bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for Biochemical Recurrence in Prolactinomas After Withdrawal of Dopamine Agonists: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cuevas-Ramos Daniel , Flores-Cárdenas Romina , Osorio-Olvera Mariana , González-López Sandra , Lam-Chung Cesar , Martínez-Franco Cybelle Daniela , Íñiguez-Ariza Nicole , Gómez-Sámano Miguel Ángel , Hinojosa-Amaya José Miguel , Gómez-Pérez Francisco J 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Context: Dopamine agonists (DA), mainly cabergoline, are the primary therapy for prolactinomas. Risks factors related with biochemical recurrence after DA withdrawal are not completely understood.
Objective: To assess hyperprolactinemia recurrence risk factors after dopamine agonist (DA) withdrawal in prolactinomas.
Design: Retrospective, comparative, observational cohort study. Survival, and multivariate regression analyses were performed to estimate biochemical remission (prolactin (PRL) 3-25 ng/mL after at least 6 months of DA withdrawal), and recurrence (>25 ng/ml and/or tumor regrowth) at follow-up.
Results: 1140 patients with hyperprolactinemia were evaluated. Prolactinoma was confirmed in 182 cases. Micro- (n=95), and macroprolactinoma (n=75) were more frequent in women (99% and 73%, respectively), while giant prolactinomas (n=12) were more common in men (75%). Cabergoline was the most frequently (92-95%) DA used with a median dose of 1.2 (0.25-4.0), 2.2 (1.5-3.5), and 2.8 (1.5-8.0) mg/week (p<0.001), respectively. Higher tumor size at diagnosis was significantly related to biochemical recurrence (p<0.02). However, independently of tumor size at diagnosis, and the DA cumulative dose received, once patient have achieved an 80% volume reduction, tumors were unlikely to decrease further (p=0.02). Among cases under remission at last follow-up, almost half with microprolactinomas (n=51, 54%), and macroprolactinomas (n=35, 46%) persisted with tumor remnants. Multivariate regression analysis confirmed that tumor remnant at last follow-up was not significantly associated with recurrence risk (p=0.81). Duration of therapy was the only variable significantly associated with remission (p<0.01).
Conclusion: Probability of biochemical recurrence after withdrawal of DA therapy in micro and macroprolactinomas was not significantly associated with tumor remnant. Duration of DA therapy was the only variable significantly associated with remission.
Analyzing Timber Trade in Brazil: assessing timber networks and supply chains
Authors: Nonato Luis , Russo Victor , Costa Bernardo , Moreno-Vera Felipe , Toledo Guilherme , de Jesus Osni , Vieira Robson , Lentini Marco , Poco Jorge 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Brazilian Amazon forest degradation is driven by factors such as fire, mining, and notably, illegal logging. The Brazilian government has implemented control mechanisms to combat illegal timber extraction that have positively impacted deforestation rates. Under these regulations, any wood product, from raw logs to processed lumber, must be registered in control systems before transportation. This allows for analyzing the volume of wood products moving between each pair of timber companies within a specified timeframe. A challenge in this context is the existence of three different and only partially integrated control systems, making the comprehensive analysis of the entire timber market difficult. In this work, we integrate timber transportation data from the three different systems, enabling the creation of what we refer to as Timber Trade Networks (TTNs). From the TTNs, one can identify companies or groups of companies that operate contrary to expected standards, raising suspicions about their compliance with legal regulations. Furthermore, we propose a method to compute probable supply chains of timber companies, addressing a critical traceability challenge that has long concerned the Brazilian government. Among the results, we show that certain TTNs have components that operate without connections with licensed forests, suggesting that unregistered timber is input into those components, which is illegal. Additionally, we illustrate how supply chain analysis can significantly enhance customer confidence in the legality of purchased timber products.
