bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of brain metastases on the classification, treatment, and outcome of patients with extracranial oligometastasis: A single-center cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Christ Sebastian M. , Thiel Gabriel W. , Heesen Philip , Mayinger Michael , Willmann Jonas , Ahmadsei Maiwand , Muehlematter Urs J. , Maurer Alexander , Buchner Josef A. , Peeken Jan C. , Rahman Rifaquat , Aizer Ayal , Rhun Emilie Le , Andratschke Nicolaus , Weller Michael , Huellner Martin , Guckenberger Matthias 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background and introduction
Increasing evidence suggests that a subgroup of patients with oligometastatic cancer might achieve a prolonged disease-free survival through local therapy for all active cancer lesions. Our aims are to investigate the impact of brain metastases on the classification, treatment, and outcome in these patients.
Materials and methods
We analyzed a total of 7,000 oncological positron emission tomography scans to identify patients with extracranial oligometastatic disease (defined as ≤5 intra- or extra-cranial metastases). Concurrent magnetic resonance imaging brain was assessed to quantify intracranial tumor burden. We investigated the impact of brain metastases on oligometastatic disease state, therapeutic approaches, and outcome. Predictors for transitioning from oligo- to polymetastatic states were evaluated using regression analysis.
Results
A total of 106 patients with extracranial oligometastases and simultaneous brain metastases were identified, primarily originating from skin or lung/pleura cancers (90%, n=96). Brain metastases caused a transition from an extracranial oligometastatic to a whole-body polymetastatic state in 45% (n=48) of patients. While oligometastatic patients received systemic therapy (55% vs. 35%) more frequently and radiotherapy for brain metastases was more often prescribed to polymetastatic patients (44% vs. 26%), the therapeutic approach did not differ systematically between both sub-groups. The oligometastatic sub-group had a median overall survival of 28 months compared to 10 months in the polymetastatic sub-group (p<0.01).
Conclusion
In patients with brain metastases, a low total tumor burden with an oligometastatic disease state remained a significant prognostic factor for overall survival. Presence of brain metastases should therefore not serve as exclusion criterion for clinical trials in the field of oligometastatic disease. Moreover, it underscores the importance of considering a multimodality treatment strategy in oligometastatic cancer patients.
Parameter calibration and broadband ground motion simulation based on Bayesian optimization---A case study of the 2023 Türkiye earthquake doublet
Authors: Yang Qianli , Yu Ruifang , Li Zongchao , Lin Peng 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

How to effectively carry out rapid ground motion field under the uncertainty of source and propagation path parameters after an earthquake occurs, it is a difficult problem for earthquake disaster loss assessment. This study presents a novel broadband ground motion simulation method introducing Bayesian hyperparameter optimization into stochastic finite fault model. This new method iteratively correct and optimize source and path parameters through Bayesian optimization to reducing parameters uncertainty in ground motion simulation. Therefore, it can obtain optimal ground-motion estimation while calibrating regional seismic parameters. Firstly，using suggested method, acceleration at 12 stations are simulated for the 2023 Türkiye earthquake (Mw7.5). Then, by comparing with the records of 12 stations, the effectiveness of the method is not only verified, but also the regional key seismological parameters are calibrated to reduce uncertainty, including stress drop and attenuation coefficient, etc. Finally, the calibrated parameters are used in the simulation of the earthquake in Türkiye (Mw7.8) and the ground-motion field was well reproduced. The results show that with the help of efficient black-box exploration capabilities of Bayesian optimization, the established new method can not only be used for the calibration of seismological parameters in areas lacking earthquake data, but also can efficiently simulate the ground motion field that conforms to the regional geological environment. Therefore, it is suitable for rapid assessment of post-earthquake disasters.
