bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered ACE2 and interferon landscape in the COVID-19 microenvironment correlate with the anti-PD-1 response in solid tumors
Authors: Subbarayan Karthikeyan , Al-Samadi Ahmed , Schäfer Helene , Massa Chiara , Salo Tuula , Biehl Katharina , Vaxevanis Christoforos K , Ulagappan Kamatchi , Wahbi Wafa , Reimers Matthias , Drexler Jan Felix , Moreira-Soto Andres , Bachmann Michael , Seliger Barbara 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Angiotensensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is a receptor for SARS-CoV-2, allowing the virus to enter cells. Although tumor patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 often have a worse outcome, the expression, function and clinical relevance of ACE2 in tumors has not yet been thoroughly analyzed. In this study, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data from tumors, adjacent tissues and whole blood samples of COVID-19 patients from genome databases and from tumor cell lines and endothelial cells infected with different SARS-CoV-2 variants or transfected with an ACE2 expression vector (ACE2high) or mock (ACE2low) were analyzed for the expression of ACE2 and immune response relevant molecules in silico or by qPCR, flow cytometry, Western blot and/or RNA-seq. The differential expression profiles in ACE2high vs. ACE2low cells correlated with available SARS-CoV-2 RNA-seq datasets. ACE2high cells demonstrated upregulated mRNA and/or protein levels of HLA class I, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), components of the antigen processing machinery (APM) and the interferon (IFN) signaling pathway compared to ACE2low cells. Co-cultures of ACE2high cells with peripheral blood mononuclear cells increased immune cell migration and infiltration towards ACE2high cells, apoptosis of ACE2high cells, release of innate immunity-related cytokines and altered NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Thus, ACE2 expression was associated in different model systems and upon SARS-CoV-2 infection with an altered host immunogenicity, which might influence the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. These results provide novel insights into the (patho)physiological role of ACE2 on immune response-relevant mechanisms and suggest an alternative strategy to reduce COVID-19 severity in infected tumor patients targeting the ACE2-induced IFN-PD-L1 axis.
Late-stage TMJ osteoarthritis complicated by calcification of articular disk: A case report and literature review
Authors: Wei Jing , Ouyang Yu-long , Liu Yao , Wang Yi-Xian , Feng Hong-chao 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The causes and the process of the calcification of the articular disk of temporomandibular joints (TMJ) remains scientific problems to be solved, with only 5 cases been reported. Here, a case in which a 40-year-old female patient with the late-stage osteoarthritis of TMJ was presented. The patient came with a complaint of the chronic pain in both sides of preauricular zone lasted for about 6 months and was diagnosed as late-stage osteoarthritis of the left TMJ complicated with calcification of the articular disk, arthroedema of the right TMJ, and bilateral irreversible disc displacement after imaging examinations, including X-ray, CBCT, and MRI. A surgical intervention was performed the informed consent of the patient, after which the patient was able to open her mouth to 39 mm with only a slight deviation toward the right side and stated a relief of the constant pain.
Shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three research generations. A project on the science of science and the exceedingly rare circumstances that sustain research legacies from a mentor to mentee and to theirs: A case study on firearm research
Authors: Wiebe Douglas J. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
In the 50 years since public health firearm research began, the decades have witnessed several pioneering investigators, followed by NRA backlash and a CDC funding moratorium, then increasing firearm mortality punctuated by mass shootings, and finally an unprecedented release of funding dedicated for research and to support trainees. Motivated by my own efforts to stay productive in firearm research, by the shirtsleeves-to-shirtsleeves cautionary lesson that wealth – for us this a researcher’s funding, infrastructure, and capacity – amassed by one generation will soon diminish, and by my worry that we are not adequately dedicated to growing new investigators, I set out to document researcher lineages in this field.
Methods
I created a multigenerational lineage map to find authors using “gun” or “firearm” in the title/abstract as a way to find peer-reviewed publications on firearms as a public health issue. I designated the first author as Gen1 if the manuscript was sole authored or the senior author had never been first author on a firearm publication. I plotted each Gen1 author at the year of their first first-authored publication, and pointed from them to subsequent “first-time first-author investigators” (Gen2) for whom they were senior author, and so on for a Gen2 serving as senior author for a Gen3, and so on in that lineage.
