bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Community dwelling older adults experience of attending the Emergency Department during COVID-19: A qualitative study
Authors: Ryan Siobhán , Barry Louise , Fitzgerald Christine , Galvin Rose , Doody Owen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a decrease in emergency department (ED) visits, particularly among older adults. The objective of this study is to explore the experiences of older adults attending the ED during COVID-19. Methods: The study utilised a qualitative descriptive approach as part of a larger mixed-methods study. Data were collected at five different ED’s in Ireland, which represented both urban and rural populations. The participants were all aged over 65. Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted 10 days after attending the ED and the interviews were audio-recorded. The interviews were transcribed and imported to NVivo software, and the data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: 16 interviews were conducted with older adults over 65. Three themes emerged following thematic analysis (1) Complexity of decision making regarding the ED attendance (2) Quality and timeliness of care in the ED (3) Communication with and empathy towards healthcare staff in the ED. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the decision-making process and pathway for older adults seeking emergency medical care. Despite the challenges, older adults reported a positive experience in the ED. This was attributed to improved conditions, including shorter triage waiting times and the implementation of COVID-19 protocols. Participants demonstrated resilience and expressed gratitude for the care they received. However, for some participants it was noted there was a reluctance to express any dissatisfaction or complain about the care they received while in the ED. The study also highlighted concerns regarding discharge information and follow-up care for the older adult. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that ED healthcare providers provided quality and timely care to older adults in the ED during COVID-19. However, the need for clear communication and information sharing from healthcare providers on ED discharge and across transitions of care was highlighted as an area needing improvement.
Network medicine informed multi-omics integration identifies drug targets and repurposable medicines for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Cheng Feixiong , Yu Mucen , Xu Jielin , Dutta Ranjan , Trapp Bruce , Pieper Andrew 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating, immensely complex neurodegenerative disease by lack of effective treatments. To date, the challenge to establishing effective treatment for ALS remains formidable, partly due to inadequate translation of existing human genetic findings into actionable ALS-specific pathobiology for subsequent therapeutic development. We developed a network medicine methodology via integrating human brain-specific multi-omics data to prioritize drug targets and repurposable treatments for ALS. Using human brain-specific genome-wide quantitative trait loci (x-QTLs) under a network-based deep learning framework, we identified 105 putative ALS-associated genes enriched in various known ALS pathobiological pathways, including regulation of T cell activation, monocyte differentiation, and lymphocyte proliferation. Specifically, we leveraged non-coding ALS loci effects from genome-wide associated studies (GWAS) on brain-specific expression quantitative trait loci (QTL) (eQTL), protein QTLs (pQTL), splicing QTL (sQTL), methylation QTL (meQTL), and histone acetylation QTL (haQTL). Applying network proximity analysis of predicted ALS-associated gene-coding targets and existing drug-target networks under the human protein-protein interactome (PPI) model, we identified a set of potential repurposable drugs (including Diazoxide, Gefitinib, Paliperidone, and Dimethyltryptamine) for ALS. Subsequent validation established preclinical evidence for top-prioritized repurposable drugs. In summary, we presented a network-based multi-omics framework to identify potential drug targets and repurposable treatments for ALS and other neurodegenerative disease if broadly applied.
