Weiqing 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionSevere fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious disease discovered in China in 2009. SFTS monitoring has been carried out since 2010 in mainland China. In recent years, human infection with SFTS virus (SFTSV) has frequently been detected in Jiujiang of Jiangxi Province, Central China.MethodsSera of SFTS surveillance cases and samples collected from humans, animals and ticks surrounding the cases were used to detect SFTSV RNA by real-time RT-PCR. SFTSV-positive samples were further subjected to sequencing and analysis of the S, M, and L segments of SFTSV.ResultsFour patients were positive for SFTSV infection. However, the subjects like humans, animals and ticks around the cases were all detected as negative for the virus infection. Phylogenetic analysis of the partial segments revealed that SFTSVs in three patients from Jiujiang were clustered with genotype C4 and C5 on the L and M segment-established phylogenetic tree; however, phylogenetic analysis of the S segment showed that the strains were grouped into genotype J1. These results suggested that the S, M, and L segments of these strains underwent segmental reassortment, which was later supported by recombination signal detection. The reassortment event was detected by at least four methods with a significance level of p value &lt;0.05. In addition, the RDP recombination consensus score (RDPRCS) was greater than 0.40. To avoid poor tree topology support with the partial S, M, and L segments, we further performed analysis of the complete genome of SFTSV. The full-length L, M, and S segment sequences of the strains were consistently clustered into two genotypes, namely the genotype C5 and the genotype C4. The strains belonging to genotype C5 were detected for recombination signal with moderate confidence by all the six methods, with a significance level of p value &lt;0.05 and an RDPRCS of 0.41. The recombination event might have occurred between the minor parent (2011YPQ11, C3/C3/C3) and major parent (SPL053A, J1/ J1/ J1). However, there was no genetic recombination detected in the strains belonging to genotype C4. The event was detected by only two methods with a significance level of p value &lt;0.05.ConclusionTwo genotypes of SFTSVs were identified in Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province of Central China, and they were genotype C5 and genotype C4. The genotype C5 underwent genetic recombination in this region, with the minor parent of the strain 2011YPQ11 and the major parent of the strain SPL053A.
Application of digital tools and artificial intelligence in the Myasthenia Gravis Core Examination
Authors: Garbey Marc , Lesport Quentin , Girma Helen , Öztosun Gülşen , Abu-Rub Mohammed , Guidon Amanda C. , Juel Vern , Nowak Richard J. , Soliven Betty , Aban Inmaculada , Kaminski Henry J. 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundAdvances in video image analysis and artificial intelligence provide opportunities to transform how patients are evaluated. In this study, we assessed the ability to quantify Zoom video recordings of a standardized neurological examination— the Myasthenia Gravis Core Examination (MG-CE)—designed for telemedicine evaluations.MethodsWe used Zoom (Zoom Video Communications) videos of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) who underwent the MG-CE. Computer vision, in combination with artificial intelligence methods, was used to develop algorithms to analyze the videos, with a focus on eye and body motions. To assess the examinations involving vocalization, signal processing methods, such as natural language processing (NLP), were developed. A series of algorithms were developed to automatically compute the metrics of the MG-CE.ResultsA total of 51 patients with MG were assessed, with videos recorded twice on separate days, while 15 control subjects were evaluated once. We successfully quantified the positions of the lids, eyes, and arms and developed respiratory metrics based on breath counts. The cheek puff exercise was found to have limited value for quantification. Technical limitations included variations in illumination, bandwidth, and the fact that the recording was conducted from the examiner’s side rather than the patient’s side.ConclusionSeveral aspects of the MG-CE can be quantified to produce continuous measurements using standard Zoom video recordings. Further development of the technology will enable trained non-physician healthcare providers to conduct precise examinations of patients with MG outside of conventional clinical settings, including for the purpose of clinical trials.
