bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of resection margin distance with anastomotic recurrence in stage I-III colon cancer: data from the National Colorectal Cancer Cohort (NCRCC) study in China
Authors: Huang Fei , Jiang Shan , Wei Ran , Xiao Tixian , Wei Fangze , Zheng Zhaoxu , Liu Qian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Few studies have focused on anastomotic recurrence (AR) in colon cancer. This study aimed to clarify the association of resection margin distance with AR and compare the prognosis with nonanastomotic local recurrence (NAR).

Methods
This retrospective cohort study included the clinical data of patients who underwent radical colon cancer surgery between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2019.

Results
A total of 1958 colon cancer patients were included in the study. 34 of whom (1.7%) had AR and 105 of whom (5.4%) had NAR. Multivariate analysis revealed that the lower distal resection margin distance, advanced N stage, and number of lymph nodes dissected were risk factors for AR. In the proximal resection margin, the risk of AR was lowest at a distance of 6 cm or greater, with a 3-year rate of 1.3%. In the distal resection margin, the 3-year AR risk increased rapidly if the distance was less than 3 cm. The prognosis of patients in the AR group was similar to that of patients in the NAR group, regardless of synchronous distant metastases. Furthermore, the radical surgery rate for AR was significantly higher than that for NAR, but the prognosis of AR was comparable to that of NAR.

Conclusions
The distal resection margin distance, advanced N stage, and less number of lymph nodes dissected are associated with AR of colon cancer. The prognosis of patients with AR was similar to that of patients with NAR.

Trial registration
Clinical Trial Numbers NCT04074538 (clinicaltrials.gov), August 26, 2019, registered, retrospectively registered.
Short and long-term 2100 MHz radiofrequency radiation causes endoplasmic reticulum stress in rat testis
Authors: Kirimlioglu Esma , Oflamaz Asli Okan , Hidisoglu Enis , Ozen Sukru , Yargicoglu Piraye , Demir Necdet 
Published: July 2024

AbstractLong-term radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposure, which adversely affects organisms, deteriorates testicular functions. Misfolding or unfolding protein accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) initiates an intracellular reaction known as ER stress (ERS), which activates the unfolded protein response (UPR) for proteostasis. Since both RFR exposure and ERS can cause male infertility, we hypothesized that RFR exposure causes ERS to adversely affect testicular functions in rats. To investigate role of ERS in mediating RFR effects on rat testis, we established five experimental groups in male rats: control, short-term 2100-megahertz (MHz) RFR (1-week), short-term sham (sham/1-week), long-term 2100-MHz RFR (10-week), and long-term sham (sham/10-week). ERS markers Grp78 and phosphorylated PERK (p-Perk) levels and ERS-related apoptosis markers Chop and caspase 12 were investigated by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Long-term RFR exposure increased Grp78, p-Perk, and Chop levels, while short-term RFR exposure elevated Chop and caspase 12 levels. Chop expression was not observed in spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes, which may protect spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes against RFR-induced ERS-mediated apoptosis, thereby allowing transmission of genetic material to next generations. While short and long-term RFR exposures trigger ERS and ERS-related apoptotic pathways, further functional analyses are needed to elucidate whether this RFR-induced apoptosis has long-term male infertility effects.
How the brain can be trained to achieve an intermittent control strategy for stabilizing quiet stance by means of reinforcement learning
Authors: Takazawa Tomoki , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Nakamura Akihiro , Matsuo Risa , Morasso Pietro , Nomura Taishin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe stabilization of human quiet stance is achieved by a combination of the intrinsic elastic properties of ankle muscles and an active closed-loop activation of the ankle muscles, driven by the delayed feedback of the ongoing sway angle and the corresponding angular velocity in a way of a delayed proportional (P) and derivative (D) feedback controller. It has been shown that the active component of the stabilization process is likely to operate in an intermittent manner rather than as a continuous controller: the switching policy is defined in the phase-plane, which is divided in dangerous and safe regions, separated by appropriate switching boundaries. When the state enters a dangerous region, the delayed PD control is activated, and it is switched off when it enters a safe region, leaving the system to evolve freely. In comparison with continuous feedback control, the intermittent mechanism is more robust and capable to better reproduce postural sway patterns in healthy people. However, the superior performance of the intermittent control paradigm as well as its biological plausibility, suggested by experimental evidence of the intermittent activation of the ankle muscles, leaves open the quest of a feasible learning process, by which the brain can identify the appropriate state-dependent switching policy and tune accordingly the P and D parameters. In this work, it is shown how such a goal can be achieved with a reinforcement motor learning paradigm, building upon the evidence that, in general, the basal ganglia are known to play a central role in reinforcement learning for action selection and, in particular, were found to be specifically involved in postural stabilization.
Reactive nitrogen species act as the enhancers of glutathione pool in embryonic axes of apple seeds subjected to accelerated ageing
Authors: Marcin Tyminski , Katarzyna Ciacka , Urszula Krasuska 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Main conclusion
Reactive nitrogen species mitigate the deteriorative effect of accelerated seed ageing by affecting the glutathione concentration and activities of GR and GPX-like.

