bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of chemoradiotherapy using gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel for unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Uemura Sho , Kitago Minoru , Yagi Hiroshi , Abe Yuta , Hasegawa Yasushi , Hori Shutaro , Tanaka Masayuki , Nakano Yutaka , Ibuki Sho , Kitagawa Yuko 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Using chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) as the main treatment strategy for unresectable locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (UR-LA PDAC) remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CRT combined with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel in patients with UR-LA PDAC. Eight patients with UR-LA PDAC were eligible for inclusion. Nab-paclitaxel (100 mg/m2) and gemcitabine (800 mg/m2 or 1000 mg/m2) were administered on days 1 and 8 per 3-week cycle repeated for two cycles with concurrent radiation therapy (50.4 Gy/28 fractions/6 weeks). After this regimen was administered, conversion surgery was considered if the tumor was reduced in size, and we judged the tumor to be resectable. No CRT-related mortality was observed during CRT. Three patients failed to complete this regimen because of neutropenia and hepatic impairment. The treatment completion and resection rates were 62.5% (5/8) and 25.0% (2/8), respectively. Curative resection (R0) was performed in two patients (100%). The 1-and 3-year overall survival rates were 37.5% and 25.0%, respectively, with a median follow-up period of 355 (range, 226 − 1450) days. CRT with 100 mg/m2 nab-paclitaxel and 800 mg/m2 gemcitabine with 50.4 Gy radiation was well tolerated and safe,but most UR-LA PDAC patients require additional treatment, suggesting CRT limitations.
Grain Boundary Cracks Patching and Defect Dual Passivation with Ammonium Formate for High-Efficiency Triple-Cation Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Junliang , Ding Yang , Wu Yefan , Feng Xiangxiang , Li Hengyue , Feng Erming , Chang Jianhui , Long Caoyu , Gao Yuanji 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Triple-cation perovskite solar cells (PSCs) exhibit better long-term stability as compared to FAPbI3 devices but also have more defects such as undercoordinated lead ions (Pb2+), halide vacancies, and organic cation vacancies in film. Herein, ammonium formate (NH4HCO2) is introduced and forms a stable NH4HCO2-PbI2 adduct onto the surface of perovskite (FA0.945MA0.025Cs0.03Pb(I0.975Br0.025)3) to patch grain boundary cracks and passivate interfacial defects. The density functional theory calculation results indicate that there is a strong interface interaction between perovskite surface and NH4HCO2, and the defects are well anchored by forming Pb··COOH bond and I··NH4 bond. The density of states (DOS) proves that surface trap states (around the Fermi level) created by the I vacancy is effectively eliminated, which is consistent with the experimental results of suppressing non-radiative recombination at the interface. As expected, the optimized PSCs achieve a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.62%, which is much higher than the value of control devices with a PCE of 23.45%. Moreover, the unencapsulated devices exhibit remarkable long-term stability in air with 40% RH at 25°C. This work provides a simple defect multiple passivation strategy to build PSCs with high efficiency and stability.
Exploring the association between exposure to pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and phthalates and Metabolic Syndrome in NHANES, 2007-2012: utilizing a multi-step statistical strategy
Authors: Xu Yadan , Xu Yifan , Gu Wen , Zhou Xinyi , Wu Huaying , Yang Xu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and phthalates are recognized as potential contributors to metabolic disorders. Nevertheless, the combined effect of simultaneous exposure to these chemicals on the MetS remains elusive.
Objectives
To explore the impacts of simultaneous exposure to three classes of chemicals and identify critical chemicals.
Methods
Based on the NHANES database from 2007–2012, our study included 4,030 non-pregnant individuals aged 20 years or older. We used the weighted linear regression model, variable selection models (including LASSO regression and BMA models), as well as the mixture exposure model (WQS model) to investigate the correlation between chemicals and MetS. Additionally, stratified analyses were performed based on gender and age.
