bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of functional electrical stimulation on nerve-damaged muscles by quantifying fat infiltration using deep learning
Authors: Walluks Kassandra , Praetorius Jan-Philipp , Arnold Dirk , Figge Marc Thilo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractQuantitative imaging in life sciences has evolved into a powerful approach combining advanced microscopy acquisition and automated analysis of image data. The focus of the present study is on the imaging-based evaluation of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle (PCA) influenced by long-term functional electrical stimulation (FES), which may assist the inspiration of patients with bilateral vocal fold paresis. To this end, muscle cross-sections of the PCA of sheep were examined by quantitative image analysis. Previous investigations of the muscle fibers and the collagen amount have not revealed signs of atrophy and fibrosis due to FES by a laryngeal pacemaker. It was therefore hypothesized that regardless of the stimulation parameters the fat in the muscle cross-sections would not be significantly altered. We here extending our previous investigations using quantitative imaging of intramuscular fat in cross-sections. In order to perform this analysis both reliably and faster than a qualitative evaluation and time-consuming manual annotation, the selection of the automated method was of crucial importance. To this end, our recently established deep neural network IMFSegNet, which provides more accurate results compared to standard machine learning approaches, was applied to more than 300 H&E stained muscle cross-sections from 22 sheep. It was found that there were no significant differences in the amount of intramuscular fat between the PCA with and without long-term FES, nor were any significant differences found between the low and high duty cycle stimulated groups. This study on a human-like animal model not only confirms the hypothesis that FES with the selected parameters has no negative impact on the PCA, but also demonstrates that objective and automated deep learning-based quantitative imaging is a powerful tool for such a challenging analysis.
Selection of optimal strategy for managing decentralized solar PV systems considering uncertain weather conditions
Authors: Chadly Assia , Aldayyani Hamed Yahya , Hamasha Mohammad M. , Amer Sa’ed , Maalouf Maher , Mayyas Ahmad 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSolar power is a promising source of energy that is environmentally friendly, sustainable, and renewable. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are the most common and mature technology used to harness solar energy. Unfortunately, these panels are prone to dust accumulation, which can have a significant impact on their efficiency. To maintain their effectiveness, solar photovoltaics s must be cleaned regularly. Eight main techniques are used to clean solar panels: natural, manual, mechanical, robotic, drone, coating, electrical, and acoustic. This study aims to identify the best cleaning method using multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques. Using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Quality Function Deployment (QFD), Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarities to Ideal Solution (FTOPSIS), and Preference Selection Index (PSI), this research evaluates all eight cleaning methods based on several criteria that are categorized under cost, performance, resource requirement, and safety in Abu Dhabi. The data are collected from surveys completed by experts in solar and sustainable energy. The AHP, QFD, and PSI results identified natural, manual, and surface coating as the best and most effective cleaning methods. Natural cleaning involves using rainwater primarily to remove dirt and dust; manual cleaning requires cleaning agents and wiping clothes; and surface coatings involve applying a layer of hydrophobic material to the panels to repel dust. Identifying the most effective cleaning method for dust removal from solar panels can ensure optimal efficiency recovery at minimal costs and resources.
Identification of nonlinear effects of background asymmetry on solitary oscillations in a cylindrical plasma
Authors: Kobayashi Taiki , Fujisawa Akihide , Nagashima Yoshihiko , Moon Chanho , Yamasaki Kotaro , Nishimura Daiki , Inagaki Sigeru , Shimizu Akihiro , Tokuzawa Tokihiko , Ido Takeshi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA symmetry-breaking in rotational spatial pattern of quasi-periodic solitary oscillations is revealed with tomography measurement of plasma emission, simultaneously with background asymmetry in stationary plasma structure. Although the oscillatory pattern deformation is a natural course in the presence of asymmetry, elaborate analyses identify existence unfeatured nonlinear effects of the background asymmetry, i.e., its nonlinear couplings with harmonic modes of rotational symmetry, to produce non-harmonic mode to break the symmetry and cause the oscillatory pattern to be chaotic. The findings suggest the unrecognized fundamental process for plasmas to be turbulent.