Abstract
The treatment of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) embryos isolated from accelerated aged seeds with nitric oxide-derived compounds increases their vigour and is linked to the alleviation of the negative effect of excessive oxidation processes. Reduced form of glutathione (GSH) is involved in the maintenance of redox potential. Glutathione peroxidase-like (GPX-like) uses GSH and converts it to oxidised form (GSSG), while glutathione reductase (GR) reduces GSSG into GSH. The aim of this work was to investigate the impact of the short-time NOx treatment of embryos isolated from apple seeds subjected to accelerated ageing on glutathione-related parameters. Apple seeds were subjected to accelerated ageing for 7, 14 or 21 days. Isolated embryos were shortly treated with NOx and cultured for 48 h. During ageing, in the axes of apple embryos, GSH and GSSG levels as well as half-cell reduction potential remained stable, while GR and GPX-like activities decreased. However, the positive effect of NOx in the vigour preservation of embryos isolated from prolonged aged seeds is linked to the increased total glutathione pool, and above all, higher GSH content. Moreover, NOx increased the level of transcripts encoding GPX-like and stimulated enzymatic activity. The obtained results indicate that high seed vigour related to the mode of action of NO and its derivatives is closely linked to the maintenance of higher GSH levels.
First detection and a new avian host of the tick Ixodes ventalloi Gil Collado, 1936, in Slovakia
Authors: Peňazziová Katarína Loziaková , Chitimia-Dobler Lidia , Csank Tomáš , Peťko Branislav , Ondrejková Anna , Halán Miloš , Schusterová Petra , Pivka Soňa , Korytár Ľuboš 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study describes the first detection of Ixodes ventalloi in Slovakia. Two engorged females of I. ventalloi were collected from Dunnocks (Prunella modularis) captured in eastern Slovakia. The identification of females was based on morphological and molecular 16S rRNA gene features. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a classification of the females into distinct genogroups. Moreover, comparative morphological analysis highlighted variations between the two females, particularly in the curvature of the auriculae, the shape of coxa I, and the internal spur. These findings suggest the potential for varied phenotypes of I. ventalloi correlated with their genogroups. Nonetheless, I. ventalloi population establishment within Slovakia necessitates further investigation through flagging or drag sampling.
k-filters and k-$$\{^*\}$$-congruences of core regular double Stone algebras
Authors: Badawy Abd El-Mohsen , Gomaa Eman 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate various elegant filters and congruences of the class of core regular double Stone algebras (briefly CRD-Stone algebras). We define and characterize the concepts of k-filters and principal k-filters of a core regular double Stone algebra with the core element k, as well as their algebraic structures. We also look at k-$$\{^*\}$$

{
∗

}

-congruences and principal k-$$\{^*\}$$

{
∗

}

-congruences of a CRD-Stone algebra L that are induced by k-filters and principal k-filters of L, respectively. We find an isomorphism between the lattice $$F_{k}(L)$$

