bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Small HBV surface antigen drives regorafenib resistance in HCC via KIAA1429‐dependent m6A modification of CCR9
Authors: Lv Zhao , Liu Lijuan , You Jian , Zhou Ping , Su Yaru , Zhao Kexin , Zhang Jiahang , Zhu Fan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractA substantial body of literature, including our own, points to a connection between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and the development of drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly against sorafenib. However, the influence of HBV on resistance to regorafenib, another therapeutic agent, has been less studied. In this study, we used the GEO database (GSE87630) and clinical samples to demonstrate that C‐C motif chemokine receptor 9 (CCR9) was highly expressed in HBV‐related HCC and predicted poor overall survival. Its overexpression correlated with HBsAg‐positive HCC patients. Both univariate and multivariable Cox regression analysis elucidated CCR9 was an independent risk factor for poor overall survival in HCC patients. Our in vitro findings further revealed that HBV structural proteins, small HBV surface antigen (SHBs), triggered an upregulation of CCR9. Functional assays showed that SHBs enhanced HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, increased ABCB1 and ABCC1 expression, and promoted regorafenib resistance via CCR9. Intriguingly, overexpression of HBV plasmid and an AAV‐HBV mouse model both exhibited a significant elevation in global N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) levels. Further investigations revealed that SHBs elevated these m6A levels, upregulated CCR9 and stabilized CCR9 mRNA through KIAA1429‐mediated m6A modification, with sites 1373 and 1496 on CCR9 mRNA being critical for modification. In conclusion, SHBs promoted HCC progression and regorafenib resistance via KIAA1429‐mediated m6A modification of CCR9. Our findings suggested that CCR9 could be a potential prognostic biomarker and a valuable molecular therapeutic target of regorafenib resistance in HBV‐related HCC.
Characterizing human respiratory syncytial virus among children admitted with acute respiratory tract infections from 2019 to 2022
Authors: Philomenadin Ferdinamarie Sharmila , Mohammed Shameema , Jayagandan Sangitha , Ramamurthy Narayan , Ratchagadasse Vimal Raj , Chandrasekaran Venkatesh , Dhodapkar Rahul 
Published: August 2024

AbstractRespiratory syncytial virus is a major causative agent of lower respiratory tract infection in children, especially infants with substantial morbidity and mortality implications. The virus undergoes continuous evolution documented by accumulation of mutations in the glycoprotein gene necessitating vigilant surveillance to provide essential data to epidemiologists and researchers involved in development of vaccines. This study was aimed to perform molecular characterization of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among children ≤ 5 years admitted in hospital. In the current study we observed RSV‐A (2019 (n = 95) and 2021 (n = 61) seasons) and RSV‐B (2022 season (n = 68)). Phylogenetic analysis revealed all RSV‐A strains (n = 47) to be GA.2.3.5 and RSV‐B (n = 22) were classified as GB.5.0.5a. Selection pressure analysis identified one positive (P274L/V) and one negative site (P230T) in RSV–A, while in RSV‐B there was only one negatively selected site (S295). This study spanning over three seasons contributes to RSV evolutionary dynamics in India emphasizing the importance of on‐going surveillance to inform effective public health strategies and vaccine development efforts.
Anorectal physiology and colonic motility in children with a history of tethered cord syndrome
Authors: van der Zande Julia M. J. , Srinivas Shruthi , Koppen Ilan J. N. , Benninga Marc A. , Wood Richard J. , Sanchez Raul E. , Puri Neetu B. , Vaz Karla , Yacob Desale , Di Lorenzo Carlo , Lu Peter L. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectivesThe understanding of the impact of tethered cord syndrome (TCS) on the physiology of the colorectal area is limited. Our aim was to describe anorectal and colonic motility in children with TCS and compare the findings to those of children with functional constipation (FC).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of children with TCS who had an anorectal manometry (ARM) performed at our institution from January 2011 to September 2023. We recorded demographics, medical and surgical history, clinical symptoms, and treatment at time of ARM, ARM findings (resting pressure, push maneuver, rectal sensation, rectoanal inhibitory reflex [RAIR], and RAIR duration), and the final interpretation of colonic manometry (CM) if performed. We identified age and sex‐matched control groups of children with FC.ResultsWe included 24 children with TCS (50% female) who had ARM testing (median age at ARM 6.0 years, interquartile range 4.0–11.8 years). All children had constipation at time of ARM. Nineteen children had detethering surgery before ARM was performed. No significant differences in ARM parameters were found between children who had detethering surgery before ARM and children with FC. Among the 24 children, 14 also had a CM performed (13/14 after detethering surgery). No significant differences in colonic motility were found between children with a history of TCS and children with FC.ConclusionsAnorectal physiology and colonic motility are similar between children with a history of TCS and children with FC, suggesting that the underlying pathophysiology of defecatory disorders in children with and without history of TCS is similar.
