bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of anisotropy parameters in vertical transverse isotropy media using the ray‐based tomography
Authors: Böhm Gualtiero , Farina Biancamaria 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn seismic exploration, it is very important to consider the presence of anisotropy in order to image the subsurface correctly. The knowledge of anisotropic parameters leads to more precise characterization of reservoir, fracture density and flow paths. However, conventional geophysical methods do not directly measure these parameters, and it is useful to have a method to estimate them from seismic data. In the weak transverse isotropy approximation, the fields to be considered are the vertical and horizontal velocity components and the Thomsen parameters and . We present a method for estimating the anisotropic Thomsen parameters in the presence of weak vertical transverse isotropy using P‐wave traveltime tomography based on anisotropic ray tracing. Depending on the available information, we propose different approaches to retrieve the unknowns. A conventional three‐dimensional traveltime tomography algorithm has been extended to include anisotropic ray tracing and using the algebraic reconstruction technique or modified simultaneous iterative reconstruction technique to retrieve the unknowns. We test the method on synthetic examples for the inversion of transmitted and reflected traveltimes, and we evaluate the sensitivity of the tomographic results to the available information. Furthermore, we also consider the case of tilted transverse isotropy in a seismic reflection example.
Assisting nickel agromining using sustainable amendments
Authors: Durand Alexis , Jafeu Léa , Leglize Pierre , Benizri Emile 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOne of the challenges of agromining is the adoption of more environmentally‐friendly solutions to improve plant biomass yields and Ni concentrations in plants. Here, we focused on four sustainable solutions for optimizing nickel phytoextraction by the hyperaccumulator Odontarrhena chalcidica: a biostimulant, another biostimulant/plant defense stimulator, artificial root exudates, and a biodegradable metal chelator. Their effects on the growth and physiology of O. chalcidica, on Ni phytoextraction capacity, on physicochemical soil characteristics, and on the diversity of rhizosphere and endophytic bacteria were compared to a conventional mineral fertilizer. A 5‐month pot experiment was carried out with O. chalcidica growing on an ultramafic soil. Element concentrations in both soil and plant were measured. Moreover, numerous compounds were analyzed (photosynthetic pigments, malondialdehyde, flavonoids, free amino acids, and starch). We also characterized rhizosphere and endophytic bacterial communities associated with this hyperaccumulator. Biostimulants appeared to be a promising way of improving Ni concentration in shoots and plant biomass production, and showed a positive effect on bacterial richness and diversity. In contrast, our experiments did not show that artificial exudates and mineral fertilizer had a positive effect on Ni phytoextraction. Finally, the biodegradable chelator had no significant effect. The use of sustainable amendments into a Ni agromining system improved both plant biomass and Ni yields, in comparison to mineral fertilization. Thus, improving agromining by replacing mineral fertilizers would be an eco‐efficient strategy.
Management of giant colorectal polyps (≥3 cm) by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) versus surgery: a propensity score–based analysis
Authors: Lo Michelle Hau Ching , Poon Michael Chi Ming 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimGiant colorectal polyps (≥3 cm) can be managed by endoscopic excision or surgical resection. There has been a shift to endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for the treatment of such lesions as the expertise in advanced therapeutic endoscopy develops. This study aims to compare the outcome and safety profile of ESD against surgical resection for patients with giant colorectal polyps.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review on patients with giant colorectal polyps removed by either ESD or surgery over a 10‐year period (from May 2010 to September 2020) in a regional hospital in Hong Kong. Propensity score matching was performed based on patient demographics and polyp characteristics. Outcomes including polyp histology, complication rates, length of hospital stay, and re‐admission rates were analysed.ResultsFifty‐one patients (ESD group: 34, surgery group: 17) were included in the analysis. The mean polyp diameter was 3.35 cm (ESD group) and 3.53 cm (surgery group). The median procedure time was comparable (160 vs 167 min; P = .251) and the most common polyp histological type was tubulovillous adenoma (44.1% vs 47.1%; P = .130) for both groups. A shorter median length of stay (1 day vs 6 days; P = .028) and lower re‐admission rate (0% vs 5.9%; P < .001) were observed in the ESD group, whereas a higher major complication rate (Clavien–Dindo classification grade IIIa or above; 2.9% vs 11.7%; P = .013) was observed in the surgery group.ConclusionsESD is a safe and effective treatment for giant colonic polyps with ESD size ≥3 cm. It has the advantage of lower complication rates, shorter length of hospital stays, and lower re‐admission rates compared with surgical resection.