Identification of NAC Gene Family and Analysis of Stress Resistance of Haloxylon ammondendron
Authors: Liang Jianshun , LIU Xiashun , ZHOU Guohui , Cheng Cong , Ren Yanping , Ma Li , Wang Bo , Yao Zhengpei , Zhang Hua 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

NAC gene family exists widely in plants and plays an important role in plant response to stress and growth. At present, NAC gene has been identified in many plants, but it has not been fully identified and analyzed in H. ammondendron. In this study, the number and evolution of NAC gene family were analyzed and identified by bioinformatics methods, and the structure, physical and chemical properties, subcellular localization and promoter cis-acting elements of NAC gene family were further analyzed, q-RTPCR was used to analyze the expression pattern analysis. Finally, a total of 71 NAC genes were identified in H. ammondendron, distributed on 9 chromosomes, most of which were located in the nucleus. According to phylogenetic analysis, NAC proteins of H. ammondendron can be divided into seven subfamilies. Analysis of gene structure and conserved domain indicated that different subfamilies had different Motifs, indicating functional diversity. Through qRT-PCR under drought stress and salt stress, HaNAC49 gene was significantly up-regulated under drought stress and salt stress, indicating that they may be involved in regulating the response of H. ammondendron to abiotic stress. Our results indicate that NAC gene family plays an important role in the resistance of H. ammondendron, and provide an important theoretical basis for further research on the function of NAC gene family and the molecular mechanism of H. ammondendron resistance.
Removal of basic fuchsin from wastewater using natural sugar cane bagasse: Investigation of Kinetics, Isotherms, Thermodynamics, and Mechanism Analysis
Authors: imame smail , Atlas Hafssa , Houssaini Jamal , Sadoq Mohamed , Legsaier Mohammed , Loukili Khaoula , Bakkali Karim Mohamed EL , Kirm Ilham , Sannasi Abdullah Palsan , Boukhlifi Fatima 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In recent times, utilizing biomass for adsorption has become a widely adopted approach to diminish contaminants in wastewater before its discharge into the environment. Our objective is to scrutinize the adsorption process of Basic Fuchsin (BF) on sugarcane bagasse (SCB). The investigation involves optimizing the process by exploring parameters such as bio-adsorbent mass, contact time, temperature, and the pH of the BF solution. The findings indicate that BF adsorption on SCB is most effective in a basic environment, attributed to electrostatic interactions between the negatively charged SCB surface within this pH range and the organic cations of the dye. Under optimal conditions, BF removal by SCB reaches 97%. Kinetic modeling of adsorption reveals that the pseudo-second-order model best describes BF adsorption on SCB, while isotherm modeling indicates that Langmuir and Freundlich models provide the most accurate descriptions. The Langmuir separation coefficient RL and the Freundlich parameter 1/n both fall below 1, signifying the favorability of BF adsorption on SCB. Thermodynamic assessments underscore the spontaneity of the BF adsorption process on SCB. Overall, the study results underscore the capability of SCB as a bio-adsorbent for removing organic dyes from aqueous solutions.
Next Generation Sequencing of Amplified DNA of Circulating Tumor Cells in Resectable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Comparative Analysis with Primary Cancer Tissue and Cell-Free DNA
Authors: Kim Woojung , Cho Sukki , Lee Joonseok , Lee Jinsu , Ji Soojeong , Sung Hyejin , Jung Woohyun , Jeon Jae Hyun , Kim Kwhanmien , Jheon Sanghoon 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are thought to play a major role in the distant metastasis of lung cancer. However, their mutational profile has not been extensively studied. This study analyzed the amplified DNA from CTCs, using next generation sequencing to identify mutations and compare them with those found in primary cancer tissue and cell-free DNA (cfDNA).
Methods
Fifty patients with resectable primary lung cancer were prospectively enrolled from August 2023 to December 2023. Whole blood samples and cancer tissues were collected during routine curative surgery. Targeted panel sequencing was performed on the cancer tissues, cfDNA, and amplified DNA from CTC.
Results
Thirty-seven patients (74.0%) had adenocarcinoma, and 33 (66.0%) were classified as stage 1. Library construction for cancer tissue, cfDNA, and CTCs was successful in 50 (100%), 49 (98%), and 34 (68%) of patients, respectively. The top 10 mutated genes differed significantly across the sample types. CTCs predominantly harbored mutations in tumor suppressor genes, whereas cancer tissues exhibited mutations in both oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. The most frequently mutated gene in CTCs was MSH6, followed by FANCE, while EGFR and CDH1 were the most common in cancer tissue and cfDNA, respectively. Compared to cancer tissue, the mutational profile of CTCs was more closely associated with the following cancer hallmarks: evasion of anti-growth signaling, replicative immortality, and invasion/metastasis.