The association between gait speed and falls in ambulatory adults with spinal muscular atrophy: a retrospective pilot study
Authors: Jira Kathryn , Jaworek Andrea , Allen Matti , Zhao Songzhu , Kelly Kristina , Arnold W. David , Elsheikh Bakri 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionFatigue and gait speed are established determinants of fall risk in patients with neurological disorders. However, data on adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is limited. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate falls and risk factors in adults with SMA.MethodsA retrospective chart review of ambulatory adults with genetically confirmed 5q-SMA included: age, sex, age of symptom onset, SMN2 copy number, BMI, and 6MWT distance and speed at minutes 1, 2, and 6.ResultsFourteen ambulatory patients were included in the analysis with an average follow-up of 36 months (range of 12–66 months). 10 patients were classified as fallers (Fall) and four as non-fallers (NFall). One faller received Risdiplam, while the remaining fallers and non-fallers received Nusinersen for the duration of the follow-up period. In the Fall cohort, the median speed at 1, 2, and 6 min were 0.92 m/s, 0.89 m/s, and 0.77 m/s, respectively, with a heterogeneous range including one faller at 1.25 m/s. In the NFall cohort, the slowest collected median recorded speeds were 1.18 m/s, 1.11 m/s, and 1.09 m/s respectively, with one non-faller at 0.56 m/s. There was no significant statistical difference between 6-min gait speeds and individuals experiencing falls. However, we found a three-fold greater decline in speed between the 6MWT first and last minute in the Fall (13.01%) compared to the NFall (5.16%). 7 of 10 patients had multiple falls (70%) with two individuals consequently losing ambulation (20%).DiscussionThese findings underscore the need for larger studies on fatigability and the importance of considering factors beyond gait speed alone.
Comparative analysis of antioxidant activity and structural changes of Gastrodiae Rhizoma polysaccharides between sulfur-fumigation and nonsulfur-fumigation
Authors: Dai Chunyan , Zhao Dan , Zhang Wenping , Guo Lanping , Kang Chuanzhi , Chen Zhuowen , Cui Xiuming , Zhou Tao , Wang Chengxiao , Xu Tingting , Yang Ye 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionGastrodiae Rhizoma (referred to Tianma in Chinese), the dried tuber of Gastrodia elata Bl. (Orchidaceae), is utilized as a medicine-food homology product. Sulfur fumigation is commonly employed in the processing of Gastrodiae Rhizoma (GR). Polysaccharides are a crucial active substance produced in GR, yet the impacts of sulfur fumigation on them remain unelucidated.MethodsThis study aimed to optimize the hot water extraction conditions of polysaccharides from sulfur-fumigated GR (SGCPs) and nonsulfur-fumigated GR (NGCPs). The research explored the effects of sulfur fumigation on the structure and antioxidant activity of GR polysaccharides.Results and discussionThe results showed that the optimal extraction conditions for SGCPs and NGCPs were 67°C for 31 min with a liquid-to-material ratio of 15 mL/g and 64°C for 32 min with a liquid-to-material ratio of 17 mL/g, respectively. Compared with NGCPs, SGCPs exhibited significantly reduced DPPH radical, hydroxyl radical, ABTS+ radical scavenging activity, and Fe2+ chelating ability. Moreover, both NGCPs and SGCPs offered significant protective effects against H2O2−induced oxidative damage in RAW264.7 cells, but the protective effect of SGCPs was significantly lower than that of NGCPs. NMR analyses revealed that the main chain connections of SGCP3 and NGCP3 were both →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, and sulfur fumigation increased the number of repeating unit structures →4)-D-Glcp-(1 → in GR polysaccharides. SGCP3 and NGCP3 had the same monosaccharides composition but different molar ratios, with molecular weights of 727,650 and 39,991 Da, respectively. In general, sulfur fumigation reduced the antioxidant activities of GR polysaccharides by altering their structure and composition.