Results
Gen1 authors numbered 91 by 2023, the first being Rushforth in 1974.3 Rushforth, 14 years later, produced the first and his only Gen2 author, Paulson,4 who produced no Gen3 authors. The field had produced 6 Gen2 authors when the first Gen3 author appeared in 1993, who produced the first Gen4 author in 1998, 14 years after Kraus5 that initiated that lineage in 1984. To date, only 5 lineages have produced a Gen4 author and among those only one lineage, from Schwab in 2002,6 has produced a Gen5. Twenty-four Gen3 authors have emerged. Only 35% of Gen2 authors produced a Gen3.
Conclusion
I hope this motivates years-long strategies to help trainees become established, informed by modeling quantitative and qualitative data to identify characteristics underlying the investigator network related to productivity and shortcomings alike. Without dedication to understand the science of science, shirtsleeves-to-shirtsleeves in three generations may be the fate of firearm research.
Retroperitoneal vs. Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Pyelolithotomy; a single surgeon’s experience
Authors: Pakmanesh Hamid , Salari Ali 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective: To compare the outcomes of transperitoneal and retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyelolithotomy procedures.
Methods: A total of 104 consecutive laparoscopic pyelolithotomy surgeries performed by a single surgeon on patients with staghorn or renal pelvic calculi larger than 20 mm were evaluated. Intraoperative and postoperative clinical parameters from two groups, transperitoneal (TLPL) (N=55) and retroperitoneal (RLPL) (N=49), were compared. The surgeon performed TLPL for the first five years and then switched to the RLPL approach for the next five years.
Results: There were no significant differences in general demographic variables and stone size (26.55 vs 24.73 mm, P = 0.8). Operation time and change in serum creatinine levels did not significantly differ between the two approaches. However, patients who underwent TLPL had longer hospital stays than RLPL (3.23±1.21 vs 2.36±1.10 days, P=0.0001). Prolonged hospitalization of more than three days occurred in 30.9% of the TLPL group compared to 8.2% for the RLPL group (P=0.004). Additionally, TLPL was associated with a greater drop in hemoglobin levels (1.53 ±1.04 vs 1.17±0.68, P=0.04), higher rates of postoperative fever (12.7% vs 0.0%, P=0.01), and more major complications (Clavien classification grade >3) (10.9% in TLPL vs 2% in RLPL, P=0.07).
Conclusions: The retroperitoneal approach in pyelolithotomy for large renal pelvic stones resulted in fewer postoperative fevers, reduced hemoglobin drops, and shorter hospital stays than the transperitoneal approach. However, the stone-free rates were similar for both groups.
Empirical Study To Compare The Performance Of Novel CPU Implementation Of Deep Learning Algorithms With GPU-BASED Implementatioms
Authors: Al-Sobh Eslam , Alshbool Prof. Mahmoud , Jararweh Yaser , Jarrah Prof. Moath 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Deep learning architectures and algorithms have shown promising results in different
applications. However, training deep learning algorithms is a time-consuming step and researchers used graphics processing unit (GPU) accelerators in order to achieve an acceptable execution time, especially for real life applications. Sub-LInear Deep Learning Engine (SLIDE) is a relatively new work that aims at speeding up deep learning using only central processing unit (CPUs) implementation. Additionally, TorchSLIDE used PyTorch libraries to speed up SLIDE by 2.6X. This research study attempts to provide an empirical comparison for four models which are: PyTorch baseline CPU, PyTorch baseline GPU, TorchSLIDE, and SLIDE. In the experiments, we used a server with 10 cores (Intel i9-7900X) and NVIDIA Quadro P4000 (GP104GL) GPU. Five datasets were used in the evaluation which are: Amazon-670K, Delicious-200K, AmazonCat-13K, LF-AmazonTitles-131K, and Wiki10-31K. Based on the experiments, Py-
Torch baseline GPU outperforms the other three implementations and achieved the highest accuracy in less time compared with the others for all datasets. Moreover, SLIDE outperformed TorchSLIDE when using the AmazonCat-13K dataset.
