bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of Earthquake Depths Using Data of Cross-Sectional and Areal Deep Seismic Studies in Siberia
Authors: Soloviev V.M. , Seleznev V.S. , Emanov A.F. , Liseikin A.V. , Shibaev S.V. , Chechel’nitskii V.V. , Galeva N.A. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
—Information on the distribution of earthquake hypocenters for many seismically active zones of Siberia remains insufficient, which is associated with sparse networks of seismological observations. The paper presents the results of determining the earthquake depths in several seismogenic areas in the Altai-Sayan region, Cisbaikalia, Transbaikalia, and Yakutia using the travel time of longitudinal refracted waves from the Mohorovičič discontinuity (Pn waves) from earthquakes and the recently obtained information about the deep structure of these regions. The depth determination algorithm is tested using data from aftershocks of large earthquakes occurring in Tuva in 2011 and 2012 (ML = 6.7 and 6.8), recorded both by the regional seismological network and by a local group of seismic stations. Different methods are applied to reveal that some aftershock depths have a close match, including those for the main shocks – the Tuva-1 and Tuva-2 earthquakes. Another good match of earthquake depths is obtained using Рn waves with materials from regional and detailed studies of the Baikal branch of the Geophysical Survey of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the Muyakan activation site in the Baikal rift zone. The resulting data complement the information on the hypocenter of the main shock and confirm the change of the Muyakan activation cluster from large depths to shallow ones since the onset of activation in 2014. New information on the earthquake depths using Рn waves is obtained in Yakutia along the border of the largest Eurasian and Okhotsk tectonic plates. It is revealed that they decrease to 6–12 km as compared to higher depths of 20–30 km in adjacent areas. The resulting series of new information on the distribution of earthquake hypocenters using Рn waves is extremely important mostly because it indicates the possibility of identifying and redefining earthquake hypocenters using previous seismological observations in seismically active zones of Siberia.
Trace amine associated receptor 1: Predicted effects of single nucleotide variants on structure-function in geographically diverse populations
Authors: Shajan Britto , Marri Shashikanth , Bastiampillai Tarun , Gregory Karen J. , Hellyer Shane D. , Nair Pramod C. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Trace Amine Associated Receptor 1 (TAAR1) is a novel pharmaceutical target under investigation for the treatment of several neuropsychiatric conditions. TAAR1 single nucleotide variants (SNV) have been found in patients with schizophrenia and metabolic disorders. However, the frequency of variants in geographically diverse populations and the functional effects of such variants are unknown. In this study, we aimed to characterise the distribution of TAAR1 SNVs in five different WHO regions using the Database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP) and conducted a critical computational analysis using available TAAR1 structural data to identify SNVs affecting ligand binding and/or functional regions. Our analysis shows 19 orthosteric, 9 signalling and 16 micro-switch SNVs hypothesised to critically influence the agonist induced TAAR1 activation. These SNVs may non-proportionally influence populations from discrete regions and differentially influence the activity of TAAR1-targeting therapeutics in genetically and geographically diverse populations. Notably, our dataset presented with orthosteric SNVs D1033.32N (found only in the South-East Asian Region and Western Pacific Region) and T1945.42A (found only in South-East Asian Region), and 2 signalling SNVs (V1253.54A/T2526.36A, found in African Region and commonly, respectively), all of which have previously demonstrated to influence ligand induced functions of TAAR1. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis using SIFT4G, MutationTaster 2, PROVEAN and MutationAssessor predicted all 16 micro-switch SNVs are damaging and may further influence the agonist activation of TAAR1, thereby possibly impacting upon clinical outcomes. Understanding the genetic basis of TAAR1 function and the impact of common mutations within clinical populations is important for the safe and effective utilisation of novel and existing pharmacotherapies.