Early life factors shaping infant gut anellovirus composition and associations with childhood atopic disease
Authors: Boulund Ulrika , Thorsen Jonathan , Larsen Frej , Poulsen Casper , Widdowson Michael , Jiang Jie , Tranæs Kaare , Deng Ling , Rasmussen Morten , Chawes Bo , Bønnelykke Klaus , Nielsen Dennis , Shah Shiraz , Stokholm Jakob 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The Anelloviridae family is highly prevalent and genetically diverse, but factors shaping the composition and the relationship with disease remain elusive.
Here, we characterised faecal viromes of 647 one-year-old children from the deeply phenotyped Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood2010 (COPSAC2010) mother-child cohort. In this study, the anelloviruses showed immense prevalence and individual variability. Early-life exposures such as being in day care and having older siblings were associated with a reduced anellovirus abundance and diversity, and influenced the anellovirus composition. Additionally, genetic secretors of the FUT2 enzyme had a higher anellovirus abundance compared to non-secretors. We observed an association between anelloviruses and allergic rhinitis, but no associations with infections or the development of other atopic traits. Our findings indicate that anelloviruses are a commensal component of all infants' faecal virome, and further investigations into how immune-training factors influence their composition longitudinally are pertinent.
Smart filter paper with pH-responsive wettability for efficient immiscible oil/water and emulsion separation
Authors: Zhang Yu-Ping , Zhao Chang-Hua , Yuan Pei , Wan Li 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Materials with stimulus-responsive wettability are increasingly attracting attention due to their potential applications in oil-water separation and oil spill treatment. In this work, a pH-responsive filter paper was rapidly fabricated by facile solution immersion, which was modified by a mixture of SiO 2 nanoparticles and octadecylamine (ODA)-modified TiO 2. The resultant filter paper exhibited its superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity in the air when the solution pH was greater than 6.0, while it transformed superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic when the solution pH was less than 2.0. The as-prepared filter paper was applied to the controllable separation of complex oil/water/oil ternary mixtures, demonstrating its pH stimulus-responsiveness. More importantly, both immiscible oil-water mixtures and different kinds of oil-in-water emulsions were effectively separated with their separation efficiencies more than 99%, respectively. The typical CCl 4-in-water emulsion maintained a separation efficiency of around 99% even after 25 cycles, indicating its excellent durability for the as-prepared filter paper. The developed method can provide new ideas for the design of smart materials for oily wastewater treatment.
Strategies for Community Engagement in Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Response in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review
Authors: Issahaku Gyesi Razak , Fischer Hanna-Tina , Appiah-Brempong Emmanuel , Opoku Daniel , Hanefeld Johanna 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Community engagement is essential for the successful implementation of infection control activities during epidemics and pandemics. Recent reviews of community engagement lack evidence of engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic, while previous reviews have largely focused on concepts and models of community engagement. To address this gap, we conducted a scoping review to identify and consolidate the strategies for community engagement that have been employed as part of epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response activities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods
We used the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and the methodological framework for scoping reviews from Arksey and O’Malley (2005) to guide the review. Peer-reviewed primary research was retrieved from search engines and databases, including EMBASE, EBSCO-host, PubMed, Global Health, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The gray literature was retrieved from the websites of international organizations and ministries of health in the 5 sub-Saharan African countries. We included a total of 89 articles in the review, extracted data from the articles and analysed them using a thematic analysis approach.
Results
This review showed that community engagement strategies vary widely across different contexts. In response to COVID-19 and Ebola, the primary strategies employed were social and behavioural change communication (SBCC) and surveillance and contact tracing. For the political response, the main strategies used were SBCC and community entry and trust building. The SBCC was the most common strategy employed in all the responses. The key enablers of and barriers to community engagement include factors such as trust, cultural norms, and resource availability.
Conclusion
Effective community engagement for epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response requires tailored strategies that address the specific disease in question and the needs and concerns of different communities. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the strategies for community engagement that have been implemented in sub-Saharan Africa and highlights the need for further research and evaluation of these strategies.
