bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Significance of FLC Tests in Patients without Other Evidence of Hematologic Disorder
Authors: Shpitzer Dor , Cohen Yael C. , Perry Chava , Melamed Guy , Alapi Hillel , Reiner-Benaim Anat , Avivi Irit 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The clinical significance of an abnormal Free Light Chain (FLC) test, performed due to unspecific complains in the absence of a known plasma cell dyscrasia (PCD) or lymphoproliferative disease (LPD), is not fully elucidated. We investigated the importance of an abnormal FLC ratio (FLC-R) in this setting. Patients registered in the Maccabi Healthcare Services database, tested for FLC during 2007–2023 without previously documented PCD/LPD or increased total protein (TP) level, were reviewed. Demographics, co-morbidities, and laboratory tests were recorded. FLC-R was defined as normal (0.26–1.65) or slightly (slAb 0.1–0.26/1.65-4), moderately (mAbn 0.1 − 0.05/4–8) and significantly abnormal (sigAb- <0.05 or > 8). Factors associated with PCD/LPD and overall survival were identified. In total, 8,661 patients, 2,215 (25.6%) with abnormal FLC-R [2,090 (24.1%)-slAb, 65 (0.75%)-mAbn and 60 (0.7%)-sigAb], were analyzed. Almost none had anemia nor acute renal failure. 14% had concomitant increased immunoglobulins. Within a median follow-up of 52 months, 943 were diagnosed with PCD (816-MGUS, 127-MM/Amyloidosis/plasmacytoma) and 48 with LPD. Median time to PCD and LPD were 19 and 28 months. Multivariate analysis found slAb (HR = 1.8, CI95%:1.53–2.12, p < 0.001), mAbn (HR = 6.3, CI95%:4.16–9.53, p < 0.001), and sigAb FLC (HR = 10.4, CI95%:7,0-15.35, p < 0.001), to be associated with PCD/LPD diagnosis. Decreased IgG, increased IgA, and concomitant comorbidities predicted PCD, whereas increased IgM predicted LPD. Older age, male gender, anemia, decreased albumin, increased IgG and concomitant comorbidities, predicted shorter survival. Our large study emphasizes the independent clinical significance of abnormal FLC-R as a predictor of PCD/LPD diagnosis even in patients with normal TP level, promoting early detection of PCD/LPD.
Metformin Regulates the Proliferation and Motility of Melanoma Cells by Modulating the LINC00094/miR-1270 Axis
Authors: Tsai Kuo-Wan , Liao Jia-Bin , Tseng Hui-Wen 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Melanoma is an aggressive tumor with a high mortality rate. Metformin, a commonly prescribed diabetes medication, has shown promise in cancer prevention and treatment. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-protein-coding RNA molecules that play a key role in tumor development by interacting with cellular chromatins. Despite the benefits of metformin, the anticancer mechanism underlying its effect on the regulation of lncRNAs in melanoma remains unclear.
Methods
We investigated the lncRNA profiles of human melanoma cells with and without metformin treatment using a next-generation sequencing approach (NGS). Utilizing public databases, we analyzed the expression levels and clinical impacts of LINC00094 and miR-1270 in melanoma. The expression levels of LINC00094 and miR-1270 were verified in human cell lines and clinical samples by real-time PCR and in situ hybridization. The biological roles of LINC00094 and miR-1270 in cell growth, proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and motility were studied using in vitro assays.
Results
We identify a novel long noncoding RNA, namely LINC00094, whose expression considerably decreased in melanoma cells after metformin treatment. In situ hybridization analysis revealed substantially higher LINC00094 levels in cutaneous melanoma tissue compared with adjacent normal epidermis and normal control tissue. A marginal association was observed between elevated LINC00094 expression and poor overall survival in nondiabetic patients with melanoma. Coexpression analysis of LINC00094 indicated its involvement in the mitochondrial respiratory pathway, with its knockdown suppressing genes associated with mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis, antioxidant production, and metabolite levels. Functional analysis revealed that LINC00094 silencing inhibited the proliferation, colony formation, invasion, and migration of melanoma cells. Cell cycle analysis revealed G1 phase arrest following LINC00094 knockdown, with reduced cell cycle protein expression. Combined TargetScan and reporter assays revealed a direct link between miR-1270 and LINC00094. Ectopic miR-1270 expression inhibited melanoma cell growth and motility while inducing apoptosis.