Relation between serum vitamin D level and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Salem Mohamed H , Hassan Nahed , Abdelsalam Adel , Hamdy Fatma 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: The role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis is controversial. This study aims to assess the relation between vitamin D level and rheumatoid arthritis disease activity.Patients and methods: This study was conducted on 80 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients beside 40 healthy persons. Vitamin D level was assessed in all participants. Rheumatoid activity was assessed using DAS28 (disease activity score). RA patients were classified according to DAS 28 into two groups: active group and remission group.Results: The median for vitamin D level in RA group was 23.5ng/ml. There was no statistically significant difference in serum vitamin D level between RA cases and control group (23.5ng/ml versus 25ng/ml, P 0.9). Serum vitamin D level was not significantly different between active RA patients and patients in remission (P = 0.09 respectively). There was no significant difference between patients with different levels of vitamin D as regards activity parameters. No correlation was found between vitamin D level and rheumatoid activity.Conclusion: There was no difference in vitamin D level between RA patients and healthy control. Also, there was no difference in vitamin D level between RA patients with active disease and patients in remission. There was no significant association between vitamin D level and disease activity parameters.
Long-Term Effects of Flexible Visitation in the ICU on Family Members' Mental Health: 12-Month Results from a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: de Souza Jennifer Menna Barreto , Miozzo Aline Paula , Santos Rosa da Rosa Minho dos , Mocellin Duane , Rech Gabriela Soares , Trott Geraldine , Estivalete Gabriel Pozza Muller , Sganzerla Daniel , de Souza Denise , Rosa Regis Goulart , Teixeira Cassiano 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To assess the effects of flexible ICU visitation on the one-year prevalences of posttraumatic stress, anxiety and depression symptoms among family members of critically ill patients.
Methods
This is a secondary analysis of a cluster-crossover randomized clinical trial that evaluated a flexible visitation model in the ICU (12 hours/day) compared to a restrictive visitation model (median 1.5 hours/day) in 36 Brazilian ICUs. In the present analysis, family members were assessed 12 months after inclusion in the study for the following outcomes: post-traumatic stress symptoms measured by the Impact Event Scale-6 and anxiety and depression symptoms measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.
Results
A total of 519 family members were analyzed (288 in the flexible visitation group and 231 in the restrictive visitation group). Three-hundred sixty-nine (71.1%) were women, and the mean age was 46.7 years. Compared to family members in the restrictive visitation group, family members in the flexible visitation group had a significantly lower prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms (21.0% vs. 30.5%; prevalence ratio [PR], 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54–0.92; p = 0.01). The prevalence of anxiety (28.9% vs. 33.2%; PR 0.92; 95% CI, 0.71–1.19; p = 0.54) and depression symptoms (19.2% vs. 25.0%; PR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.61–1.04; p = 0.05) did not differ significantly between the groups.
Conclusion
Flexible ICU visitation, compared to the restrictive visitation, was associated with a significant reduction in the one-year prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms in family members.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02932358
Trial protocol: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021193
tDCS combined with kinesthetic motor imagery-based brain computer interface training promotes upper limb function in subacute stroke: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Zhang Ming , Wu Yu , Jia Fan , Gao Ling , Chu Fengming , Tang Wei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Most stroke survivors have upper extremity dysfunction. According to neuroplasticity theory, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and kinesthetic motor imagery-based brain computer interface (KI-BCI) have the potential to improve the upper extremity function of participants with subacute stroke. However, the efficacy of tDCS combined with KI-BCI in participants with subacute stroke is unknown.
Objective
To investigate whether the combined effect of tDCS and KI-BCI on upper limb function in participants with subacute stroke is more effective than the effects of tDCS or KI-BCI alone.