Results
The weighted generalized linear regression model revealed a positive correlation of 2-PHEN with MetS (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.19–1.59, P < 0.001). Both the LASSO regression and BMA models identified 2-PHEN as a significant chemical positively associated with MetS. Additionally, the WQS model showed a positive association between overall exposure to the three chemical categories and MetS, with the highest weighted chemicals being 2-PHEN, MEOHP 2-NAP, and 2,5-DCP. Stratified analyses demonstrated a significant correlation between 2-PHEN and MetS between different subgroups in the weighted generalized linear regression, LASSO regression, and BMA models. Notably, the WQS regression model revealed a significant association in the subgroup of female (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.08–1.83, P < 0.05), with 2-PHEN, 2,5-DCP, 2-NAP, and MEP identified as the primary contributions to Mets.
Conclusion
Combined exposure to the three chemical groups was positively related to a higher risk of MetS, with the PAH group exhibiting the most pronounced effect and 2-PHEN emerging as a key chemical with consistent and robust findings, promoting public health concerns regarding the potential health hazards of EDCs exposure to metabolic diseases.
A novel machine learning workflow to optimize cooling devices grounded in solid-state physics
Authors: Fernandez Julian G. , Etesse Guéric , Seoane Natalia , Comesaña Enrique , Hirakawa Kazuhiko , Garcia-Loureiro Antonio , Bescond Marc 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Cooling devices grounded in solid-state physics are promising candidates for integrated-chip nanocooling applications. These devices are modeled by coupling the quantum non-equilibrium Green’s function for electrons with the heat equation (NEGF+H), which allows to accurately describe the energetic and thermal properties. We propose a novel machine learning (ML) workflow to accelerate the design optimization process of these cooling devices, alleviating the high computational demands of NEGF+H. This workflow, trained with NEGF+H data, obtains the optimum heterostructure designs that provide the best trade-off between the cooling power of the lattice (CP) and the electron temperature (Te). Using a vast search space of 1.18×105 different device configurations, we obtained a set of optimum devices with prediction relative errors lower than 4% for CP and 1% for Te. The ML workflow reduces the computational resources needed, from two days for a single NEGF+H simulation to 10s to find the optimum designs.
Uncovering the mechanisms of diosmin in treating obesity-related kidney injury based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro validation
Authors: Zhu Jun - Xing , Chu Fan , Zhao Wen - Man , Shi Rui , wang Zhi - Juan , Li Xun - Liang , Zhu Yuyu , Wang De - Guang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Obesity increases the risk of kidney injury, involving various pathological events such as inflammation, insulin resistance, lipid metabolism disorders, and hemodynamic changes, making it a significant risk factor for the development and progression of chronic kidney disease. Diosmin, a natural flavonoid glycoside, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-lipid, and vasodilatory effects. However, whether diosmin has a protective effect on obesity-related kidney injury remains unclear.
Methods: The molecular formula of diosmin was obtained, and diosmin and target genes related to obesity-related kidney injury were screened. The interaction between overlapping target genes was analyzed. GO functional enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed on overlapping target genes. Molecular docking was employed to assess the binding strength between overlapping target genes. Palmitic acid induced damage to HK2 cells, which were then treated with diosmin. Subsequently, the expression levels of relevant mRNAs were measured.
Results:Network analysis identified 219 potential diosmin target genes, 6800 potential target genes related to obesity-related kidney injury, and 93 potential overlapping target genes. Protein-protein interaction networks and molecular docking results revealed that AKT1, TNF-α, SRC, EGFR, ESR1, CASP3, MMP9, PPARG, GSK3B, and MMP2 were identified as key therapeutic targets, and they exhibited stable binding with diosmin. GO analysis indicated that these key targets may participate in inflammation, chemical stress, and protein phosphorylation. KEGG revealed that pathways in cancer, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, PPAR signaling pathway, and insulin resistance as crucial in treating obesity-related kidney injury. In vitro experiments confirmed that diosmin treatment inhibited the mRNA levels of AKT1, TNF-α, EGFR, ESR1, CASP3, MMP9, GSK3B, and MMP2, while promoting the mRNA level of PPARG.
Conclusion:Diosmin exhibits a potential multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway molecular mechanism in treating obesity-related kidney injury. AKT1, TNF-α, EGFR, ESR1, CASP3, MMP9, PPARG, GSK3B, MMP2 may be the crucial direct targets of diosmin.