F
k

(
L
)

of all k-filters of L (the lattice $$F_{k}^{p}(L)$$

F

k

p

(
L
)

principal k-filters of L) and the lattice $$Con^{*}_{k}(L)$$

C
o

n
k

∗

(
L
)

of all k-$$\{^*\}$$

{
∗

}

-congruences on L (the lattice $$Con^{*}_{k}(L)$$

C
o

n
k

∗

(
L
)

of all principal k-$$\{^*\}$$

{
∗

}

-congruences) of a CRD-Stone algebra L.
Antipsychotic-induced prolactin elevation in premenopausal women with schizophrenia: associations with estrogen, disease severity and cognition
Authors: Brand Bodyl A. , de Boer Janna N. , Willemse Elske J. M. , Weickert Cynthia S. , Sommer Iris E. , Weickert Thomas W. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Antipsychotic-induced prolactin elevation may impede protective effects of estrogens in women with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (SSD). Our study sought to confirm whether the use of prolactin-raising antipsychotics is associated with lower estrogen levels, and to investigate how estrogen and prolactin levels relate to symptom severity and cognition in premenopausal women with SSD.

Methods
This cross-sectional study included 79 premenopausal women, divided in three groups of women with SSD treated with prolactin-sparing antipsychotics (n = 21) or prolactin-raising antipsychotics (n = 27), and age-matched women without SSD (n = 31). Circulating 17β-estradiol was compared among groups. In patients, we assessed the relationship between prolactin and 17β-estradiol, and the relationships of these hormones to symptom severity and cognition, using correlation analyses and backward regression models.

Results
In women receiving prolactin-raising antipsychotics, 17β-estradiol levels were lower as compared to both other groups (H(2) = 8.34; p = 0.015), and prolactin was inversely correlated with 17β-estradiol (r=-0.42, p = 0.030). In the prolactin-raising group, 17β-estradiol correlated positively with verbal fluency (r = 0.52, p = 0.009), and 17β-estradiol and prolactin together explained 29% of the variation in processing speed (β17β−estradiol = 0.24, βprolactin = -0.45, F(2,25) = 5.98, p = 0.008). In the prolactin-sparing group, 17β-estradiol correlated negatively with depression/anxiety (r = -0.57, p = 0.014), and together with prolactin explained 26% of the variation in total symptoms (β17β−estradiol = -0.41, βprolactin = 0.32, F(2,18) = 4.44, p = 0.027).

Conclusions
In women with SSD, antipsychotic-induced prolactin elevation was related to lower estrogen levels. Further, estrogens negatively correlated with symptom severity and positively with cognition, whereas prolactin levels correlated negatively with cognition. Our findings stress the clinical importance of maintaining healthy levels of prolactin and estrogens in women with SSD.
Software verification challenges in the blockchain ecosystem
Authors: Olivieri Luca , Spoto Fausto 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBlockchain technology has created a new software development context, with its own peculiarities, mainly due to the guarantees that the technology must satisfy, that is, immutability, distributability, and decentralization of data. Its rapid evolution over the last decade implied a lack of adequate verification tools, exposing developers and users to critical vulnerabilities and bugs. This paper clarifies the extent of block chain-oriented software (BoS), that goes well beyond smart contracts. Moreover, it provides an overview of the challenges related to software verification in the blockchain context, encompassing smart contracts, blockchain layers, cross-chain applications, and, more generally, BoS. This study aims to highlight the shortcomings of the state-of-art and of the state-of-practice of software verification in that context and identify, at the same time, new research directions.
Multicenter study on clinical outcomes and poor prognostic factors in patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia receiving cefoperazone/sulbactam treatment
Authors: Chiang Tsung-Ta , Chiang Ming-Hsien , Tang Hung-Jen , Shi Zhi-Yuan , Ho Mao-Wang , Chou Chia-Hui , Lin Shang-Yi , Lu Po-Liang , Wu Ting-Shu , Shie Shian-Sen , Liu Jien-Wei , Chang Feng-Yee , Chuang Yin-Ching , Wang Fu-Der , Yang Ya-Sung 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae are common and result in high mortality rates. In vitro studies demonstrated the potency of cefoperazone/sulbactam (CPZ/SUL) against Klebsiella pneumoniae. However, the clinical efficacy of CPZ/SUL for the treatment of K. pneumoniae bacteremia has not been studied.