Soil pathogenic fungal groups and soil nutrient cycling under land use practices in Liupanshan Mountain in China
Authors: Kang Peng , Pan Yaqing , Zhang Yaqi , Gyrat Azmat , Bai Haocheng , Yan Xingfu 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDifferent land‐use practices in temperate forests strongly affect soil quality and soil microbial communities, whereas the assembly and interactions of soil functional fungal communities provide positive feedback. Therefore, the effects of forest ecosystem degradation on the composition of functional soil fungal community and soil nutrient cycling are of particular importance. We studied forest ecosystems in the Liupanshan Mountains in the northwestern part of the Loess Plateau and analyzed the relationship of soil fungal community and soil nutrient cycling under different land use practices (natural forest [NF], plantation forest, and farmland [FL]). The results showed that soil pH and electrical conductivity were the highest in FL, whereas the soil carbon cycle index and nitrogen cycle index decreased. The soil total phosphorus content did not change significantly with an increase in available phosphorus content. The change from NF to FL significantly increased the number of operational taxonomic units, diversity, and richness of soil fungal communities. The composition of the soil fungal communities was also strongly influenced by carbon and nitrogen cycle indices. In addition, FL reclamation increased the complexity of the soil microorganism co‐occurrence network, and the interrelationships between soil functional fungal community were enhanced. Pathogenic fungal communities were enriched in FLs, and their relative abundance was significantly regulated by environmental factors such as pH and the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus. The soil pathogenic fungal community affected carbon and nitrogen cycle indices to varying degrees.
Investigation on the characteristics of Q‐switched pulses in an EDFL based on the saturable absorption effect of germanene
Authors: Wu Dehua , Sun Wanggen , Yu Jun , Sun Sujuan , Guo Heze , Sun Xiao , Ma Xiangen , Zhang Xiaodong , Xia Wei 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn this paper, an all‐fiber passively Q‐switched (QS) Er‐doped fiber laser (EDFL) was designed and successfully demonstrated by innovatively employing germanene as saturable absorber (SA). Due to its low‐warp honeycomb structure and remarkable zero bandgap property, germanene exhibits excellent potential for highly stable broadband pulse modulation. Based on the saturable absorption effect of germanene, a stable passive QS laser output was successfully achieved at 1530 nm under a threshold pump power of 63.7 mW. With the pump power increasing from 63.7 to 403.5 mW, the pulse repetition rate increases from 48.5 to 121.2 kHz accordingly. Meanwhile, we observe that the pulse width was shortened from 3.54 μs to 890 ns. The experimental results prove that germanene nanosheets have a promising future as a Q‐switcher in fiber lasers.
