bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TPF induction chemotherapy versus PF adjuvant chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a multicenter, randomized controlled phase III trial
Authors: Jin Feng , He Qianyong , Li Yuanyuan , Long Jinhua , Luo Xiuling , Gong Xiuyun , Wu Weili , Chen Xiaoxiao , Ma Faqiang , Gou Xiaoxia , Luo LI , Liu Lina , Li Zhuoling , Zhao Chaofen , Wu Huajing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The efficacy and safety of TPF-induced chemotherapy(IC) combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy(CCRT) compared to CCRT and sequential PF-adjuvant chemotherapy(AC) lack randomized controlled clinical trials for evaluation, so the comparative efficacy and safety between the two approaches remain unclear. In this phase III trial(NCT03574324), 266 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the IC group or the AC group. The IC group received TPF followed by CCRT, while the AC group received CCRT followed by PF. We are reporting on the primary outcome of progression-free survival (PFS) and secondary endpoints of overall survival(OS), locoregional relapse-free survival(LRFS), distant metastasis-free survival(DMFS), and toxicity profile. The 3-year PFS was similar between the two groups, with 79% for the IC group and 74.5% for the AC group (P = 0.454) at a median follow-up of 39 months. Similar findings were observed with no significant disparities in terms of OS, LRFS, and DMFS between the two treatment cohorts. Both groups had similar compliance rates for radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but the IC group experienced fewer toxic effects during CCRT, such as swallowing and dryness (40 [30.53%] vs 56 [43.75%] patients and 58 [44.27%] vs 86 [67.19%] patients, respectively).In this randomized clinical trial, IC did not improve 3-year PFS for LA-NPC patients but it did reduce the incidence rates of swallowing and dry mouth during radiotherapy.
Intein-mediated split SaCas9 for genome editing in plants
Authors: Sun Yongwei , Hu Danling , Hu Lizhe , Lu Yaqiang , Dong Xiao , Cao Xingyu , Bai Shasha , Qi Zhi , Li Dongming , Zhang Lingang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Virus-induced genome editing (VIGE) technologies have been developed to address the limitations of plant genome editing, which heavily relies on genetic transformation and regeneration. However, the application of VIGE in plants is hampered by the challenge posed by the size of the commonly used gene-editing nucleases, Cas9 and Cas12a. To address this challenge, our study explores the potential application of inteins in VIGE, internal protein elements known for mediating post-translational protein splicing by self-excising from precursor proteins and ligating adjacent protein sequences. We demonstrate that an intein-mediated split SaCas9 system not only functions effectively in plant genome editing but also achieves efficiency comparable to that of the wild-type SaCas9. Importantly, we have successfully implemented VIGE using this intein-mediated split SaCas9 system in sheepgrass, a Gramineae forage that is notoriously difficult to genetically transform.
Extended Postoperative Ciprofloxacin Prophylaxis for Post-Phacoemulsification Endophthalmitis
Authors: Ciftci Suleyman 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study investigated the efficacy of extended oral ciprofloxacin prophylaxis in reducing the incidence of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery.
Setting
Single-center study conducted at a tertiary health facility.
Design:
This was a retrospective observational study.
Methods
This study was conducted on patients who underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery. Two cohorts were analyzed: one receiving oral ciprofloxacin twice daily for one week post-surgery and another not receiving ciprofloxacin. The patients who did not receive ciprofloxacin were operated on between June 2013 and October 2019, while the others underwent surgery between June 2011 and April 2021. Endophthalmitis incidence, patient demographics, and surgical variables were assessed between the two groups. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact tests, logistic regression, and Kaplan‒Meier estimates.
Results
Out of 1172 eyes (1015 patients), 548 received ciprofloxacin, and 624 did not. The ciprofloxacin group reported a 0% incidence of endophthalmitis compared to 0.8% in the non ciprofloxacin group. While the chi-square test revealed significant differences (p = 0.036), Fisher’s exact test did not reach significance at values less than < 0.05. The efficacy of oral ciprofloxacin in preventing endophthalmitis was 100%. The odds ratios for sex, age, and unilateral/bilateral surgery were not significant. Challenges in achieving statistical significance, attributable to zero events in the ciprofloxacin group, were acknowledged.