The effects of online media use on the mental health of Chinese older adults: a multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) model
Authors: Zhang Xue , Dai Jing , Chen Yu , Yang Yunjuan , Li Wei , Xu Nannan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The impact of Internet usage is posited to be pivotal for the mental health of older adults, yet research exploring the influence of online social media and smart lifestyle media on mental health has been sparse. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of studies examining the mediating role of online media usage frequency and life satisfaction. Utilizing the MIMIC model and mediation analysis with data from the 2020 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS), the present study discerned that both online social media use and smart lifestyle media use were positively correlated with the mental health of older adults (coef. = 0.41, p < 0.001). Moreover, the findings suggest that online media use could enhance the mental health status of older adults by augmenting life satisfaction (coef. = 0.080, p < 0.05). The frequency of online media utilization mediated the relationship between online media use and mental health among this demographic (coef. = 0.077, p < 0.05). Consequently, internet service providers, communities, and adult children are advised to offer affordable network access services and usage guidance to older adults to facilitate their integration into the online community.
A meta-analysis of the effectiveness and safety of Sintilimab combined with chemotherapy in the trea tment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Pan Liling , Chen Qiongqing , Liang Ningsheng , Guo Youjia , Guo Youjia 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Sintilimab, as a domestically produced innovative immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICIs) drug, performs well in the treatment of lung cancer. However, due to the late start of domestically produced ICIs, Sintilimab is currently only available for domestic use, with limited clinical data and facing challenges in post-marketing evaluation. It is planned to use Meta analysis methods to evaluate its safety and effectiveness.
Methods: Computerized searches were conducted on various databases from their inception to August 10, 2023. Meta-analysis was carried out using RevMan 5.4 software after two evaluators independently screened the literature, extracted information, and evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies.
Results: The results indicated that patients with advanced NSCLC receiving Sintilimab had a 5.14 times higher risk of hypothyroidism compared to the control group. Hematologic toxicity and hepatic impairment were not significantly different from the chemotherapy group, while gastrointestinal and alopecia adverse reactions may be less frequent than in the chemotherapy group. Additionally, the risk of pneumonia, proteinuria, rash, and infusion reaction may be increased. Furthermore, Sintilimab combined with chemotherapy was found to enhance ORR, DCR, and prolong mOS and mPFS in NSCLC patients.
Conclusion: Sintilimab in combination with chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC is efficacious, safe and manageable.
Enhanced Quantum Long Short-Term Memory By Using Bidirectional Ring Variational Quantum Circuit
Authors: Qi Han , Lv Xinyue , Gong Changqing , Gani Abdullah 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

With the rapid development of quantum machine learning, Quantum Long Short-Term Memory (QLSTM) have demonstrated quantum advantages in time series forecasting problems. Currently, it has found applications in fields such as financial market analysis, natural language processing, and weather forecasting, but its accuracy in regression problem prediction still shows deficiencies. To improve the prediction accuracy of the model, enhanced quantum long short-term memory by using bidirectional ring variational quantum circuit (EQLSTM) is proposed. We reconsidered and optimized the types, quantities, and arrangements of quantum gates, designing a bidirectional ring variational quantum circuit composed of CRX gates (Bi-VQC) to enhance its expressibility. Bi-VQC can more accurately describe and encode complex quantum state features, enabling the EQLSTM to better learn and represent the characteristics of the input data. In addition, Bi-VQC reduces the number of optimizable parameters and lowers the circuit load of the EQLSTM model. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed model, experiments are conducted to test and evaluate the EQLSTM using the Aggregated traffic in the United Kingdom academic network backbone. The experimental results confirm that the proposed EQLSTM model improves from 90.56\% to 97.57\% compared to the QLSTM model.
Artificial intelligence based detection of early cognitive impairment using language, speech, and demographic features: Model development and validation
Authors: Lokala Usha , Desai Rutvik H. , Shalin Valerie L. , Sheth Amit 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a prevalent condition among older adults and a potential marker for dementia. The current challenge lies in diagnosing MCI among healthy older populations. This diagnosis typically requires extensive neuropsychological evaluations using tools like the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or the MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) based on specific diagnostic criteria.
