bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamics of a rotating hadron resonance gas with van der Waals interaction
Authors: Pradhan Kshitish Kumar , Sahoo Bhagyarathi , Sahu Dushmanta , Sahoo Raghunath 
Published: September 2024

AbstractStudying the thermodynamics of the systems produced in ultra-relativistic heavy-ion collisions is crucial in understanding the QCD phase diagram. Recently, a new avenue has opened regarding the implications of large initial angular momentum and subsequent vorticity in the medium evolution in high-energy collisions. This adds a new type of chemical potential into the partonic and hadronic systems, called the rotational chemical potential. We study the thermodynamics of an interacting hadronic matter under rotation, formed in an ultra-relativistic collision. We introduce attractive and repulsive interactions through the van der Waals equation of state. Thermodynamic properties like the pressure (P), energy density ($$\varepsilon $$
ε
), entropy density (s), trace anomaly ($$(\varepsilon - 3P)/T^{4}$$

(
ε
-
3
P
)

/

T
4

), specific heat ($$c_\textrm{v}$$

c
v

) and squared speed of sound ($$c_\textrm{s}^{2}$$

c
s
2

) are studied as functions of temperature (T) for zero and finite rotation chemical potential. The conserved charge fluctuations, which can be quantified by their respective susceptibilities, are also studied. The rotational (spin) density corresponding to the rotational chemical potential is explored. In addition, we explore the possible liquid–gas phase transition in the hadron gas with van der Waals interaction in the T – $$\omega $$
ω
phase space.
Peripheral Blood–Derived PD-1/CD28–CD19 CAR–Modified PD-1+ T-Cell Therapy in Patients with Solid Tumors
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Zhao Xuan , Zhao Qitai , Chen Xinfeng , Li Congcong , Liu Yaqing , Shen Chunyi , Song Lijie , Miao Lijun , Guo Fuyou , Mou Xiaoning , Zhao Jie , Gu Weiyue , Zhang Yi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
T cells expressing programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) in the peripheral blood (PB) of patients with tumors possess therapeutic potential; however, the immunosuppressive, PD-1–triggered signaling pathway and limited proliferative capacity of PD-1+ T cells present challenges to their therapeutic application. Here, we observed no discernible distinction between PD-1+ and PD-1− T cells in terms of clonal overlap. However, CD8+PD-1+ T cells from PB and tumor tissues exhibited tighter clustering based on clone size. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis showed that PD-1+ T cells from PB highly expressed cytotoxicity-related genes and were enriched for T-cell activation–related pathways compared with PD-1− T cells from PB or tumor tissues. Consistent with this, PB-derived PD-1+ T cells exhibited strong cytotoxicity toward autologous tumor cells and tumor cell lines. To augment PD-1+ T-cell activity against solid tumors in vivo, we introduced a PD-1/CD28 fusion receptor combined with a CD19 chimeric antigen receptor into PD-1+ T cells, which were then expanded in vitro. The modified PD-1+ T cells exhibited superior proliferation and antitumor abilities in vitro. In addition, four patients with cancer were infused with autologous PD-1/CD28–CD19 chimeric antigen receptor PD-1+ T cells. None of these patients experienced severe side effects, and one patient with melanoma achieved a complete response that was maintained for 6.7 months. The three other patients had stable disease. Collectively, these results suggested that cell therapy with modified PB-derived PD-1+ T cells is both safe and effective, and it may constitute a promising treatment strategy for patients with cancer.
Promises and Pitfalls of Polycentric Federalism: The Case of Solar Power in India
Authors: Marquardt Jens , Dasgupta Shyamasree , Höhne Chris , Lederer Markus , Sankhyayan Pooja 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Recognizing that no central authority can combat climate change, scholars have pointed to the potential of polycentric governance in tackling climate change. Yet, empirical evidence for such a claim is scarce, particularly in the Global South. This study analyzes the characteristics, promises, and pitfalls of polycentric governance to promote climate mitigation efforts in three Indian states. Our contribution is twofold: (1) conceptually, we propose a framework to investigate the promises and pitfalls of polycentric climate governance in a federalist system with a particular focus on aspects of scaling and institutionalization, and (2) empirically, we compare solar power development across three Indian states with favorable conditions for solar power but varying performance. Based on a qualitative analysis of interviews and documents, we show how state governments with different party backgrounds have been vital in implementing policy changes and overcoming political barriers. Still, very few bottom-up initiatives exist and were successfully institutionalized.
The Last Years of Polish Jewry
Authors: Leshchinsky Yankev 
Published: September 2024

