bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic efficacy of GDF-15 in assessing myocardial dysfunction among pan-cancer patients
Authors: Hao Xiaohe , Zhang Zhenyu , Kong Jing , Ma Rufei , Mao Cuiping , Peng Xun , Ru Kun , Liu Lisheng , Zhao Chuanxi , Mo Xinkai , Cai Meijuan , Yu Xiangguo , Lin Qinghai 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background Cardiotoxicity represents a significant adverse consequence of cancer therapies, yet there remains a paucity of effective biomarkers for its timely monitoring and diagnosis. This study aims to elucidate the role of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) in the context of cancer diagnosis and its specific association with myocardial dysfunction in cancer patients, thereby testing its potential as a predictive marker for cardiotoxicity risk.
Methods Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including GDF15, was performed by utilizing data from the public repositories of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Examination of GDF15 expression was conducted in various normal and cancerous tissues or sera, using available database and serum samples. The study further explored the correlation between GDF15 expression and the combined detection of cardiac troponin-T (c-TnT) and pro B-type natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP), assessing the combined diagnostic utility of these markers in predicting myocardial diseases in cancer patients through longitudinal electrocardiograms (ECG).
Results GDF15 emerged as a significant DEG in both cancer and cardiomyopathy disease models, demonstrating good diagnostic efficacy across multiple cancer types compared to healthy controls. GDF15 levels in cancer patients correlated with the established cardiac biomarkers c-TnT and pro-BNP. Moreover, ECG outcomes indicated that the integrative analysis of these biomarkers significantly enhanced the diagnostic accuracy for myocardial dysfunction in the cancer cohort.
Conclusion GDF15 demonstrated promising diagnostic potential in cancer identification, and offers a novel biomarker for the monitoring and diagnosis of cardiotoxicity.
Hypoxia alleviates hepatic lipid accumulation through the interaction of PP4C and AUF1
Authors: Liu Zhe , Hou Jing , Tian Meiyuan , Zhang Yaogang , Huang Dengliang , Zhao Na , Ma Yanyan , Cui Sen 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Protein phosphatase 4C (PP4C) exacerbated hepatic lipid accumulation under normoxia. However, hypoxia might alleviate hepatic lipid accumulation by lowering PP4C. This study hypothesized that PP4C could provide an innovative method for treating hepatic lipid accumulation. Alpha mouse liver 12 cells (AML-12) were cultured in 5% CO2 equipment with Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium including 10% fetal bovine serum, under normoxia or hypoxia at 37 ℃. AML-12 were treated with 60 µg/ml oleic acid (OA) for 72 h. A total of 60 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: 2200 m normal diet (ND), high fat diet (HFD), 4500 m ND, and 4500 m HFD. Under normoxia, lipid accumulation led to an upregulation of PP4C, while PP4C was decreased under hypoxia. Hypoxia inducible factor 2α (HIF2α) increased and PP4C decreased after AML-12 were treated with OA under hypoxia. Further investigations revealed PP4C was involved in hepatic lipid metabolism by influencing the phosphorylation of AU-rich element RNA-binding factor 1 (AUF1) through its interaction with AUF1. Hypoxia might decrease PP4C via HIF2α in AML-12 treated with OA. PP4C was involved in hepatic lipid metabolism by regulating AUF1 phosphorylation under different oxygen concentrations. PP4C might be a promising target to treat hepatic lipid accumulation.
A Randomized Phase III Trial of Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy for Patients with Up to 10 Oligometastases and a Synchronous Primary Tumor (SABR-SYNC): Study Protocol
Authors: Palma David A. , Giuliani Meredith E. , Correa Rohann J. M. , Schneiders Famke L. , Harrow Stephen , Guckenberger Matthias , Zhang Tina , Bahig Houda , Senthi Sashendra , Chung Peter , Olson Robert , Lock Michael , Raman Srinivas , Bauman Glenn S. , Lok Benjamin H. , Laba Joanna M. , Glicksman Rachel M. , Nguyen Timothy K. , Lang Pencilla , Helou Joelle , Goodman Christopher D. , Mendez Lucas C. , Rossum Peter S. N. van , Warner Andrew , Gaede Stewart , Allan Alison L. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Emerging randomized data, mostly from phase II trials, have suggested that patients with oligometastatic cancers may benefit from ablative treatments such as stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR). However, phase III data testing this paradigm are lacking, and many studies have examined SABR in the setting of metachronous oligometastatic disease. The goal of the SABR-SYNC trial is to assess the effect of SABR in patients with oligometastatic cancers and a synchronous primary tumor.