A liquid biopsy assay for the noninvasive detection of lymph node metastases in T1 lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Xin , Gu Yang , Hu Bin , Shao Ming‐Ming , Li Hui 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionLung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a common pathological type of lung cancer. The presence of lymph node metastasis plays a crucial role in determining the overall treatment approach and long‐term prognosis for early LUAD, therefore accurate prediction of lymph node metastasis is essential to guide treatment decisions and ultimately improve patient outcomes.MethodsWe performed transcriptome sequencing on T1 LUAD patients with positive or negative lymph node metastases and combined this data with The Cancer Genome Atlas Program cohort to identify potential risk molecules at the tissue level. Subsequently, by detecting the expression of these risk molecules by real‐time quantitative PCR in serum samples, we developed a model to predict the risk of lymph node metastasis from a training cohort of 96 patients and a validation cohort of 158 patients.ResultsThrough transcriptome sequencing analysis of tissue samples, we identified 11 RNA (miR‐412, miR‐219, miR‐371, FOXC1, ID1, MMP13, COL11A1, PODXL2, CXCL13, SPOCK1 and MECOM) associated with positive lymph node metastases in T1 LUAD. As the expression of FOXC1 and COL11A1 was not detected in serum, we constructed a predictive model that accurately identifies patients with positive lymph node metastases using the remaining nine RNA molecules in the serum of T1 LUAD patients. In the training set, the model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.89, and in the validation set, the AUC was 0.91.ConclusionsWe have established a new risk prediction model using serum samples from T1 LUAD patients, enabling noninvasive identification of those with positive lymph node metastases.
Control strategies for impactful exits in impact private equity firms
Authors: Islam Syrus M. , Akroyd Chris 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTraditional private equity firms aim to maximise their financial returns when exiting an investment. In contrast, a major consideration for impact private equity firms is to ensure an impactful exit from their investments – increasing the chance of impact continuity in portfolio companies post exit. However, impactful exits may not be realised due to ownership‐, management‐, and operations‐related threats. Drawing on data from 45 impact private equity firms, we identify the control strategies that impact investors use throughout the investment lifecycle to manage impactful exits from investment. We also highlight how control‐related issues differ between traditional and impact private equity firms.
Prevalence and factors associated with mental health status in Parkinson's disease: Data from the 45 and Up Study
Authors: Micalos Peter S. , Logan Patricia A. , Bramble Marguerite , Wong Alfred 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionParkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with a range of non‐motor symptomologies such as anxiety and depression.ObjectiveThe purpose of this research was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with mental health status in persons with PD.DesignThis retrospective data linkage study analysed a subset of data from the Sax Institute’s 45 and Up Study based in the population of the state of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Data was analysed between 2005‐2009 of persons who self‐identified with PD. Secure data access was provided through the Sax Institute’s Secure Unified Research Environment (SURE). Participants were aged 45+ years of age and living in NSW, Australia. Regression analysis was performed on psychological distress (K10), previous diagnosis of anxiety, and/or depression, with independent variables for locality, demographic, health, medical, and sociocultural factors.FindingsA total of 1676 persons self‐identified with PD from the 45 and Up Study Wave 1 baseline and were linked to the 2010 Social, Economic and Environmental Factors (SEEF) survey dataset. Mental health manifestations are common in PD with 29% and 32% reporting a previous medical diagnosis of anxiety and depression, respectively. Rural locality was associated with an increased likelihood of psychological distress, anxiety, and depression compared to metropolitan locality.DiscussionMental health status in PD was associated with living in rural areas, medical service access, female gender, ageing, physical mobility, Australian born, social interactions, and in a coupled relationship.ConclusionFurther research is required on the longitudinal impact of these associations on mental health in PD.