Ukrainian-born Yankev Leshchinsky (1876-1966) was the leading scholarly and journalistic analyst of Eastern European Jewish socioeconomic and political life from the 1920s to the 1950s. Known as “the dean of Jewish sociologists” and “the father of Jewish demography,” Leshchinsky published a series of insightful and moving essays in Yiddish on Polish Jewry between 1927 and 1937. Despite heightened interest in interwar Jewish communities in Poland in recent years, these essays (like most of Leshchinsky’s works) have never been translated into English.
The Last Years of Polish Jewry helps to rectify this situation by translating some of Leshchinsky’s key essays. A thoughtful Introduction by Robert Brym provides the context of the author’s life and work.
The essays in this volume, based on years of research and first-hand observation, focus on the period 1935-37. The rise of militant Polish nationalism and the ensuing anti-Jewish boycotts and pogroms; the increasing exclusion of Jews from government employment and the universities; the destitution, hunger, suicide, and efforts to emigrate that characterized Jewish life; the psychological toll taken by mass uncertainty and hopelessness—all this falls within the author’s ambit. Few works in English have the range and depth of Leshchinsky’s essays on the last years of the three million Polish Jews who were to perish at the hand of the Nazi regime.
This book will be of interest to researchers and students of Eastern European history and society, especially those with an interest in Eastern Europe’s Jewish communities on the brink of the Holocaust.
Effectiveness of a digital lifestyle management intervention (levidex) to improve quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis: results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Meyer Björn , Betz Linda T. , Jacob Gitta A. , Krause Nicole , Riemann-Lorenz Karin , Gold Stefan M. , Pöttgen Jana , Heesen Christoph 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory neurodegenerative disease with diverse symptomatology, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life (QoL). While pharmacological therapies focus primarily on reducing inflammation and relapse rates, non-pharmacological interventions, including digital health applications, have shown promise in improving QoL among persons with MS (PwMS). Pilot studies had shown the feasibility and acceptability of levidex, a digital health application based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles, a broad set of behavior change techniques, and relevant lifestyle-change advice. This randomized controlled trial aimed to examine the effects of levidex on MS-related QoL over 6 months.

Methods
Participants who were diagnosed with MS for at least one year were recruited via the internet in Germany, using a secure survey software platform, and were randomly assigned to the intervention group (IG), in which they received standard care + levidex, or an active control group (CG), in which they received standard care and were offered web-adapted material on the topic of lifestyle change from the German Multiple Sclerosis Society (DMSG). The primary outcome was MS-related QoL after 6 months, measured by the Hamburg Quality of Life Questionnaire in MS (HAQUAMS); secondary outcomes included QoL subscales, sick days, and health behavior, among others. Analyses of Covariance (ANCOVA) were used to examine intervention effects at 6 months. Participants were recruited between November 2020 and February 2022.

Results
A total of 421 adult participants (mean age: 47.5, 78.1% women) were included and randomized (IG, n = 195, CG, n = 226). After 6 months, the IG exhibited significantly higher MS-related QoL, compared to the CG (total score HAQUAMS, adjusted group mean difference = -0.14, 95% CI: [-0.22, -0.06], p = 0.001; Cohen’s d = 0.23), with significant effects also observed on the cognitive and mood subscales. At 6 months, IG participants also reported significantly fewer sick days (median = 2 days in IG vs. 6 days in CG; W = 3939, p = 0.012) and significantly higher levels of daily activities, as measured by the Frenchay Activity Index, adjusted group mean difference = 1.37, 95% CI = [0.33, 2.40], p = 0.010; Cohen’s d = 0.16. Safety analyses showed no adverse events and good satisfaction.