Conclusions
Overall, LINC00094 expression may regulate melanoma cell growth and motility by modulating the expression of miR-1270, indicating its therapeutic potential in melanoma treatment.
Design of waveguide with double-layer diffractive optical elements for augmented reality displays
Authors: Zhang Jiahang , Liu Siqi , Zhang Wei , Jiang Sijia , Ma Ding , Xu Liang , Yang Mingyu , Jiao Qingbin , Tan Xin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We investigated a diffraction optical waveguide structure with a double-layer coupling configuration. This double-layer-coupled diffraction optical waveguide structure modulates light information through wavefront modulation for propagation within the optical waveguide and then reproduces the light information through further wavefront modulation, thus achieving optical information transmission. Analysis and simulation results indicate that the theoretical maximum field of view can reach 90° × 90°. With an actual field of view set to 53° × 53°, an entrance pupil size of 3.2 × 3.2 mm², an eye relief of 10 mm, and 50 pupil expansions, the system’s total energy transmission efficiency is 37%, with field of view uniformity at 91% and uniformity within the eye movement range reaching 97%.
Research on contact resistance modeling of carbon brush and slip-ring system in Doubly-fed wind turbines under marine environment
Authors: Zhao Shuai , zhang juntao , zhao lala , yang zhihua , wang huanping , zhou hongfang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The working environment of carbon brush and slip-ring is poor in the marine environment, and salt spray deposition causes a change in contact surface and contact resistance. It is necessary to investigate the mathematical model of contact resistance in the marine environment in order to measure the electrical contact performance of carbon brush and slip-ring. The main factors influencing brush slip ring contact resistance are salt spray concentration, sliding speed, contact current, and contact pressure. The changing trends of dynamic contact resistance with these four factors were studied and the action mechanism were analyzed by testing the contact resistance under different salt spray concentrations, sliding speed, contact current, and contact pressure. The results indicate that as the concentration of salt spray increases, so does the contact resistance, and the upward trend continues. The contact resistance gradually increases with increasing sliding speed, and the change trend is gradual. The contact resistance gradually decreases with increasing contact pressure, and the trend is gradual. The contact resistance decreases as the contact current increases, and the decrease is gradual. The sliding electrical contact resistance model related to salt spray concentration, sliding speed, contact current, and contact pressure was established based on the experimental results. The experimental results show that the model can be used to calculate the sliding electrical contact resistance in an ocean environment under various working conditions.
Deep-sea benthic hydroids (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) from Antarctic submarine ridges off the Ross Sea (Antarctica)
Authors: Cantero Álvaro Luis Peña 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Knowledge of benthic hydroids inhabiting the Antarctic continental shelf waters, particularly of relatively well-studied areas, has increased in recent years. This has allowed us to recognise them as one of the main and most characteristic zoological groups of the Antarctic benthos. However, little is known about the hydroids dwelling on the continental slope or deeper waters, let alone on bottoms away from the Antarctic continent, despite the fact that the Southern Ocean extends significantly norhwards. This study contributes to reducing that knowledge gap by studying material collected from a series of deep-sea ridges north of the Ross Sea, from which hydrozoans have never been reported. Twelve species, including Halecium divergens sp. nov., have been found and studied. Except for Turritopsis sp., belonging to the Anthoathecata family Oceaniidae, all species belong to Leptothecata, in particular to the families Campanulariidae, Haleciidae, Lafoeidae, Phylactothecidae, Sertularellidae and Symplectoscyphidae. Lafoeidae is the most represented family with four species. Sertularella pseudovervoorti and Filellum liberum are found for the second time. The discovery of Symplectoscyphus frondosus, a species previously considered endemic to the shelf and slope of the eastern Ross Sea, significantly extends its known northern distribution limit. Tulpa diverticulata and the genus Tulpa are reported in Antarctic waters for the first time. The lower limit of the bathymetric range for several species has been extended. Despite being well within Antarctic waters, the studied area hosts a very distinctive fauna, markedly different from the typical Antarctic benthic hydroid fauna. Its endemisms, the presence of species unknown in the Antarctic region and the absence of representatives of the most characteristic Antarctic genera account for its originality.