Neutrophil‐driven and interleukin‐36γ‐associated ocular surface inflammation in chronic Stevens–Johnson syndrome
Authors: Koduri Madhuri Amulya , Pingali Tejaswini , Prasad Deeksha , Singh Vijay , Singh Swati , Shanbhag Swapna S. , Basu Sayan , Singh Vivek 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPurposeThis study aims to elucidate the tear proteome and understand the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in the ocular complications following Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN).MethodsMass spectrometry (MS) was performed to quantify the tear fluid proteins from chronic SJS/TEN patients (n = 22 eyes) and age‐ and gender‐matched controls (n = 22 eyes). The candidate proteins were validated using ELISA (n = 80 eyes) in tear samples and immunohistochemistry (IHC; n = 12) in eyelid margin specimens. These proteins were compared for significant differences based on age, gender, disease duration, and ocular severity.ResultsA total of 1692 tear fluid proteins were identified, of which 470 were significantly differentially regulated in chronic SJS/TEN. The top 10 significantly upregulated proteins were neutrophil secretions including neutrophil elastase (p < .0001), defensin (p < .0001), and matrix metalloproteinase 8 (p < .0001). The presence of neutrophils was confirmed by the upregulation of IL‐8 (p < .001) in tears, a key cytokine known for recruiting neutrophils. Additionally, positive expression of myeloperoxidase was observed in the keratinized eyelid margins of SJS/TEN to validate the presence of neutrophils. Among 41 unique proteins identified by MS, IL‐36γ (p < .01) was expressed in three SJS/TEN patients and was confirmed in SJS/TEN tears and eyelid margins by ELISA and IHC, respectively. IL‐36γ was specifically expressed in the superficial layers of eyelid margin keratinized conjunctiva. The majority of the significantly downregulated proteins were lacrimal gland secretions such as lacritin (p < .0001) and opiorphin (p < .002). Neutrophil elastase (p < .02) was significantly elevated in patients with severe eyelid margin keratinization.ConclusionOur observations indicate a clear correlation between eyelid margin keratinization and the expression of IL‐36γ, potentially mediated by neutrophils recruited via IL‐8. Future experimental studies are needed to test the role of therapies targeting IL‐8 and/or IL‐36γ in reducing eyelid margin keratinization and its associated ocular complications in SJS/TEN.
Mechanosensing by Piezo1 and its implications in the kidney
Authors: Yuan Xi , Zhao Xiaoduo , Wang Weidong , Li Chunling 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPiezo1 is an essential mechanosensitive transduction ion channel in mammals. Its unique structure makes it capable of converting mechanical cues into electrical and biological signals, modulating biological and (patho)physiological processes in a wide variety of cells. There is increasing evidence demonstrating that the piezo1 channel plays a vital role in renal physiology and disease conditions. This review summarizes the current evidence on the structure and properties of Piezo1, gating modulation, and pharmacological characteristics, with special focus on the distribution and (patho)physiological significance of Piezo1 in the kidney, which may provide insights into potential treatment targets for renal diseases involving this ion channel.
ZnPP‐laden nanoparticles improve glucose homeostasis and chronic inflammation during obesity
Authors: Yang Wanbao , Arora Meenakshi , Han Hye Won , Jiang Wen , Kim Da Mi , Ai Weiqi , Pan Quan , Kumar M. N. V. Ravi , Brashear Wesley A. , Sun Yuxiang , Guo Shaodong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposeChronic inflammation plays a pivotal role in the development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Previous studies have shown that haem oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) plays a proinflammatory role during metabolic stress, suggesting that HO‐1 inhibition could be an effective strategy to treat T2DM. However, the application of HO‐1 inhibitors is restricted due to solubility‐limited bioavailability. In this study, we encapsulated the HO‐1 inhibitor, zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP), within nanoparticles and investigated their role in regulating glucose homeostasis and chronic inflammation during obesity.Experimental ApproachWe delivered DMSO‐dissolved ZnPP (DMSO‐ZnPP) and ZnPP‐laden nanoparticles (Nano‐ZnPP) to diet‐induced obese male mice for 6 weeks. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests were carried out, liver and adipose tissue gene expression profiles analysed, and systemic inflammation analysed using flow cytometry.Key ResultsNanoparticles significantly increased the delivery efficiency of ZnPP in both cells and mice. In mice with diet‐induced obesity, inhibition of HO‐1 by Nano‐ZnPP significantly decreased adiposity, increased insulin sensitivity, and improved glucose tolerance. Moreover, Nano‐ZnPP treatment attenuated both local and systemic inflammatory levels during obesity. Mechanistically, Nano‐ZnPP significantly attenuated glucagon, TNF, and fatty acid synthesis signalling pathways in the liver. In white adipose tissue, the oxidative phosphorylation signalling pathway was enhanced and the inflammation signalling pathway diminished by Nano‐ZnPP. Our results show that Nano‐ZnPP has better effects on the improvement of glucose homeostasis and attenuation of chronic inflammation, than those of DMSO‐dissolved ZnPP.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese findings indicate that ZnPP‐laden nanoparticles are potential therapeutic agents for treating T2DM.
