bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Model‐based multi‐genotype characterization of drought stress Target Population of Environments for the common bean in East Africa
Authors: Jha Prakash Kumar , Beebe Steve , Urban Milan , Soto Jonatan , Assefa Teshale , Ramirez‐Villegas Julian 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEfforts toward the development of common bean varieties that can perform better under the drought conditions in Eastern Africa are constrained by significant genotype–environment–management (G × E × M) interactions. To address this, an attempt was made previously to assess drought stress for Eastern Africa using the Target Population of Environments (TPE) approach, albeit by using a single cultivar. Here, we extend earlier TPE work with a larger sample of representative genotypes from East Africa including commercial and breeding lines. By using a larger genotype pool, we are able to (1) assess the extent to which TPEs identified vary across genotypes (i.e., generality of the TPEs) and (2) identify best‐performing genotypes for the various environments identified. To perform the analyses, we used the CROPGRO‐DRYBEAN cropping system model available in the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) v4.7 calibrated and evaluated from field trials in Africa and Colombia with 10 genotypes. Our findings indicate that despite some level of genotype‐related variation, the dominant drought stress patterns, and their priorities—drought stress‐free conditions remain the dominant TPE, followed by terminal drought stress—remain unaltered. Moreover, we find that it is possible to reduce the extent and intensity of drought stress in various TPEs by adequately targeting genotypes from the pool considered herein. Importantly, the genotype characteristics for stress‐free, extreme terminal drought and moderate terminal drought stress are significantly different, confirming a differentiated breeding strategy is required between the TPEs. The findings from this study are useful for the modernization of the bean breeding programs in Africa.
Unbiased method for spectral analysis of cells with great diversity of autofluorescence spectra
Authors: Roet Janna E. G. , Mikula Aleksandra M. , de Kok Michael , Chadick Cora H. , Garcia Vallejo Juan J. , Roest Henk P. , van der Laan Luc J. W. , de Winde Charlotte M. , Mebius Reina E. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAutofluorescence is an intrinsic feature of cells, caused by the natural emission of light by photo‐excitatory molecular content, which can complicate analysis of flow cytometry data. Different cell types have different autofluorescence spectra and, even within one cell type, heterogeneity of autofluorescence spectra can be present, for example, as a consequence of activation status or metabolic changes. By using full spectrum flow cytometry, the emission spectrum of a fluorochrome is captured by a set of photo detectors across a range of wavelengths, creating an unique signature for that fluorochrome. This signature is then used to identify, or unmix, that fluorochrome's unique spectrum from a multicolor sample containing different fluorescent molecules. Importantly, this means that this technology can also be used to identify intrinsic autofluorescence signal of an unstained sample, which can be used for unmixing purposes and to separate the autofluorescence signal from the fluorophore signals. However, this only works if the sample has a singular, relatively homogeneous and bright autofluorescence spectrum. To analyze samples with heterogeneous autofluorescence spectral profiles, we setup an unbiased workflow to more quickly identify differing autofluorescence spectra present in a sample to include as “autofluorescence signatures” during the unmixing of the full stained samples. First, clusters of cells with similar autofluorescence spectra are identified by unbiased dimensional reduction and clustering of unstained cells. Then, unique autofluorescence clusters are determined and are used to improve the unmixing accuracy of the full stained sample. Independent of the intensity of the autofluorescence and immunophenotyping of cell subsets, this unbiased method allows for the identification of most of the distinct autofluorescence spectra present in a sample, leading to less confounding autofluorescence spillover and spread into extrinsic phenotyping markers. Furthermore, this method is equally useful for spectral analysis of different biological samples, including tissue cell suspensions, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and in vitro cultures of (primary) cells.
Diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonographic shear wave elastography for assessing early chronic pancreatitis using the Japanese diagnostic criteria 2019
Authors: Shintani Shuhei , Inatomi Osamu , Okamoto Takuya , Hiroe Kosuke , Eguchi Takaaki , Tomozawa Yuki , Inoue Akitoshi , Kimura Hidenori , Nishida Atsushi , Tsuji Yoshihisa , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Andoh Akira 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackground and AimEndoscopic ultrasound shear wave elastography (EUS‐SWE) can facilitate an objective evaluation of pancreatic fibrosis. Although it is primarily applied in evaluating chronic pancreatitis, its efficacy in assessing early chronic pancreatitis (ECP) remains underinvestigated. This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of EUS‐SWE for assessing ECP diagnosed using the Japanese diagnostic criteria 2019.MethodsIn total, 657 patients underwent EUS‐SWE. Propensity score matching was used, and the participants were classified into the ECP and normal groups. ECP was diagnosed using the Japanese diagnostic criteria 2019. Pancreatic stiffness was assessed based on velocity (Vs) on EUS‐SWE, and the optimal Vs cutoff value for ECP diagnosis was determined. A practical shear wave Vs value of ≥50% was considered significant.ResultsEach group included 22 patients. The ECP group had higher pancreatic stiffness than the normal group (2.31 ± 0.67 m/s vs. 1.59 ± 0.40 m/s, p < 0.001). The Vs cutoff value for the diagnostic accuracy of ECP, as determined using the receiver operating characteristic curve, was 2.24m/s, with an area under the curve of 0.82 (95% confidence interval: 0.69–0.94). A high Vs was strongly correlated with the number of EUS findings (rs = 0.626, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that a history of acute pancreatitis and ≥2 EUS findings were independent predictors of a high Vs.ConclusionsThere is a strong correlation between EUS‐SWE findings and the Japanese diagnostic criteria 2019 for ECP. Hence, EUS‐SWE can be an objective and invaluable diagnostic tool for ECP diagnosis.
Coupling process controlling data and numerical simulation in mechanised tunnelling
Authors: Zendaki Yaman , Cao Ba‐Trung , Stascheit Janosch , Alsahly Abdullah , Freitag Steffen , Maidl Ulrich , Meschke Günther 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNowadays, both process data management and numerical analysis are necessary for decision‐making in a tunnel project from its early design stage to the construction phase. Traditional generation of simulation models largely depends on tunnel design and reports, which are error prone due to the involvement of manual intervention. This article presents the application of a digital workflow to efficiently transfer automatically acquired data from tunnel projects to computational simulations. The application workflow is developed and executed through a web‐based environment. Project data from the Victory Boogie Woogie tunnel is retrieved from the process controlling software PROCON via web services to generate numerical simulations for settlement predictions at different tunnel sections. The simulated results are validated using real measured settlements in the project to prove the quality of the simulation model. Different scenarios of applying operational steering parameters are then investigated, utilising the simulation model, which can be used to support the on‐site engineers as an assistance system to drive the tunnel boring machines. The work has been carried out within the framework of the transfer project T2 of the Collaborative Research Center “Interaction Modeling in Mechanized Tunneling” (SFB 837), which aims to implement and test a digital twin for process control under practical conditions in the tunnelling industry.
The glue that binds us: The positive relationships between whanaungatanga (belonging), the wellbeing, and identity pride for takatāpui who are trans and non‐binary
Authors: Hamley Logan , Kerekere Elizabeth , Nopera Tāwhanga , Tan Kyle , Byrne Jack , Veale Jaimie , Clark Terryann 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIssue AddressedThis article explores how belonging can enhance well‐being for takatāpui (a traditional Māori term that embraces all Māori with diverse genders, sexualities and sex characteristics) who are trans and non‐binary across a range of contexts.MethodsWe drew data from the 2018 Counting Ourselves, a nationwide community‐based survey of trans and non‐binary people in Aotearoa (New Zealand) (N = 1178); of which 161 (13.7%) identified as Māori, the Indigenous people of Aotearoa.ResultsBased on generalised regression models, feelings of belonging with friends, takatāpui communities, Māori communities, and work communities were correlated to higher feelings of life satisfaction, life worthwhileness, and identity pride for takatāpui who are trans and non‐binary. In Te Ao Maōri (the Māori worldview), such concepts of belonging and relationships are collectively known as whanaungatanga.ConclusionsOur findings affirm whanaungatanga as foundational to well‐being among trans Māori people, enabling them to locate themselves within nurturing and supportive networks.So What?Whanaungatanga is a key policy agenda, alongside other system‐level change, that is needed to buffer takatāpui who are trans and non‐binary from poverty, stigma, and racism they face. This will require changes to the current policy and practice context. We argue that whanaungatanga, while an important strategy of well‐being for trans and non‐binary people, must also occur alongside wider system transformations to address transphobia, racism, and cisheteronormativity.