Different earthquake nucleation conditions revealed by stress drop and b-value mapping in the northern Chilean subduction zone
Authors: Folesky Jonas 
Published: May 2024

AbstractStress drop is an earthquake property indicative for the characteristic relation of slip to fault dimension. It is furthermore affected by fault strength, fault topography, the presence of fluids, rupture size, slip, and velocity. In this article, the stress drop image of an entire subduction zone, namely for the seismically highly active northernmost part of Chile, is combined with mapped b-values and their corresponding magnitude distribution in order to better constrain the conditions under which earthquakes of different provenances may nucleate. The underlying recent earthquake catalog contains over 180,000 events, covering 15 years of seismicity, from which more than 50,000 stress drop estimates were computed. Their spatial average segments the subduction zone into different parts, i.e., average stress drop between seismotectonic areas is different, although this difference is small compared to the natural scatter of stress drop values. By considering stress drop variations, b-value map, magnitude distribution, and thermal models, candidate earthquake nucleation mechanisms are identified which can explain the observed distributions. This is done for two exemplary regions: (1) The plate interface, where principally lower stress drop events are found, while at the same time a high spatial heterogeneity of stress drop values is observed. This indicates relatively smooth or lubricated rupture surfaces, and locally it suggests the existence of alternating regions controlled by strong asperities, weaker material, or creep. (2) The highly active intermediate depth (ID) seismicity region, where the variation of stress drop and b-value point to a gradual change of nucleation mechanism from dehydration embrittlement at the top of the ID cloud, over dehydration driven stress transfer in its central part, to thermal runaway shear mechanisms at its bottom. In both cases, the combination of stress drop and b-value distribution helps to better understand the origin and the differences of the observed seismicity.
Continuous blood exchange in rats as a novel approach for experimental investigation
Authors: Pei Siya , Wang Yanjie , Zhang Zhimin , Mei Cheng , Yin Wenyu , Fu Xiangjie , Yan Danyang , Zhu Yuanyuan , Lin Tianli , Zhou Yiran , Li Ning 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBlood exchange therapy, specifically Whole blood exchange (WBE), is increasingly being utilized in clinical settings to effectively treat a range of diseases. Consequently, there is an urgent requirement to establish convenient and clinically applicable animal models that can facilitate the exploration of blood exchange therapy mechanisms. Our study conducted continuous WBE in rats through femoral and tail vein catheterization using dual-directional syringe pumps. To demonstrate the applicability of continuous WBE, drug-induced hemolytic anemia (DIHA) was induced through phenylhydrazine hydrochloride (PHZ) injection. Notability, the rats of DIHA + WBE group all survived and recovered within the subsequent period. After the implementation of continuous WBE therapy day (Day 1), the DIHA + WBE group exhibited a statistically significant increase in red blood cells (RBC) (P = 0.0343) and hemoglobin (HGB) levels (P = 0.0090) compared to DIHA group. The rats in the DIHA + WBE group exhibited a faster recovery rate compared to the DIHA group, indicating the successful establishment of a continuous blood exchange protocol. This experimental approach demonstrates not just promising efficacy in the treatment of DIHA and offers a valuable tool for investigating the underlying mechanisms of blood exchange. Furthermore, it has a great potential to the advancement of biomedical research such as drug delivery exploration.