Investigating the relationship between diet quality, lifestyle and healthy eating index with severity and migraine attacks: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Feyzpour Marziye , Sedgi Fatemeh Maleki , Baghdadi Ghazal , Mohammadifard Reza , Rahimlou Mehran 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundMigraine is a disabling neurovascular disorder often associated with comorbidities such as mental health disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndromes. While certain dietary triggers have been identified, the impact of overall diet quality on migraine severity and frequency is not well understood. This study aimed to evaluate the association between diet quality, lifestyle factors, and the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) with migraine severity and frequency.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 280 patients aged 18–50 years newly diagnosed with migraines. Dietary intake was assessed using a 147-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and diet quality was evaluated using the Lifelines Diet Score (LLDS) and HEI. Migraine-related disability and severity were assessed using the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), respectively. Logistic regression models were applied to examine the association between diet quality and migraine outcomes.ResultsHigher LLDS and HEI scores were significantly associated with reduced odds of migraine-related disability. Participants in the highest LLDS tertile had an odds ratio (OR) of 0.68 (95% CI: 0.42–0.96; p = 0.02) for migraine disability. Similarly, the highest HEI tertile was associated with an OR of 0.58 (95% CI: 0.41–0.88; p = 0.025). For pain intensity, the highest tertile of LLDS showed an OR of 0.55 (95% CI: 0.38–0.75; p = 0.026), while the HEI showed an OR of 0.62 (95% CI: 0.45–0.85; p = 0.03).ConclusionHigher diet quality, as measured by LLDS and HEI scores, is inversely associated with migraine severity and frequency. These findings suggest that dietary improvements may be a viable strategy for managing migraine symptoms.
A diagnostic index for predicting heart rate variability decline and prognostic value in newly diagnosed non-small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Zhang Lifang , Liu Ying , Han Di , Wang Yan , Geng Fanqi , Ding Wei , Zhang Xuejuan 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundHeart rate variability (HRV) is an important marker of autonomic nervous system function and cardiovascular health. Holter monitoring is a crucial method for evaluating HRV, but the procedure and result analysis are relatively complex. This study aims to develop a simplified diagnostic index for predicting HRV decline in newly diagnosed non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and evaluate its prognostic value.MethodsThis retrospective cross-sectional study included 131 newly diagnosed NSCLC patients. Baseline characteristics were compared between normal HRV group and declined HRV group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified significant predictors of HRV decline. A diagnostic index was developed based on resting heart rate (RHR), serum sodium, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and externally validated. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis assessed the prognostic value of the index.ResultsPatients with declined HRV had higher median RHR (84 b.p.m. vs. 70 b.p.m., p &lt; 0.001), lower serum sodium (136.3 mmol/L vs. 138.7 mmol/L, p &lt; 0.001), lower serum albumin (39 g/L vs. 41 g/L, p = 0.031), higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (202 U/L vs. 182 U/L, p = 0.010), and higher IL-6 (11.42 pg/ml vs. 5.67 pg/ml, p &lt; 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified RHR (OR = 3.143, p = 0.034), serum sodium (OR = 6.806, p &lt; 0.001), and IL-6 (OR = 3.203, p = 0.033) as independent predictors of HRV decline. The diagnostic index, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.849, effectively predicted HRV decline. ROC analysis of the external validation data demonstrated an AUC of 0.788. Survival analysis showed that patients with a diagnostic index &gt; 2 had significantly worse overall survival (log-rank p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsThe study identified key clinical parameters that predict HRV decline in newly diagnosed NSCLC patients. The developed diagnostic index, based on RHR, serum sodium, and IL-6, effectively stratifies patients by HRV status and has significant prognostic value, aiding in early identification and management of high-risk patients.