Join point trends of instrumental vaginal deliveries and cesarean sections at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria (2002–2017)
Authors: Olamijulo Joseph Ayodeji , Aliyu Zubaida , Olorunfemi Gbenga , Adeyinka Ayotunde Tanimola , Ubom Akaninyene Eseme , Abikoye Olabisi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the trends of instrumental vaginal delivery (IVD) and cesarean section (CS) at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Nigeria, over 16 years, from 2002 to 2017.MethodsA retrospective cross‐sectional study. The case records of all women who had IVD and CS during the study period were reviewed. The trends in the IVD and CS rates were evaluated using join point regression modeling. The average annual percent change (AAPC) and annual percent change (APC) with associated 95% confidence interval of segmental trends were calculated.ResultsThe overall IVD rate was 1.36%. Vacuum delivery rate was higher than forceps (0.79% vs 0.57%). The CS rate was 44.9 per 100 deliveries; the rate increased by about 3.7% per annum. CS rates were 7.1–89.9 times the IVD rates within the study period. The number of IVDs performed in the hospital declined by about 83.02%, from 53 cases in 2002 to nine cases in 2017. Forceps delivery declined at a faster rate than vacuum delivery between 2002 and 2017 (AAPC for forceps: −12.6% [−17.5 to −7.5], P < 0.001 vs AAPC for vacuum: −6.2% [−14.3 to 2.7], P = 0.200). The commonest indication for IVD was prolonged second stage of labor (47/162, 29.01%) and shortening of the second stage of labor for maternal conditions (47/162, 29.01%).ConclusionIVD rates are low and declining at LUTH. There is need to train accoucheurs on the safe use of IVDs to potentially reduce the CS rate.
The cellular and molecular properties of capsule surrounding silicone implants in humans vary uniquely according to the tissue type adjacent to the implant
Authors: Nepon Hillary , Julien Cedric , Petrecca Sarah , Kalashnikov Nikita , Safran Tyler , Murphy Amanda , Dionisopoulos Tassos , Davison Peter , Vorstenbosch Joshua 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe foreign body reaction (FBR) to biomaterials results in fibrous encapsulation. Excessive capsule fibrosis (capsular contracture) is a major challenge to the long‐term stability of implants. Clinical data suggests that the tissue type in contact with silicone breast implants alters susceptibility to developing capsular contracture; however, the tissue‐specific inflammatory and fibrotic characteristics of capsule have not been well characterized at the cellular and molecular level. In this study, 60 breast implant capsule samples are collected from patients and stratified by the adjacent tissue type including subcutaneous tissue, glandular breast tissue, or muscle tissue. Capsule thickness, collagen organization, immune and fibrotic cellular populations, and expression of inflammatory and fibrotic markers is quantified with histological staining, immunohistochemistry, and real‐time PCR. The findings suggest there are significant differences in M1‐like macrophages, CD4+ T cells, CD26+ fibroblasts, and expression of IL‐1β, IL‐6, TGF‐β, and collagen type 1 depending on the tissue type abutting the implant. Subglandular breast implant capsule displays a significant increase in inflammatory and fibrotic markers. These findings suggest that the tissue microenvironment contributes uniquely to the FBR. This data could provide new avenues for research and clinical applications to improve the site‐specific biocompatibility and longevity of implantable devices.