The protocol for this review was registered in Open Science Framework with registration DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/D478Z
EGCG Ameliorates Intestinal Injury in Rats by Suppressing Oxidative Stress and Autophagy via Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling
Authors: Xu Enshuang , Lu Yuhan , Sun Yue , Zheng Jiasan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Cisplatin (CDDP, CIS) is the first generation of platinum-containing drugs. However, the metabolites of CDDP and other chemotherapeutic drugs cause serious damage to intestinal mucosa and damage intestinal mucosal barrier, leading to dose-limiting side effects such as diarrhea. China is the home of tea, among the many types of tea, green tea is the most widely studied, its anti-cancer, anti-obesity and neuroprotective effects. First, rats were given EGCG(40 mg/kg) 28 d and then injected CDDP ༈7 mg/kg༉ to explore the protective effect of EGCG. HE staining, immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy and TUNEL staining showed that pretreatment of EGCG could reduce intestinal pathological injury, intestinal dysfunction, oxidative stress, apoptosis and hyperautophagy induced by CDDP in rats. Then, it was confirmed by immunofluorescence and Western blot tests that EGCG protected the intestine mainly by activating the NRF2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Finally, the protective effect of EGCG was weakened after administration of NRF2 inhibitor (ML385) for 28 d and then injection of cisplatin. In summary, EGCG can reduce intestinal oxidative damage, apoptosis and autophagy through Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, thus playing a role in intestinal protection, providing a new idea for the prevention of side effects of chemotherapy drugs.
Remodeling of Intracellular Architecture During SARS-CoV-2 Infection of Human Endothelium
Authors: Kubisiak Agata , Dabrowska Agnieszka , Botwina Pawel , Twardawa Patrycja , Kloska Damian , Kołodziej Tomasz , Rajfur Zenon , Pyrc Krzysztof , Targosz-Korecka Marta 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Clinical data indicate that COVID-19 causes cardiovascular complications, regardless of the severity of the disease. In this work, we have shown that SARS-CoV-2 infection causes vascular dysfunction due to the modification of endothelial cell elasticity. We used human pulmonary endothelial cells (HPAECs) expressing the ACE2 receptor as a model of the endothelium. This system mimics in vivo conditions, as it allows virus entry but not replication. As a reference, we used A549 epithelial cells, a well-described model that supports productive replication of SARS-CoV-2. We show that the infection of HPAECs results in cell stiffening, which correlates with increased polymerization of actin filaments and induction of the inflammatory response. On the contrary, A549 epithelial cells supporting viral replication showed decreased stiffness. We demonstrated the endothelial stiffening effect for four variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus: Wuhan, Alpha, Beta, and Delta. Consequently, we believe that nonproductive SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with stiffening of the endothelium may be clinically relevant and result in dysfunction and damage to this tissue.
Expression of Recombinant Taq DNA Polymerase in Oligotrophic Klebsiella oxytoca: A Novel Approach to Industrial Enzyme Production
Authors: Tankus Mustafa , Balci Gamze , Dedeakayogullari Huri , Kati Ahmet 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The demand for high-efficiency DNA polymerases in molecular biology and diagnostic applications has led to the exploration of novel microbial hosts for enzyme production. This study investigates the expression of recombinant Taq DNA polymerase in Klebsiella oxytoca, an oligotrophic bacterium known for its minimal nutrient requirements and robust growth in diverse environments. By leveraging the metabolic versatility and adaptive capabilities of K. oxytoca, we aimed to establish a cost-effective and sustainable method for producing Taq polymerase at an industrial scale. The recombinant K. oxytoca was engineered using a plasmid vector containing the Taq polymerase gene under the control of a strong promoter. Optimal expression conditions were identified, including the appropriate induction time and temperature, leading to high yields of active enzyme. The Taq DNA polymerase was successfully expressed in a standard LB medium and at a concentration of 0.1% (v/v). Expressed Taq DNA polymerases were characterized by SDS-PAGE and PCR activity analyses were performed. The same processes were also carried out in scale-up studies, and it was investigated whether TaqDNA polymerase production in Klebsiella oxytoca was suitable for industry. This approach not only reduces production costs but also aligns with green chemistry principles by utilizing a host organism that thrives on minimal resources. Our findings suggest that oligotrophic K. oxytoca is a promising candidate for the biotechnological production of recombinant enzymes, offering an innovative pathway for enhancing industrial enzyme manufacturing processes.