Enhancing lymph node metastasis prediction in adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction: A study combining radiomic with clinical features
Authors: Zheng Hui‐da , Tian Yu‐chi , Huang Qiao‐yi , Huang Qi‐ming , Ke Xiao‐ting , Xu Jian‐hua , Liang Xiao‐yun , Lin Shu , Ye Kai 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEJ) is increasing, and with poor prognosis. Lymph node status (LNs) is particularly important for planning treatment and evaluating the prognosis of patients with AEJ. However, the use of radiomic based on enhanced computed tomography (CT) to predict the preoperative lymph node metastasis (PLNM) status of the AEJ has yet to be reported.PurposeWe sought to investigate the value of radiomic features based on enhanced CT in the accurate prediction of PLNM in patients with AEJ.MethodsClinical features and enhanced CT data of 235 patients with AEJ from October 2017 to May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The data were randomly assigned to the training cohort (n = 164) or the external testing cohort (n = 71) at a ratio of 7:3. A CT‐report model, clinical model, radiomic model, and radiomic‐clinical combined model were developed to predict PLNM in patients with AEJ. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to screen for independent clinical risk factors. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to select the radiomic features. Finally, a nomogram for the preoperative prediction of PLNM in AEJ was constructed by combining Radiomics‐score and clinical risk factors. The models were evaluated by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC‐ROC), calibration curve, and decision curve analyses.ResultsA total of 181 patients (181/235, 77.02%) had LNM. In the testing cohort, the AUC of the radiomic‐clinical model was 0.863 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.738–0.957], and the radiomic model (0.816; 95% CI = 0.681–0.929), clinical model (0.792; 95% CI = 0.677–0.888), and CT‐report model (0.755; 95% CI = 0.647–0.840).ConclusionThe radiomic‐clinical model is a feasible method for predicting PLNM in patients with AEJ, helping to guide clinical decision‐making and personalized treatment planning.
An Assessment of the Efficacy of an Online Pain Management Programme During the Covid‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Thompson Dave P. , Ramshead Matthew , Antcliff Deborah 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundFollowing the outbreak of the Covid‐19 pandemic and associated social distancing requirements, Pain Services were no longer able to deliver face‐to‐face Pain Management Programmes (PMP). As an alternative, the Bury Integrated Pain Service developed an interactive, online programme, delivered via Microsoft Teams videoconferencing technology. However, the efficacy of such programmes is unclear. The aim of this project was to assess whether comparable results were observed with online PMPs as with face‐to‐face PMPs.MethodsA non‐inferiority study comparing patients attending an online PMP to a historical cohort of patients attending face‐to‐face PMPs. Analyses of variance were performed to assess between group differences and chi squared tests to compare the proportion of patients making clinically meaningful changes in pain, musculoskeletal health, anxiety, depression and self‐efficacy.Results24% of patients (n = 9) deemed suitable for the online PMP were unable to participate due to technological difficulties. This resulted in 28 people attending the online PMP. Greater mean reductions in anxiety (GAD‐7 mean difference = 1.9; p < 0.05) and depression (PHQ‐9 mean difference 3.3; p < 0.05) were observed with face‐to‐face PMP and a greater proportion of patients made clinically meaningful improvements in musculoskeletal health (face‐to‐face = 13; online = 5), anxiety (face‐to‐face = 7; online = 1), and depression (face‐to‐face = 11; online = 2).ConclusionsSome patients appear to obtain significant benefit from online PMPs, but this appeared to be to a lesser extent than face‐to‐face PMPs. It is possible that factors related to the experience of the pandemic influenced these results. However, online PMPs appear to show some promise and further research is warranted to explore the value of online PMPs.
The difference in nerve ultrasound and motor nerve conduction studies between autoimmune nodopathy and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Niu Jingwen , Ding Qingyun , Zhang Lei , Hu Nan , Cui Liying , Liu Mingsheng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroduction/AimsNerve enlargement has been described in autoimmune nodopathy and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). However, comparisons of the distribution of enlargement between autoimmune nodopathy and CIDP have not been well characterized. To fill this gap, we explored differences in the ultrasonographic and electrophysiological features between autoimmune nodopathy and CIDP.MethodsBetween March 2015 and June 2023, patients fulfilling diagnostic criteria for CIDP were enrolled; among them, those with positive antibodies against nodal–paranodal cell‐adhesion molecules were distinguished as autoimmune nodopathy. Nerve ultrasound and nerve conduction studies (NCS) were performed.ResultsOverall, 114 CIDP patients and 13 patients with autoimmune nodopathy were recruited. Cross‐sectional areas (CSA) at all sites were larger in patients with CIDP and autoimmune nodopathy than in healthy controls. CSAs at the roots and trunks of the brachial plexus were significantly larger in patients with anti‐neurofascin‐155 (NF155), anti‐contactin‐1 (CNTN1), and anti‐contactin‐associated protein 1 (CASPR1) antibodies than in CIDP patients. The patients with anti‐NF186 antibody did not have enlargement in the brachial plexus. NCS showed more frequent probable conduction block at Erb's point in autoimmune nodopathy than in CIDP (61.9% vs. 36.6% for median nerve, 52.4% vs. 39.5% for ulnar nerve). Markedly prolonged distal motor latencies were also present in autoimmune nodopathy.DiscussionPatients with autoimmune nodopathies had distinct distributions of peripheral nerve enlargement revealed by ultrasound, as well as distinct NCS patterns, which were different from CIDP. This suggests the potential utility of nerve ultrasound and NCS to supplement clinical characteristics for distinguishing nodopathies from CIDP.