Conclusion
Amplified CTC DNA had specific mutations distinct from cancer tissue and cfDNA in resectable primary lung cancer. Some of these mutations may be essential for the transformation of cancer cells into CTCs.
The change of subjective grading and objective assessment in Asian young adults after switching to a silicone hydrogel daily disposable contact lens
Authors: Chen Yayu , Yang Renyu , Sun Hanyin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate the comfort and tear film stability of verofilcon A lenses among young Asian adults.
Methods
56 participants wore verofilcon A lenses for 8–10 hours daily for a week. Subjective assessments, including comfort, visual quality, and eye dryness, were conducted using a numerical rating scale (0–100) on the first and seventh days. Noninvasive tear breakup time (NITBUT), bulbar conjunctival redness (BR), tear meniscus height (TMH), and meibography were measured with the Keratograph M5 at baseline, the first day, and the seventh day.
Results
After the seventh day, subjective ratings showed increased comfort and decreased visual quality and dryness. Comfort and visual quality scores on the first and seventh days were above 85 points, with no significant differences. The average NITBUT significantly improved 15 minutes and 8 hours post-lens application compared to baseline measures (P = 0.019). Tear meniscus height was highest at baseline, with a marginal decrease observed following both 15 minutes and 8 hours of verofilcon A lenses wear (P < 0.001). The most pronounced bulbar conjunctival redness was noted at baseline, decreasing significantly after switching to verofilcon A lenses (P = 0.002). Notably, NITBUT was found to be significantly positively correlated with comfort (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
The switch to daily disposable verofilcon A lenses resulted in maintained comfort and improved tear film stability in the young Asian population studied. A significant positive correlation was observed between NITBUT and subjective measures of comfort.
View Classification and Tooth Detection/Classification with Deep Learning in Intraoral Images
Authors: Seino Yuta , Miwa Yuto , Muramatsu Chisako , Takahashi Ryo , Hayashi Tatsuro , Zhou Xiangrong , Hara Takeshi , Iida Yukihiro , Katsumura Akitoshi , Fujita Hiroshi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this study, we utilize intraoral images for deep learning to provide valuable supports to dentists. This study unfolds in two main phases. Initially, ResNet152 is used to classify which part of the dental arch is captured in the intraoral image. Following that, we utilize YOLOv5s for teeth detection and tooth type classification. Additionally, this study discusses post-processing techniques applied after YOLOv5s. We fine-tuned ResNet152, originally pre-trained on the ImageNet dataset, with our dataset of 290 cases. Each case included a set of five views: a frontal view, two lateral views (left and right), and two occlusal views (upper and lower). Subsequently, we fine-tuned YOLOv5s, which was pre-trained on the Microsoft Common Objects in Context (MS COCO) dataset, with 215 cases for the tooth detection/classification. In the first phase, classifying the views into five categories with ResNet152 achieved a 100% accuracy rate. In the subsequent phase, complemented by the post-processing, the YOLOv5s models for tooth detection/classification yielded accuracy rates of 97% for the upper occlusal views, 94% for the lower occlusal views, and 87% for the frontal views. Our proposal outperformed the existing research in accuracy, promising significant clinical advancements.
Classification of variant portal vein anatomy based on three-dimensional CT: surgical implications
Authors: LIU ZHEYU , SHEN TIANNI , XIA KEXIN , HE JUNYE , RUI TIANHAO , CHEN WEI 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purposes: The purpose of this study was to develop a new and more comprehensive classification system for portal vein (PV) variations using three-dimensional visualization and evaluation (3DVE) and to discuss the prevalence rates and clinical implications of the variants.