Objective
This study used knowledge-guided machine learning (ML) algorithms and large language models (LLMs) to build diagnostic models. Our approach generates a clinician-guided classification by augmenting LLM with external knowledge to predict levels of MCI by using the spoken text of picture description tasks.
Methods
The models used language and speech features from two picture description tasks, along with demographic features. They aimed to distinguish between three levels of MCI (MCI, possible MCI, and healthy). We utilized the cognitive cross-domain attention model (CCDA) to integrate the attention mechanism of diverse types of information effectively into our training process, leading to better performance.
Results
We demonstrate the efficacy of machine learning, large language models (LLMs), and knowledge-integrated LLMs built on semantic, syntactic, lexical, fluency, audio, and demographic features to identify different levels of cognitive decline from the analysis of verbal utterances. Our CCDA model detected MCI from the participant input, aided by an external attention mechanism. A binomial t-test confirmed the significance (p < 0.1) of CCDA's predictions. An ablation study showed the impact of the attention mechanism and LLM approach on performance. We obtained an AUC of 0.81 and an F1 score of 0.73 on a large dataset of older adults.
Conclusion
Our knowledge-augmented approach compared favorably to contemporary LLM approaches, indicating the promise of knowledge-augmented learning in detecting MCI.
The relationship between the psoas muscle mass index and postoperative complications in Crohn's Disease : A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sasaki Maho , Fukuoka Tatsunari , Shibutani Masatsune , Kasashima Hiroaki , Maeda Kiyoshi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Sarcopenia is generally defined based on the age-related muscle mass and weakness. However, it has been reported that patients with Crohn’s disease, who develop severe inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, are more likely to develop sarcopenia. We retrospectively investigated the effect of the iliopsoas muscle area, which is an indicator of sarcopenia, on postoperative complications in patients with Crohn's disease.
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed 74 patients with Crohn's disease who underwent surgery in our department between January 2016 and November 2019. The psoas muscle index (PMI) was calculated as the average of the left and right iliopsoas muscles (L3, cm2) / height2. The patients were divided into the low PMI (male <2.33 cm2/m2, female <1.85 cm2/m2) and normal PMI groups. Preoperative and intraoperative factors and the postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups.
Results:
The median age of the 74 patients was 37.6 (17-70) years. Complications were noted in 32 patients (43.2%), including 9 (12.2%) with anastomotic leakage. There were 21 (28.4%) patients with a low PMI. The incidence of all postoperative complications, complications, grade≥3 complications, and anastomotic leakage were significantly higher in the low-PMI group than in the normal-PMI group. According to a multivariate analysis, low PMI (p=0.04) was the only independent predictor of postoperative complications.
Conclusion:
A low PMI is associated with postoperative complications, especially anastomotic leakage, in patients with Crohn's disease. In the low-PMI group, the risk of anastomotic leakage was high, and the creation of a colostomy without anastomosis was considered as an option.
Dynamic and Quasi-Static Fracture Behavior of Two Thermosetting Polymers for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Morgan Megan , Brunstad Nicholas , Makarian Kamran , Bassett Alexander , Ross Racheal , Lehman-Chong Alexandra , Ibrahim Ahmed , McLaughlin Jaclyn , Palmese Giuseppe , Stanzione Joseph , Lamberson Leslie 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study examines the fracture behavior of two thermosetting polymer resins for additive manufacturing (AM) and specifically presents the role of print orientation on the quasi-static and dynamic fracture responses of DA-3 resin printed via digital light processing (DLP) and PM-EM828 resin printed via stereolithography (SLA). A unique long-bar apparatus is used to launch a striker at the opposite end of a notched and pre-cracked specimen to create a dominantly Mode-I (opening) fracture event. Digital image correlation (DIC) is used in conjunction with ultra-high-speed imaging to capture the evolving displacement fields ahead of the crack tip. The elastodynamic solution for a stationary crack is used to determine the critical stress intensity factor (SIF), and the asymptotic steady-state dynamic crack solution is used to examine propagation behavior. These results are compared to quasi-static experiments of the same material and similar geometries on a standard load frame. Both DA-3 and PM-EM828 exhibited higher quasi-static fracture toughness values than critical dynamic stress intensity values, although the PM-EM828 demonstrated less rate dependence on fracture toughness than DA-3. Overprinting the last two layers of the weakest DA-3 orientation proved to enhance isotropy of DLP 3-dimensional (3D) printed DA-3 plaques while PM-EM828 plaques 3D printed by SLA did not show significant anisotropy.