Causal relationship between blood traits and severe influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection in East Asian: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Fuxiang , Bian Shengzhe , Zhou Wudi , Liu Siyang , Shu Yuelong , Chen Yongkun 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAlthough a range of blood traits have been reported to be associated with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 (H1N1pdm09) disease severity, their underlying causal relationships and biological mechanisms have remained unclear. This study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between blood traits and H1N1pdm09 using a two‐sample Mendelian randomization analysis. Based on the data from our in‐house genome‐wide association study (GWAS) on H1N1pdm09 disease severity (Ncase [severe] = 70, Ncontrol [mild] = 95) and GWAS summaries of 44 blood traits from Biobank Japan (N = 12 303–143 658), we identified the potential causal effect of blood traits on severe H1N1pdm09. The inverse variance weighted method analysis revealed significant causal effects of lower aspartate aminotransferase (AST, β = −3.212, p = 0.019), low‐density‐lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C, β = −1.372, p = 0.045), and basophil counts (Baso, β = −1.638, p = 0.047) on severe H1N1pdm09 disease. Additionally, polygenic risk score analysis further confirmed genetic overlap between these blood traits and severe H1N1pdm09 disease. This study provided evidence linking the lower level of AST, LDL‐C, and lower count of Baso with severe H1N1pdm09 disease, potentially identifying new therapeutic targets for patients with severe influenza.
Exploring Creativity in Marginalized Voices: The New Ecuadorian Dramaturgy Project
Authors: de la Torre Carmen Elena Jijón 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTThis article presents the artistic process employed by a group of young women in an academic setting at the Central University of Ecuador, as they wrote four documentary plays. These students, belonging to the first generation to have access to a dramaturgy class in a public university in the country, utilized an innovative to develop their proposal. Despite the prevalence of collective playwriting in the region, the students delved deep into the writing process for the stage and studied important references in the field. The resulting plays underwent analysis by proficient readers from the Univèrsitat Politècnica de Valencia, who acknowledged their profound artistic content, unexplored until then within the country. Within this study, a focal point is placed on exploring the concept of creativity among university scholars who belong to marginalized groups. The research highlights the inherent duality present in their cosmovision, aiming to showcase their distinctive perspective and the continuous redefinition of identity and creativity within non‐harmonic societies. By doing so, the article underlines the significance of providing opportunities for young artists from marginalized communities to express themselves and contribute to the artistic landscape of their country. Also, it outlines a constant interrogation over the concept of creativity.
Outcomes of non‐angiosarcoma radiation‐associated soft tissue sarcomas of the chest
Authors: Garayua‐Cruz Leilani , Broida Samuel E. , Okuno Scott H. , Robinson Steven I. , Siontis Brittany L. , Welliver Meng Xu , Wilke Benjamin K. , Goulding Krista A. , Rose Peter S. , Houdek Matthew T. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundRadiation‐associated soft tissue sarcomas (RA‐STS) are rare complications of patients receiving radiation therapy (RT) and are generally associated with a poor prognosis. Most of the literature surrounding RA‐STS of the chest is centered on angiosarcoma. Therefore, we aim to document the management and outcome of patients with non‐angiosarcoma RA‐STS of the chest.MethodsWe reviewed 17 patients (all female, median age 65 years) diagnosed with RA‐STS. The most common primary malignancy was breast carcinoma (n = 15), with a median RT dose of 57.9 Gy. All patients underwent surgical resection; five patients (29%) received radiotherapy; and five patients (29%) received peri‐operative chemotherapy.ResultsThe 5‐year local recurrence and metastatic‐free survival were 61% and 60%, while the 5‐year disease‐specific survival was 53%. Local recurrence was associated with death due to disease (HR 9.06, p = 0.01). Complications occurred in nine of patients, most commonly due to a wound complication (n = 7). At the most recent follow‐up, the median Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score was 63%.ConclusionRA‐STS involving the chest wall are aggressive tumors with a high risk of local relapse and death due to disease. Local recurrence was associated with death due to disease; as such, we recommend aggressive surgical management with evaluation for adjuvant therapies.