Circ_0001671 regulates prostate cancer progression through miR-27b-3p/BLM axis
Authors: Yang Lihong , Ruan Yong , Chen Bin , Zhu Yuhang , Xu Houqiang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractProstate cancer (PCa) ranks as the second most prevalent cancer among males globally. However, the exact mechanisms underlying its progression remain inadequately elucidated. The present study sought to investigate the role and underlying molecular mechanism of hsa_circ_0001671 (circ_0001671) in the pathogenic behavior of PCa cells. Guided by the ceRNA theory, miR-27b-3p was employed to identify circRNAs that could potentially regulate Bloom Syndrome Protein (BLM). A series of experimental approaches including bioinformatics, luciferase assays, Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH), RNA-pulldown, and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) were utilized to validate the miRNA sponge function of circ_0001671. Divergent primer PCR, RNase R treatments, and Sanger sequencing were conducted for the identification of circ_0001671. Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were performed to validate gene expression levels. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to assess the functional role of circ_0001671 in PCa cells.It was observed that the expression levels of circ_0001671 and BLM were significantly elevated in PCa tissues and cell lines, whereas miR-27b-3p showed decreased expression. Circ_0001671 was found to promote cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion, while inhibiting apoptosis. In vivo assays confirmed that circ_0001671 facilitated tumor growth. Further mechanistic studies revealed that circ_0001671 acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for BLM by sponging miR-27b-3p. The oncogenic role of circ_0001671 in PCa was shown to be modulated through the miR-27b-3p/BLM axis. In conclusion, circ_0001671 exerts an oncogenic effect in prostate cancer through the regulation of BLM by sponging miR-27b-3p, thus suggesting a novel molecular target for the treatment of PCa.
Changes in subset distribution and impaired function of circulating natural killer cells in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Zu Shujin , Lu Yan , Xing Rui , Chen Xiang , Zhang Longyi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells are closely associated with malignant tumor progression and metastasis. However, studies on their relevance in colorectal cancer (CRC) are limited. We aimed to comprehensively analyze the absolute counts, phenotypes, and function of circulating NK cells in patients with CRC using multiparametric flow cytometry. The distribution of NK cell subsets in the peripheral circulation of patients with CRC was significantly altered relative to the control group. This is shown by the decreased frequency and absolute count of CD56dimCD16+ NK cells with antitumor effects, contrary to the increased frequency of CD56bright NK and CD56dimCD16- NK cells with poor or ineffective antitumor effects. NK cells in patients with CRC were functionally impaired, with decreased intracellular interferon (IFN)-γ secretion and a significantly lower percentage of cell surface granzyme B and perforin expression. In addition, IFN-γ expression decreased significantly with the tumor stage progression. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the absolute counts, phenotypes, and functional markers of NK cells, we found an altered subset distribution and impaired function of circulating NK cells in patients with CRC.
LC3-associated phagocytosis of neutrophils triggers tumor ferroptotic cell death in glioblastoma
Authors: Lu Tong , Yee Patricia P , Chih Stephen Y , Tang Miaolu , Chen Han , Aregawi Dawit G , Glantz Michael J , Zacharia Brad E , Wang Hong-Gang , Li Wei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNecrosis in solid tumors is commonly associated with poor prognostic but how these lesions expand remains unclear. Studies have found that neutrophils associate with and contribute to necrosis development in glioblastoma by inducing tumor cell ferroptosis through transferring myeloperoxidase-containing granules. However, the mechanism of neutrophilic granule transfer remains elusive. We performed an unbiased small molecule screen and found that statins inhibit neutrophil-induced tumor cell death by blocking the neutrophilic granule transfer. Further, we identified a novel process wherein neutrophils are engulfed by tumor cells before releasing myeloperoxidase-containing contents into tumor cells. This neutrophil engulfment is initiated by integrin-mediated adhesion, and further mediated by LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP), which can be blocked by inhibiting the Vps34-UVRAG-RUBCN-containing PI3K complex. Myeloperoxidase inhibition or Vps34 depletion resulted in reduced necrosis formation and prolonged mouse survival in an orthotopic glioblastoma mouse model. Thus, our study unveils a critical role for LAP-mediated neutrophil internalization in facilitating the transfer of neutrophilic granules, which in turn triggers tumor cell death and necrosis expansion. Targeting this process holds promise for improving glioblastoma prognosis.
X-ray variability of the triplet star system LTT1445 and evaporation history of the planets around its A component
Authors: Rukdee S. , Buchner J. , Burwitz V. , Poppenhäger K. , Stelzer B. , Predehl P. 
Published: May 2024

Context. The high-energy environments of host stars could prove deleterious for their planets. It is crucial to ascertain this contextual information to characterize the atmospheres of terrestrial exoplanets.
Aims. We aim to fully characterize a unique triple system, LTT1445, with three known rocky planets around LTT 1445A.