Development of a new VMAT QA framework for Mobius3D using control-point specific EPID images
Authors: Seok JaeHyun , Kim Hojin , Han Min Cheol , Kim Jihun , Park Kwangwoo , Cho Hyeonjeong , Yoo Dohyeon , Kim Jin Sung 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis study presents novel quality assurance (QA) approach for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) that leverages frame-by-frame electronic portal imaging device (EPID) images integrated into Mobius3D for accurate three-dimensional dose calculations.MethodsSequential EPID images for VMAT plans were acquired every 0.4-second by iView system and processed through iterative deconvolution to mitigate blurring from photon scattering. Deconvolved images were binarized to define multi-leaf collimator (MLC) positions. Pre-acquired box fluences determined optimal threshold for binarization and adjusted for detector shift depending on gantry and collimator angles. Sequential EPID images were re-scaled using pixel scaling factor (PSF) and converted to monitor unit (MU) proportional values. Generated EPID-based log file, including control-point specific MLC and monitor units (MU) information, were analyzed in Mobius3D for Gamma passing rate (GPR) of VMAT plans from 18 patients. Plan complexity indices were calculated and correlated with GPR.ResultsClinically appropriate threshold was defined to be 20000 that can extract accurate MLC data from the deconvolved binarized EPID images. Positional deviations due to gantry and collimator rotations were observed to be up to 4.5 pixels. Recalibrated EPID pixel values showed linearity with MU regardless of changes in dose rate. Consequently, average GPR for 18 patients evaluated using Mobius3D reached 95.2% ± 3.7%%, based on 3% dose difference and 3mm distance-to-agreement criterion. It was found that two plan complexity indices showed statistically significant correlation with GPR.ConclusionThis study successfully implemented novel measurement-based VMAT QA framework based on control-point specific EPID, based upon accurate MLC and MU data at each frame.
Polyketides and alkaloids from the fungus Aspergillus Fumigatus YB4-17 and ent-Fumiquinazoline J induce apoptosis, paraptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells
Authors: Wang Huannan , Sun Lixiang , Ma Xueyang , Jin Shihao , Xi Yidan , Sai Chunmei , Yan Maocai , Cheng Zhongbin , Zhang Zhen 
Published: December 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies. The currently available clinical drugs for HCC frequently cause serious side effects and the treatment outcomes are unsatisfactory. It is urgent to develop effective drugs with high selectivity and low adverse effects for HCC. Metabolites produced by microorganisms have shown great potential in the development of therapeutic agents for HCC. In our study, the EtOAc extract of the strain Aspergillus fumigatus YB4-17 exhibited significant cytotoxicity towards the HCC HepG2 cells at 10 μg/mL. Various column chromatographic separations of the extract afforded seven polyketides (1–7), including a new diphenyl ether derivative (1), along with fourteen known alkaloids (8–21). The structure elucidation was conducted via NMR spectroscopic data and MS data analysis. The absolute configuration of compound 11 was confirmed by comparing experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectrum for the first time. The biological evaluation of these metabolites revealed that compound 11 selectively inhibited the proliferation of HCC HepG2 cells with negligible toxicity to normal cells. Mechanism study indicated that compound 11 induced apoptosis and paraptosis in HepG2 cells, providing a novel therapeutic perspective for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Pemigatinib combined with immunotherapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy for FGFR2 fusion-positive advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with brain metastasis: a Case Report
Authors: Guo Jiamin , Sun Lingqi , Chen Ye , Ma Ji 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundFGFR2 fusions or rearrangements occur in 13%–20% of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). Pemigatinib, a representative FGFR inhibitor, is commonly used for targeted therapy in such patients. Additionally, brain metastasis (BM) is extremely rare in advanced iCCA, and there is currently no standard treatment strategy for advanced iCCA patients with BM. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) may exhibit synergistic antitumor effects, presenting a promising approach for advanced iCCA.Case presentationThe patient, a 58-year-old male, experienced a recurrence of iCCA following surgery and chemotherapy, with multiple metastases in the liver, lungs, and brain. Genetic testing revealed FGFR2-TXLNG-fusion, and the patient was treated with pemigatinib in combination with tislelizumab and SBRT for the BM, resulting in significant tumor shrinkage. Adverse events (AEs) such as liver dysfunction, nail loss, and dry mouth were observed during treatment, which were considered to be related to pemigatinib. These AEs were significantly alleviated after dose reduction and symptomatic treatment.ConclusionThis case presented a rare occurrence of FGFR2 fusion-positive iCCA with BM, with extremely limited data on treatment options and survival outcomes in such patients. Our study was the first to report the application of the treatment strategy combining pemigatinib with ICI and SBRT in this specific case. The combined therapy proved effective and well-tolerated, providing new insights for future treatment considerations.