Preoperative cognitive function as a risk factor of postoperative delirium in cancer surgeries: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Varpaei Hesam A. , Robbins Lorraine B. , Farhadi Kousha , Bender Catherine M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPostoperative delirium (POD) after cancer surgeries can be a result of chemo brain, anesthesia, surgery duration, and preoperative cognitive impairment. Although older age and preoperative cognitive dysfunction were reported to increase the risk of POD in noncardiac surgery, the role of preoperative cognitive function and age in the development of POD after all types of cancer surgeries is not clear. This study aimed to determine the relationship between preoperative cognitive function and likelihood of POD after cancer surgeries. This study used three main online databases and followed PRISMA guidelines. English language original articles that examined preoperative cognitive function before solid tumor cancer surgery and assessed patients for postoperative delirium were included. We employed the random effect meta‐analysis method. The overall incidence of POD ranged from 8.7% to 50.9%. The confusion assessment method was the most common tool used to assess delirium. Mini‐mental state evaluation (MMSE), Mini‐cog, and Montreal cognitive assessment were the most common tools to assess cognitive function. The pooled (total observation = 4676) random effects SMD was estimated at −0.84 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.30 to −0.31), indicating that lower MMSE scores before surgery are associated with a higher risk of POD. The pooled (total observation = 2668) random effects OR was estimated at 5.17 (95% CI: 2.51 to −10.63), indicating preoperative cognitive dysfunction can significantly predict the occurrence of POD after cancer surgeries. In conclusion, preoperative cognitive function is an independent and significant predictor of POD after solid tumor cancer surgeries.
Recent advances in microscale separation techniques for glycome analysis
Authors: Liu Chenchen , Otsuka Koji , Kawai Takayuki 
Published: June 2024

The glycomic analysis holds significant appeal due to the diverse roles that glycans and glycoconjugates play, acting as modulators and mediators in cellular interactions, cell/organism structure, drugs, energy sources, glyconanomaterials, and more. The glycomic analysis relies on liquid‐phase separation technologies for molecular purification, separation, and identification. As a miniaturized form of liquid‐phase separation technology, microscale separation technologies offer various advantages such as environmental friendliness, high resolution, sensitivity, fast speed, and integration capabilities. For glycan analysis, microscale separation technologies are continuously evolving to address the increasing challenges in their unique manners. This review discusses the fundamentals and applications of microscale separation technologies for glycomic analysis. It covers liquid‐phase separation technologies operating at scales generally less than 100 µm, including capillary electrophoresis, nanoflow liquid chromatography, and microchip electrophoresis. We will provide a brief overview of glycomic analysis and describe new strategies in microscale separation and their applications in glycan analysis from 2014 to 2023.
Comparison of Testicular Sonography and Elastography Findings With Semen Parameters in Cases Investigated for Infertility
Authors: Aliyev Ramil , Hekimsoy İlhan , Tamsel İpek , Ekizalioğlu Duygu Doğa , Kalemci Mustafa Serdar , Altay Barış 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the correlation between testicular shear wave elastography (SWE) values and semen analysis results in men with infertility.MethodsThis was a retrospective case–control study. Patients were categorized as normal, abnormal, or azoospermic based on sperm analysis results. Testicular volume was measured using B‐mode ultrasonography using the Lambert formula. Subsequently, 40–80 regions of interest measuring 1.5 × 1.5 mm were manually positioned in both testicles based on their size, and two‐dimensional SWE was applied through virtual touch imaging quantification software.ResultsThe patients had a mean age of 33.79 ± 6.3 years, with semen analysis revealing normal results in 15 patients (22.4%), pathological findings in 35 patients (52.2%), and azoospermia in 17 patients (25.4%). Right, left, total, and mean testicular volumes were significantly lower in patients with azoospermia compared to those in both normal and impaired semen parameters (P < .05). Conversely, testicular elastography scores were higher in patients with azoospermia than in the other groups (P < .05). The significant negative correlation between volume and elastographic findings remained independent of age (r = 0.4, P < .001). The accuracy rates for detecting impaired semen parameters and azoospermia were 94.3% and 94.1%, respectively, after considering factors such as age, testicular volume (right/left/total), and elastography (right/left/total). Notably, the total mean elastography score ranked first, with 100% in the independent normalized importance distribution of these variables.ConclusionSWE can be used effectively alone or in combination with other diagnostic tools to evaluate histopathological changes in the testicles of male patients with infertility.