Methods. We studied the X-ray irradiation and flaring of this system based on a new 50 ks Chandra observation, which is divided into 10 ks, 10 ks, and 30 ks segments conducted two days apart, and two months apart, respectively. These data were complemented by an archival Chandra observation approximately 1 yr earlier and repeated observations with extended ROentgen Survey with an Imaging Telescope Array (eROSITA), the soft X-ray instrument on the Spectrum-Roentgen-Gamma (SRG) mission. This enabled the investigation of X-ray flux behavior across multiple time scales. With the observed X-ray flux from the exoplanet host star A, we estimated the photo-evaporation mass loss of each exoplanet. With the planet modeling package, VPLanet, we predicted the evolution and anticipated current atmospheric conditions.
Results. Our Chandra observations indicate that LTT 1445C is the dominant X-ray source, with additional contribution from LTT 1445B. We find that LTT 1445A, a slowly rotating star, exhibits no significant flare activity in the new Chandra dataset. Comparing the flux incident occuring on the exoplanets, we find that LTT 1445BC components do not pose a greater threat to the planets orbiting LTT 1445A than the emission from A itself. According to the results from the simulation, LTT 1445Ad could have the capacity to retain its water surface.
Körperliche Aktivität und Ernährung in der Prävention und Therapie des Kolorektalen Karzinoms
Authors: Adamek Michaela Ute , Bergmann Laura , Adamek Henning Ernst 
Published: May 2024

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Kolorektale Karzinome sind eine der häufigsten Krebserkrankungen in Europa. Moderne Therapieformen verbessern die Überlebenschancen; trotzdem sind die Erkrankung und ihre Behandlung mit einer hohen Morbidität verbunden. Körperliche Aktivität (KA) hat offensichtlich einen positiven Einfluss auf das Erkrankungsrisiko, die perioperative Komplikationsrate und die adjuvante Therapie.
Methode Grundlage für diese narrative Übersicht ist eine selektive Literatursuche in der Datenbank PubMed, ergänzt durch eine Suche in GoogleScholar bis 30.09.2022. Eingeschlossen wurden Originalarbeiten, Metaanalysen und systematische Reviews. Studien, die Bewegung und Ernährung analysierten, wurden ebenso berücksichtigt wie Leitlinien und Positionspapiere der deutschen, europäischen und amerikanischen Fachgesellschaften.
Ergebnisse Ein körperlich aktiver Lebensstil trägt über epigenetische Mechanismen zur Reduktion des Kolonkrebsrisikos bei. Je nach Studienprotokoll und Dosis der körperlichen Aktivität sind Risikoreduktionen zwischen 12 und 27 Prozent dokumentiert. Eine Prehabilitation aus Ernährung, Bewegung und psychologischer Unterstützung kann die peri- und postoperativen Ergebnisse beim kolorektalen Karzinom verbessern. Ausdauer- und Krafttraining können das rezidivfreie Überleben und die Tumorsterblichkeit verbessern. Keine Studie konnte eindeutige Verbesserungen bei Symptomabfragen (z.B. Fatigue) oder Biomarkern durch eine Ernährungsumstellung zeigen.
Schlussfolgerung Trotz einer Vielzahl an wissenschaftlichen Untersuchungen sind viele Fragen zum Einfluss von kA auf die verschiedenen Phasen einer Kolonkarzinomerkrankung nicht hinreichend geklärt. Empfehlungen zur Prehabilitation und zur Tertiärprophylaxe können aktuell nur auf Basis heterogener Studiendaten gegeben werden.
Trends and Outcomes among Pregnancy and Nonpregnancy-Related Hospitalizations with Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Authors: Bitar Ghamar , Sibai Baha M. , Chen Han-Yang , Nazeer Sarah A. , Chauhan Suneet P. , Blackwell Sean , Fishel Bartal Michal 
Published: May 2024

Objective The study's primary objective was to evaluate adverse outcomes among reproductive-age hospitalizations with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), comparing those that are pregnancy-related versus nonpregnancy-related and evaluating temporal trends.