A long‐acting FGF21 attenuates metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis‐related fibrosis by modulating NR4A1‐mediated Ly6C phenotypic switch in macrophages
Authors: Ji Yue , Duan Yiliang , Li Yuanyuan , Lu Qingzhou , Liu Dingkang , Yang Yifan , Chang Ruilong , Tian Jing , Yao Wenbing , Yin Jun , Gao Xiangdong 
Published: April 2024

Background and PurposeBecause of the absence of effective therapies for metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH), there is a rising interest in fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analogues due to their potential anti‐fibrotic activities in MASH treatment. PsTag‐FGF21, a long‐acting FGF21 analogue, has demonstrated promising therapeutic effects in several MASH mouse models. However, its efficacy and mechanism against MASH‐related fibrosis remain less well defined, compared with the specific mechanisms through which FGF21 improves glucose and lipid metabolism.Experimental ApproachThe effectiveness of PsTag‐FGF21 was evaluated in two MASH‐fibrosis models. Co‐culture systems involving macrophages and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were employed for further assessment. Hepatic macrophages were selectively depleted by administering liposome‐encapsulated clodronate via tail vein injections. RNA sequencing and cytokine profiling were conducted to identify key factors involved in macrophage–HSC crosstalk.Key ResultsWe first demonstrated the significant attenuation of hepatic fibrosis by PsTag‐FGF21 in two MASH‐fibrosis models. Furthermore, we highlighted the crucial role of macrophage phenotypic switch in PsTag‐FGF21‐induced HSC deactivation. FGF21 was demonstrated to regulate macrophages in a PsTag‐FGF21‐like manner. NR4A1, a nuclear factor which is notably down‐regulated in human livers with MASH, was identified as a mediator responsible for PsTag‐FGF21‐induced phenotypic switch. Transcriptional control over insulin‐like growth factor 1, a crucial factor in macrophage–HSC crosstalk, was exerted by the intrinsically disordered region domain of NR4A1.Conclusion and ImplicationsOur results have elucidated the previously unclear mechanisms through which PsTag‐FGF21 treats MASH‐related fibrosis and identified NR4A1 as a potential therapeutic target for fibrosis.
Structure and material designs of stretchable electrochromic devices
Authors: Wang Weigao , Tian Boqing , Wu Majiaqi , Jian Maoliang , Yang Lianqiao 
Published: April 2024

AbstractElectrochromic materials are a significant class of optoelectronic functional materials that can change colour by adjusting the voltage periodically. In recent years, there has been rapid development in electrochromic technology. However, current research predominantly focuses on traditional rigid electrochromic devices (ECDs), typically using conductive glass substrates such as indium tin oxide. These rigid colour‐changing devices face significant challenges, including large thickness, low mechanical strength, and high cost, which hinder the advancement and commercialisation of electrochromic technology. With the rise of wearable devices and electronic skins, among other future technologies, flexible ECDs have garnered much attention due to their foldability, wearability, and even embeddability. They have emerged as a research hotspot in the field of electrochromism. As a further development direction of flexible ECDs, achieving stretchability poses higher difficulties as it requires maintaining high performance under large strains and even distortions. This article provides an overview of the latest advances in stretchable electrochromic devices (SECDs) from the perspectives of structural and material design. Regarding structural design, the ‘island‐bridge’ structure, the ‘longitudinal wave’ structure, and core‐shell structures are discussed. In terms of material design, the design schemes of substrate, conductive layer, electrochromic layer and electrolyte layer are mainly introduced, with particular emphasis on the introduction of gel electrolyte. Finally, the challenges and difficulties faced by the development of SECDs are briefly analysed.