Objectives
This study aimed to associate the clinical outcomes of patients with bacteremia with the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of CPZ/SUL against the causative K. pneumoniae isolates.

Methods
This multicenter, retrospective study was conducted in Taiwan between July 2017 and April 2021. Patients with K. pneumoniae bacteremia treated with CPZ/SUL were enrolled in this study. CPZ/SUL MICs were determined using the agar dilution method. Data on the patients’ clinical outcomes and characteristics were collected and analyzed.

Results
In total, 201 patients were enrolled. Among the causative K. pneumoniae isolates, 180 (89.5%) were susceptible to CPZ/SUL. Most patients (n = 156, 77.6%) had favorable outcomes. The 30-day mortality rate was 11.9% (n = 24). Multivariate risk analyses showed that higher APACHE II score (Odds Ratio [OR], 1.14; Confidence Interval [CI], 1.07–1.21; p < 0.001), metastatic tumors (OR, 5.76; CI, 2.31–14.40; p < 0.001), and causative K. pneumoniae CPZ/SUL MICs > 16 µg/ml (OR, 4.30; CI, 1.50–12.27; p = 0.006) were independently associated with unfavorable outcomes.

Conclusion
Patients with K. pneumoniae bacteremia treated with CPZ/SUL at a ratio 1:1 had favorable outcomes when the CPZ/SUL MICs were ≤ 16 µg/ml. Patients with higher APACHE II scores and metastatic tumors had unfavorable outcomes.
Intake Characteristics as Predictors of Psychotherapy Outcome in a Practice Research Network in Argentina
Authors: Fernández-Álvarez Javier , Martín Gómez Penedo Juan , Meglio Manuel , Gómez Beatriz , Babl Anna , García Fernando , Roussos Andrés , Muiños Roberto 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThere are few studies exploring intake diagnostic characteristics as predictors of change in integrative naturalistic settings. The aim of this study is to explore baseline variables at the intake process and establish the predictive value of the individual trajectories of the patients. We recruited 259 patients undergoing an integrative psychotherapy network of psychotherapists from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Every therapist completed the intake form of each patient involved in the routine outcome monitoring. Thereafter step-wise regressions based on forward selection strategies were used, in order to identify meaningful baseline predictors of patients’ clinical evolution, derived from the intake process. The selected predictors were social support network, subjective distress, the initial measure of clinical distress, unemployment, sociocultural status and reactance. When including those six variables in a multilevel model, the results indicate that social support network, subjective distress, and the initial measure of clinical distress were significant predictors of the trajectories of OQ-30, whereas unemployment, sociocultural status and reactance were not significant. The results regarding social support network are in line with the literature, while results of socioeconomic status (unemployment and sociocultural level) move in an opposite direction in comparison to the available evidence. Moreover, the mental health findings (initial OQ-30 and subjective distress) confirm the contradictory body of literature produced in this domain. Finally, reactance seems to be a significant predictor in previous study in contradiction of our results. Overall, this endeavor constitutes important but preliminary evidence to enhance the production of bottom-up science within practice research networks in the global south.
Phytoseiid mites benefited from organic fertilization by increasing the population of Tyrophagus mites in apple orchards
Authors: Komagata Yasuyuki , Oe Takaho , Sekine Takayuki , Shimmura Ruri , Toyama Masatoshi , Kishimoto Hidenari 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study explores sustainable agricultural practices by examining the role of organic materials in enhancing native predatory mites for controlling spider mites in apple orchards. Developing techniques to conserve indigenous natural enemies is vital for sustainable agricultural production. Phytoseiid mites can control spider mites, which are among the most significant pests in apple production. To conserve phytoseiid mite populations, it is important to identify alternative prey and to determine their role in phytoseiid mite proliferation. We demonstrated that the concurrent use of specific organic fertilizers and coconut husks can increase prey Tyrophagus mites, thereby enhancing phytoseiid mite density. Our research was conducted using sticky traps at the Miyagi Prefectural Agriculture and Horticulture Research Center in Japan. The occurrence of Tyrophagus mites was significantly correlated with the occurrence of phytoseiid mites in 2 years. In laboratory experiments, the use of organic fertilizers increased the density of Tyrophagus mites by 83 × within 4 weeks. Several species of phytoseiid mites were able to lay between 0.25 and 1.03 eggs per day per female by preying on Tyrophagus larvae. A 2-year field survey revealed that the use of organic fertilizers more than doubled the density of phytoseiid mites on apple leaves, likely through promoting Tyrophagus mite proliferation on the ground. These results highlight the potential of organic fertilizers not only to enhance soil nutrients, but also to boost phytoseiid mite populations, thereby contributing to more sustainable apple production.