Methods
One hundred and eighty patients will be randomized in a 1:2 ratio between standard of care (SOC) palliative-intent treatments vs. SOC + ablative therapy (SABR preferred) to all sites of known disease. Randomization will be stratified based on histology and number of metastases at enrollment. SABR may be delivered in 1-, 3- and 5-fraction regimens, with recommended doses of 20 Gy, 30 Gy, and 35 Gy, respectively. Non-SABR local modalities (e.g. surgery, thermal ablation, conventional radiation) may be used for treatment of the primary or metastases at the discretion of the treating physicians, if those modalities are clinically preferred. The primary endpoint is overall survival, and secondary endpoints include progression-free survival, time to development of new metastatic lesions, time to initiation of next systemic therapy, quality of life, and toxicity. Translational endpoints include assessment of circulating tumor DNA and immunological predictors of outcomes.
Discussion
SABR-SYNC will provide phase III data to assess the impact of SABR on overall survival in a population of patients with synchronous oligometastases. The translational component will attempt to identify novel prognostic and predictive biomarkers to aid in clinical decision making.
Trial Registration:
Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05717166 (registration date: Feb. 8, 2023)
Accuracy and reliability of accelerometer-based pedometers in step counts during walking, running, and climbing stairs in different wearing positions
Authors: Pan Jiahao , Wei Shutao 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the accuracy and reliability of accelerometer-based pedometers placed on the wrist, waist, and shoe's midsole during walking, running, and up & down stairs. Twenty healthy adults were recruited. Steps were recorded by the pedometers and visually assessed from simultaneously recorded video to evaluate the accuracy of each pedometer in different wearing positions. One week later, steps were recorded again by the pedometers only to evaluate the reliability of each pedometer in different wearing positions. The wrist-worn pedometer presented significantly greater error scores compared to the midsole-worn pedometer during walking (p < .001), running (p = .006), and up & down stairs (p = .003). Additionally, Bland-Altman plots indicated that the accuracy is the midsole-worn > waist-worn > wrist-worn pedometers during running and up & down stairs. Furthermore, the midsole-worn and waist-worn pedometers showed strong reliability during walking and running, but only the midsole-worn pedometer presented acceptable reliability during ascending and descending stairs. The pedometer’s position impacts the accuracy and reliability of step counts, especially for walking and up & down stairs. Embedding the pedometer into the midsole seems an effective approach to improve the accuracy and reliability of step counts.
Enhanced Photo-Induced Optical Activity of Crisscrossed Self-Organized Gratings in Photosensitive Nanolayers by Introducing Bi-Periodicity
Authors: Nahal Arashmid , Kiasatfar Ozra 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In the present work, the enhancement of photoinduced optical activity in a photosensitive nanolayer of AgCl doped by Ag nanoparticles, using bi-periodic crisscrossed self-organized periodic nanostructures (C-SPNs) is achieved. We found that the formation of two non-identical SPNs (i.e., with different periods), which crisscrossed each other, enhances the rotation of the polarization plane of the linear polarized probe beam, compared to the case when the two nanostructures are identical (i.e., having the same period). The difference in periods of the two C-SPNs increases the anisotropy of the medium, which in turn boosts the optical chirality produced by the formation of complex crisscrossed gratings made of Ag nanoparticles. The angle between the two gratings can be a control parameter for the amount and sign of rotation of the polarization plane of the probe beam. The enhanced optical activity of the bi-periodic C-SPNs, compared to the identical C-SPNs, can be attributed to the formation of more intricate chiral building blocks at the intersections of the two gratings.