Finding solutions to MaxSAT in a quantum computer
Authors: Clemente Leonardo , Venegas-Andraca Salvador E. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We introduce a quantum algorithm designed to encode a 3-MaxSAT instance f(z) comprising n Boolean variables and m clauses. In the initial stage, we construct an unitary operator F ∈ SU(2n) whose corresponding eigenvalues are phase-encoded to reflect the total count of non-satisfiable clauses observed when evaluating f(z) under a truth assignment (a potential solution) ϕj . Our second stage consists in combining F along Quantum Phase Estimation to map the induced phase shifts into measurable quantum states in only O(mlog(m)) time due to commuting properties of F. Our objective is to identify a state |ϕj⟩ with the smallest phase shift induced by F. Such eigenstate |ϕj⟩ directly corresponds to the truth assignment minimizing the count of non-satisfiable clauses, thereby constituting our solution for f(z). We demonstrate how we can use this encoding along with Amplitude Amplification to find such solutions to MaxSAT in O(mlog(m)1.414n) time. In perspective, this search algorithm may represent an exponential speedup over MaxSAT algorithms, whose complexity grows exponentially as a function of the number of clauses.
Effects of abiotic variables on DNA degradation in a limnic environment
Authors: Bertão Ana Paula Silva , Leite Raissa Vitória Vieira , Horodesky Aline , Ritter Camila Duarte , Stica Paula Valeska , Vidal Fabricio Salvador , Netto Otto Samuel Mader , Pie Marcio , Zanin Thiago Luis , Castilho-Westphal Gisela Geraldine , Ostrensky Antonio 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Our aim was to assess the environmental factors responsible for the degradation and persistence of environmental DNA (eDNA) over time in an environment that is not fully controlled. This was achieved by measuring the effects of these factors on the eDNA persistence of Limnoperna fortunei and Cordylophora sp. After a pilot experiment to determine DNA degradation in the field, the experimental phase began at two hydroelectric power plant, in Paraná, Brazil, EI, which was made with bottles contained DNA extract of L. fortunei and EII, which bottles contained water from the reservoir itself, with eDNA of both species. Temperature, luminosity, turbidity and transparency were monitored and DNA concentration was measured by qPCR. Sampling units consisted of two sets of sterile glass tubes for two treatments, one with transparent tubes and one with tubes covered with black tape, to prevent the influence of sunlight. The units were arranged in triplicate and attached to a guide rope held vertically in the water column where they were distributed at 0.0; 0.3; 0.6; 1.5; 3.0; 4.3, 7.0; and 10.0 m depths and remained submerged for 24, 72, 168 and 264 hours, respectively. We concluded that the presence of eDNA could still be detected after 12 days under different environmental conditions, but the degradation process of the molecule was clearly accentuated in the first 24 hours. The rapid degradation of eDNA in aquatic habitats allowed monitoring of species practically in real time, as the DNA identified was the result of a recent release.
