bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The clinicopathological significance and prognostic value of PD‐L1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Yizhan , Ren Wenhao , Li Shaoming , Zheng Jingjing , Gu Haiyan , Gao Ling , Zhi Keqian 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between the expression of PD‐L1 in OSCC and the clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological data and prognosis of 381 OSCC patients. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on OSCC tumor specimens, and the expression level of PD‐L1 was evaluated according to the combined positive score (CPS). Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to identify the effect of PD‐L1 expression and clinicopathological features on the prognosis of patients. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to determine the hazard factors affecting the prognosis of patients.ResultsPD‐L1 overexpression was significantly associated with cervical lymph node metastasis (p = 0.018), worse clinical stage (p = 0.022), worse tumor differentiation (p = 0.046), and worse depth of invasion (DOI) (p = 0.003). Poorer clinical stage and degree of tumor differentiation were significantly associated with poorer OS and DSS in patients. PD‐L1 expression was not associated with prognosis in patients with OSCC.ConclusionsHigh PD‐L1 expression was significantly associated with higher tumor malignancy in OSCC patients. Poorer clinical stage and degree of tumor differentiation were associated with poor prognosis in OSCC patients. Our results may help clinicians develop more appropriate individualized treatment strategies for their patients, thus improving their outcomes.
Development of a dry eye index as a new biomarker of dry eye disease
Authors: Gala‐Núñez César , Ortiz‐Peregrina Sonia , Castanera‐Gratacós Diego , Anera Rosario G. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate signs and symptoms in patients diagnosed with dry eye disease (DED), divided into dry eye (DE) groups, in order to find a new biomarker that allows an accurate diagnosis, management and classification of DED.MethodsThis cross‐sectional, observational study included 71 DED subjects. Subjective symptoms, visual quality and DE signs were assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), the Quality of Vision (QoV) questionnaire, best corrected distance visual acuity (VA), functional visual acuity (FVA), contrast sensitivity (CS), high‐ and low‐order corneal aberrations (HOA and LOA, respectively), tear break‐up time (TBUT), Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), Schirmer test, corneal staining, lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE) and meibography. Participants were classified into three groups based on dryness severity using a cluster analysis, i.e., mild (N = 17, 55.8 ± 15.4 years), moderate (N = 41, 63.5 ± 10.6 years) and severe (N = 13, 65.0 ± 12.0). A new Dry Eye Severity Index (DESI) based on ocular surface signs has been developed and its association with symptoms, visual quality and signs was assessed. Comparisons between groups were made using Kruskal–Wallis and Chi‐squared tests. Spearman correlation analysis was also performed.ResultsThe DESI was based on three tests for DE signs: TBUT, Schirmer test and MGD. The DESI showed significant differences between different pairs of groups: Mild Dryness versus Moderate Dryness (p < 0.001), Mild Dryness versus Severe Dryness (p < 0.001) and Moderate Dryness versus Severe Dryness (p < 0.001). The DESI was significantly correlated with age (rho = −0.30; p = 0.01), OSDI score (rho = −0.32; p = 0.007), QoV score (rho = −0.35; p = 0.003), VA (rho = −0.34; p = 0.003), FVA (rho = −0.38; p = 0.001) and CS (rho = 0.42; p < 0.001) Also, significant differences between the severity groups were found for OSDI and QoV scores, VA, FVA, CS and MGD (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe DESI has good performance as a biomarker for the diagnosis, classification and management of DED.
In the Acute Phase of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture: Quantitative Assessment of Matrix Changes and Correlation between Different States of Meniscus and Adjacent Cartilage
Authors: Zhang Jiaying , Jia Zhenyu , Yang Yangyang , Zhang Lihang , Huang Tianwen , Tsai Tsung‐Yuan , Li Pingyue 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveCartilage and meniscus are important structures that maintain the health of the knee joint. Early detection of changes in the internal components of cartilage and meniscus before morphological changes occur is essential to prevent and delay the development of osteoarthritis (OA). This study was designed to determine the changes in the matrix composition of morphologically intact cartilage and meniscus during the acute phase of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, as well as the effect of different states of meniscus (intact or tear) on adjacent cartilage during the acute phase.