Tripartite Game Theory-Based Edge Resource Pricing Approach for Edge Federation
Authors: Ye Hengzhou , Feng Bochao , Lu Qiu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) deploys edge servers close to end-users to address their computing requirements, with an emphasis on minimizing latency and enhancing security. However, the significant deployment costs associated with edge servers and the potential for resource wastage due to redundant deployment by various Edge Infrastructure Providers (EIPs) highlight the importance of adopting edge federation architecture. This architectural approach aims to deliver superior computing services tailored for MEC scenarios. Nevertheless, effective resource allocation and pricing strategies are crucial to ensure optimal resource sharing within the edge federation. This paper presents a game-theoretic model involving three primary stakeholders: terminal users, resource demanders within the federation, and resource providers within the federation. The game among these stakeholders is structured into two levels, with negotiation rounds playing a pivotal role. At the first level, the game outlines the initial resource demands of terminal users and the initial pricing by EIPs, while also considering the influence of historical pricing trends on resource demands. The second level focuses on defining the psychological expectations of resource demanders within the federation and the initial pricing by resource providers. To solve this game model, this paper introduces the Tripartite Game Pricing Approach (TGPA). Simulation results corroborate that TGPA outperforms existing pricing approaches, yielding higher total revenue for the edge federation and ensuring a certain utilization of computational resources within acceptable time constraints.
Construction and validation of a prognostic model based on metabolic characteristics of Candida albicans in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang HaoLing , Zhang Haolong , Chen Weifang , Wang Yong , Sapudin Siti Nurfatimah Mohd , Sandai Doblin , Harun Mohammad Syamsul Reza , Zhang Zhongwen , Wang Wei , Song ZhiJing , Fang Zhongxian 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

There is evidence supporting the notion that Candida albicans (C. albicans) indeed contributes to human cancers. Interestingly, the efficacy of C. albicans in improving Colorectal cancer (CRC) has been confirmed. This study primarily explores the paradox of whether C. albicans promotes or inhibits the development of CRC, focusing on its metabolites mixture for relevant arguments. This study identified a total of 214 differentially expressed genes. A prognostic model containing 5 specific mRNA markers, namely EHD4, LIME1, GADD45B, TIMP1, and FDFT1, was constructed. C. albicans metabolites mixture reduced CRC cell activity. qRT-PCR results showed that compared to normal colonic epithelial cells, LIME and EHD4 were downregulated in CRC cells, while FDFT1 expression was significantly upregulated. Notably, the TIMP1 gene was significantly upregulated in HT29 cells, while it was significantly downregulated in HCT116 cells. Furthermore, post-intervention analysis showed a significant decrease in gene expression levels in HT29 cells, while the expression of TIMP1, EHD4, and GADD45B increased in HCT116 cells, with LIME and other CRC cells showing a corresponding decrease in expression. In NCM460 normal colonic epithelial cells, the expression levels of GADD45B, TIMP1, and FDFT1 genes were significantly upregulated, while the expression levels of LIME and EHD4 showed a significant downward trend. After metabolite intervention, the invasion and migration capabilities of NCM460 cells, HT29 cells, and HCT116 cells decreased. Additionally, quantitative measurement of eATP levels after intervention showed a significant increase (P < 0.01). This study's prognostic model opens up a new paradigm for prognostic assessment in CRC. The metabolites mixture of C. albicans play a protective role in the onset and progression of CRC, exhibiting dynamic interactions with cellular energetics.
Relaxation processes in the oriented polyvinylidene fluoride films with various crystalline phase composition
Authors: Gerasimov Dmitrii , Nikonorova Natalia , Kuryndin Ivan , Lavrentyev Viktor , Bronnikov Sergei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Oriented polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films were obtained in multistage process based on melt extrusion of polymer. We investigated the results of the polymorphic α→β crystalline phase transformation in the PVDF films subjected to uniaxial stretching. During uniaxial extension both appearance of a polar piezo active crystalline structure and significant changes in the samples morphology were observed. Variations in the PVDF films morphology, polymorphic composition, and supramolecular structure upon transformation were detected with wide-angle X-ray scattering and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Broadband dielectric spectroscopy was used to ascertain a change in molecular mobility of the polymer chains during α→β phase transformation. The relaxation processes, γ-, αа-, αс-, and interfacial polarization, in both α- and β-phases of PVDF were identified in the dielectric loss spectra and described with either Arrhenius or Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann equations. The analysis of the equations parameters allowed concluding that that initiation of a polymorphic α→β transition through uniaxial extension results in hindering of the relaxators mobility in the β-phase of PVDF samples, except γ-relaxators. This finding confirms a proposal that γ-relaxators are located in the amorphous part of PVDF. Uniaxial extension resulted in a substantial increase in the interfacial polarization, which can be attributed to the emergence of new interface boundaries.