Methods
We randomized 48 participants into a tDCS group (n = 16), a KI-BCI group (n = 16), and a tDCS-BCI group (n = 16). Participants in the tDCS group received 30 min of tDCS with the anode over M1. The KI-BCI group performed 30 min of KI-BCI training. Participants in the tDCS-BCI group received 15 min of tDCS and 15 min of KI-BCI. All participants received conventional intervention. The treatment cycle consisted of a 1 session each day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. The Fugl–Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) subscale, Motor Status Scale (MSS), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) were used to assess upper limb function, and activities of daily living (ADL) before and after the 4-week treatment period. In addition, electroencephalography (EEG) was used to explore potential clinical brain mechanisms.
Results
After four weeks of intervention, the tDCS-BCI group was superior to the tDCS group in terms of the MSS. The FMA-UE, MSS, and MBI scores of the KI-BCI group were superior to those of the tDCS group. There was no difference in the number of quantitative EEGs among the three groups, while the number of quantitative EEGs was greater than before.
Conclusion
TDCS combined with KI-CI training can improve upper extremity function. However, KI-BCI training alone can improve upper limb function and ADL simultaneously. TDCS could alter the electrical excitatory levels of the cerebral hemispheres.
Trial registry number: ChiCTR2000034730
Conservation of wild food plants from wood exploitation: evidence supporting the protection hypothesis in Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Caetano Roberta de Almeida , Silva Emilly Luize Guedes da , Nolasco Luis Fernando Colin , Silva Rafael Ricardo Vasconcelos da , Carvalho Adriana Rosa , de Medeiros Patrícia Muniz 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background The interplay between different uses of woody plants remains underexplored, obscuring our understanding of how a plant's value for one purpose might shield it from other, more harmful uses. This study examines the protection hypothesis by determining if food uses can protect woody plants from wood exploitation. We approached the hypothesis from two distinct perspectives: 1) the protective effect is proportional to the intensity of a species' use for food purposes, and 2) the protective effect only targets key species for food purposes.Methods The research was conducted in a rural community within Restinga vegetation in Northeast Brazil. During a participatory workshop, we pinpointed three food species vital for both consumption and income (key species), along with their natural occurrence and collection areas. A floristic survey in three distinct areas identified additional species coexisting with the key species. Using a field herbarium and species photographs as visual stimuli, participants assessed the species for wood quality, perceived availability, and usage. We employed Cumulative Link Mixed Models (CLMMs) to evaluate the hypotheses “the food uses (specialized) protect plants from wood exploitation (generalist)” from two different perspectives (generalized protection and protection targeted at key species).Results Findings suggest there is no proportional protective effect from food uses across species. However, domestic food use of key species exhibited a marked protective effect. Perceived availability and utility emerged as notable predictors for wood exploitation.Conclusion We advocate for biocultural conservation strategies that enhance the food value of plants for their safeguarding, coupled with measures for non-edible woody species under higher use-pressure.
A Real-world cost-effectiveness study of autologous stem cell transplant plus CAR-T versus CAR-Ttherapy alone in Chinese patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Zhu Xiaojian , Zhou Zhengtao , Ruan Haitao , Deng Ting , Meng Fankai , Cao Yang , Huang Liang , Zhou Xiaoxi , Zhou Jianfeng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of autologous stem cell transplant plus CAR-T (ASCT + CAR-T) therapy compared to CAR-T therapy among relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma (r/r LBCL) patients based on real-world data.Complete response rate (CR), adverse events (AE), and total treatment cost were identified and compared between the two therapy groups. Using a decision analytic model based on standard clinical flow, incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for overall survival were calculated with stratification by disease stage and hormone-receptor status. A total of 76 patients received CAR-T therapy and 81 underwent ASCT + CAR-T therapy. The average total treatment cost was ¥242,265.44 for the CAR-T group and ¥321,649.84 for the ASCT + CAR-T group (p < 0.001), 44.70% and 58.02% patients achieved CR at 6-month respectively (p = 0.1). Grade III or higher cytokine release syndrome events occurred in 6.8% of the CAR-T group and 13.6% of the ASCT + CAR-T group (p < 0.001). The ICER was ¥5,974.21 per 1% CR rate increase. The use of ASCT + CAR-T for r/r LBCL patients may lead to better effectiveness but also higher treatment costs. Commercial CAR-T demonstrated a higher CR rate but higher treatment costs compared to in-hospital CAR-T formulations. Our research provides support for the cost-effectiveness of different treatment option for r/r LBCL patients.
