bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterizing soluble immune checkpoint molecules and TGF-β 1,2,3 in pleural effusion of malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Okita Riki , Senoo Tomoya , Mimura-Kimura Yuka , Mimura Yusuke , Murakami Tomoyuki , Ikeda Eiji , Okada Masanori , Inokawa Hidetoshi , Aoe Keisuke 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The clinical impact of soluble molecules in pleural effusion (PE) is unclear in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). In this single-center, retrospective, observational study, we assessed soluble forms of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), and PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays; three TGF-β isoforms were measured via multiplex assay in PE of patients with fibrinous pleuritis (FP) or MPM, to assess relationships between the six molecules, clinicopathological characteristics, and its efficacy as an immune checkpoint inhibitor. Soluble forms of CTLA-4, PD-L1, PD-1, TGF-β1 TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 were variably produced in PE of FP (n=34) and MPM (n=79); we found significant relationships between the six molecules and clinicopathological features. Although none of the three soluble immune checkpoint molecules showed diagnostic or prognostic effects in patients with MPM, TGF-β2 levels in PE is a useful differential diagnostic marker between FP and MPM. Both TGF-1 and TGF-3 levels are promising prognostic markers for MPM. Moreover, we found that higher baseline levels of PD-1 soluble forms predicted the response to anti-PD1 monotherapy. Our findings identify novel diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers for anti-PD1 therapy in patients with MPM.
Opto-structural Insights Into Zno-doped Ps Nanocomposites: Photoluminescence Spectroscopy and Defect Analysis
Authors: Aliyeva A. , Jafarov M. , Dadashova V. , Eyvazova G. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were successfully incorporated into polystyrene (PS) using a combination of solution casting and hot-pressing, yielding a range of PS/ZnO nanocomposites. These nanocomposite films were characterized using ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV-Visible), photoluminescence (PL), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO nanoparticles was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) results. XRD analysis demonstrated a transition in crystallinity from 3.88 nm to 1.58 nm, further confirming the impact of ZnO concentration on structural properties. The optical absorption spectra were used to determine optical energy band gaps, where their values indicated an improvement in the optical characteristics of the nanocomposite films. PL spectra interpretation elucidated optically active defects and relaxation pathways, with wide emission bands in the violet and blue regions suggesting transitions from excitonic levels and/or zinc interstitials (Zni) to the conduction band, alongside contributions from defects like zinc interstitials (Zni) and natural zinc vacancies (Znv). These findings deepen our understanding of the intricate relationship between ZnO nanoparticle concentration and the optical and structural characteristics of PS/ZnO nanocomposite films, offering insights essential for diverse applications.
A comparative study of the application of AJCC 6th and 7th edition gastric cancer staging systems in remnant gastric cancer and the establishment of a prognosis prediction model
Authors: Chen Zehua , Li Zedong , Jin Tao , Liang Panping , Chen Zhengwen , He Fengjun , Yang Kun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Remnant gastric cancer (RGC) is a serious complication after gastrectomy that affects the long-term survival rate. At present, there is no international staging system specifically designed for RGC, and clinicians often use the TNM gastric cancer staging system to stage patients with RGC. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the applicability of American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) version 6 and version 7 in patients with RGC, and to try to establish a new prognostic prediction model to help clinicians more accurately and reliably assess the severity of patients' disease.
Method
This study reviewed 110 patients with RGC at West China Hospital from January 1998 to December 2018. The applicability of the two staging systems in patients with gastric stump cancer was analyzed by comparing the C-index applied to the two staging systems in patients with gastric stump cancer. Through univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis of survival data of patients with stump gastric cancer, independent risk factors affecting prognosis of patients with stump gastric cancer were identified. The independent risk factors were analyzed and a new staging system was established.
Results
Among the patients with no change in staging between the two versions, there were 67 cases, and the rate of staging deviation was 39%. The C-index for T staging of AJCC6 and 7 versions was 0.70 (P=0.12), the C-index for N staging of AJCC6 version was 0.635, and the C-index for N staging of AJCC7 version was 0.645 (P=0.23). The C-index for TNM staging of AJCC6 version was 0.76, and the C-index for TNM staging of AJCC7 version was 0.732 (P=0.09). A nomogram was created using the independent risk factors, and internal validation was performed using the bootstrap method, which showed good prognostic prediction.
Conclusion:
AJCC6 staging system demonstrated a trend of superiority in applicability compared to AJCC7 staging system. A new prognostic model was established for RGC patients.