Impact of surface quality on the identification of tropical wood species using benchtop and portable NIR instruments
Authors: Huancas Samuel , Medeiros Dayane Targino , Dias Thalles Loiola , Madeira Clinton Horácio , Ferreira Cassiana Alves , Hein Paulo Ricardo Gherardi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis has proven to be a fast and efficient method for identifying wood species. Despite significant technical advances in recent years, challenges remain that limit its application in field conditions, particularly the influence of sample surface preparation on the performance of classification models. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of wood surface quality on the performance of NIR instruments in identifying tropical wood species. Wood samples were collected from fields and log yards and prepared using different tools. NIR spectra were recorded using portable and benchtop NIR instruments on the transverse surfaces of wood specimens subjected to five treatments: (1) field conditions (untreated), (2) chainsaw, (3) circular saw, (4) bandsaw, and (5) sandpaper. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) were performed using the NIR signatures. Spectra collected from surfaces prepared with a circular saw and sandpaper showed clearer groupings in the PCA score plot, facilitating the identification of distinct wood species. Cross-validated PLS-DA models showed high success rates, with classification accuracies ranging from 95.3% to 99.2% for untreated, circular saw, bandsaw, and sanded surfaces. Wood surfaces prepared with a chainsaw yielded lower classification accuracies: 88.7% for benchtop and 92.8% for portable NIR sensors. These results highlight the potential of NIR spectroscopy for classifying tropical woods, even when surface quality varies.
Evaluation of extreme precipitation events as simulated by CMIP6 models over Central Africa: spatial variability
Authors: Komelo Crépin K. , Fotso-Nguemo Thierry C. , Ngavom Zakariahou , Dessacka Abdon K. , Taguela Thierry N. , Yepdo Zéphirin D. , Nghonda Jean P. , Diedhiou Arona , Monkam David , Tchawoua Clément 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Extreme precipitation events have substantial implications for water resources, ecosystems, and human populations in Central Africa (CA). Consequently, understanding the spatial variability of these events is crucial for effective climate change adaptation and water management strategies. In this study, we assess the performance of the state-of-the-art global climate models from Phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) in simulating extreme precipitation events over CA. By considering three observational datasets, we evaluated the ability of sixteen CMIP6 models as well their multi-model ensemble-mean (MME), to capture the patterns of extreme precipitation events. We then focus on key metrics such as duration and intensity, based on a total of ten indices of extreme precipitation events, defined by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI). The results showed that the individual models as well as the MME exhibited acceptable performance in reproducing the patterns of extreme precipitation events, especially when dealing with wet-day amount, frequency, dry spells duration and persistence of extreme precipitation. Moreover, the analyses revealed that CMIP6 models generally have great difficulty in simulating not only the wet spells duration, but also heavy precipitation indices, highlighting the remaining challenges in reproducing local-scale processes governing precipitation variability and extremes precipitation events over the region. The results of this study provide an understanding of both the strengths and limitations of the CMIP6 models over CA, which would help to improve regional climate projections and strengthen the ability of decision makers to assess the future risks associated with extreme precipitation events in the region.
A double knockout for zinc transporter 8 and somatostatin in mice reveals their distinct roles in regulation of insulin secretion and obesity
Authors: Yang Zhongyue , Kirschke Catherine P. , Cai Yimeng , Huang Liping 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Both zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8) and somatostatin (Sst) play crucial roles in the regulation of insulin and glucagon secretion. However, the interaction between them in controlling glucose metabolism was not well understood. The aim of this study was to explore the interactive effects of a double knockout of Znt8 and Sst on insulin and glucose metabolism in mice.