Magnetic poly(phages) encoded probes based dual-mode assay for rapid determination of live Escherichia coli and Hafnia paralvei based on microfluidic chip and ATP bioluminence meter
Authors: Wang Ye , Wang Ming , You Hang , Chen Chao , Zhang Jing , Li Tianhua , Gan Ning 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The detection of multiplex live pathogens in spoilage aquatic products is critically important. In this study, a dual-mode assay for screening and detecting live Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Hafnia paralvei (H. paralvei) (as two typical pathogens in aquatic products) based on magnetic poly (phages) encoded probes (MPEP) was developed. The probes were prepared by grafting a large number of phages targeted different target bacteria on a long-chain DNA structure, respectively. They could specifically capture and enrich E. coli and H. paralvei by magnetic separation. Then, different DNA signal tags with different lengths would conjugate with the corresponding MPEP-bacteria complex and form two kinds of sandwich structures, respectively. After that, the captured E. coli and H. paralvei were lysed to release both adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and DNA signal tags. The measurement includes two steps. Firstly, a portable ATP bioluminescence meter was employed to rapidly screen the positive samples that contain either of the two target bacteria. Secondly, only positive samples were injected into the microfluidic chip which could detect various DNA signal tags for accurate quantification of the target bacteria. The assay demonstrated high sensitivity (3 CFU/mL for E.coli and 5 CFU/mL for H. paralvei), high specificity (strain identification), signal amplification (20 folds) and short time(≤ 35min). It can be applied to detect other pathogens only by changing the relative phage in MPEP. Furthermore, the proposed dual-mode assay provides a wide prospect for rapid screening and accurate determination of live foodborne pathogens.
Jagged-1+ Skin Tregs Modulate the Innate Immune Response to Wound Healing
Authors: Lui Prudence PokWai , Xu Jessie Z. , Aziz Hafsah , Sen Monica , Ali Niwa 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Skin-resident regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an irreplaceable role in orchestrating cutaneous immune homeostasis and repair, including the promotion of hair regeneration via the Notch signaling ligand Jagged-1 (Jag1). While skin Tregs are indispensable for facilitating tissue repair post-wounding, it remains unknown if Jag1-expressing skin Tregs impact wound healing. Using a tamoxifen inducible Foxp3creERT2Jag1fl/fl model, we show that loss of functional Jag1 in Tregs significantly delays the rate of full-thickness wound closure. Unlike in hair regeneration, skin Tregs do not utilize Jag1 to impact epithelial stem cells during wound healing. Instead, mice with Treg-specific Jag1 ablation exhibit a significant reduction in Ly6G+ neutrophil accumulation at the wound site. However, during both homeostasis and wound healing, the loss of Jag1 in Tregs does not impact the overall abundance or activation profile of immune cell targets in the skin, such as CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, or pro-inflammatory macrophages. This collectively suggests that skin Tregs may utilize Jag1-Notch signalling to co-ordinate innate cell recruitment under conditions of injury but not homeostasis. Overall, our study demonstrates the importance of Jag1 expression in Tregs to facilitate adequate wound repair in the skin.
Numerical Assessment of the RBS Connection Reinforced with Stiffeners
Authors: Naseri Ramin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

A prevalent form of moment connection in steel frames is Reduced Beam Section (RBS) connection. Nevertheless, the utilization of this connection in deep beams is constrained by issues such as beam buckling at large displacements, leading to a decline in connection strength at high rotation. Web stiffeners can be employed as an effective method to address this problem. Five RBS connection specimens with horizontal, vertical, and diagonal stiffeners were numerically studied under cyclic loading and using the finite element method. The findings indicated that among the five techniques of reinforcement, four strategies effectively improved both the maximum and ultimate strength of the connection, while preserving the plasticity and sustaining the original position of the plastic hinge in the initial design. Out of the several ways used to strengthen the structure, the model with diagonal stiffener (Stiff-D2) had a notable impact on enhancing the performance of the RBS connection. In other words, the maximum resistant moment of the connection in this model exceeds that of the RBS connection by 4.9%.