Age-Related Exercise Performance in Growing Children and Adolescents Assessed by Peak and Submaximal Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Parameters
Authors: Kourpas Katerina , Tsuda Takeshi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background Age-related changes in exercise performance during adolescence by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) are complex.
Methods Peak and submaximal CPET parameters by cycle ergometer were retrospectively analyzed to characterize how age and sex affect exercise performance.
Results A total of 165 subjects were divided into six groups by their ages: ≤ 11 years old (yo) (24 males, 20 females), 12 to 15 yo (34 males, 41 females), and ≥ 16 yo (27 males, 19 females). Peak heart rate (HR) was comparable among all groups. Peak systolic blood pressure, peak oxygen consumption (VO2), peak work rate (WR), peak oxygen pulse (OP), and peak minute ventilation (VE) showed age-dependent increase in both sexes with more progressive increase in males than in females. A submaximal slope value of D[VO2/kg]/DHR and peak OP/kg were comparable in all males but lower in older females (³ 12 yo) than in the younger group. DHR/D[WR/kg], HR dependency, revealed progressive decrease with age in males but were comparable in all females. Regression lines between weight and peak VO2 demonstrated significant age-related increase of slope in males but not in females, suggesting robust age-related skeletal muscle enhancement predominantly in males. Gradual increases in ventilatory efficiency (lower ΔVE/ΔVCO2) and peak respiratory exchange ratio were noted with increase in age independent of sex.
Conclusion Age-related increase in exercise performance during adolescence is complex, characterized by physical growth, sex-dependent pubertal changes, and sex-independent enhanced functional maturation. By incorporating peak and submaximal CPET parameters, underlying physiology of exercise performance may be further explained.
Plant volatile-based fumigation improves mating competitiveness of males for population suppression of the global fruit pest Cydia pomonella
Authors: Huang Sheng-Wang , Wang Peng-Cheng , Wang Yan , Wang Jie-Qiong , Gao Ping , Yang Xue-Qing 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The implementation of sterile insect technique (SIT) has proven effective in the area-wide suppression of several significant agricultural and sanitary pests by employing traditional cobalt-60 (60 Co-γ) as a radiation source. Recently, X-ray has been validated as a feasible alternative to 60 Co-γ radiation sources. Nonetheless, higher doses of X-ray irradiation lead to insect sterility but diminish mating competitiveness, thereby impacting the effectiveness of SIT applications. Thus, it is crucial to ascertain the optimal irradiation dose and develop strategies to enhance the mating competitiveness of sterile insects to enhance SIT efficacy. In this study, we determined the effect of various X-ray irradiation doses (ranging from 0 to 366 Gy) on the fecundity, fertility, and mating competitiveness of Cydia pomonella, a globally invasive fruit pest. Results demonstrated that the sterility rate of sterile males increased proportionally with irradiation dose up to 200 Gy, beyond which it plateaued. Notably, exposure to 200 Gy of irradiation notably decreased the mating competitiveness of male, as evidenced by a mating competitiveness index of 0.17 in laboratory and 0.096 in the orchard. This decline in mating competitiveness is likely linked to the down-regulation of genes associated with the recognition of sex pheromones, specifically CpomOR3a, CpomOR3b, and CpomOR5, following X-ray irradiation. Fumigation of the plant volatile, linalool at varying concentrations (70, 83, and 96 µL/m³) resulted in differential enhancements in male mating competitiveness, with the moderate concentration significantly improving the competitiveness of sterilized males, possibly by restoring their ability to recognize sex pheromones. Implementation of repeated releases of sterilized males on a pilot scale led to a notable reduction in the population of C. pomonella in the field. These findings indicate that fumigation with plant volatiles has the potential to mitigate male sterility induced by X-ray irradiation, offering a promising approach to enhance the efficacy of SIT applications for the control of C. pomonella.