Predictive value of body mass index on the efficacy of Sintilimab combined with SOX regimen for the first-line treatment of advanced inoperable gastric cancer
Authors: Yao Zhiyuan , Liu Haonan , Pan Di , Chen Xiaoxiao , Wang Hongmei , Qin Xiaobing , Qu Pengfei , Li Yuqi , Zhu Jingjing , Chen Jingbo , Lu Tong , Cao Menghan , Tang Juanjuan , Li Gengchen , Ron Tianming , Han Zhengxiang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the predictive role of body mass index (BMI) on the efficacy of sintilimab combined with oxaliplatin + tiglio (SOX) in the first-line treatment for patients with advanced inoperable gastric cancer.
Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 137 patients with advanced inoperable gastric cancer treated with sintilimab in conjunction with the SOX regimen at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from September 2020 to December 2023. Patients were categorized into the wasting group (BMI <18.5 kg/m²) and the non-wasting group (BMI ≥18.5 kg/m²) according to their BMI. There were 68 cases in the wasting group and 69 cases in the non-wasting group. Parameters including progression-free survival time (PFS), overall survival time (OS), objective remission rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and adverse reactions were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan–Meier method, and differences between the groups were assessed using the Log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors affecting OS. A column-line diagram model was constructed based on the independent factors affecting patients' OS, and the model’s discriminative ability was evaluated using the C-index, ROC curve, and calibration curve. The clinical benefit of the column-line diagram was assessed using DCA curves.
Results: Patients in the non-wasting group exhibited significantly longer median PFS compared to those in the wasting group (10.3 months vs 7.85 months, P=0.012) and significantly longer median OS(19.8 months vs 17.4 months, P<0.01). The ORR (29.0% vs 14.7%, P=0.043) and DCR (62.3% vs 44.9%, P=0.049) were significantly better in the non-wasting group compared to the wasting group. There was no significant difference in the overall incidence of adverse events between the two groups (73.5% vs 66.7%, P=0.381), and no grade >3 adverse reactions or adverse reaction-related deaths occurred in either group. Multifactorial analysis revealed distant metastasis (HR=0.24, 95% CI=0.11-0.52), tumor size (HR=2.17, 95% CI=1.04-4.53), and BMI (HR=0.39, 95% CI=0.17-0.87) as independent prognostic factors affecting OS (all P-values <0.05). Furthermore, the constructed column-line graphical model demonstrated good accuracy and discrimination (C-index for the training set: 0.790 (0.724–0.857), C-index for the validation set: 0.690 (0.579–0.801).
Conclusion: BMI serves as a convenient, efficient, and clinically valuable predictor of the efficacy of sintilimab in combination with the SOX regimen for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced inoperable gastric cancer.
Comparison of the Chondrogenic Potential of eBMSCs and eUCMSCs in Response to Selected Peptides and Compounds
Authors: Ajeeb Boushra , Kiyotake Emi A. , Keefe Peggy A. , Phillips Jennifer N. , Hatzel Jennifer N. , Goodrich Laurie R. , Detamore Michael S. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Cartilage injuries pose significant challenges in horses and often lead to post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Despite the advances in surgical and regenerative techniques, the result in most cases is the formation of a fibrocartilage repair tissue. Cell-based cartilage therapies are mainly focused on equine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (eBMSCs) as they are easily accessible, and multipotent. Nonetheless, alternative allogeneic sources, for example equine umbilical cord matrix mesenchymal stromal cells (eUCMSCs), hold promise given their non-invasive and readily accessible nature. Considerable research has been dedicated to exploring chondroinductive factors (e.g., peptides and small compounds), aiming to replace growth factors for inducing chondrogenesis. However, these factors have not yet translated to the equine community. Therefore, in the current study, we selected from the literature two promising peptides, CM10 and CK2.1, and two promising compounds, kartogenin and SM04690, and assessed their chondroinductive potential with both eBMSCs and eUCMSCs. In addition, the chondroinductive potential of eBMSCs was evaluated in monolayer and spheroid culture in both hypoxia and normoxia in response to dexamethasone and/or TGF-β3.