Methods
Co-expression of ZnT8 with hormones secreted from gastrointestinal endocrine cells of mice was determined using immunofluorescence. Male Znt8 knockout (Znt8KO), Sst knockout (SstKO), double knockout for Sst and Znt8 (DKO), and the wild-type (WT) mice were fed a regular chow diet (CD) or a high-fat diet (HFD) at 3 weeks old for 15 weeks. Weights and fasting or fed glucose levels were determined. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed; metabolic-relevant hormone levels including insulin, glucagon, glucagon-like peptide 1, Pyy, and leptin were determined.
Results
ZnT8 is co-expressed with Sst in a subpopulation of endocrine D cells in the gastrointestinal tract. The absence of ZnT8 expression resulted in an increased density of the dense cores in the secretory granules of the D cell. DKO mice had reduced weight compared to WT when maintained on the CD. Compared to Znt8KO and SstKO, DKO mice did not show significant differences in fed or fasting blood glucose level regardless of dietary conditions. However, the CD-fed DKO mice had impaired insulin secretion without alterations in islet morphology or numbers. Moreover, DKO mice displayed diet-induced insulin resistance and disrupted secretion of metabolic-related hormones.
Conclusions
Somatostatin as well as a normal insulin sensitivity are required for normalizing glucose metabolism in Znt8KO mice. ZnT8 may play a role in regulating fat mass and leptin secretion. These findings shed light on the multifaceted nature of Znt8 and Sst interactions, opening new avenues to understand their roles in controlling glucose metabolism and fat mass.
Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation uses in trauma: a retrospective analysis of the Japanese nationwide trauma registry
Authors: Akutsu Tomohiro , Endo Akira , Yamamoto Ryo , Yamakawa Kazuma , Suzuki Keisuke , Hoshi Hiromasa , Otomo Yasuhiro , Morishita Koji 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can provide temporary circulatory support and vital organ oxygenation and is potentially useful as a bridge therapy in some trauma cases. This study aimed to demonstrate the characteristics and outcomes of patients with trauma treated with veno-arterial ECMO (VA-ECMO) using data from a Japanese nationwide trauma registry.
Methods
This retrospective descriptive study analyzed data from the Japan Trauma Data Bank between January 2019 and December 2021. Patients with trauma with injury severity score (ISS) ≥ 9 and treated using VA-ECMO were assessed.
Results
Out of 72,439 severe trauma cases, 51 received VA-ECMO, with a survival rate of 31.3%. Both survivor and non-survivor groups showed a median ISS of 25, with thoracic trauma being the most prevalent. Cardiac arrest occurred in 37.5% of survivors and 42.9% of non-survivors upon hospital arrival. Non-survivors underwent interventions such as open-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation, aortic cross-clamping, and resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion more frequently. Peripheral oxygen saturation tended to be lower in survivors.
Conclusion
The study suggests the potential benefits of VA-ECMO in challenging trauma cases. Further research is needed to refine indications for VA-ECMO in patients with trauma.
The double-edged sword of transforming growth factor β 1: a systematic review of pre-clinical stroke models
Authors: Hewitt Benjamin , Ali Myah , Hubbard Jessica , Hill Lisa , Botfield Hannah 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Stroke is a leading cause of death, with those that survive often suffering significant disability. Strokes are classified as ischemic, occlusion of a blood vessel leading to reduction in cerebral blood flow, or hemorrhagic, the rupture of a vessel causing bleeding into the brain. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), a pleiotropic cytokine, has been investigated in stroke due to its wide-ranging effects on proliferation, extracellular matrix deposition and inflammation. This systematic review examined the role of TGF-β1 in pre-clinical studies of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.
A search was performed across PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus, including English-language animal studies which examined TGF-β1 signaling as an outcome or intervention. 89 studies were ultimately included: 68 ischemic and 21 hemorrhagic stroke. Studies were assessed for bias following the SYRCLE guidelines for pre-clinical studies, followed by extraction of the methodology and the role of TGF-β1.
Compliance with SYRCLE guidelines was found to be low and the methodological approaches for creating stroke models were variable. A range of interventions were shown to modify TGF-β1 expression or signaling, with exogenous TGF-β1 improving outcomes in all included ischemic stroke studies. TGF-β1 was found to play a protective role in 76% of ischemic stroke studies whereas it was only protective in 33% of hemorrhagic stroke studies, with likely involvement in fibrosis development in the latter.