Study Design We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study using the National Inpatient Sample to identify hospitalizations with DKA among reproductive-age women (15–49 years) in the United States (2016–2020). DKA in pregnancy hospitalizations was compared with DKA in nonpregnant hospitalizations. Adverse outcomes evaluated included mechanical ventilation, coma, seizures, renal failure, prolonged hospital stay, and in-hospital death. Multivariable Poisson regression models with robust error variance were used to estimate adjusted relative risk (aRR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Annual percent change (APC) was used to calculate the change in DKA rate over time.
Results Among 35,210,711 hospitalizations of reproductive-age women, 447,600 (1.2%) were hospitalized with DKA, and among them, 13,390 (3%) hospitalizations were pregnancy-related. The rate of nonpregnancy-related DKA hospitalizations increased over time (APC = 3.8%, 95% CI = 1.5–6.1). After multivariable adjustment, compared with pregnancy-related hospitalizations with DKA, the rates of mechanical ventilation (aRR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.18–2.06), seizures (aRR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.72–2.97), renal failure (aRR = 2.26, 95% CI = 2.05–2.50), coma (aRR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.68–3.83), and in-hospital death (aRR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.06–5.36) were higher among nonpregnancy-related hospitalizations with DKA.
Conclusion A nationally representative sample of hospitalizations indicates that over the 5-year period, the rate of nonpregnancy-related DKA hospitalizations increased among reproductive age women, and a higher risk of adverse outcomes was observed when compared with pregnancy-related DKA hospitalizations.
Key Points
Safety and Effectiveness of Liposuction Modalities in Managing Lipedema: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Mortada Hatan , Alaqil Sultan , Jabbar Imtinan Al , Alhubail Fatimah , Pereira Nicolas , Hong Joon Pio , Alshomer Feras 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background Lipedema is a chronic, incurable disorder characterized by painful fat accumulation in the extremities. While the application of liposuction in lipedema management has become increasingly popular, the safety and effectiveness of this approach remain contentious. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess various liposuction modalities in lipedema management to verify their safety and efficacy.
Methods In-line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, we performed a comprehensive literature review from inception until March 2023 using the following electronic databases: CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and EMBASE.
Results From the 562 initially identified articles, 20 met our inclusion/exclusion criteria for evaluation. Our review encompassed 14 prospective cohort studies, 3 retrospective studies, 2 case series, and 1 cross-sectional study. A meta-analysis of nine articles revealed a notable improvement in the quality of life, pain, pressure sensitivity, bruising, cosmetic impairment, heaviness, walking difficulty, and itching among lipedema patients who underwent liposuction. Although complications such as inflammation, thrombosis, seroma, hematoma, and lymphedema-related skin changes were reported, severe complications were rare. Crucially, no instances of shock, recurrence, or mortality were reported.
Conclusion Liposuction is a safe and beneficial therapeutic intervention for managing lipedema symptoms and enhancing quality of life. However, the impact of liposuction on secondary lymphedema remains unreported in the literature. Further high-quality, large-scale trials are necessary to assess the safety and effectiveness of different liposuction modalities. These studies will contribute valuable insights to optimize liposuction as a therapeutic option for individuals with lipedema.
Level of Evidence I, risk/prognostic study.
Computational modeling of interval distributions in tonal space reveals paradigmatic stylistic changes in Western music history
Authors: Moss Fabian C. , Lieck Robert , Rohrmeier Martin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDiachronic stylistic changes in music are to a large extent affected by composers’ different choices, for example regarding the usage of tones, intervals, and harmonies. Analyzing the tonal content of pieces of music and observing them over time is thus informative about large-scale historical changes. In this study, we employ a computational model that formalizes music-theoretic conceptualizations of tonal space, and use it to infer the most likely interval distributions for pieces in a large corpus of music, represented as so-called ‘bags of tonal pitch classes’. Our results show that tonal interval relations become increasingly complex, that the interval of the perfect fifth dominates compositions for centuries, and that one can observe a stark increase in the usage of major and minor thirds during the 19th century, which coincides with the emergence of extended tonality. In complementing prior research on the historical evolution of tonality, our study thus demonstrates how example-based music theory can be informed by quantitative analyses of large corpora and computational models.