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study compared and analyzed 50 patients in the acute phase of ACL rupture who underwent surgical treatment and 66 age‐, weight‐ and height‐matched healthy volunteers from May 2022 to May 2023 at our institution. Mean T2 relaxation times and effect sizes in different regions of tibiofemoral articular cartilage and meniscus were compared between the two groups using the Mann–Whitney nonparametric t‐test, and correlations between different meniscal states and adjacent cartilage were analyzed.ResultsBoth in the lateral and medial compartments of the knee, T2 relaxation times were significantly higher in all subregions of cartilage and meniscus in the ACL rupture group (p < 0.05), and the site of injury was predominantly centered in the medial compartment (femur, p = 0.000; tibia, p = 0.000; anterior horn, p = 0.000). In the respective compartments, the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus showed a significant positive correlation with the mid‐cartilage of the femoral and tibial (r = 0.566, p = 0.035; r = 0.611, p = 0.02); and the posterior horn of the medial meniscus showed a significant positive correlation with the posterior tibial cartilage (r = 0.668, p = 0.018).ConclusionDuring the acute phase of ACL rupture, the internal composition of the cartilage and meniscus undergoes significant changes, even if the morphology is intact. More importantly, the state of the meniscus significantly affects the internal composition of the adjacent cartilage. This is an early warning sign of OA, which should be closely monitored and carefully managed in clinical practice.
Risk and protective factors of asthma and mental health condition multimorbidity in a national sample of Canadian children
Authors: Lawson Joshua A. , Kim Minyoung , Jandaghi Parisa , Goodridge Donna , Balbuena Lloyd , Cockcroft Don , Adamko Darryl , Khanam Ulfat 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe coexistence of childhood asthma and mental health (MH) conditions can impact management and health outcomes but we need to better understand the etiology of multimorbidity. We investigated the association between childhood asthma and MH conditions as well as the determinants of their coexistence.MethodsWe used data from the Canadian Health Survey of Children and Youth 2019 (3–17 years; n = 47,871), a cross‐sectional, nationally representative Statistics Canada dataset. Our primary outcome was condition status (no asthma or MH condition; asthma only; MH condition only; both asthma, and a MH condition (AMHM)). Predictors of condition status were assessed using multiple multinomial logistic regression. Sensitivity analyses considered individual MH conditions.ResultsMH condition prevalence was almost two‐fold higher among those with asthma than those without asthma (21.1% vs. 11.6%, respectively). There were increased risks of each condition category associated with having allergies, other chronic conditions, and family members smoking in the home while there were protective associations with each condition status category for being female and born outside of Canada. Four additional variables were associated with AMHM and MH condition presence with one additional variable associated with both AMHM and asthma. In sensitivity analyses, the associations tended to be similar for most characteristics, although there was some variability.ConclusionThere are common risk factors of asthma and MH conditions along with their multimorbidity with a tendency for MH risk factors to be associated with multimorbidity. MH condition presence is common and important to assess among children with asthma.
Comparative analysis of contrast distribution in cervical epidural steroid injections utilizing a modified paramedian interlaminar approach with varied needle tip positions: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yoo Seung Hee , Lee Min Jin , Jue Mi Jin , Won Yoonsun , Kim Won‐joong 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundRecent advancements in cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injections have given rise to the modified paramedian interlaminar (mPIL) approach. The objective of this study was to perform an analysis of the contrast spread pattern within the cervical epidural space, taking into account different needle tip positions in the mPIL approach.MethodsA total of 48 patients were included in the study and randomly assigned to either the medial or lateral group based on the needle tip's position in the anterior–posterior view. The primary outcome measured was the contrast flow under fluoroscopic visualization. As a secondary outcome, we analyzed the location of the needle tip position in both lateral and contralateral oblique views. Clinical effectiveness was assessed by measuring pain intensity and functional disability post‐procedure.ResultsSignificant disparities were noted in the ventral distribution of contrast between the medial and lateral groups. In the lateral images, needle tips in the lateral group were positioned more ventrally compared to those in the medial group. Both groups exhibited statistically significant improvements in neck and radicular pain, as well as functional status, 4 weeks after treatment, with no significant differences between them.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the ventral dispersion of contrast material during cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injections using the mPIL approach may vary depending on the needle tip location.
Differential response of proline metabolism defense, Na+ absorption and deposition to salt stress in salt‐tolerant and salt‐sensitive rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) genotypes