Quantum Leap in Cardiac Prognosis: EMIP-CardioPPG’s Pioneering Approach to Early Myocardial Infarction Prediction
Authors: Shrivastava Abhishek , Kumar Santosh , Srinivas N. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) encompasses conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, leading to ailments such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and myocardial infarction (MI), commonly referred to as a heart attack, which occurs when blood flow to the heart is obstructed. Early prediction of MI is vital to prevent severe damage and enhance survival rates. Traditionally, an electrocardiogram (ECG) is employed to detect cardiovascular anomalies, but its requirement for multiple electrodes placed on various body locations makes continuous monitoring difficult. Current research gaps involve the necessity for medical assistance during ECG monitoring, data variability, early symptom prediction, and limited data availability due to the sensitive nature of medical records. To address these issues, we introduce EMIP-CardioPPG, a novel mathematical framework for early MI prediction using CardioPPG, a non-invasive method that utilizes photoplethysmography (PPG) signals to monitor heart rate (HR) and detect cardiovascular abnormalities. Our approach comprises four steps: first, acquiring data from the same individual using two different sources, a self-created IoMT device and a 4-channel BIOAC-MP 36 device; second, preprocessing the data by denoising, filtering, normalizing, and removing motion arti-facts; and third, employing mathematical calculations to determine heart rate variability (HRV) and HR, enhancing PPG signal features for early MI prediction. fourth, Evaluate our model performance using machine learning (ML) algorithms such as ridge regression (RR), support vector classifier (SVC), independent component analysis (ICA), singular value decomposition (SVD), random forest (RF), and XGBoost, achieving high accuracy of 97.91% for HRV from our IomT device and 98.83% for HR from our BOPAC-MP 36. In future studies, we will compare our results with state-of-the-art algorithms and evaluate our model’s performance using cardiac images.
Application of combined WRF-Chem and HYSPLIT models for dust storm detection in Central Iran (case study of Isfahan province, May 21-23, 2016)
Authors: Sardoo Farshad Soleimani , Hamzeh Nasim Hossein , Krakauer Nir 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Dust is one of the most important problems of human societies in arid and semi-arid areas. This study analyzed the rising and propagation of the dust storm from May 21 to 23, 2016 in Isfahan province (central Iran) by using the WRF-Chem and HYSPLYT models. The dust storm was visualized using MODIS sensor data of Terra and Aqua satellites, and the dust emission and transport was simulated for central Iran by using WRF-Chem with the AFWA and GOCART schemes,. The results showed that the amount of dust concentration on Sistan and Baluchistan province and the Persian Gulf was as high as 2000 mg/m3 and both schemes estimate the highest amount of dust emissions from the central parts of Iran and the eastern part of Isfahan province. PM10 data of Yazd station was used to verify the model outputs, which showed that the AFWA dust scheme has a higher correlation coefficient with observations (0.62) than GOCART dust scheme. This case study suggests that the WRF-Chem dust schemes reasonably simulate dust rising and propagation in central Iran but that improvements are still needed for accurate prediction of dust concentrations and extents.