Conclusion
Oral administration of two 750 mg tablets of ciprofloxacin per day for one week after phacoemulsification surgery is superior to a single intracameral antibiotic injection as an additional treatment.
Microbially-enhanced silicate weathering in agricultural soils to remove carbon dioxide
Authors: Timmermann-Aranis Tania , Wemmer Kimberly , Yip Christopher , Yang Yun-Ya , Chowdhury Anupam , Dores Daniel , Takayama Taichi , Nademanee Sharon , Traag Bjorn , Zamanian Kazem , Gonzalez Bernardo , Breecker Daniel O , Fierer Noah , Slessarev Eric , Fuenzalida-Meriz Gonzalo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Silicate weathering moderates atmospheric CO2 levels over geologic time but proceeds naturally at rates too slow to substantially mitigate anthropogenic emissions. Microorganisms can accelerate silicate weathering and may thereby augment carbon dioxide removal. Here, we demonstrate that Bacillus subtilis strain MP1 can couple silicate dissolution with carbonate precipitation to capture CO2. In culture, MP1 formed biofilm in the presence of feldspar and increased silicate dissolution rates, pH and calcium carbonate formation relative to MP1-free controls. In a soil column experiment, MP1 enhanced inorganic carbon accumulation and the levels of available Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, and Al3+. These results suggest that MP1 was able to accelerate the weathering of silicates naturally present in the soil to release cations. In field experiments, application of MP1 increased soil inorganic carbon and exchangeable calcium, resulting in a gross accrual of 2.02 tonnes inorganic C ha-1 y-1 in the uppermost 30 cm of the soil column. Our results are consistent with a 'trans' calcification type model in which MP1 links silicate dissolution with calcite precipitation via cross-biofilm Ca2+ and proton transport. Furthermore, our results demonstrate the potential for microbially-enhanced silicate weathering in agricultural soils to promote inorganic carbon accumulation and removal of atmospheric CO2.
RETRACTED: HPLC analysis of QWBD and the mechanism by which it improves acute lung injury
Authors: He Yanling , Mao Xiangzheng , Feng Jinhui , Wang Wenting , Li Sha , Wang Bin , Wei Hao , Liu Jiping , Chao Xu , Zhao Peng , Dong Taiwei , Guoquan Wang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Classifying and Forecasting Seismic Event Characteristics Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Bustos Kameron , Maazallahi Abbas , Salari Mohammad Amir , Snir Eli , Norouzzadeh Payam , Rahmani Bahareh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Seismic events present a significant global threat, underscoring the need for effective models to provide insights into these natural disasters. This paper addresses the critical need for advanced seismic event analysis by combining traditional data analysis with cutting-edge machine learning models. The primary objective is to develop models that classify seismic events into different types based on their geological and seismic characteristics and forecast their magnitude. The seismic activities categorized into groups by magnitude to enhance the understanding of these phenomena. Location-Based and Seismic Characteristics Features are utilized in seven machine learning models: Rule-Based Classifier, K-mean Classifier, Decision Trees, Random Forest, Support Vector Machines (SVM), k-Nearest Neighbors (kNN), and Logistic Regression. This approach aims to provide valuable insights into seismic activities, contributing to the development of more nuanced disaster analysis and early warning systems.
Mapping Novel Frataxin Mitochondrial Networks Through Protein- Protein Interactions
Authors: Gnimpieba Etienne , Diing D M , Ailts Jared , Cucak Anja , Gakh Olaksandr , Isaya Grazia , Vitiello Seasson , Wang Shirley , Pierce Paul , Cooper Alec , Roux Kyle , Rogers Lynette K. , Vitiello Peter F. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Friedreich’s Ataxia (FRDA) is a neuromuscular degenerative disorder caused by trinucleotide expansions in the first intron of the frataxin (FXN) gene, resulting in insufficient levels of functional FNX protein. Deficits in FXN involve mitochondrial disruptions including iron-sulfur cluster synthesis and impaired energetics. These studies were to identify unique protein-protein interactions with FXN to better understand its function and design therapeutics. Two complementary approaches were employed, BioID and Co-IP, to identify protein interactions with FXN at the direct binding, indirect binding, and non-proximal levels. Forty-one novel protein interactions were identified by BioID and IP techniques. The FXN protein landscape was further analyzed incorporating both interaction type and functional pathways using a maximum path of 6 proteins with a potential direct interaction between FXN and NFS1. Probing the intersection between FXN-protein landscape and biological pathways associated with FRDA, we identified 41 proteins of interest. Peroxiredoxin 3 (Prdx3) was chosen for further analysis because of its role in mitochondrial oxidative injury. Our data has demonstrated the strengths of employing complementary methods to identify a unique interactome for FXN. Our data provides new insights into FXN function and regulation, a potential direct interaction between FXN and NFS1, and pathway interactions between FXN and Prdx3.