Authors: Yan Lei , Lu Mu , Riaz Muhammad , Gao Guang , Tong Kaiqing , Yu Hualong , Wang Lu , Wang Lu , Cui Kunpeng , Wang Jiahui , Niu Yusheng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSoil salinization is a major abiotic factor threatening rapeseed yields and quality worldwide, yet the adaptive mechanisms underlying salt resistance in rapeseed are not clear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the differences in growth potential, sodium (Na+) retention in different plant tissues, and transport patterns between salt‐tolerant (HY9) and salt‐sensitive (XY15) rapeseed genotypes, which cultivated in Hoagland's nutrient solution in either the with or without of 150 mM NaCl stress. The results showed that the inhibition of growth‐related parameters of the XY15 genotype was higher than those of the HY9 in response to salt stress. The XY15 had lower photosynthesis, chloroplast disintegration, and pigment content but higher oxidative damage than the HY9. Under NaCl treatment, the proline content in the root of HY9 variety increased by 8.47‐fold, surpassing XY15 (5.41‐fold). Under salt stress, the HY9 maintained lower Na+ content, while higher K+ content and exhibited a relatively abundant K+/Na+ ratio in root and leaf. HY9 also had lower Na+ absorption, Na+ concentration in xylem sap, and Na+ transfer factor than XY15. Moreover, more Na+ contents were accumulated in the root cell wall of HY9 with higher pectin content and pectin methylesterase (PME) activity than XY15. Collectively, our results showed that salt‐tolerant varieties absorbed lower Na+ and retained more Na+ in the root cell wall (carboxyl group in pectin) to avoid leaf salt toxicity and induced higher proline accumulation as a defense and antioxidant system, resulting in higher resistance to salt stress, which provides the theoretical basis for screening salt resistant cultivars.
Establishment of a CD8+ T cells‐related prognostic risk model for acral melanoma based on single‐cell and bulk RNA sequencing
Authors: Wang Wenwen , Liu Pu , Ma Jie , Li Jun , Leng Ling 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundCD8+ T cells have been recognized as crucial factors in the prognosis of melanoma. However, there is currently a lack of gene markers that accurately describe their characteristics and functions in acral melanoma (AM), which hinders the development of personalized medicine.MethodsFirstly, we explored the composition differences of immune cells in AM using single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) data and comprehensively characterized the immune microenvironment of AM in terms of composition, developmental differentiation, function, and cell communication. Subsequently, we constructed and validated a prognostic risk scoring model based on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of CD8+ T cells using the TCGA‐SKCM cohort through Lasso‐Cox method. Lastly, immunofluorescence staining was performed to validate the expression of four genes (ISG20, CCL4, LPAR6, DDIT3) in AM and healthy skin tissues as included in the prognostic model.ResultsThe scRNA‐seq data revealed that memory CD8+ T cells accounted for the highest proportion in the immune microenvironment of AM, reaching 70.5%. Cell–cell communication analysis showed extensive communication relationships among effector CD8+ T cells. Subsequently, we constructed a prognostic scoring model based on DEGs derived from CD8+ T cell sources. Four CD8+ T cell‐related genes were included in the construction and validation of the prognostic model. Additionally, immunofluorescence results demonstrated that ISG20 and CCL4 were downregulated, while LPAR6 and DDIT3 were upregulated in AM tissues compared to normal skin tissues.ConclusionIdentifying biomarkers based on the expression levels of CD8+ T cell‐related genes may be an effective approach for establishing prognostic models in AM patients. The independently prognostic risk evaluation model we constructed provides new insights and theoretical support for immunotherapy in AM.
An electron paramagnetic resonance time‐course study of oxidative stress in the plasma of electronic cigarette exposed rats
Authors: Velayutham Murugesan , Mills Amber , Khramtsov Valery V. , Olfert I. Mark 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe long‐term consequences of electronic cigarette (Ecig) use in humans are not yet known, but it is known that Ecig aerosols contain many toxic compounds of concern. We have recently shown that Ecig exposure impairs middle cerebral artery (MCA) endothelial function and that it takes 3 days for MCA reactivity to return to normal. However, the sources contributing to impairment of the endothelium were not investigated. We hypothesized that the increased levels of oxidative stress markers in the blood are correlated with impaired MCA reactivity. We used electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to examine plasma from 4‐month‐old male Sprague–Dawley rats that were exposed to either air (n = 5) or 1 h Ecig exposure, after which blood samples were collected at varying times after exposure (i.e., 1–4, 24, 48 and 72 h postexposure, n = 4 or 5 in each time group). The EPR analyses were performed using the redox‐sensitive hydroxylamine spin probe 1‐hydroxy‐3‐carboxymethyl‐2,2,5,5‐tetramethyl‐pyrrolidine (CMH) to measure the level of reactive oxidant species in the plasma samples. We found that EPR signal intensity from the CM• radical was significantly increased in plasma at 1‐4, 24 and 48 h (P < 0.05, respectively) and returned to control (air) levels by 72 h. When evaluating the EPR results with MCA reactivity, we found a significant negative correlation (Pearson's P = 0.0027). These data indicate that impaired cerebrovascular reactivity resulting from vaping is associated with the oxidative stress level (measured by EPR from plasma) and indicate that a single 1 h vaping session can negatively influence vascular health for up to 3 days after vaping.Highlights
What is the central question of this study?Does the time course of oxidative stress triggered by electronic cigarette exposure follow the cerebral vascular dysfunction?