Optimization‐based pore network modeling approach for determination of hydraulic conductivity function of granular soils
Authors: Mufti Suaiba , Das Arghya 
Published: August 2024

AbstractA wide range of applications of unsaturated hydraulic conductivity is well known in geotechnical, hydrological, and agricultural engineering fields. The standard prediction models for hydraulic conductivity function overlook the complexity of soil pore structure and employ a simplistic approach based on the bundle of capillary tubes. This study proposes an alternative approach employing pore network models calibrated to match soil water retention data to predict the hysteretic hydraulic conductivity function of granular soils. A novel approach to constructing a multidirectional pore network built on an irregular lattice with variable coordination numbers is presented for the realistic representation of soil voids. The geometric and topological parameters of the pore network model are optimized using the genetic algorithm, and adequate pore‐scale processes (piston‐like advance and corner flow during drainage and piston‐like advance, pore body filling, and snap‐off during imbibition) are modeled to get reasonable predictions of hysteretic hydraulic conductivity functions over the entire suction range of granular soils. Comparisons between the pore network model results, standard physically based models, and measured data for a variety of granular soils show that the proposed pore network has a superior performance over other models and compares favorably to the experimental data.
Effectiveness of a Wilms tumour treatment guideline adapted to local circumstances in sub‐Saharan Africa: A report from Wilms Africa Phase II—CANCaRe Africa
Authors: Fufa Diriba , Mdoka Cecilia , Ayalew Mulugeta , Khofi Harriet , Amankwah Emmanuel , Chokwenda Nester , Mezgebu Esubalew , Mavinkurve‐Groothuis Annelies M. C. , Kamiza Steve , Chikaphonya‐Phiri Beatrice , Wassie Mulugeta , Atwiine Barnabas , Branchard Mushabe , Gorostegui Maite , Parkes Jeannette , Kudowa Evaristar , Eklu Bernice , Jator Brian , Renner Lorna Awo , Borgstein Eric , Molyneux Elizabeth , Kouya Francine , Pritchard‐Jones Kathy , Paintsil Vivian , Chitsike Inam , Chagaluka George , Israels Trijn 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundWilms tumour (WT) is one of the cancer types targeted by the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC). The objective of this study was to describe the outcomes of Wilms Africa Phase II in sub‐Saharan Africa.MethodsWilms Africa Phase II used a comprehensive WT treatment protocol in a multi‐centre, prospective study conducted in eight hospitals in Ethiopia (2), Ghana (2), Malawi, Cameroon, Zimbabwe and Uganda. Eligibility criteria were: age younger than 16 years, unilateral WT, diagnosed between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2022.ResultsWe included 230 WT patients, median age 3 years, 53% male. Median maximum tumour diameter at diagnosis was 13.6 cm and 33% of patients had metastatic disease. Nephrectomy was performed in 71% of patients, of whom 21% had a tumour rupture. Two‐year event‐free survival (EFS) was 41.3% ± 3.9% after a median follow‐up of 17 months (range: 1–33 months), with treatment abandonment considered an event. Treatment abandonment occurred in 26% and death during treatment in 14%. Disease relapse occurred in 10%. Two‐year EFS of the 26 patients who received radiotherapy was 64.5% ± 9.7% with no reported disease relapse.ConclusionPatients continue to present late with advanced WT in sub‐Saharan Africa, and their survival is below the 60% GICC target. Prevention of treatment abandonment and treatment‐related mortality remain important. Earlier diagnosis and access to radiotherapy are expected to decrease disease‐related mortality.
