bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association Between Sex Hormones Levels and Cancer Prevalence in Women, Especially Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhao Feng , Zhang Feng , Sun Hao , Cheng Guangdong , Xin Ran , Miao Xin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Estradiol and testosterone are the two most important sex hormones in the human body. Previous studies have shown that these two sex hormones have a certain relationship with the prevalence of cancer. In this study, we included a total of 3532 female subjects, the number of cancer was 366, which is 10.36% of the total study population, and the number of breast cancer was 97, with a prevalence of 2.75%.
Methods
Subject data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis, WQS and qgcomp analysis. Measures in the demographic characteristics data were described as mean (SD) to describe the distribution, and t-tests were used to determine differences between groups. Count data were expressed as N (%), and the chi-square test was used to determine differences between groups. The determining factor in the process of determining the critical value of ROC is the Yoden index.The point where the ROC index is maximum serves as the optimal cutoff point for the continuum variable.
Results
The results of multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed a negative correlation between testosterone levels and cancer prevalence, and a negative correlation between estradiol levels and breast cancer prevalence. Cancer prevalence and breast cancer prevalence were both lower in people with high estradiol and testosterone levels. Each quartile increase in the WQS index was associated with a 24% (OR:0.76,95% CI:0.63–0.91) reduction in the risk of cancer, and a 35% (OR:0.65,95% CI:0.44–0.96) reduction in the risk of breast cancer. Each quartile increase in the qgcomp index was associated with a 17% (OR:0.83,95%CI:0.70–0.97) reduction in cancer risk and a 39% (OR:0.61,95%CI:0.44–0.84) reduction in breast cancer risk.
Conclusion
Serum testosterone levels were more significantly and negatively correlated with cancer prevalence in women. Serum estradiol levels were more significantly and negatively correlated with breast cancer prevalence.
Exploring Optimal NTO Parameters for Single Brain Metastases Stereotactic Treatments: A Study of Non-Coplanar RapidArc and HyperArc Approaches
Authors: Muthu Sivakumar , Mudhana Gopinath 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
To determine optimal values for parameters of manual normal tissue objectives (mNTO) in non-coplanar RapidArc (RA) SRS plans and compare them with HyperArc (HA) plans
Methods and Materials:
Eighteen patients with single solitary brain metastases, receiving 21 Gy prescriptions, were retrospectively enrolled. Non-coplanar RapidArc plans (RA-mNTO) were generated using mNTO for a range of dose fall-off values (0.1–5.0 mm− 1) and end dose values (50%, 25%, 10%). Additionally, HyperArc plans were generated using SRS NTO (HA-sNTO) and manual NTO (HA-mNTO), with optimal parameters derived from RA-mNTO plans. Plans were created using TrueBeam 6 MV-FFF and Eclipse 16.1 TPS. Plans were evaluated using parameters: Paddick Conformity Index (CI), Gradient Index (GI), Homogeneity Index (HI), Brain-GTV (18Gy, 15Gy & 12Gy), MU, and delivery accuracy. Plan comparisons utilized an integrated scoring approach and Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
Results:
The optimal RA-mNTO plan, with 0.5 mm− 1 dose fall-off and 25% end-dose values, significantly surpassed HA plans (p < 0.05) in CI, GI, and HI values (0.92 ± 0.02, 2.99 ± 0.15, 0.32 ± 0.05 vs. 0.91 ± 0.03, 3.40 ± 0.18, 0.39 ± 0.04 for HA-sNTO, and 0.91 ± 0.03, 3.16 ± 0.23, 0.40 ± 0.05 for HA-mNTO). Furthermore, RA-mNTO significantly (p < 0.05) reduced brain doses at V18Gy (0.90 ± 0.40), V15Gy (1.85 ± 0.77), and V12Gy (3.27 ± 1.35) compared to HA-sNTO (1.16 ± 0.51, 2.37 ± 1.01, 4.07 ± 1.72) and HA-mNTO (1.05 ± 0.44, 2.12 ± 0.86, 3.62 ± 1.45). Moreover, RA-mNTO showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower MUs (8302 ± 934) compared to HA (9556 ± 1005) and HA-mNTO (9327 ± 390), and higher gamma pass rates (99.8 ± 0.35) than HA-sNTO (98.9 ± 0.61) and HA-mNTO (99.1 ± 0.47).
Conclusion:
Non-coplanar RA plans with optimal mNTO settings outperformed both HA-sNTO and HA-mNTO plans for all studied dosimetric parameters.