What is the main finding and its importance?Electron paramagnetic resonance analysis shows that the oxidative stress induced after a single 1 h exposure to electronic cigarette aerosol takes ≤72 h to return to normal, which mirrors the time course for vascular dysfunction in the middle cerebral artery that we have reported previously.
Closed-Loop Pointing Feedback for Heliostats in Concentrating Solar Power
Authors: Adams Bernhard W. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Concentrating solar power (CSP) facilities need to ensure alignment of all sun-tracking heliostats onto the sunlight receiver. A method is proposed to keep all heliostats in a CSP facility under closed-loop pointing control while also providing feedback on the detailed alignment of the segment mirrors of each heliostat. The method is based on the sunlight directed toward the receiver, and thus works under full operational conditions and without the need of secondary optical alignments. It is based on retroreflectors (“retros”) to simultaneously return samples of the sunlight reflected by each mirror back to that same mirror. It goes beyond previous efforts at using retros by placing them into the concentrated sunlight, instead of in its periphery. Quartz glass will be used for its heat tolerance, and reflectivity modulation for visibility is achieved by rotating the retros. The technology can be retrofitted into existing CSP facilities to improve operational efficiency, and it can be used to relax the stability requirements of heliostats, and thus their cost, in the planning of new ones.
Magnetically-Actuated Endoluminal Soft Robot With Electroactive Polymer Actuation for Enhanced Gait Performance
Authors: Steiner Jake A. , Nagel William S. , Leang Kam K. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Endoluminal devices are indispensable in medical procedures in the natural lumina of the body, such as the circulatory system and gastrointestinal tract. In current clinical practice, there is a need for increased control and capabilities of endoluminal devices with less discomfort and risk to the patient. This paper describes the detailed modeling and experimental validation of a magneto-electroactive endoluminal soft (MEESo) robot concept that combines magnetic and electroactive polymer (EAP) actuation to improve the utility of the device. The proposed capsule-like device comprises two permanent magnets with alternating polarity connected by a soft, low-power ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) EAP body. A detailed model of the MEESo robot is developed to explore quantitatively the effects of dual magneto-electroactive actuation on the robot’s performance. It is shown that the robot’s gait is enhanced, during the magnetically-driven gait cycle, with IPMC body deformation. The concept is further validated by creating a physical prototype MEESo robot. Experimental results show that the robot’s performance increases up to 68% compared to no IPMC body actuation. These results strongly suggest that integrating EAP into the magnetically-driven system extends the efficacy for traversing tract environments.
Novel Design and Performance Analysis of 1R1T Remote Center-of-Motion Mechanisms With Partially Decoupled T- and R-Motions
Authors: Lin Rongfu , Guo Weizhong , Zeng Wenhui , Yan Kim , Lam Chun Ping , Cheng Shing Shin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Remote center-of-motion (RCM) mechanisms provide a way for surgical instruments to pass through a remote center (e.g., skin incision) under geometrical constraints, facilitating safer operations in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). One rotation and one translation (1R1T, pitch and insertion) are the basic requirements for RCM mechanisms. To make the structure simpler and control easier, a novel concept of 1R1T RCM mechanisms with partially decoupled motions, inspired by the double-parallelogram 1R RCM mechanisms, is proposed in this article, by investigating and proving its motion combination principle based on the screw theory. New evolution procedures based on the configuration evolution method have been derived to design 1R1T RCM mechanisms based on two approaches of inserting the T-motion in an original 1R RCM mechanism, resulting in two types of 1R1T RCM mechanisms with partially decoupled motions and base-locating actuators. The kinematic models of one typical proposed mechanism (including the forward and inverse kinematics) and its Jacobian matrix are derived. The performance analysis is presented, including RCM validation, velocity, singularity, and workspace analysis. Then, the dimensional optimization based on the discrete solution method is derived. Finally, a prototype of the proposed mechanism is presented with preliminary experiments performed to verify the feasibility of the synthesized RCM mechanisms. The results show that the RCM mechanism performs the 1R1T partially decoupled motion, and it can be used as the basic element of an active manipulator of an MIS robot.
Analysis of the isospin eigenstate $$\bar{D} \Sigma _c$$, $$\bar{D}^{*} \Sigma _c$$, and $$\bar{D} \Sigma _c^{*}$$ pentaquarks by their electromagnetic properties
Authors: Özdem Ulaş 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTo shed light on the nature of the controversial and not yet fully understood exotic states, we are carrying out a systematic study of their electromagnetic properties. The magnetic moment of a hadron state is as fundamental a dynamical quantity as its mass and contains valuable information on the deep underlying structure. In this study, we use the QCD light-cone sum rule to extract the magnetic moments of the $$\mathrm {P_{c}(4312)}$$