Methods: The anatomies of PVs were tracked and analyzed by using three-dimensional visualization of CT images acquired between 2013 and 2022. Scans from 200 adults were evaluated and a total of 178 patients (N = 178) were included in the study. The new classification system, named BLB classification, was developed based on the level of the absent PV branch in each variant anatomy.
Results: Using the BLB classification system, PVs were divided into thirteen subtypes. Only 82.6-84.8 percent of the portal veins of the 178 patients were depicted in Atri’s, Cheng’s or Covey’s classification, compared with 100 percent identified by the BLB classification. The BLB classification was validated against external data sets from previous studies, with 97.0-98.9 percent of patients classified by the BLB system.
Conclusion: Variant PV anatomies are more commonly seen based on 3DVE than in previous reports. The BLB classification covers almost all portal vein variants and may be used for planning liver surgery.
Genetic Evidence Supports a Causal Association Between Dietary Factors and Osteoarthritis: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Han Ying , Huang Zhibin , Lin Minjian , Chen Fenyong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective: Observational studies have previously suggested a relationship between diet and osteoarthritis (OA). However, whether there is a causal association between dietary choices and OA, including knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and hip osteoarthritis (HOA), remained uncertain.
Method: We conducted our analysis using summary-level data on dietary factors and OA outcomes (KOA and HOA) obtained from the IEU Open GWAS project. The primary analysis relied on the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method to determine if various dietary factors were causally associated with KOA or HOA.
Results: Our study revealed a genetic association between certain dietary factors and the risk of KOA and HOA. Specifically, alcohol intake (OR 1.26, 95%CI 1.05-1.52, p = 0.014) and coffee consumption (OR 2.05, 95%CI 1.61-2.61, p-value 0.000) were genetically linked to an increased risk of KOA. In contrast, cheese consumption (OR 0.61, 95%CI 0.48-0.76, p = 0.000), cereal intake (OR 0.58, 95%CI 0.37-0.90, p =0.014), and dried fruit consumption (OR 0.44, 95%CI 0.26-0.76, p = 0.003) were identified as protective factors against KOA. Additionally, genetically predicted coffee intake (OR 1.63, 95%CI 1.11-2.61, p = 0.012) and pork consumption (OR 2.18, 95%CI 1.03-4.61, p =0.041) showed positive associations with HOA.
Conclusion: This study provides genetic evidence supporting a causal association between specific dietary choices and the risk of OA. These findings complement earlier retrospective studies and offer valuable insights into potential strategies for preventing OA.
Comparison of intensity normalization methods in prostate, brain, and breast cancer multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Duenweg Savannah R. , Bobholz Samuel A. , Lowman Allison K. , Winiarz Aleksandra , Nath Biprojit , Barrett Michael J. , Kyereme Fitzgerald , Vincent-Sheldon Stephanie , LaViolette Peter S. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Intensity variation in multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MP-MRI) poses challenges for MRI analyses. Previous studies have employed several normalization methods, but a lack of consensus on which results in the most comparable images exists. This study analyzed MP-MRI data from patients with prostate, brain, or breast cancer to evaluate common intensity normalization methods to best harmonize intensities across sites, vendors, and magnetic field strengths. Additionally, we calculated radiomic features after normalization to assess downstream effects. In prostate cancer, normalization methods were tested on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), including a subset scanned with and without an endorectal coil (ERC). In glioblastoma (GBM) patients, methods were evaluated on various MRI sequences. For breast cancer, methods were tested on T1-weighted nonfat-suppressed images. All methods were compared using a two one-sided test (TOST) to test for equivalence of mean and standard deviation of intensity distributions. Across every comparison, the Z-score of intensity within a mask of the organ consistently provided an equivalent distribution (all p < 0.001). Likewise, Z-score normalization provided the highest percentage of radiomic features that were statistically. Our results suggest that normalizing intensity using the Z-score of MRI intensity within an organ mask produces the most comparable intensities across multiple settings.