Oversampling and imputation for imbalanced missing data
Authors: Le Hoang Huy , Nguyen Thu , Chawla Nitesh , Riegler Michael A. , Halvorsen Pål , Nguyen Binh T. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Oversampling and imputation for imbalanced missing data Imbalanced data is a widespread issue that is naturally occurring. For instance, fraudulent banking transactions are less frequent than normal transactions, and the number of cancer cases is lower than that of patients. Furthermore, it is common for data to contain missing values. Dealing with imbalanced and missing data can present several challenges during analysis, potentially leading to biased models or skewed performance evaluation. Therefore, it is important to recognize these issues and address them in the data analysis process as needed. However, imbalance and missingness are usually handled separately, which can be inefficient and increase computational costs.
We have developed a new imputation-based sampling method called OsImp, designed specifically for imbalanced datasets with high rates of missing data. This method, suitable for small and large multi-class datasets, can handle categorical, continuous, or mixed data as long as an appropriate imputation algorithm is used. It’s also worth noting that OsImp can be applied to datasets without missing data and still perform competitively compared to state-of-the-art methods for imbalanced data. Our initial experiments have shown that this method outperforms many current approaches across a variety of datasets.
Bushmeat trade in a southeast Cameroon village: Is it for “subsistence” or “commercial purposes”?
Authors: Toda Mikako , Yasuoka Hirokazu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study examines the complex issue of bushmeat consumption in the Cameroon rainforests and analyzes the role of non-timber forest product income and the challenge of securing protein sources. Although cacao production is the primary source of a region's cash income, this study also considers households that do not engage in cacao farming and cannot participate in hunting. The findings revealed a significant disparity in income, particularly between working-age male-headed households and female-headed or older adult households, depending on cacao production. Bushmeat plays a vital role in these households in terms of both cash income and expenses. Although Cameroonian laws impose stringent conditions on the bushmeat trade and hunting, this study emphasizes that bushmeat distribution within a village is essential for older adult- and female-headed households to obtain animal protein, highlighting its importance in community food security. Finally, we reconsider sustainable use by examining bushmeat consumption. Bushmeat consumption in the community under the current circumstances are considered appropriate. However, based on the density estimates of the most common hunting species in the area, for hunting to be sustainable, it would have to take place within the national park, which creates a paradox, as the national park does not provide a sustainable hunting range. Considering these findings, this study argues that it is essential to redefine the areas of activity required by local populations and that conservation authorities must prioritize sustainable land use.
Reinforcement Learning for Thermal and Reliability Management in Manycore Systems
Authors: Weber Iaçanã , Zanini Vitor , Moraes Fernando 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The advent of manycore systems has led to the need for efficient dynamic thermal and reliability management techniques to increase system reliability. Increasing power density and thermal hotspots in manycore systems pose significant challenges to reliability and performance. Existing techniques often fail to scale effectively or consider long-term reliability impacts. This work aims to develop a lightweight and scalable management strategy for manycore systems that integrates dynamic thermal management (DTM) and dynamic reliability management (DRM) using application mapping and task migration. The primary contribution is the introduction of the FIT-aware Learning Heuristic for Application Allocation (FLEA), which leverages Q-learning to optimize task allocation and migration based on Failure In Time (FIT) monitoring. FLEA operates in two phases: a design phase that uses Q-learning to train a policy table (Q-table) and a runtime phase that utilizes this Q-table to make decisions on task allocation and migration. The Q-table is populated with values representing the best task deployment patterns, minimizing thermal hotspots and maximizing system reliability. The evaluation of FLEA demonstrates improvements over state-of-the-art techniques. FLEA effectively reduces the thermal amplitude, peak temperature, and spatial thermal distribution, resulting in enhanced Mean Time To Failure (MTTF) for the system.