Global existence of mild solutions to non-autonomous stochastic evolution equations
Authors: Zhao Huani 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We investigate the global existence of mild solutions for Cauchy problem to a class of non-autonomous stochastic evolution equations with additive noise, where the operators in linear part depend on time $t$ and generate compact evolution family. Finally, we provide an illustrative example of practical significance to show the practical usefulness of the theoretical results that are obtained in this paper. The results obtained in this paper are supplement to the existing literature and essentially extend some existing results in this area.
Mathematics Subject Classification(2010): 37B55; 37L55; 47J35; 60H15
LINC01132 and LINC02542 modulate the PIK3/ACT signaling pathway in colorectal cancer patients through regulation of IGF2: a systems biology-based biomarker discovery
Authors: Jalalimanesh Fatemeh , Azadeh Mansoureh , Sasan Hosein Ali , Rezaei Mohammad 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
There is ample evidence to suggest that colorectal cancer has unique originations and genetic changes and immune profiles indicating that colorectal cancer is a diverse disease.
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) perform different duties in controlling gene transcription, post-transcriptional mechanisms, translation, and epigenetic changes. dysregulated expression of lncRNAs is closely associated with a variety of medical conditions.
Method
A comprehensive bioinformatics analysis was conducted to make an informed prediction about the potential biomarkers. The selection of RNAs for this investigation was based on Microarray data analysis, enrichment analyses (pathway, GO), and direct/indirect interaction. Various statistical methods were used to assess differences in expression in the CRC samples, RNA correlations, and the potential for consideration as prognostic or diagnostic biomarkers (ROC and clinicopathological analysis).
Result
The bioinformatics analysis revealed that LINC01132 (logFC: 2.361870571, adj. P. Val < 0.05) and LINC02542 (logFC: 2.456774839, adj. P. Val < 0.05) are significantly up-regulated in CRC and have the potential to be diagnostic biomarkers for the disease, as indicated by their high area under the curve (AUC) values (LINC01132, AUC:0/9475, P. Value <0.0001 and LINC02542, AUC: 0/9075, P. Value <0.0001). Additionally, LINC02542 was found to have a positive correlation with the survival rate of CRC cases (HR: 1.8, log-rank p: 0.02). Both LINC01132 and LINC02542 were found to interact with IGF2(sum of local base-pairing energy of LINC02542: -354.52 kcal/mol, and energy of LINC01132: -69.82 kcal/mol).
Conclusion
LINC01132 and LINC02542 are novel lncRNAs in CRC, and Let-7e-5p miRNA may modulate the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in CRC through indirect effects on IGF2.
Detection and Analysis of Offensive Online Content in Hausa Language
Authors: Adam Fatima Muhammad , Zandam Abubakar Yakubu , Inuwa-Dutse Isa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Hausa, a major Chadic language spoken by over 100 million people in Africa, faces a challenge in the digital age. While widely used, it is considered a low-resource language from a computational linguistic perspective. This means there are limited resources and tools to analyse Hausa text, making it difficult to detect offensive and threatening language online. Our study aimed to bridge this gap. We conducted two user studies (n = 180) to understand cyberbullying in Hausa. We then created the first-ever dataset of offensive and threatening Hausa phrases to train detection systems. We developed a system to flag such content and compared it to Google translation’s ability to detect these terms. Our findings revealed a concerning trend: offensive and threatening language is prevalent online, especially in discussions about religion and politics. Our detection system was able to detect more than 70% of offensive and threatening content, although many of these were mistranslated by Google’s translation engine. We attribute this to the subtle relationship between offensive and threatening content and idiomatic expressions in the Hausa language. This highlights the importance of considering cultural nuances and idiomatic expressions in Hausa. To create a safer online environment for Hausa speakers, we recommend involving diverse stakeholders who understand local contexts and demographics. This will allow for the development of more accurate detection systems and targeted moderation strategies.