Our findings suggest a marked difference in the function of TGF-β1 between these types of stroke, and it is hypothesized that blood cytotoxicity following hemorrhagic stroke may generate a more sustained expression of TGF-β1 than seen in ischemic stroke. This may lead to TGF-β1 mediated fibrosis and post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus, as opposed to the neuroprotective role played by the same molecule following ischemic stroke. These findings highlight the possible clinical utility of exogenous TGF-β1 therapies after ischemic stroke, and TGF-β1 inhibitors after hemorrhagic stroke, to reduce morbidity and disability caused by these events.
Transcriptome Profiling of Adolescents and Young Adults Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Unveiling Developmental Differences in Lymph Node Metastasis
Authors: WANG wangbo@fjmu.edu.cn , ao wei , wang Si-Si , Chen Shu-Qian , Huang Wen-Yu , Ge Zhi-Wen , Li Meng-Yao , Wang Jun , Tang Zhi-Han , Liu Teng-Hong , Chen Yu-han , Zhuang Cong-Wen , Lin Xuan , Zhao Wen-Xin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) exhibit more aggressive metastatic features compared to Adults (AD), despite generally low tumor proliferation. This study aims to identify molecular differences between AYA and AD PTC through transcriptome analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC), and to understand the increased aggressiveness in AYA.
Experimental Design: RNA sequencing was performed on PTC samples from 501 patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), divided into AYA (15-30 years) and AD (≥30 years) groups. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between tumor and normal tissues and between age groups. These DEGs were validated in an independent cohort of 13 patients (7 AYA, 6 AD) using RNA sequencing and IHC. Functional enrichment analyses identified significant pathways associated with these DEGs.
Results: We identified 239 core DEGs between AYA and AD PTC. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted the importance of cell adhesion, ion transmembrane transport, and cell signal transduction in tumor invasion. Key genes in AYA, including upregulated CXCR4, OPCML, and S100A2, and downregulated ATP1A3, CHL1, HLA-DRA, and IL-1 Beta, are crucial for tumor high invasiveness. IL-1 Beta, CXCR4, HLA-DRA are associated with immune cell infiltration.
Conclusions: PTC in AYA patients shows distinct molecular profiles characterized by high metastatic potential. Incorporating age-specific molecular markers into clinical management could improve diagnostic accuracy and personalize treatment strategies for AYA patients. Future research should validate these findings in larger cohorts and explore the therapeutic potential of these markers.
Who cares first? A MAIHDA analysis of intersectional inequalities in the age of caregiving onset using European longitudinal data
Authors: Alonso-Perez Enrique , O’Sullivan Julie Lorraine , Schnitzer Susanne , Schmitz Alina , Brandt Martina , Gellert Paul 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Caregiving for older relatives is central for many people's lives in aging societies. The timing of caregiving onset significantly influences caregivers' health, social, and employment trajectories. However, the age at which family caregiving begins and its potential social and intersectional stratification have not been sufficiently explored. Using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), we analysed individuals becoming daily caregivers between waves 1 and 9 (ages 50–95). We applied Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminatory Accuracy (MAIHDA) to determine intersectional inequalities in the age of caregiving onset, separately for intragenerational (partner, siblings) and intergenerational (parents, in-laws) caregiving. We created 48 intersectional strata with combinations of sex/gender, migration background, education, and occupation. Intragenerational care onset was at 70.18 years on average (N = 10,146), with 11 years of difference between strata. Intersectional strata explained substantial variation in onset age (VPC = 7.14%), and 10% of these differences were due to intersectional interaction effects. Intergenerational care (N = 3,966) began earlier at 59.56 years on average, with a difference of over 4 years between strata. Most between-strata variation was additive. For both intra- and intergenerational care, combinations of women with low-skill occupations and high education were associated with earlier caregiving onset. We found large differences in the age of caregiving onset between intersectional strata in both intra- and intergenerational care. Mapping social heterogeneity and the intersectional nature of caregiving onset within the life-course is critical to further understand the prerequisites, meaning, and consequences for family caregivers.