Study on the spatial and temporal evolution of ecosystem service value based on land use change in Xi'an City
Authors: han lei , li yan , Ge Zhemin , Fang Fang , Gao Lan , Zhang Jin , Du Zhen , Cui Liping 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Abstract: Ecosystem service value (ESV) is crucial for understanding regional ecological benefits and resources. This study, based on data from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, examines land use changes in Xi'an over the past two decades. We refined ESV coefficients using a method integrating the biomass factor of Shaanxi Province's farmland ecosystems.Our findings show stable proportions of cultivated and forest land in Xi'an from 2000 to 2020, despite an increase in construction land and a decrease in cultivated areas. Forest and unused lands remained stable, while grassland and water bodies fluctuated. ESV related to land use in Xi'an increased by 938.8 million yuan over this period, with high-value areas mainly in the forested regions south of the Qinling Mountains and along the Weihe, Bahe, and Chanhe Rivers. Low ESV zones were concentrated in the urban core.This research improves methodologies for quantifying urban ESV, providing crucial support for land resource management, ecological conservation, and high-quality urban development in China's major cities. These findings inform policy-making for sustainable urban growth.
Network Resources Optimization through Regional Computing forVehicular Big Data
Authors: Khan Sajid Ullah , Badshah Afzal , Alharbi Meshal , Saleem Tahir , Reman Ghani Ur , Khan Faheem 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The transportation system is shifting toward an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). Research shows that a singleAutonomous Vehicle (AV) can generate up to 1 Terabyte (TB) datadaily. Data processing occurs in real-time at the vehicle edge to facilitate navigation. However, some of this data is sent to the cloudfor real-time navigation support for other AVs. Even slight delayscan have significant consequences for these vehicles. All AV datais also necessary in the cloud for navigation and training purposes.Unfortunately, the massive volume of Vehicular Big Data (VBD)congests public networks, making real-time communication unfeasible. This study proposes Regional Computing (RC) as a solution,enabling real-time updates and navigation for AVs. Compared toedge servers, RC offers sufficient resources and considerably reduceddelays and costs compared to Cloud Computing (CC). RC substantially reduces communication delay, cost, and network congestion.
Association of Diabetes with Cardiovascular Calcification and All-Cause Mortality in Nephropathic Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis Early: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Li Qingxian , Li Peishan , Xu Zigan , Lu ZeYuan , Yang Chuan , Ning Jie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:
The main goal of this study was to examine how diabetes and cardiovascular calcification characteristics, and other risk factors affect mortality in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing early hemodialysis.
Methods:
285 nephropathic patients with hemodialysis early were enrolled in this research, including 101 patients with diabetes. Survival time was monitored, and general data, biochemical results, cardiac ultrasound calcification of valvular tissue, and thoracic CT calcification of coronary artery and thoracic aorta were recorded. Subgroup analysis and logistic regression were applied to investigate the association between diabetes and calcification. Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curve examined the relationship between calcification, diabetes, and all-cause mortality. Additionally, the nomogram model was utilized to estimate the probability of survival for these individuals, and its performance was evaluated using risk stratification, ROC curves, decision curves, and calibration curves.
Results:
CVC was found in 82 (81.2%) 101 diabetics and 62 (33.7%) of 184 non-diabetics. Diabetic patients had lower phosphorus levels, calcium, calcium-phosphorus products, plasma PTH, and lower albumin (P<0.001). People with diabetes are more likely to have calcification than non-diabetics (OR 5.66, 95% CI 1.96-16.36, P<0.001). The risk of death was higher for the combination of both diabetes and calcification (14/62, 22.58%). Diabetes and calcification count, combined with other factors, can jointly predict the risk of death in early HD patients. The nomogram model did an excellent job of explaining the difference between high-risk and low-risk people. It had the highest discriminatory power (AUC = 0.975), the best calibration agreement at low to intermediate risk levels, and the most net benefit across a wide range of clinical decision thresholds.
Conclusions:
Diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular calcification, especially multi-site calcifications. And diabetes and cardiovascular calcification have a higher mortality rate. Meanwhile, risk scores and nomograms can assist clinicians in predicting a patient's risk of death and in providing individualized treatment to lower mortality rates.
Service Preferences among Postpartum Women (non-)affected by different Types of Intimate Partner Violence: Insights from the INVITE Study
Authors: Hausmann Laura , Seefeld Lara , Mojahed Amera , Mack Judith T. , Garthus-Niegel Susan , Schellong Julia 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Women in the postpartum period are at greater risk of intimate partner violence (IPV), which may cause physical, sexual, or psychological harm and have a long-lasting negative impact on mother and child. Seeking help in case of IPV in the postpartum period can be difficult. The purpose of this study was to examine service preferences among postpartum women in Germany (non-)affected by IPV.