Conclusions
Compared to the control group, levidex facilitated clinically relevant improvements in MS-related QoL, reduced sick days, and enhanced activity in PwMS over 6 months. These findings suggest that levidex can serve as an effective non-pharmacological adjunctive treatment element to standard care and could help improve QoL among PwMS.

Trial registration
Registered on 22.09.2020 at the German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00023023.
Investigating health risk behavior disparities in the United States with finite mixture modeling
Authors: Jaferian Sohrab , Farhadian Lian 
Published: September 2024

AbstractHealth disparities are ongoing challenges in the United States, with one of the underlying factors being the variation in health risk behaviors across different socioeconomic and demographic communities. In this cross-sectional ecological study, utilizing data from 26,781 US zip codes provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we conducted generalized linear model regressions to explore the associations between race, poverty, education, and urban/rural status in areas. Our analysis indicated that areas with a higher prevalence of Black population and higher poverty levels are associated with a more significant number of unique health risk behaviors. Conversely, other racial groups were associated with fewer unique health risk behaviors, although they may still engage in higher levels of specific behaviors. These insights underscore the need for tailored public health strategies to address the disparities in health risk behaviors across different sub-populations. Additionally, we employed Finite Mixture Modeling (FMM) to identify distinct sub-populations in the United States based on health risk behaviors, specifically binge drinking, smoking, sleep deprivation, and physical inactivity, which are essential risk factors for chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. We identified four clusters and conducted an in-depth analysis of the demographics and socioeconomic characteristics of the identified clusters. Our findings reveal that one cluster, characterized by the worst health risk behaviors, exhibited the highest poverty rate, the least favorable health insurance profile, and the lowest frequencies of post-secondary education attainment compared to the other three clusters. This cluster, therefore, warrants targeted public health interventions.
Establishment of in-house assay for screening of anti-SARS-CoV-2 protein inhibitors
Authors: Emam Merna H. , Mahmoud Mohamed I. , El-Guendy Nadia , Loutfy Samah A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDeveloping a potent antiviral agent to combat Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) is of critical importance as we may be at risk of the emergence of new virus strains or another pandemic recurrence. The interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the main protein-protein interaction (PPI) implicated in the virus entry into the host cells. Spike-ACE2 PPI represents a major target for drug intervention. We have repurposed a previously described protein-protein interaction detection method to be utilized as a drug screening assay. The assay was standardized using Chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) as the drug and SARS-CoV-2 spike-ACE2 interaction as the PPI model. The assay was then used to screen four natural bioactive compounds: Curcumin (Cur), Gallic acid (GA), Quercetin (Q), and Silymarin (Sil), and their cytotoxicity was evaluated in vitro. Production of the spike protein and the evaluation of its activity in comparison to a standard commercial protein was part of our work as well. Here we describe a novel simple immunofluorescent screening assay to identify potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors that could assess the inhibitory effect of any ligand against any PPI.
Graphical Abstract
Accurate determination of high sulfur content in sulfide samples: an optimized ICP-OES method
Authors: Zhang Lin , Yang Min , Wang Dong , Yu Kaixin , Chen Zhuoyun , Bing Xue , Zhao Peng , Bao Yiqing , Yin Xuebo 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDetermination of high sulfur content in sulfide minerals is crucial for various applications, including geochemistry, mining, and environmental monitoring. While inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) is the preferred method for sulfur analysis, conventional sample preparation techniques often fall short when dealing with high sulfur concentrations. This study investigated optimized digestion conditions for accurate sulfur determination in sulfide minerals using ICP-OES. We employed anti-corrosion acid digestion bombs, an aqua regia–hydrofluoric acid system, and a digestion temperature of 180 °C, achieving exceptional results. Certified reference material recoveries ranged from 99.9 to 100.5%, with relative standard deviations between 0.42 and 0.84%. These results demonstrate the high accuracy and precision of the method. The optimized digestion protocol presented in this study provides a robust and reliable approach for accurate sulfur analysis in sulfide minerals, particularly for high concentrations.
Multidisciplinary team approach in management of anterior spinal dysraphism with unusual presentation: case series and surgical approach
Authors: Essa Abdelhakeem A. , Wadie Maximous Dawoud Doaa , Anwar Mohamed , Elkhayat Hussein , Taha Ismail 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Objectives
To report our experience with three cases of anterior lumbosacral meningocele with our multidisciplinary team plan and perioperative management and surgical approach for each case.