Microcontroller-based water control system for evaluating crop water use characteristics
Authors: Sugiura Daisuke , Mitsuya Shiro , Takahashi Hirokzau , Yamamoto Ryo , Miyazawa Yoshiyuki 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background Climate change and the growing demand for agricultural water threaten global food security. Understanding water use characteristics of major crops from leaf to field scale is critical, particularly for identifying crop varieties with enhanced water-use efficiency (WUE) and stress tolerance. Traditional methods to assess WUE are either by gas exchange measurements at the leaf level or labor-intensive manual pot weighing at the whole-plant level, both of which have limited throughput.Results Here, we developed a microcontroller-based low-cost system that integrates pot weighing, automated water supply, and real-time monitoring of plant water consumption via Wi-Fi. We validated the system using major crops (rice soybean, maize) under diverse stress conditions (salt, waterlogging, constant drought). Salt-tolerant rice maintained higher water consumption and growth under salinity than salt-intolerant rice. Waterlogged soybean exhibited reduced water use and growth. Long-term experiments revealed significant WUE differences between rice varieties and morphological adaptations represented by altered shoot-to-root ratios under constant drought conditions in maize.Conclusions We demonstrate that the system can be used for varietal differences between major crops in their response to drought, waterlogging, and salinity stress. This system enables high-throughput, long-term evaluation of water use characteristics, facilitating the selection and development of water-saving and stress-tolerant crop varieties.
Mobile phone addiction and sleep quality in college students: a mediation model of rumination and fear of missing out
Authors: Zhang Junliang , He Yu , Zheng Shuang , Wan Chuangang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The impact of mobile phone addiction (MPA) on college students' sleep quality (SQ) has received increasing attention in recent years.On this basis, the mediating roles of rumination and FOMO (fear of missing out) on MPA and SQ were examined in this study.
Methods
In a cross-sectional study, preliminary data were gathered via questionnaires from 1401 college students (19.35 ± 0.81) from 5 universities in Jiangxi Province, China. Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale, Rumination Response Scale, Fear of Missing Out Scale and Sleep Quality Scale were employed in the research. The mediation model was tested using SPSS 26.0 and AMOS26.0 software, with FOMO and rumination acting as the mediating variables.
Results
Between MPA and SQ, rumination and FOMO each had their own unique mediation effect. Furthermore, rumination and FOMO function as a chain of mediators between college students' MPA and SQ.
Conclusion
This study provided confirmation and clarification that in college students, the association between MPA and SQ was mediated by rumination and FOMO.This study improves our understanding of MPA, SQ and how MPA may affect SQ in college students. It also shows that the impact of MPA and SQ of college students should be given more consideration by educators, parents, and college students themselves.
Enhancing rice crop resistance against brown plant hopper infestation through the foliar application of sodium nitroprusside
Authors: Farooq Muhammad , Jan Rahmatullah , Asif Saleem , Zhao Dan-Dan , Khan Zakirullah , Park Jae-Ryoung , Kim Kyung-Min 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Plant hoppers are pest herbivores that significantly affect the growth and productivity of rice worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the role of two chemicals, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a nitric oxide inducer, and carboxy-PTIO potassium salt, a nitric oxide scavenger, under brown plant hopper (BPH) stress in rice. Screening tests were performed to evaluate various factors, including agronomic traits, relative water content, electrolytic leakage, gene expression, and nitric oxide (NO) production. Interestingly, the positive control and 100 µM cPTIO-treated seedlings showed decreased root and shoot growth, reduced relative water content, and induced electrolytic leakage under BPH stress. Similarly, the positive control and 100 µM cPTIO-treated seedlings exhibited decreased survival percentage and increased death rate under BPH stress. Gene expression analysis revealed that after 6, 12, and 24 h of BPH stress, the levels of OsNOA1 and OsEF-1α were significantly higher in the resistant rice lines Cheongcheong and Nagdong Double haploid (CNDH)-78 and CNDH-87, while OsNOA1 and OsNR were upregulated in the the susceptible rice lines CNDH 14 − 2 and CNDH 48 − 3. Moreover, the resistant lines exhibited increased NO content after 6, 12, and 24 h, and susceptible rice lines showed high NO content after 24 h of BPH stress. These findings suggest that the application of 100 µM SNP enhanced internal NO production and content, improved the overall agronomic traits, increased the relative water content, decreased electrolytic leakage, and protected rice from the harmful effects of BPHs.