Trigger Warning: Readers may find some of the terms in this study distressing or disturbing; all examples are for illustration only.
Raising awareness may increase the likelihood of hematopoietic stem cell donation: analysis of a nationwide survey using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Conte Luana , Nunzio Giorgio , Lupo Roberto , Cioce Marco , Vitale Elsa , Ianne Chiara , Rubbi Ivan , Martino Massimo , Lombardini Letizia , Vassanelli Aurora , Pupella Simonetta , Pollichieni Simona , Sacchi Nicoletta , Ciceri Fabio , Botti Stefano 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: In Italy, the demand for allogeneic transplantation exceeds the number of compatible donors registered in the Italian Bone Marrow Donor Registry (IBMDR). As various factors likely contribute to the donor shortage, our aim was to explore the knowledge, beliefs, opinions, values, and feelings of the Italian population regarding stem cell donation.
Methods: An online survey was shared through social media. Two groups of respondents were retrospectively identified as those who were (currently or previously) registered on the IBMDR (Donor Group) and those who had never registered (Non-Donor Group). Statistical analyses were performed to confirm the relationship between respondents’ knowledge level and their willingness to donate. Then, a generative artificial intelligence strategy was applied using questionnaire responses as features to train 6 different classifiers for machine learning process. The aim was to predict the probability of IBMDR enrollment.
Results: A total of 1518 respondents from throughout Italy participated in the study. Among NDG, a lower level of knowledge of donation needs (51.7% vs 24.4%, p<0.001) and negative feelings such as fear (Z=-2.2642, p=0.02), perplexity (Z=4.4821, p<0.001), and uncertainty (Z=3.3425, p<0.001) emerged. A higher level of knowledge about stem cell donation and associated processes predicted a greater likelihood of IBMDR enrollment. The machine learning analysis showed an area under the ROC curve (AUC) ranging from 0.65 to 0.81, depending on the classifier.
Conclusions: The results underscore the need to improve strategies to raise awareness and knowledge of stem cell donation and its associated process among the Italian population.
Reduced ATP turnover during hibernation in relaxed skeletal muscle
Authors: Blaauw Bert , de Napoli Cosimo , Schmidt Luisa , Montesel Mauro , Cussonneau Laura , Sanniti Samuele , Marcucci Lorenzo , Germinario Elena , Kindberg Jonas , Evans Alina , Gauquelin-Koch Guillemette , Bertile Fabrice , Lefai Etienne , krüger Marcus , Nogara Leonardo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In mammals, loss of food intake and reduced mechanical loading/activity of skeletal muscles leads to a very rapid loss in mass and function. However, during hibernation in bears, despite spending months without feeding and with very modest muscle activity, only moderate muscle wasting is observed. Part of this tissue sparing is due to a highly reduced metabolic activity in almost all tissues, including skeletal muscle. Myosin, one of the most abundant proteins in skeletal muscle, has different metabolic activities in resting muscle. To evaluate the ATPase activity of myosin in hibernating bears, we performed an analysis on a single muscle fiber level. Individual fibers were taken from biopsies of the same bears either during hibernation or during the active phase in the summer. We confirm that muscle fibers from hibernating bears show no loss of fiber size and a mild reduction in force generating capacity. Interestingly, we find a significant reduction in ATPase activity of single muscle fibers taken from hibernating bears, which is caused by a reduced myosin ATP turnover. Single fiber proteomics analysis shows a major remodeling of their proteome, which is similar between different fiber types. Both type 2A and type 1/2A mixed fibers show a marked reduction in mitochondrial proteins during hibernation, with a decrease in proteins linked to the TCA cycle and mitochondrial translation. Western blotting, electron microscope and immunohistochemical analyses confirm mitochondrial alterations in winter muscles.
Using bioinformatical approaches based on the significant proteome changes, we found a decrease in Myosin Light Chain Kinase (MYLK2) targets in winter muscles compared to summer samples. This outcome was confirmed by western blotting analyses of both phosphorylated myosin light chain and MYLK2, which is a known stimulator of basal myosin ATPase activity. These results suggest that reduced myosin ATPase activity is one of the evolutionary adaptations adopted by resting skeletal muscle during hibernation to minimize energy expenditure. Interestingly, this suggests modulation of myosin ATPase activity as a new possible target to combat muscle wasting diseases, particularly those linked to altered metabolism.