Background
Anterior meningocele is a rare congenital form of spinal dysraphism that involves protrusion of the theca anteriorly into the retroperitoneal and presacral space through an anterior defect.

Method
Three cases with anterior meningocele at different spinal levels (lumbar and sacral) were operated at Neurosurgery Department at Assiut University hospital from June to November 2020 with multidisciplinary management plans that were tailored separately for each case.

Conclusion
Anterior meningocele is a rare form of spinal dysraphism and a challenging congenital anomaly that requires proper diagnosis and selection of surgical approach. Our case series outlines the importance of multidisciplinary team approach for tailoring perioperative management and surgical approach with intraoperative important steps.
Interdependency and differential expression of ERK1 and ERK2 in breast and melanoma cell lines
Authors: Moulik Shuvojit , Karmakar Sayantani , Basu Asmita , Ali Mahammad , Chatterjee Amitava 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Regulatory mechanism of ERK1 and ERK2, their mechanisms of action, and how they impact on development, growth, and homeostasis of different organisms have been given much emphasis for long. ERK1 and 2 though are isoforms of ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase but are coded by two different genes MAPK3 and MAPK1 respectively and show differential expressions and interdependency in different cancer cell lines. Our previous investigations substantially stated the effect of ERK1 and ERK2 on different extracellular molecules like MMPs and integrins, responsible for cell growth and differentiation. Here, we aim to study individual roles of ERK1 and ERK2 and their interdependency in progression and invasiveness in various cancer cell lines.

Methods
Different cancer cell lines namely B16F10 (melanoma), MCF7, and MDAMB231 (breast cancer) for studying this particular question were used. Methodologies like gelatin zymography, immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, cell invasion assay, wound healing assay, siRNA transfection, and double transfection procedures were followed for our study.

Results
Our findings suggest compensation for ERK2 deficiency by pERK1, clear ERK2 predominance in MCF7 cell line, ERK1-ERK2 interdependency in MDAMB231 cells with regard to compensating each other, and significant role of both ERK1 and ERK2 in modulation of MMP9.

Conclusion
If summarized, our results prove the contribution of ERK2 in compensating ERK1 loss and vice versa and an evident role of ERK1 in cancer cell invasiveness.
NeuroCARE: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Psychological Intervention for Caregivers of Patients With Primary Malignant Brain Tumors
Authors: Forst Deborah A. , Podgurski Alyx F. , Strander Sumita M. , Whitman Jessica D. , Datta Shibani , Pintro Kedie , Horick Nora K. , Willis Kelcie D. , Sannes Timothy S. , Greer Joseph A. , El-Jawahri Areej , Jacobs Jamie M. , Temel Jennifer S. 
Published: September 2024

PURPOSE
Caregivers of patients with primary malignant brain tumors (PMBT) experience significant psychological distress. We assessed the effect of a psychological intervention (NeuroCARE) on anxiety symptoms among PMBT caregivers.

METHODS
We conducted a randomized trial of NeuroCARE versus usual care in PMBT caregivers with elevated anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 score ≥5) within 6 months of the patient's diagnosis. NeuroCARE was developed for PMBT caregivers and consists of six telehealth sessions with a behavioral health specialist. Participants completed surveys at baseline, 11-week (postintervention), and 16-week (1-month postintervention) time points. The primary outcome was 11-week anxiety symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]-Anxiety Subscale). We also measured depression symptoms (HADS-Depression Subscale), quality of life (QOL; Caregiver QOL survey), caregiver burden (Caregiver Reaction Assessment), self-efficacy (Lewis Cancer Self-Efficacy Scale), coping (Measure of Current Status), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5). We conducted analysis of covariance and linear mixed-effects regression analyses to examine intervention effects on study outcomes.