Geochemical Analyses of Aliphatic Hydrocarbons and Polycyclic Aromatics in Sediments Using Gas Chromatograph
Authors: Izaque Deonel Felix Mandu , de Godoy Juliana Melo , Reis Darlly Erika Silva dos , Santos Thairine Lima dos , Peixoto Maria Naise Oliveira , Siqueira Celeste Yara dos Santo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In a process that begun in the mid-20th century, the city of Volta Redonda has presented a large demographic evolution with the industrialization of the region. Due to the fact that demographic growth and industrialization often carry environmental hazards along, it becomes necessary to monitor such activities with techniques that permit the detection of sediment contamination in order to minimize such environmental impacts. The geochemical analyses of biomarkers allowed the identification of the contributions of biogenic and anthropogenic sources of organic matter. The aim of this study was to carry out geochemical analyses of surface sediments for the detection of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. These compounds are classified by environmental protection agencies as priorities since they are harmful to health and to the integrity of ecosystems. Sediment samples were extracted using ultrasound and examined by gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results indicated that most of the compounds were derived from anthropogenic sources, but also from plants and other biogenic sources. The data demonstrated that the concentrations of some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were above the limits permitted by law, indicating contamination of the study area.
Solid-state fermentation product of Cordyceps militaris enhances the antioxidation and modulates immune response in grower pigs
Authors: Pi Chia-Chen , Cheng Yu-Chieh , Chen Chun-Chia , Lee Jai-Wei , Lin Chao-Nan , Chiou Ming-Tang , Chen Hui-Wen , Chiu Chiu-Hsia 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Pathogenic infections can significantly impact the health of livestock. Traditionally, antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) have been used in feed to enhance growth performance and disease control. However, concerns regarding antibiotic resistance have led to the exploration of traditional herbal medicine as a natural alternative, guided by the principle of medicine-food homology. The Taguchi method was employed to optimize the culture formula for cordycepin production, an active component of Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris). The influences of C. militaris supplementing solid-state fermentation (CMSSF)in feed on the growth performance and immune responses of grower pigs were evaluated in the present study.
Results: The C. militaris ethanol extract (CME) displayed potent free radical scavenging activity against 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) after undergoing fermentation. Additionally, the antibacterial testing revealed that CME effectively inhibits the growth of common pig pathogens such as Glaesserella parasuis, Pasteurella multocida, Staphylococcus hyicus, and Streptococcus suis. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated intestinal porcine enterocyte cell line (IPEC-J2), CME significantly suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6. In addition, higher antioxidative activity was detected as indicated by elevated concentration of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in pig serum. The levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgA, and IgG antibodies, as well as classical swine fever virus (CSFV) antibodies (S/P ratio) in serum were all increased. Growth performance of pigs fed with dietary CMSSF supplementation was improved in comparison with the control.
Conclusions: Results demonstrated that CMSSF has the potential to be used as a natural growth promoter to enhance immunity, antioxidation, as well as overall health and growth performance of grower pigs.
Berberine-inspired ionizable lipid for self-structure stabilization and potent brain targeting delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics
Authors: Jiang Zhi-Hong , Li Chong , Bian Xufei , Guo Qian , Yang Ling , Wang Xiaoyou , Zhao Shikang , Wu Shiqiong , Qin Xurong , Yau Lee-Fong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Despite advancements in targeting organs such as the liver, spleen, and lungs with lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), the challenge of traversing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) significantly impedes the progress of gene therapies for neurological disorders. Motivated by the structural and functional characteristics of alkaloids, we developed a novel library of ionizable lipid molecules based on the tetrahydroisoquinoline structure characteristic of the protoberberine family. Our findings reveal that: (i) LNPs incorporating berberine-derived ionizable lipids notably enhance the ability to cross the BBB, increasing in vitro endocytosis efficiency by up to 65-fold and achieving an in vivo brain-to-liver distribution ratio of approaching 20%; (ii) these lipids form stable self-assemblies with polyA, enhancing nucleic acid stability through mechanisms beyond conventional electrostatic interactions, thus providing effective RNA protection without the need for additional modifications; (iii) the lipids inherit the diverse brain-protective properties of protoberberine-type alkaloids, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, thereby synergistically enhancing the therapeutic management of brain diseases while exhibiting minimal immunogenicity.