Study on the Catalytic Mechanism and Water Resistance of CuMnSn x Catalyst for CO Elimination
Authors: Sun Yashengnan , Zhu Rongtao , Bai Gang , Xin Tianyu , Li Jinyu , Zhou Xihua , Chang Wenjing , Wang Jue , Xiao Mufeng 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

CO in coal mine underground spaces can easily cause casualties among miners. The humidity in coal mines is relatively high, and traditional CuMn catalysts are prone to deactivation. Compared to traditional CuMn catalysts, doping with Sn enhances the activity and water resistance of CuMn catalysts. The CuMnSn catalyst was tested using XPS, FTIR, and a self-made Activity Test Experimental System, with partial data processed using the Avantage software. The results show that Sn increases the number of active sites (Cu+) on the CuMn catalyst and the proportion of surface adsorbed oxygen (Oads) and surface lattice oxygen (Olat) in O 1s, which is the reason for the improved activity of the CuMnSn catalyst. Sn weakens the coordination bond between Cu2+ and H2O, reducing the formation of CO32−, which is the reason for the improved water resistance of the catalyst.
Subsurface Water in Mars' Shallow Diluvium Deposits: Evidence from Tianwen-1 Radar Observations
Authors: Ding Chunyu , Jiang Changzhi , Su Yan , Li Jiawei , Sharma Ravi , Liu Yuanzhou 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Early Mars is believed to have had extensive liquid water activity, which has now predominantly transitioned to a frozen state, with the majority of water stored in polar ice caps. It has long been deemed that the shallow subsurface of Mars' mid-to-low latitudes is devoid of liquid water. However, geological features observed at the Tianwen-1 landing site hint potential subsurface water. Our research indicates that the shallow subsurface at the Tianwen-1 landing site consists primarily of diluvium deposits containing liquid brine and brine ice, which exhibits diurnal thermal convection processes. Here we report the relationship between the loss tangent and temperature of materials within 5 meters depth of the subsurface at the Tianwen-1 landing site, as in-situ detected by high-frequency radar and climate station onboard the Zhurong rover. When the strata temperature exceeds ~ 240 K, the mixed brine ice transitions to liquid brine, significantly increasing the loss tangent from an average of ~ 0.0167 to a maximum of ~ 0.0448. This finding indicates the presence of substantial subsurface water in Mars' mid-to-low latitudes, influencing the shallow subsurface heat distribution and contributing to the current Martian hydrological cycle.
Identification, Characterization, and Sensitivity to Phytochemicals of Novel Curvularia Species Associated with Leaf Spot Disease on Curcuma kwangsiensis
Authors: Wang Hanyi , Wei Rongchang , Wei Youjing , Su Jiali , Xu Jiajia , Yao Maoxiao , Tian Dongna , Zhou Hao 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

A leaf spot disease affecting Curcuma kwangsiensis (Zingiberaceae) has been observed in Qinzhou City, Guangxi Province. Infected leaves exhibit yellow-brown spots that progressively expand and eventually lead to leaf death. Curvularia isolates were abtained from the diseased leaves with tissue isolation and single spore purification methods. To accurately identify these isolates, we analyzed their morphological characteristics and phylogenetic relationships using combinations of ITS, GAPDH, and EF-1α gene sequences. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the investigated strains formed a distinct clade separate from other recognized Curvularia species. Furthermore, the strains exhibited differences in conidiophore size and conidia shape/size. Based on phylogenetic studies, morphology, and pathogenicity tests, the pathogens were identified as a new species named Curvularia qinzhouensis. Optimal conditions for mycelial growth were observed at 30°C and pH 8. The sensitivity of the pathogen to various phytochemicals was also examined. Honokiol, thymol, and citral demonstrated effective antifungal effects, with EC50 values of 6.72 ± 1.75, 25.74 ± 4.30, and 54.24 ± 4.69 µg/ml, respectively. The present investigation provides the first report of leaf spot disease on C. kwangsiensis caused by C. qinzhouensis, and valuable insights for the prevention and control of this disease.