The use of insect cell line Sf21 for ecotoxicity testing
Authors: Grigg Trevor , Handy Richard D. , Billington Richard A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractInsect cell lines are finding utility in many areas of biology, but their application as an in vitro tool for ecotoxicity testing has been given less attention. Our study aimed to demonstrate the utility and sensitivity of Sf21 cells to commonly used fungicides: Propiconazole and CuSO4, as well as dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) an industrial solvent. Sf21 cells were readily cultured from frozen stocks in 3-4 days and showed utility as an invertebrate in vitro acute toxicity test. The data showed the threshold levels of cell survivability against propiconazole and CuSO4. The EC50 values were 135.1 μM and 3.31 mM respectively. The LOAEL (lowest observed adverse effect level) was ≈ 1 μM for propiconazole and ≈ 10 μM for CuSO4. Culturing of Sf21 cells in media containing the solvent DMSO showed that 0.5% DMSO concentration did not effect cell viability. Sf21 cells are sensitive and useful as a robust ecologically relevant screening tool for acute toxicity testing.
Structural, morphological, optical and electrical characterization of MgO thin films grown by sputtering technique on different substrates
Authors: Toprak Başak Çağlayan , Efkere Halil İbrahim , Aydın Saime Şebnem , Tataroğlu Adem , Özçelik Süleyman 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMagnesium Oxide (MgO) thin film structures were deposited on glass and n-Si substrates by means of RF magnetron sputtering technique. Structural, morphological, optical characteristics of MgO thin film were determined by XRD, AFM and UV–Vis spectrometer techniques. The optical properties like absorption coefficient and optical band gap were extracted using optical transmittance and absorption spectra. The band-gap of MgO thin film was determined for direct electronic transition. Additionally, electric parameters like ideality factor, saturation current and barrier height of the Au/MgO/n-Si device were computed from the forward I–V data in dark state. The ideality factor was found to be greater than one. This indicates that the I–V characteristics of the device exhibits non-ideal attitude. The results show that the MgO thin film can be applied to both optical and electronic device applications.
Social Support and Optimism in deaf and hard-of-hearing College Students: A Moderated Mediation Model of Belief about Adversity
Authors: Luo Ye , Xu Tian , Liu Yuanfei , Yu Guofeng , Bao Guanjun 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purposes
Few studies focus on the mental health of deaf population. This study aims to explore the association between social support and optimism and advance knowledge of why and for whom increased social support was effective. 771 deaf and hard-of-hearing (D/HH) students from two special education colleges in China were investigated. Questionnaires regarding social support, belief about adversity and optimism were distributed online. Multivariate linear regression and structural equation model were performed to examine mediating and moderating effects. This study found that perceived social support was positively associated with optimism in 771 Chinese college students who were D/HH. The study also found that having a belief in being able to face adversity successfully was associated with great social support. The relationship between a positive perspective regarding dealing with adversity and optimism was moderated by gender. For females, a positive belief regarding dealing with adversity was related to optimism. For males there was no relationship between belief about adversity and optimism. Additional consideration needs to be given to those D/HH students who report little social support and to females who do not believe they can successfully overcome adversity. Our study identified the risk population for intervention to improve mental health and well-being in D/HHcommunities.