Oil resistivity of fluorine-free foams stabilized by nanoparticles and surfactants
Authors: Sheng Youjie , Hu Die , Ma Wenzhi , Zhao Qian 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study aims at exploring fluorine-free foam properties co-stabilized by nanoparticles (NPs) and surfactant. The mixed disperse liquids composed of silica NPs, nonionic hydrocarbon surfactant (APG-0810), and organosilicon surfactant (CoatOsil-77) was prepared. The NP-intensified foams under the action of n-heptane (flammable liquid) were focused by analyzing aggregation behavior of surfactants, initial foaming height, foams drainage and decay, and single vertical film stability of the mixed disperse liquids. The findings show that the presence of n-heptane shows an obvious effect on adsorption behavior of surfactant. After n-heptane is added, the surface tension and viscosity of the mixed dispersion liquid increases, but the conductivity and foaming ability decreases. In addition, the presence of NPs with low concentration or n-heptane accelerates foam drainage and volume decay. The vertical liquid film thickness also declines at the presence of n-heptane. NPs can improve oil resistivity of foam to a certain extent, and the more the NP concentration, the better the oil resistivity. This study can provide theoretical guidance for the development of new fluorine-free foams used for liquid fuel fire.
Collagen and chitosan-based biogenic sprayable gel of silver nanoparticle for advanced wound care
Authors: Markandeywar Tanmay , Narang Raj Kumar 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles have gained significant attention recently due to their unique antibacterial properties, making them promising candidates for wound care applications. This study proposes a novel approach for advanced wound care using a silver nanoparticle-impregnated biogenic spray hydrogel supplemented with collagen and chitosan. Silver nanoparticles were incorporated into the hydrogel (optimised by a QbD approach) to impart antimicrobial activity, crucial for combating wound infections and promoting faster healing. The study assessed the physical and chemical properties of the biogenic hydrogel, including its viscosity, pH, and nanoparticle dispersion characteristics. In vitro, antimicrobial efficacy against common wound pathogens and in vivo studies using chronic wound models in small animals portrayed the immense potential of the developed biogenic hydrogel in effectively reducing the bacterial load of broad-spectrum pathogens. The hydrogel exhibited excellent biocompatibility, supporting cell proliferation and tissue repair without toxic effects. It accelerated wound healing, improved collagen deposition, and enhanced tissue regeneration in the tested animals by reducing proinflammatory cytokines, ROS and NF-kb levels. Overall, this innovative silver nanoparticle-impregnated biogenic spray hydrogel of collagen and chitosan presents a uniform spray pattern that proved efficient, showing a promising solution for advanced wound care. Its biocompatibility, safety, anti-inflmmatory, antimicrobial efficacy, and wound-healing properties hold great potential for improving the management of complex wounds, opening new avenues in wound care and regenerative medicine.
Caffeine consumption and interaction with ADORA2A, CYP1A2 and NOS1 variants do not influence age at onset of Machado-Joseph disease
Authors: Martins Ana Carolina , Pinheiro Jordânia dos Santos , Szinwelski Luciana , Cidade Eduardo Rockenbach , Santin Danilo Fernando , Proença Laura Damke , Araújo Bruna Almeida , Saraiva-Pereira Maria Luiza , Jardim Laura Bannach 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The age at onset (AO) of Machado-Joseph disease (SCA3/MJD), a disorder due to an expanded CAG repeat (CAGexp) in ATXN3, is quite variable and the role of environmental factors is still unknown. Caffeine was associated with protective effects against other neurodegenerative diseases, and in transgenic SCA3/MJD mouse models. We aimed to evaluate whether caffeine consumption and the interaction with variants of caffeine signaling/metabolization genes impact the AO of this disease.
Methods
a questionnaire on caffeine consumption was applied to adult patients and unrelated controls living in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. AO and CAGexp were previously determined. SNPs rs5751876 (ADORA2A), rs2298383 (ADORA2A), rs762551 (CYP1A2) and rs478597 (NOS1) were genotyped. AO of subgroups were compared, adjusting the CAGexp to 75 repeats (p < 0.05).
Results
171/179 cases and 98/100 controls consumed caffeine. Cases with high and low caffeine consumption (more or less than 314.5 mg of caffeine/day) had mean (SD) AO of 35.05 (11.44) and 35.43 (10.08) years (p = 0.40). The mean (SD) AO of the subgroups produced by the presence or absence of caffeine-enhancing alleles in ADORA2A (T allele at rs5751876 and rs2298383), CYP1A2 (C allele) and NOS1 (C allele) were all similar (p between 0.069 and 0.516).