Treatment with a Sphingosine-1-phosphate Receptor Five Agonist Enhances Recovery of Experimental Autoimmune Neuritis by Promoting Production of Schwann Cell Regeneration Factors
Authors: Uchi Takafumi , Konno Shingo , Kihara Hideo , Fujioka Toshiki 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) serves as a model for studying autoimmune peripheral neuropathies. This study investigated the effects of a sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 5 (S1Pr5) agonist on EAN recovery and nerve regeneration. Lewis rats with induced EAN were treated with the S1Pr5 agonist A-971432. Clinical scores, cytokine production, and expression of regeneration factors were analyzed. Histological examination of the cauda equina was also performed. Treatment with the S1Pr5 agonist promoted recovery of clinical symptoms in the later stages of EAN. While the agonist did not significantly modulate pathogenic cytokine expression, it enhanced the expression of Jun proto-oncogene and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) mRNA, crucial molecules for peripheral nerve regeneration. Histological analysis revealed increased Shh-positive cells in the nerves of treated rats. These findings suggest that S1Pr5 agonists have the potential to enhance recovery from EAN by promoting nerve regeneration rather than by modulating the inflammatory response. This study provides insights into novel therapeutic approaches for autoimmune peripheral neuropathies, highlighting the role of S1Pr5 in nerve repair processes. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms and validate these findings for potential clinical applications.
Predicting medical refractoriness of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy: EEG-based parameter optimization and network analysis
Authors: Hwang Sungeun , Shin Youmin , Sunwoo Jun-Sang , Son Hyoshin , Lee Seung-Bo , Chu Kon , Jung Ki-Young , Lee Sang Kun , Kim Young-Gon , Park Kyung-Il 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The early identification of refractory epilepsy is important to provide surgical treatment. However, limited studies have used electroencephalography (EEG)-based features to predict medical refractoriness. In this study, we employed feature-based machine learning algorithms to analyze resting-state EEG data to predict drug refractoriness in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). This retrospective observational multicenter study included consecutive unilateral TLE patients treated with monotherapy at the time of the first EEG acquisition. Multiple EEG features were extracted from the EEG. The optimal features and frequencies were identified to predict drug refractoriness. Classification was conducted using random forest, extreme gradient boosting, and light gradient boosting models. The features were selected using filter methods and the wrapper method. Graph measurements were compared between the groups. Among the 48 participants, 34 (70.8%) were responsive, while 14 (29.2%) were refractory over a mean follow- up duration of 38.5 months. Coherence feature within the gamma frequency band exhibited the most favorable performance. The light gradient boosting model, employing the mutual information filter-based feature selection method, demonstrated the highest performance (AUROC = 0.821). Interchannel coherence displayed larger values in the refractory epilepsy. Graph theory measurements were higher in the refractory group than in the responsive group. Our study has demonstrated a promising method of identifying the early identification of refractory TLE, a population that may benefit from surgical intervention.
Etch characteristics of maskless Oxide/Nitride/Oxide/Nitride (ONON) stacked structure using C4H2F6-based gas
Authors: Cho Nam Il , Hong Jong Woo , Yoo Hee Jin , Eoh Hyeong Joon , Kim Chan Ho , Jeong Jun Won , Kim Kyung Lim , Kwak Jung Hun , Cho Yong Jun , Kim Dong Woo , Yeom Geun Young 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Oxide/Nitride/Oxide/Nitride (ONON; SiO2/SiNx/SiO2/SiNx) stacked structure is widely used in the 3D vertical structure of semiconductor cells. Previously, to form a 3D cells, photoresist (PR) was patterned and repeatedly trimmed on the top of ONON after the etching of one ON layer. Due to the time-consuming process of etching layer-by-layer of ON layer, two-step etch processing using C4F8-based or C4F6-based gases composed of maskless ONON stack feature etching and followed one ON layer-by layer etching by PR trimming in the ONON stack feature are employed these days. However, the two-step etching method resulted in poor etch profiles of maskless ONON stack feature in addition to high global warming potential of C4F8 and C4F6. In this study, we investigated the etching of maskless ONON stack feature using C4H2F6-based gas having a low global warming potential and the effects of C4H2F6-based gas on the etch characteristics of maskless ONON stack feature such as etch rate, etch profile, change in critical dimensional (CD), and etch selectivity between SiO2 and SiNx have been investigated. C4H2F6-based gas showed the highest etch rates compared to C4F6 and C4F8-based gases in addition to the etch selectivity of ~1:1 between SiO2 and SiNx due to hydrogen included in the gas structure. In addition, the change in horizontal CD was lower in the order of C4H2F6, C4F6, and C4F8-based gases due to the more effective sidewall passivation in the order of C4F8, C4F6, and C4H2F6-based gases. The thicker carbon-based polymer layer on the sidewall also played an important role in maintaining the shape of the top edge shape of maskless ONON stack feature when etching a line feature in an environment without a mask.