P
c

(
4312
)

, $$\mathrm {P_{c}(4380)}$$

P
c

(
4380
)

, and $$\mathrm {P_{c}(4440)}$$

P
c

(
4440
)

pentaquarks by considering them as the molecular picture with spin-parity $$\mathrm {J^P= \frac{1}{2}^-}$$

J
P

=

1
2

-

, $$\mathrm {J^P= \frac{3}{2}^-}$$

J
P

=

3
2

-

, and $$\mathrm {J^P= \frac{3}{2}^-}$$

J
P

=

3
2

-

, respectively. We define the isospin of the interpolating currents of these states, which is the key to solving the puzzle of the hidden-charm pentaquark states, to make these analyses more precise and reliable. We have compared our results with other theoretical predictions that could be a useful complementary tool for the interpretation of the hidden-charm pentaquark sector, and we observe that they are not in mutual agreement with each other. We have also calculated higher multipole moments for spin-3/2 $$\bar{D}^{*} \Sigma _c$$

D

¯

∗

Σ
c

and $$\bar{D} \Sigma _c^{*}$$

D

¯

Σ
c

∗

pentaquarks, indicating a non-spherical charge distribution.
Electrochemical Detection of Melatonin at Nano-Sized Highly Boron-Doped Diamond Electrode
Authors: Satianram Witchayatip , Sunon Pachanuporn , Ngokpho Busarakham , Nijpanich Supinya , Chanlek Narong , Khotavivattana Tanatorn , Batchelor-McAuley Christopher , Ngamchuea Kamonwad 
Published: August 2024

This work investigates the electrochemical oxidation of melatonin at boron-doped diamond electrodes and demonstrates the significant enhancement in the detection of melatonin using highly boron-doped diamond nanopowder (h-BDD). Employing differential pulse voltammetry, Tween-coated h-BDD modified screen-printed electrodes (Tween/h-BDD/SPE) showed two linear response ranges for melatonin: 0.057–10 and 10–200 μM, with sensitivities of 390 ± 36 and 72.2 ± 3.4 μA mM–1, respectively, and a detection limit (3Sb/m) of 0.017 μM. The Tween/h-BDD/SPE demonstrated good selectivity against common interferences such as tryptophan, serotonin, lactate, cytidine, cytosine, and urea. The analytical utility of Tween/h-BDD/SPE was validated by quantifying melatonin in commercial pharmaceutical tablets, achieving close to 100% recoveries.