Discussion
Caffeine consumption was not related to changes in the AO of SCA3/MJD, either alone or in interaction with protective genotypes at ADORA2A, CYP1A2 and NOS1.
Influence of phenolic free modified rosin resin on the thermomechanical behavior of poly (lactic acid) having different crystallinities and molecular weights
Authors: Rosa-Ramírez Harrison de la , Aldas Miguel , Pavon Cristina , Dominici Franco , Rallini Marco , Puglia Debora , Torre Luigi , López-Martínez Juan , Samper María Dolores 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The influence of a highly complex modified commercial rosin resin (Unik Print, UP) on the thermomechanical performance of four commercial grades of polylactic acid (PLA) has been evaluated and compared. Comparative experiments were carried out with polylactides of different molecular weights and phase structures. The melt-extruded formulations were prepared by considering 3 parts per hundred resins (phr) of modified rosin resin, which was previously verified to be the suitable amount of UP resin effective to enhance PLA performance. Several analytical characterization techniques were used for comparison purposes. Among them, the thermogravimetric analysis allowed to determine that UP resin does not influence PLA's thermal decomposition behavior, regardless of PLA molecular weight and crystallinity degree. Differential Scanning Calorimetric (DSC) evaluation showed that UP resin eliminated both exothermal and endothermic peaks of amorphous PLA. At the same time, it was proved that the formation and growth of different types of crystal can be promoted in semi-crystalline PLA. Moreover, a toughness improvement was observed in all formulations. Besides, the rotational rheometer allowed to measure the viscosity of the final materials, finding that in amorphous PLA with low molecular weight, the UP resin did not cause apparent changes. However, the complex viscosity was increased for both semi-crystalline PLA (low and high molecular weight).
Beyond the Flare: Recurrent pericarditis in children and adolescents: report of 16 cases
Authors: Bagrul İlknur , Aydın Elif Arslanoğlu , Baglan Esra , Dogan Vehbi , Örün Utku Arman , Ozdel Semanur 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical findings and follow-up data of 16 children and adolescents with recurrent pericarditis (RP).
Methods
This study had a retrospective design and included 16 pediatric patients (14 males, 2 females) with recurrent pericarditis evaluated between January 2017 to January 2023. The initial diagnosis of pericarditis was made according to the criteria determined in the European Society of Cardiology guideline.
Results
We enrolled 16 children with recurrent pericarditis with median age 12.8 years (8–17 years). Pericardial effusion in 11 patients (68.7%). Eight patients (50%) presented with fever. Pericardiocentesis was performed in 9 (56.2%) patients. The median erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR); C-reactive protein (CRP) levels at the time of diagnosis (IQR) were 43 (25–70) mm/h and 107 (61–190) mg/L, respectively. In total, 16 patients had 36 recurrences (mean 2.25, range 2–6) during follow-up. The main symptom during the relapses was chest pain, similar to that of the first attack. Four patients (25%) had a history of previous cardiac surgery. Three patients were treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) only. NSAID and colchicine were administered to 13 patients. One patient received corticosteroid and one patient received anakinra treatment.
Conclusions
Patients with recurrent pericarditis in childhood have an autoinflammatory phenotype. Furthermore, successful management of patients with recurrent pericarditis requires a teamwork approach involving cardiologists, rheumatologists and clinical immunologists.
Deciphering the Role of the MST1/2-YAP Axis in Irisin-Treated Aplastic Anemia: Implications for Mesenchymal Stem Cell Function
Authors: Liu Xia , Li Hui , Guan Bingxin , Kong Dexiao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Aplastic anemia (AA) is a debilitating hematological disorder characterized by bone marrow failure. Recent advancements in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) research have highlighted potential therapeutic avenues, particularly through the modulation of cellular pathways influenced by novel agents like Irisin. This study investigates Irisin's effects on MSCs in the context of AA using advanced techniques such as single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics. Irisin administration in AA model mice significantly altered gene expression in MSCs, particularly affecting 935 genes associated with the Hippo signaling pathway, notably the MST1/2-YAP axis. These changes were linked to decreased adipogenic differentiation and enhanced mitochondrial membrane system homeostasis. In vitro experiments supported these findings, showing Irisin's capability to inhibit the MST1/2-YAP signaling pathway and suppress adipogenesis in bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs). Corresponding in vivo studies demonstrated that Irisin treatment not only downregulated Mst1 and Mst2 but also upregulated Yap expression. Importantly, these molecular alterations led to reduced bone marrow adiposity and improved hematopoietic function in AA mice, showcasing Irisin's potential as an effective treatment option. The study underscores the critical role of the MST1/2-YAP pathway in mediating Irisin's therapeutic effects, suggesting promising strategies for AA management through targeted MSC pathway modulation.