Impacts of COPD Exacerbation History on Mortality and Severe Cardiovascular Events among Patients with COPD in China: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hou Dongni , Liu Zhike , Li Xinli , Shen Peng , Li Wenhao , Zhang Meng , Cheang IokFai , Lin Hongbo , Zhan Siyan , Sun Feng , Chen Yan , Song Yuanlin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbations are associated with increased mortality and cardiovascular events. However, there is limited evidence on the relationship between COPD exacerbations and mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in China.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study included Chinese COPD patients aged ≥ 40 years from the Yinzhou regional electronic health records database. Patients were screened for eligibility between 1 Jan 2014 and 1 Mar 2022, with the index date being the first identified COPD diagnosis within this timeframe. Patient characteristics and frequency and severity of COPD exacerbations were collected during the 24-month baseline period prior to the index date. Outcomes included all-cause mortality and severe cardiovascular events. The incidence of death and first severe cardiovascular event was reported overall, and by baseline exacerbation history. Cox proportional hazards models were employed to identify the association between baseline COPD exacerbation history and all-cause death.
Results
A total of 14,713 COPD patients were included, with a median follow-up duration of 41.3 months. During the follow-up period, 20.1% of patients died, with a crude incidence rate of 5.17 (95% CI: 4.98, 5.36) per 100 person-years. 20.1% of patients experienced severe cardiovascular events. The incidence of severe cardiovascular events increased with higher frequency and severity of baseline COPD exacerbations. Patients with history of severe COPD exacerbations exhibited an increased risk (adjusted HR: 1.26, 95%CI: 1.14, 1.38) of all-cause death compared with patients with no exacerbations.
Conclusions
The burden of all-cause death and severe cardiovascular events in COPD patients increased with higher frequency and severity of COPD exacerbations.
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using supercritical CO 2 mediated phenolic contents extracted from Lagerstroemia speciosa leaf inhibits Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilm formation
Authors: Khandare Kiran , Kumar Shekhar , Sharma Sukesh Chander , Goswami Saswata 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

A large number of scientists are now working in order to create silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) that can be used as biomedicines against cancerous cell lines and bacteria that are resistant to drugs. In the current study, optimal supercritical fluid extract (SFE) of Lagerstroemia speciosa (LS) leaves at pressure 29.59 MPa, temperature 89.50 ºC and extraction time 53.85 min. was used to extract phenolic compounds for the synthesis of AgNPs. The synthesis was studied for 0–20 hrs. Initially the synthesis was confirmed by observing change in colour phenomenon. UV -spectroscopy confirmed the synthesis of nanoparticles (SFELS-AgNPs) demonstrated a maximum surface plasmon resonance at 430 nm. The crystallite dimension of nanoparticles was determined using XRD (13.47 nm), TEM results confirmed the diameter of the obtained silver nanoparticles between 8–20 nm. The nanoparticles possessed − 25.6 mV electric charge on the surface confirmed using zeta potential analyser. Furthermore, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), was used to analyze the presence of differential elements in generated materials. The developed nanoparticles were evaluated for their potential antimicrobial properties against, two gram-positive viz. Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, and three gram-negative bacteria viz. Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli with different concentrations (100–400 µg/mL). The nanoparticle showed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 64 µg/ml whereas the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) 128 µg/ml against K. pneumonia. They significantly inhibited K. pneumonia biofilm formation confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results were encouraging compared to the standards drug Chloramphenicol and other controls. The generated nanoparticles have highly effective antimicrobial properties against pathogenic bacteria.