Iron’s role in soil organic carbon (de)stabilization in mangroves under land use change
Authors: Ruiz Francisco , Bernardino Angelo , Queiroz Hermano , Otero Xosé Luis , Rumpel Cornelia , Ferreira Tiago 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Mangroves are coastal hotspots for carbon storage and yet face multiple threats from anthropogenic activities. Here we explore the role of Fe-mediated organomineral interactions (FeOMI) in soil organic carbon (SOC) stabilization and its sensitivity to land use change (LUC) in Amazonian mangroves. First, we show that the poorly crystalline Fe oxides represent the most effective Fe phase for retaining SOC in pristine mangroves. Contrary to prevailing assumptions about high stability induced by FeOMI, thermal analysis revealed an increase in organic matter stability after Fe removal from samples. The results thus indicate that Fe protects more labile SOC fractions, otherwise vulnerable to biological degradation. Despite the fragile equilibrium of FeOMI under dynamic redox conditions in mangroves, this balance sustains a substantial pool of labile SOC (approximately 8% of total SOC). The studied LUC scenario led to massive loss of Fe-bound OC as less crystalline phases were either degraded or transformed into more crystalline ones, losing the efficiency in retaining SOC. We show that the conversion of mangroves to pastures and shrimp ponds, which are pervasive globally, trigger important biogeochemical changes driving SOC persistence, and therefore have major implications for the intended restoration and carbon capture in mangroves areas formerly disturbed.
Comparison of Microbiological Loads of Enteral Products Applied in Room Temperature and Intensive Care Conditions
Authors: ılıman alev yıldız , YURTTAŞ Merve , ERGÜL Dursun Fırat , TUTKAOĞLU Salim 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite the high risk of bacterial contamination, no studies have been found that evaluate the optimal hanging time of open system enteral sets under room temperature and intensive care conditions. This study aims to determine the differences in microbial loads of solutions taken from open system enteral feeding sets hanging for 24 hours under room temperature and intensive care conditions.
Methods
This study is a descriptive type of research. The study sample consisted of a total of 40 samples, with 20 samples under room temperature and 20 samples under intensive care conditions. A simple random sampling method was used for sample selection. The assessment of microbial quality was based on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) online Bacteriological Analytical Manual.
Results
In this study, it was determined that 5% of the samples taken from intensive care and 15% of the samples taken at room temperature exceeded the accepted limit for aerobic mesophilic bacteria count. The count of catalase and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. was 5% in intensive care samples and 40% in room temperature samples. The total coliform count was not detected in intensive care samples but was 35% in room temperature samples. E. coli was not detected in either group.
Conclusion
Differences in microbial loads were observed when commercial enteral solutions were administered using open system enteral feeding sets under room and intensive care conditions for 24 hours. Therefore, large-scale studies are needed to determine the safe use of open system enteral feeding sets under room temperature conditions.
Molecular survey on the presence of Leishmania infantum in dogs in rural regions of Taybad County
Authors: Sangani Hesam Rahmani , Sadaghian Mohammad , Daneshvar AmirHossein Khavari 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Aim: Leishmania infantum is the main cause of visceral leishmaniasis (Kala-Azar) in most parts of Iran and dogs are the most important host as its reservoirs. As far as Visceral leishmaniasis is one of the most dangerous diseases, especially for children in some provinces of Iran, high sensitivity to determining the infection in rural dogs has crucial importance in view of their close contact of them with human inhabitants. So, the present study was conducted to investigate and identify Leishmania infantum in dogs, in rural areas of Taybad city, eastern Iran.
Methods: Blood samples were taken from the cephalic veins of 102 dogs in 3 groups: herd, guard, and stray. These samples were transferred to the laboratory by cold chain condition. 2 step PCR technique was used to investigate the presence of the parasite among the samples.
Results: According to the results, out of 102 tested dogs, 4 (3.9%) of them were infected with Leishmania infantum. Also, the prevalence of the disease was not significantly related to age, sex, region, clinical symptoms, and type of dog, using the chi-square test (P> 0.05).
Conclusion: According to the available findings, the rate of infection of dogs in Taybad city was evaluated as relatively low but the survey outcome emphasizes continuous monitoring of the reservoirs as well as rural inhabitants of the area.