RESULTS

We enrolled 120 caregivers (60/group) between October 2019 and June 2022; 105 were evaluable for the primary outcome. At 11 weeks, NeuroCARE participants reported significantly lower anxiety symptoms than usual care participants (
M
, 8.87
v
10.69;
P
= .008). NeuroCARE caregivers also reported significantly lower depression symptoms (
M
, 6.08
v
7.77;
P
= .004), and better self-efficacy (
M
, 128.81
v
111.17;
P
< .001) and coping (
M
, 32.25
v
25.65;
P
< .001) at 11 weeks. Study groups did not differ significantly in 11-week QOL, caregiver burden, or PTSD symptoms. In longitudinal analyses, intervention effects on depression symptoms, self-efficacy, and coping were sustained.

CONCLUSION
A novel, population-specific psychological intervention led to improved anxiety and depression symptoms, self-efficacy, and coping among PMBT caregivers.
Segmental Adrenal Venous Sampling in Unilateral Primary Aldosteronism With Apparent Bilateral Aldosterone Suppression
Authors: Miyamoto Shotaro , Yoshida Yuichi , Miyamoto Shuhei , Nishida Haruto , Asayama Yoshiki , Shibata Hirotaka 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Apparent bilateral adrenal suppression (ABAS), where aldosterone/cortisol ratios in both adrenal veins are lower than in the inferior vena cava, yields uninterpretable adrenal venous sampling (AVS) results and is poorly understood. A 57-year-old male with hypertension and spontaneous hypokalemia was admitted to our hospital. Confirmatory tests established a diagnosis of primary aldosteronism (PA). Initial AVS indicated ABAS, but unilateral PA remained possible due to elevated aldosterone, low renin, hypokalemia, and a right adrenal nodule (8 × 7 mm) on computed tomography. Subsequently, a second, super-selective AVS identified tributaries from areas of aldosterone hypersecretion, enabling accurate localization of unilateral PA. ABAS may occur due to anatomical factors such as dilution by tributaries from nonaldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) areas with suppressed aldosterone production. Super-selective AVS proves beneficial in diagnosing unilateral PA concealed within ABAS by pinpointing tributaries from APA regions.
Sex Differences in Ambulatory Biomechanics: A Meta-Analysis Providing a Mechanistic Insight into Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: YAMAGATA MOMOKO , KIMURA TETSUYA , CHANG ALISON H. , IIJIMA HIROTAKA 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Purpose
Females typically present with a higher prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and such a higher prevalence may be due to unique knee biomechanics during walking. However, the sex-dependent ambulatory mechanics has been yet to be clarified. To address this critical knowledge gap, this study implemented a series of computational approaches 1) to identify sex-related knee joint biomechanics during ambulation in persons with KOA and 2) to compare these biomechanical measures between individuals with versus without KOA, stratified by sex.

Methods
We searched five electronic databases for studies reporting sex-specific knee biomechanics in persons with and/or without KOA. Summary estimates were computed using random-effects meta-analysis and stratified by sex.

Results
The systematic review identified 18 studies (308 males and 383 females with KOA; 740 males and 995 females without KOA). A series of meta-analyses identified female-specific knee biomechanics in a disease-dependent manner. Females with KOA had lower first peak knee adduction moment and peak knee adduction compared with male counterparts. On the other hand, healthy females had lower peak knee flexion moment than male counterparts. Effect estimate in each meta-analysis displayed poor quality of evidence according to the GRADE approach.

Conclusions
The current study is the first to consider sex as a biological variable into ambulatory mechanics in the development of KOA. We discovered that sex-dependent alterations in knee biomechanics is a function of the presence of KOA, indicating that KOA disease may be a driver of the sex-dependent biomechanical alterations or vice versa. Although no strong conclusion can be drawn because of the low quality of evidence, these findings provide new insight into the sex differences in ambulatory knee biomechanics and progression of KOA.