Multiomics coupled with vibrational spectroscopy identify early mechanisms of experimental aortic valve stenosis
Authors: Anousakis-Vlachochristou Nikolaos , Mavroidis Manolis , Miliotis Marios , Makridakis Manousos , Barla Ioanna , Athanasiadou Dimitra , Alexiou Athanasios , Varela Aimilia , Vatsellas Giannis , Elsharkawy Sherif , Katsa Maria , Panara Anthi , Karnachoriti Maria , Chan Ka Lung Andrew , Lekkos Konstantinos , Boukos Nikos , Lali Dimitra , Skoulakis Anargyros , Papanikolaou Aggelos , Salvanou Evangelia-Alexandra , Galiatsatos Nikolaos , Bouziotis Penelope , Kaklamanis Loukas , Kostomitsopoulos Nikolaos , Synetos Andreas , Drakopoulou Maria , Lymperiadis Dimitrios , Adamopoulos Stamatios , Gikas Evagelos , Kontos Athanassios , Miliou Antigoni , Gazouli Maria , Vlahou Antonia , Hatzigeorgiou Artemis , Thomaidis Nikolaos , Anagnostopoulos Constantinos , Cokkinos Dennis , Toutouzas Konstantinos 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS), characterized by calcium deposition in the aortic valve in a multiannual process, is associated with high mortality and morbidity. To understand phenomena at its early stages, reliable animal models are needed. Here, we used a critically revised high-fat vitamin D2 diet rabbit model to unveil the earliest in vivo-derived mechanisms linked to CAVS progression. We modeled the inflammation-calcification temporal pattern seen in human disease and investigated molecular changes before inflammation. Coupling comprehensive multiomics and vibrational spectroscopy revealed that among the many procedures involved, mechanotransduction, peroxisome activation, DNA damage-response, autophagy, phospholipid signaling, native ECM proteins upregulation, protein cross-linking and self-folding, are the most relevant driving mechanisms. Activation of Complement 3 receptor, Immunoglobulin J and TLR6 were the earliest signs of inflammation. Among several identified key genes were AXIN2, FOS, and JUNB. Among 10 identified miRNAs, miR-21-5p and miR-204-5p dominated fundamental cellular processes, phenotypic transition, inflammatory modulation, and were validated in human samples. The enzymatic biomineralization process mediated by TNAP was complemented by V-type proton ATPase overexpression, and the substitution of Mg-pyrophosphate with Ca-pyrophosphate. These data extend our understanding on CAVS progression, facilitate the refinement of pathophysiological hypotheses and provide a basis for novel pharmaceutical therapy investigations.
Dysregulation of the Hippo pathway enhances PD-L2 transcription to promote cancer immune evasion
Authors: Ando Toshinori , Okamoto Kento , Sato Kuniaki , Goto Yusuke , Izumi Hiroki , Kataoka Nanako , Ueda Yume , Iglesias-Bartolome Ramiro , Yoshimoto Tetsuya , Shintani Tomoaki , Yanamoto Souichi , Miyauchi Mutsumi , Gutkind J Silvio , Kajiya Mikihito 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The Hippo pathway and its downstream effectors, YAP/TAZ, exhibit aberrant regulation across various cancer types, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, facilitating cancer cell growth. However, YAP/TAZ influence on cancer immune evasion remains poorly understood. Herein, we show that cancer patients harboring mutations regulating the Hippo pathway and YAP/TAZ hyperactivation may be sensitized to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy owing to high TMB and PD-L2 expression. YAP/TAZ hyperactivation induces loss of differentiation and genome instability, resulting in high TMB. YAP/TAZ recruits TEAD, BRD4, and RNA polymerase Ⅱ to the super-enhancer and promoter regions of PD-L1 and PD-L2. YAP/TAZ predominantly induce PD-L2, in turn, PD-L2 activates Stat3 that partially induces PD-L1 expression. YAP/TAZ recruit CD8+ T cells via TMB but evade them through PD-L2. YAP/TAZ hyperactivation may represent a better predictor for stratifying patients undergoing ICI therapy. Targeting YAP/TAZ/TEAD could offer a promising treatment avenue for cancers harboring YAP/TAZ hyperactivation.