Halocynthiibacter laminarini gen. nov., sp. nov. and Halocynthiibacter xylanolyticus sp. nov., marine anaerobic laminarin and xylan degraders in the phylum Bacteroidota
Authors: Nguyen Tra T.H. , Vuong Tien Q. , Han Ho Le , Kim Song-Gun 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The bacterial group of the phylum Bacteroidota greatly contributes to the global carbon cycle in marine ecosystems through its specialized ability to degrade marine polysaccharides. In this study, it is proposed that two novel facultative anaerobic strains, DS1-an-13321T and DS1-an-2312T, which were isolated from a sea squirt, represent a novel genus, Halocynthiibacter, with two novel species in the family Prolixibacteraceae. The 16S rRNA sequence similarities of these two strains were 91.26% and 91.37%, respectively, against Puteibacter caeruleilacunae JC036T, which is the closest recognized neighbor. The complete genomes of strains DS1-an-13321T and DS1-an-2312T each consisted of a single circular chromosome with a size of 4.47 and 5.19 Mb, respectively. The average amino acid identity and the percentage of conserved proteins against the type species of the genera in the family Prolixibacteraceae ranged from 48.33–52.35% and 28.34–37.37%, respectively, which are lower than the threshold for genus demarcation. Strains DS1-an-13321T and DS1-an-2312T could grow on galactose, glucose, maltose, lactose, sucrose, laminarin, and starch, and only DS1-an-2312T could grow on xylose and xylan under fermentation conditions. These strains produced acetic acid and propionic acid as the major fermentation products. Genome mining of the genomes of the two strains revealed 27 and 34 polysaccharide utilization loci, which included 155 and 249 carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), covering 57 and 65 CAZymes families, respectively. The laminarin-degrading enzymes in both strains were cell-associated, and showed exo-hydrolytic activity releasing glucose as a major product. The xylan-degrading enzymes of strain DS1-an-2312T was also cell-associated, and had endo-hydrolytic activities, releasing xylotriose and xylotetraose as major products. The evidence from phenotypic, biochemical, chemotaxonomic, and genomic characteristics supported the proposal of a novel genus with two novel species in the family Prolixibacteraceae, for which the names Halocynthiibacter laminarini gen. nov., sp. nov. and Halocynthiibacter xylanolyticus sp. nov. are proposed. The type strain of Halocynthiibacter laminarini is DS1-an-13321T (= KCTC 25031T = DSM 115329T) and the type strain of Halocynthiibacter xylanolyticus is DS1-an-2312T (= KCTC 25032T = DSM 115328T).
A synchronous wear design for inner and outer inserts of indexable drill based on numerical simulation
Authors: Li Jinxin , Jiang Feng , Wang Ningchang , Huang Shizhan , Zhang Tao , Jin Ansheng , Yao Xiaofeng , Yao Hongfei , Zhu Dongwei , Zha Xuming , Guo Bicheng , Jiang Zheng 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The synchronous wear of the inner and outer inserts is vital for the indexable drill with stable high-performance stability throughout life. In this study, the finite element simulation model for the indexable drill is developed, in which the accurate material constitutive model considering the strain rate and thermal softening is established experimentally. The synchronous wear design of the inner and outer inserts is implemented based on finite element simulation. The initial radial force is optimized before the synchronous wear design. Then, the wear rates of inner and outer inserts are predicted based on the temperature and stress of tools extracted from the simulations and the classical wear model, which is used for the synchronous wear design. The results show that the calculated tool wear rates for inner and outer inserts are close to each other when the tool edge radius, rake angle and relief angle are 20 µm, 8° and 4°, respectively. The synchronous wear could also be achieved for different process parameters based on the optimized parameters of the insert.
Regulating Photoluminescence of Aluminum Complexes by Substituents on Metal: From Non-luminescence to Room-Temperature Phosphorescence
Authors: Tanaka Kazuo , Ito Shunichiro , Hosokai Takuya , Chujo Yoshiki 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In this manuscript, synthesis and optical properties, such as crystallization-induced emission (CIE) and room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP), and the substituent effect on the central element are reported based on β-diketiminate aluminum complexes. Although luminescent aluminum compounds have been utilized for emitting and electron transporting layers in organic light-emitting diodes, most of them often exhibit not phosphorescence but fluorescence with low photoluminescent quantum yields in the aggregated state than those in the amorphous state due to concentration quenching. In this study, the π-conjugated β-diketiminate ligand was employed for constructing four-coordinated complexes with dialkyl- or dihaloaluminum moieties, and the dihaloaluminum complexes were found to exhibit the CIE property. Moreover, we found that the diiodoaluminum complex provided RTP, while the dialkylaluminum complexes hardly showed emission at room temperature. From theoretical calculations, it was suggested that undesired structural relaxation in the singlet excited state of dialkyl complexes should be suppressed by introducing electronegative halogens instead of alkyl groups. Our findings might be useful for establishing a new molecular design not only for obtaining luminescent complexes but also for achieving triplet-harvesting materials.