Study on fissure evolution of overlying rock in lower protective mining
Authors: Wang Xiaolei , Cheng Junjie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Protective layer mining is the most effective and economical technical measure to prevent coal and gas outburst accidents. At present, in the study of multiple concentrated coal layer stress, plastic damage and mining pressure discharge range, there are problems such as less research on the protection effect of protective layer and less measured measurement points resulting in large experimental error. In view of the above problems, Taking the 2305 working face of a Shanxi mine as the test mine, The crack evolution characteristics of downhole drilling were detected by this method, By means of the deep base point technology, And study the plastic damage, pressure relief characteristics and expansion characteristics in the mining process of protective layer, The findings suggest that, The crack development of the protective layer is mainly characterized by small width and quantity, After protective exploitation, The number of width and number of cracks were significantly increased, The injection is three times higher than before the protective mining, The degree of fissure development is greatly improved; The settlement change of each rock layer on the basic top presents periodic and nonlinear changes, Divided into the initial deformation, violent deformation, deformation and decline of the three periods; The plastic damage area, pressure relief curve and expansion curve of protective layer are "saddle type", The overall pressure discharge rate of the protected layer has decreased by 60%, To meet the requirements of the critical value of expansion rate in the Detailed Rules for preventing Coal and Gas outburst, The protective layer mining technology applies to other working faces of the coal mine.
Maximizing Oxaliplatin's Impact on EGFR+ Colorectal Cancer Through Targeted Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Chien Shang-Tao , Huang Yi-Jung , Huang Ming-Yii , Fang Yi-Ping , Chao Shi-Wei , Li Chia-Tse , Jhang Wun-Ya , Hsu Yun-Han , Wang Shuo-Hung , Chuang Chih-Hung 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the ability of extracellular vesicles (EVs) to deliver oxaliplatin to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR+) colorectal cancer cells and increase oxaliplatin’s cytotoxicity.
Method: Oxaliplatin was passively loaded into a stable cell line expressing cetuximab in membranes. EVs were collected and characterized for size, and their ability to target EGFR+ cells was tested. Cytotoxicity experiments were performed, and a xenograft cancer animal model was used to confirm the specific accumulation of oxaliplatin-loaded EVs with cetuximab-expressing membranes in EGFR+ cells.
Results: EVs with cetuximab-expressing membranes were successfully produced and used to encapsulate oxaliplatin, resulting in consistently sized oxaliplatin-loaded EVs with cetuximab-expressing membranes. The oxaliplatin-loaded EVs with cetuximab-expressing membranes were specifically internalized by EGFR+ cells, leading to significant cytotoxic effects on these cells. In the animal model, the oxaliplatin-loaded EVs with cetuximab-expressing membranes accumulated specifically in EGFR+ cells and significantly enhanced oxaliplatin’s therapeutic efficacy against EGFR+ cancer cells.
Conclusion: EVs with membrane-expressed bioactive molecules are a promising strategy for delivering therapeutic agents to EGFR+ colorectal cancer cells.
Time persistence of climate and carbon flux networks
Authors: Havlin Shlomo , Qing Ting , Wang Fan , Li Qiuyue , Dong Gaogao , Tian Lixin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The persistence of the global climate system is critical for assuring the sustainability of the natural ecosystem. However, persistence at a network level has been rarely discussed. Here we develop a framework to analyze the time persistence of the yearly networks of climate and carbon flux, based on cross-correlations between sites, using daily data from China, the contiguous United States, and the Europe land region. Our framework for determining the persistence is based on analyzing the similarity between the network structures in different years. Our results reveal that the similarity of climate and carbon flux networks in different years are within the range of 0.57±0.07, implying that the climate and carbon flux in the Earth's climate system are generally persistent and in a steady state. We find a very small decay in similarity when the gap between years increases. Moreover, we find that the persistence of climate variables and carbon flux in the three regions decreases when considering only long range links. Analyzing the persistence and evolution of the climate and carbon flux networks, enhance our understanding of the spatial and temporal evolution of the global climate system.