Integration of high‐resolution mass spectrometry technology with molecular network analysis and systems biology techniques to elucidate the active ingredients and mechanisms of Shiduqing capsules
Authors: Liu Zhiyan , Li Shuang , Wang Lei , Zhang Wei , Cao Yuanyuan , Bao Chun , Zhang Chenning 
Published: August 2024

RationaleShiduqing Capsules, a well‐known Chinese patent medicine, are widely used clinically for the treatment of pruritus. However, to date, there is a lack of research on its pharmacological substances and mechanisms of action.MethodsIn the current study, the chemical components of Shiduqing Capsules were identified using UHPLC‐QE‐Orbitrap‐MS technology. Molecular network analysis was employed to identify structurally similar compounds to the known chemical components. The potential molecular targets of the active ingredients were predicted using the SwissTargetPrediction website. The identified targets were further analyzed using gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis through the DAVID database. Molecular docking was used to validate the network pharmacology results.ResultsUltimately, A total of 51 chemical components of Shiduqing Capsules were identified. Molecular network analysis identified 21 flavonoids and 13 terpenoids. The core targets of these ingredients include TP53, AKT1, and STAT3. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed 1,371 different biological functions and 177 signaling pathways. Molecular docking confirmed the high affinity between multiple core active ingredients of Shiduqing Capsules and pruritus targets.ConclusionIn conclusion, the effective ingredients of Shiduqing Capsules exert a multifaceted therapeutic effect on pruritus through multiple targets and pathways.
Female economic participation and sustainable development in African countries: The moderating role of governance
Authors: Osinubi Tolulope , Simatele Munacinga 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study examines the impact of female economic participation on sustainable development and the moderating role of governance in African countries using data between 2002 and 2022. Despite the significant contributions of women to the economy, they remain underrepresented in economic governance. The study employs the two‐step dynamic system GMM approaches with fixed effects and Driscoll–Kraay standard errors, and to address potential endogeneity. The findings reveal that while female economic participation positively affects sustainable development, poor governance weakens this relationship, suggesting a substitutive rather than complementary role of governance. The study establishes a governance threshold of 2.667, on a scale of 0–5, above which female economic participation significantly enhances sustainable development. Subregional analyses indicate varying impacts, with governance complementing female economic involvement in Central and Southern Africa but acting as a substitute in East, North, and West Africa. These insights underscore the need for enhanced governance and targeted policies to empower women and promote sustainable development across the African continent and the need for incorporating context.
Coordination Compound Guided a Novel Composite Film with Zn2V2O7 Nanoflake and VO2@Zn2V2O7 Nanoparticle for Enhanced Thermochromism Smart Window
Authors: Xu Huiyan , Wang Shang , Zhang Xinyu , Yang Shuaijun , Hu Riming , Liu Tongyao , Jiang Xuchuan , Yu Xin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThermochromic vanadium dioxide (VO2) can intelligently modulate the transmittance of indoor solar radiation to reduce the energy consumption of air conditioning in buildings. Nevertheless, it remains a great challenge to simultaneously improve the luminous transmittance (Tlum) and solar modulation ability (ΔTsol) of VO2. In this study, a novel approach is employed utilizing a coordination compound to finely tune the growth of a VO2 based composite film, yielding a hierarchical film comprising Zn2V2O7 nanoflakes and VO2@Zn2V2O7 core‐shell nanoparticles. Remarkably, the resulting composite films showcase exceptional optical performance, achieving a Tlum of up to 73.0% and ΔTsol of 15.7%. These outcomes are attributed to the antireflection properties inherent in the nanoflake structure and the localized surface plasmon resonance of well‐dispersed VO2 nanoparticles. In addition, the Zn2V2O7‐VO2 film demonstrates remarkable environmental durability, retaining 90% of its initial ΔTsol even after undergoing aging at 100 °C under 50% relative humidity for a substantial period of 30 days – a durability equivalent to ≈20 years under ambient conditions. This work not only achieves a harmonious balance between Tlum and ΔTsol but also introduces a promising avenue for the design of distinctive composite nanostructures.