Multifactorial analysis of factors influencing premolar mobility in stage III/IV grade C periodontitis patients ≤35 years of age: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Jia-Ming , Wang Xian-E , Xu Xiao , Liu Jian , Zhang Li , Feng Xiang-Hui , Lu Rui-Fang , Xu Li , Meng Huan-Xin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Previous studies has revealed a potential association between crown-root ratio and root morphology in patients with mild chronic periodontitis, suggesting a possible link to tooth mobility. However, further comprehensive analytical investigations were not pursued. Our previous study observed that 76% of aggressive periodontitis patients exhibit abnormal root morphology, especially in premolars, associated with severe alveolar bone loss and mobility, leading to poor clinical outcomes. This study aims to investigate the specific correlations between factors such as alveolar bone resorption, root morphology, crown-root ratio, and periodontal clinical indicators with tooth mobility of premolars in stage III/IV grade C periodontitis patients ≤35 years of age.
Materials and methods: A total of 1064 premolars from 151 stage III/IV grade C periodontitis patients ≤35 years of age were recruited. Clinical periodontal parameters and radiographic parameters were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the relationships between these indicators and tooth mobility.
Results: The difference in the length of the premolar roots wassignificant, ranging from 6.80 mm-20.96 mm. Teeth with shorter roots (mean root length of 10.22 mm) exhibitedgrade I mobility with only 28% alveolar bone resorption, while the percentages ofmedium-length roots (mean root length of 12.67 mm) and longer roots(average of 14.91 mm) exhibiting alveolar bone resorptionwere 34% and 37%, respectively. In terms of classifying the degree of mobility, multiple regression models incorporating the crown-root ratio at the bone level, average probing depth and root length demonstrated optimal performance (P<0.001, AIC=1700.574).
Conclusion: Premolar mobility is associated with variations in root length, alveolar bone resorption, and probing depth. The crown-root ratio at the bone level can effectively serve as a predictor for assessing tooth mobility when there are discrepancies in root length and extent of alveolar bone resorption.
Evaluating the Multiple-Choice Questions Quality at the College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia: A Three-Year Experience
Authors: Eleragi A. M. S. , Miskeen Elhadi , Hussein Kamal , Rezigalla Assad Ali , Adam Masoud I. E. , Al-Faifi Jaber Ahmed , Alhalafi Abdullah , Ameer Ahmed Y. Al , Mohammed Osama A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Assessment is a central tool that drives and shapes students learning. Multiple choice questions (MCQs) are crucial in medical education assessment because they evaluate knowledge across large cohorts. Good quality items will help to achieve the learning objectives and provide trustful results. This study aims to evaluate the quality of MCQs utilized in the final exams of the Principal of Diseases (PRD) course over three academic years at the College of Medicine at The University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia.
Method
This cross-sectional institutional-based study used the final exams from the PRD course for the academic years 2016–2019. It was conducted at the College of Medicine, University of Bisha (UBCOM), Saudi Arabia (SA). The analysis process used item analysis (IA) of the PRD final theoretical examinations of the 2016–2017, 2017–2018, and 2018–2019 academic years. 80, 70, and 60 MCQ items were used per test in the above-mentioned years, respectively (210 total). The IA targets the reliability (KR20), difficulty index (DIF), discrimination index (DI), and distractor effectiveness (DE). The generated data were analyzed using SPSS (version 25.0), and statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.
Results
The exams included 210 items. The reliability (KR20) ranged from 0.804 to 0.906. The DI indicated that 56.7% of items were excellent, 20.9% were good, 13.8% were poor, and 8.6% were defective. The DIF showed that 50.5% of items had acceptable difficulty, 37.6% were easy, and 11.9% were difficult. DE analysis revealed that 70.2% of distractors were functional, with a significant correlation between DI, DIF, and DE (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
The quality of the analyzed MCQs in this study has good discrimination and acceptable difficulty, making them generally of high quality. The study accentuates the importance of continuous item analysis to maintain and improve the quality of assessment tools used in medical education.