The effect of conditional cash transfers on tuberculosis incidence and mortality is determined by ethnoracial and socioeconomic factors: a cohort study of 54 million individuals in Brazil
Authors: Rasella Davide , Jesus Gabriela , Pinto Priscila , Silva Andréa , Cavalcanti Daniella , Lua Iracema , Ichihara Maria , Barreto Mauricio , Boccia Delia , Sanchez Mauro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background. Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT) are the world’s most widely implemented interventions for poverty alleviation. Still, there is no solid evidence of the CCT effects on the reduction of the burden of Tuberculosis (TB) in marginalized and extremely vulnerable populations. We estimated the effect of the Bolsa Família Program (BFP), the largest CCT in the world, on TB incidence, mortality, and case-fatality rate using a nationwide cohort of 54.5 million individuals during a 12-year period in Brazil.
Methods. We selected low-income individuals who entered in the 100 Million Brazilians Cohort and were linked to nationwide TB registries between 2004 to 2015, and compared BFP beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries using a quasi-experimental impact evaluation design. We employed inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) multivariable Poisson regressions, adjusted for all relevant socioeconomic, demographic, and healthcare confounding variables - at individual and municipal level. Subsequently, we evaluated BFP effects for different subpopulations according to ethnoracial factors, wealth levels, sex, and age. We also performed several sensitivity and triangulation analyses to verify the robustness of the estimates.
Findings. Exposure to BFP was associated with a large reduction in TB incidence in the low-income individuals under study (adjusted rate ratio [aRR]:0.59;95%CI:0.58-0.60) and mortality (aRR:0.69;95%CI:0.65-0.73). The strongest BFP effect was observed in Indigenous people both for TB incidence (aRR:0.37;95%CI:0.32-0.42), and mortality-aRR:0.35;95%CI:0.20-0.62), and in Black and Pardo people (Incidence-aRR:0.58;95%CI:0.57-0.59; Mortality -aRR:0.69;95%CI:0,64-0,73). BFP effects showed a clear gradient according to wealth levels and were considerably stronger among the extremely poor individuals for TB incidence (aRR:0.49, 95%CI:0.49-0.50) and mortality (aRR:0.60;95%CI:0.55-0.65). The BFP effects on case-fatality rates were also positive, however without statistical significance.
Interpretation. CCT can strongly reduce TB incidence and mortality in extremely poor, Indigenous, Black and Pardo populations, and could significantly contribute to achieving the End TB Strategy targets and the TB-related Sustainable Development Goals.
Increasing Sugarcane Salinity Resistance with Silicon Fertilizer by Preventing the Absorption of Na+ and Cl- and Improve Antioxidant Defense System
Authors: Ansori Ali , Nabipour Majid , Farzaneh Masoumeh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aims
Irrigation with saline water is becoming increasingly common in arid and semi-arid environments, where irrigation is necessary for crop production. However, the high demand for sugarcane and limited access to water in these areas pose significant challenges. This study aims to determine the effect of powdered silicon fertilizer on the ability of sugarcane to withstand salinity stress.
Methods
This study uses a split-split plot design within a completely randomized design (CRD). The main plot factors included three levels of salinity: control of 1.4±0.2 dS.m-1 (S0) from the river water source, salinity stress of 4.1±0.2 dS.m-1 (S1), and salinity stress of 8.2±0.2 dS.m-1 (S2) from the drain water source, with a sub-factor of variety treatment (CP73-21 (V1) and CP69-1062 (V2)).
Results
The results indicated that salinity stress led to a reduction in stem height, SPAD index, relative water content, stomatal conductance, and photosynthesis rate compared to the control by 65.5%, 27%, 10.8%, 38.5%, and 41.8%, respectively. In addition, the concentrations of Na+ and Cl- in the leaves, electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde, and proline, increased by 75%, 50%, 22.7%, 81.5%, and 67%, respectively.
Conclusions
However, nutrition silicon one month before salinity stress improved physiological, biochemical, and cell membrane stability characteristics and maintained leaf photosynthesis. Overall, the results illustrate that feeding sugarcane with silicon (Si) fertilizer can improve its tolerance to salinity stress by enhancing physiological processes, antioxidant enzymes, and ionic homeostasis.