Methods: In the cross-sectional study INVITE, postpartum mothers (n = 3,509) were interviewed via telephone. Using the WHO-Violence Against Women Instrument (WHO-VAWI), women were divided into groups: non-affected women and women affected by psychological, physical, and/or sexual IPV. Using analyses of variance, group differences regarding preferred service domains (psychosocial services, medical services, and midwives) and modes of service provision (direct and indirect) were assessed.
Results: People from the women's social environment (e.g., family, friends) and specialized IPV services, such as women's shelters, were the most preferred support. Regarding service categories, women who experienced any type of IPV rated all three service domains less likely to be used than non-affected women. Most preferred provision mode was “in person”. Women affected by physical and/or sexual IPV rated direct modes more negatively than non-affected women. However, there were no differences between (non-)affected women regarding indirect modes, such as e-mails or apps.
Discussion: The present results indicate that services were rated less likely to be used by postpartum women affected by IPV. Potential barriers which lead to these ratings need to be investigated. Efforts should be made to increase awareness of IPV and the beneficial effects of support.
QuantiFERON SARS-CoV-2 assay for the evaluation of cellular immunity after immunization with mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dourdouna Maria-Myrto , Kourlaba Georgia , Michos Athanasios 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the virus-specific T-cell response after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination, using the QuantiFERON-SARS-CoV-2 Interferon-γ Release Assay. A search was conducted (June 8, 2023) in the PUBMED, SCOPUS and medRxiv databases, to identify studies reporting the QuantiFERON-SARS-CoV-2 [Starter (two Antigen tubes) or Starter+Extended Pack (three Antigen tubes), cut-off³0.15IU/mL] Positivity Rate (PR) in immunocompetent adults, following the administration of two or three COVID-19 mRNA vaccine doses. Study quality was evaluated with the Critical Appraisal Skills Program Tool. A meta-analysis was conducted using a Random-Effects model. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. Eleven eligible studies (with 5-75 vaccinated immunocompetent participants) were identified. For COVID-19-naive participants, £3 months after the second dose, the pooled PR (Random-Effects model) was 81 [95% Confidence Interval (95%CI):71-92]%. Comparing the Starter vs. the Starter+Extended Pack, a significant difference in PRs was detected (79.3% vs. 92.2%, p-value=0.039). At 3-6 and >6 months after the second dose and at ³3 months after the third dose, the pooled PRs were 59(95%CI:45-72)%, 79(95%CI:66-92)% and 66(95%CI:50-82)%, respectively. For convalescent participants, ³6 months after the third dose, the pooled PR was 81(95%CI:67-92)%. In conclusion, following the second or third COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, QuantiFERON-SARS-CoV-2 detected positive responses in a certain percentage of the vaccinees. This detection was higher when the Starter+Extended Pack was used. Possible explanations for the assay’s negative results in a subset of the participants could be: waning immunity, reduced sensitivity compared to other T-cell assays or lack of T-cell response induction in some vaccinees.
(PROSPERO Registration Number:CRD42023431315)
The Interaction Efficiency of Different Visual Areas on a Virtual Reality Device Screen: Standing versus Sitting Posture
Authors: Li Jutao , Yuan Jingxuan , huang Yanqun , Liang Xiaotian , Huang Xueqin , Zhang Jian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

User posture can have an impact on cognition. Virtual reality (VR) devices extend the traditional two-dimensional interface into a three-dimensional space, necessitating some changes in body posture for users to interact between both. This study evaluated the interaction efficiency of standing versus sitting postures and the four corners of interface in VR environments. Thirty-five participants took part in the experiment, which measured the time they spent on searching and selecting targets under different conditions. With a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), the results indicated that the interaction efficiency of participants in a sitting posture was generally higher than that in a standing posture. When searching for targets on the left side, participants spent less time in both standing and sitting postures than on other areas. Specifically, searching for targets in the top-left corner took less time in a standing posture than other areas, while searching for targets in the bottom-left corner took less time in a sitting posture. The results suggested that posture also influenced cognitive performance in VR environments. Moreover, the high interaction efficiency could be achieved when the interface was placed at the top-left corner in a standing posture and at the bottom-left corner in a sitting posture. These findings could provide insights for VR developers on interaction design, enhancing optimal interface design according to different user postures to ensure expected interaction efficiency and user experience.
Correlation of Malnutrition and Disease Development, Prognosis in Old Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 from a Observational Study
Authors: Ren Wei-Xia , Ge Jian , Jiang Man , Zhu Tong , Huang Fei , Fan Jinghua , Yuan Jun-Hua 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background This research focus on the discussion of malnutrition in elderly COVID-19 patients, primarily including anemia and hypoalbuminemia, and its impact on the severity and prognosis of novel coronavirus pneumonia.
Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 163 elderly COVID-19 patients discharged (including deaths) from Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from December 19, 2022, to February 3, 2023. The patients were divided into four groups based on their hemoglobin levels at admission: normal, mild anemia, moderate anemia, and severe anemia. They were also divided into four groups based on their albumin levels at admission: normal, mild hypoalbuminemia, moderate hypoalbuminemia, and severe hypoalbuminemia. The proportions of severe COVID-19 pneumonia, hospital stay, intubation rate, ICU admission rate, and mortality rate were compared among the groups to determine if there were any statistically significant differences.
Results
Statistical tests were conducted to examine the correlation between anemia and different levels of anemia with the severity of COVID-19. Both of these factors showed no significant correlation (P>0.05). A statistical test was also conducted to examine the correlation between anemia and patient outcomes, and it was found that patients with anemia had a positive correlation with the mortality rate (P<0.05). However, there was no significant correlation (P>0.05) between the severity of anemia and patient outcomes. Statistical tests were performed to examine the correlation between blood levels of albumin and the severity of COVID-19, and a positive correlation was found (P<0.05). However, there was no significant correlation (P>0.05) between the severity of hypoalbuminemia and the severity of COVID-19. Both the presence of hypoalbuminemia and different levels of albumin were positively correlated with the mortality rate (P<0.05).
Conclusions Patients with anemia have no significant correlation with the severity of COVID-19, but have significant correlation with the mortality rate; while patients with hypoalbuminemia are not only positively correlated with the severity of COVID-19 but also with the mortality rate.
Study of Thermal Safety Characteristics of Nanoscale Nitrocellulose/Stabilizer Composite Materials
Authors: Cheng Xue-Ning , Xu Guo-Zhong , Liu Hao , Han Zhong-Xuan , Li Mi , Jiang Lin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Nitrocellulose (NC) is widely utilized in the fields of propellants and launchers. Nanoscale modification can effectively enhance its combustion performance by shortening the mass and heat transfer distance. However, it also presents greater safety challenges for storage and application. To further investigate the thermal safety characteristics of nanoscale NC, this study explores the impact of additives on nanoscale NC. Nanoscale NC was prepared via electrospinning, and the samples were meticulously characterized using a Focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) to examine the influence of spinning solution concentration and stabilizer on sample morphology, leading to the formulation determination. Triphenylamine (TPA) and Lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) were selected as additives to create nanoscale NC with additives. Samples containing these additives were prepared using both electrospinning and traditional mechanical mixing methods. Subsequently, Thermogravimetric Analysis-Differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) under various heating rates were conducted on six different samples prepared through different methods and with distinct additives to analyze the thermal decomposition reaction characteristics. The study also compared the impact of nanoscale modification on the thermal performance of composite nitrocellulose. By employing various model-free methods, the relationship between activation energy and conversion rate was calculated and the alteration in activation energy was analyzed. Considering the thermal decomposition characteristic parameters, the study delved into the stabilizing effect of typical stabilizers in nanocomposite fibers. This research is instrumental in guiding the optimization of preparation processes and promoting the application of NC-stabilizer mixtures, while offering valuable references for the preparation and thermal stability investigations of similar nanomaterials.
Comparison of four different detection techniques on copy number variations in preimplantation genetic testing: a retrospective study
Authors: Luo Wen , Zou Juanjuan , Zheng Yi-Min , Hao Yan , Zhou Ping , Wei Zhaolian , Cao Yunxia , Chen Dawei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: We aimed to explore the distinctions among four different methods for copy number variations (CNVs) detection, while also striving to identify the most optimal detection method tailored to CNVs of varying sizes.
Methods: To investigate the detection rates and accuracy of four different CNVs testing techniques, we analysed the archived data from 16 couples undergoing PGT at the Reproductive Medical Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from 2021 to 2023. All couples carried CNVs between one or both partners.
Results: In this study, the detection rates of the four methods were comparable. In contrast, our findings revealed a significant difference in the rates of blastocysts failing quality control among the four methods (P=0.034). Additionally, the rates of undetermined blastocysts from low-coverage whole-genome sequencing (lc-WGS) at 1 Mb and 4 Mb resolution were notably higher than those in the other groups, although the statistical differences were not significant (P=0.078). Moreover, no significant differences were observed in the success rates of embryo transfer.
Conclusion: Multiplex PCR sequencing of target SNP loci is limited to detecting the target region and cannot identify CNVs outside that specific region. Regardless of cost, whole-genome SNP genotyping is the recommended method for kilobase-level CNVs. In addition, for CNVs ranging from 1–4 Mb, low-coverage WGS is anticipated to be the optimal choice in the future. We believe that our study will inform on the subsequent provision of diverse PGT approaches for patients with different CNVs.