Tools used to measure the impact of comorbidities on surgical outcomes in children with complex chronic conditions: A scoping review
Authors: Difazio Rachel L. , Strout Tania D. , Dorste Anna , Berry Jay G. , Vessey Judith A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimTo identify and describe assessment tools used to measure the impact of comorbidities on postoperative outcomes in children with complex chronic conditions (CCC).MethodThis was a scoping review using five electronic databases. The search was conducted in March 2022 by a medical librarian. There were no date or language restrictions. Included studies were full‐text articles published in peer‐reviewed journals that described a tool used to measure the impact of comorbidities in children with CCC to assess postoperative outcomes. A standardized data charting tool was used.ResultsA total of 2157 articles were retrieved. Five studies reporting on six comorbidity measures met inclusion criteria. All were cohort studies and were secondary analyses of data from an administrative database (n = 4) or a patient registry (n = 1). Sample sizes ranged from 645 to 25 747 participants. One paper described the assessment of reliability. Only one form of validity – predictive validity – was assessed in three papers for five measures.InterpretationFindings from this scoping review revealed a paucity of comorbidity assessment tools validated for use with children with CCC; significant conceptual and measurement challenges exist in the current scientific literature.What this paper adds

Five studies used formal risk assessment approaches to evaluate postoperative outcomes in children with complex chronic conditions.
Conceptual and methodological differences between comorbidity indexes and risk prediction models are explicated.
Further development of prediction science is needed for determining postoperative outcomes.
Enhanced preoperative comorbidity assessment will identify children at risk of poor outcomes.
The biological controls of soil carbon accumulation following wildfire and harvest in boreal forests: A review
Authors: Gundale Michael J. , Axelsson E. Petter , Buness Vincent , Callebaut Timon , DeLuca Thomas H. , Hupperts Stefan F. , Ibáñez Theresa S. , Metcalfe Daniel B. , Nilsson Marie‐Charlotte , Peichl Matthias , Spitzer Clydecia M. , Stangl Zsofia R. , Strengbom Joachim , Sundqvist Maja K. , Wardle David A. , Lindahl Björn D. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBoreal forests are frequently subjected to disturbances, including wildfire and clear‐cutting. While these disturbances can cause soil carbon (C) losses, the long‐term accumulation dynamics of soil C stocks during subsequent stand development is controlled by biological processes related to the balance of net primary production (NPP) and outputs via heterotrophic respiration and leaching, many of which remain poorly understood. We review the biological processes suggested to influence soil C accumulation in boreal forests. Our review indicates that median C accumulation rates following wildfire and clear‐cutting are similar (0.15 and 0.20 Mg ha−1 year−1, respectively), however, variation between studies is extremely high. Further, while many individual studies show linear increases in soil C stocks through time after disturbance, there are indications that C stock recovery is fastest early to mid‐succession (e.g. 15–80 years) and then slows as forests mature (e.g. >100 years). We indicate that the rapid build‐up of soil C in younger stands appears not only driven by higher plant production, but also by a high rate of mycorrhizal hyphal production, and mycorrhizal suppression of saprotrophs. As stands mature, the balance between reductions in plant and mycorrhizal production, increasing plant litter recalcitrance, and ectomycorrhizal decomposers and saprotrophs have been highlighted as key controls on soil C accumulation rates. While some of these controls appear well understood (e.g. temporal patterns in NPP, changes in aboveground litter quality), many others remain research frontiers. Notably, very little data exists describing and comparing successional patterns of root production, mycorrhizal functional traits, mycorrhizal‐saprotroph interactions, or C outputs via heterotrophic respiration and dissolved organic C following different disturbances. We argue that these less frequently described controls require attention, as they will be key not only for understanding ecosystem C balances, but also for representing these dynamics more accurately in soil organic C and Earth system models.