Results
Following 21 days of culture, none of the evaluated chondrogenic factors resulted in a higher gene expression of chondrogenic markers compared to the positive or negative controls with eBMSCs or eUCMSCs. Interestingly, spheroid culture in hypoxia with dexamethasone treatment (without TGF-β or any compound or peptide) was sufficient to induce the chondrogenic differentiation of eBMSCs.
Conclusion
Based on cell response to the positive control, eBMSCs may be preferred over eUCMSCs for chondrogenesis. The current study therefore supports the use of spheroid culture, and the use of dexamethasone over TGF-β or any of the compounds or peptides tested here from the prior literature to drive chondrogenesis with eBMSCs.
Response of hydrological characteristics for local coastal water bodies of the South-Eastern Baltic to extreme weather events in autumn–winter 2023/2024
Authors: Domnin Dmitry , Kileso Aleksandr , Kulmanov Kirill , Rachipa Vladislavs 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

A total of 25 storms were recorded in the autumn-winter period of 2023–2024, with eight of these exhibiting a notable impact on the coast of the South-Eastern Baltic. As a consequence of this phenomenon, the western coast of the Sambian Peninsula of the Kaliningrad Oblast (Russia) was subjected to devastating effects: partial washout of the beach, flooded recreational infrastructure, the direction of the water flow changed and the formation of a local canyon, the dam of a flooded quarry broke through and was completely destroyed. The methodology for the integrated use of field measurement data, meteorological and hydrological information, re-analysis data, as well as satellite images was developed in order to analyses the effects of storms on inland coastal water bodies. Almost all storm events caused sea levels to rise, which had a devastating effect on the coast. As a consequence of the initial storm in October 2023, the inland water body was entirely obliterated, first becoming part of the sea and then a sandy beach. The most significant event was a series of storms in January and February 2024, which resulted in a 90 cm increase in the level rise relative to the pre-storm period. The storms brought with them a vast amount of precipitation, amounting to 51% of the total during the cold period. Rising sea levels and heavy precipitation caused the flooding of coastal lagoon lakes, changes in their thermohaline and oxygen regimes, as well as flooding of adjacent infrastructure.
Analysing the interlinkage between diarrhoea and drinking water faecal contamination in India
Authors: Kapse Gaurav , Agnihotri Satish , Sekhsaria Pankaj , Sastry Murali 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Diarrhoea is one of the major waterborne diseases spread through the faecal–oral route causing over 10 million cases and over 1,000 deaths per year in India. This study critically evaluates the interlinkage between bacteriological water quality, i.e. faecal coliforms and diarrhoea cases for the three pre-pandemic years 2017, 2018 and 2019 based on multiple sources. With around 17% of households tap water connectivity as of August 2019, the majority of the Indian population depends on raw groundwater (GW) and surface water sources. For this, faecal coliform (FC) levels in surface and GW have been mapped at district levels using data from India's National Water Quality Monitoring Programme. Health Management Information System's data on diarrhoea have been used to understand the monthly and district-wise variation of diarrhoea. The trends of FC, diarrhoea inpatient cases, and diarrhoea inpatient rates have been discussed. The analysis showed issues associated with the reliability and usefulness of these datasets with 43% of total India districts with no reported FC values for the study period. This study reveals a clear gap in the interlinkage between diarrhoea and bacteriological water quality with the unavailability of granular water quality data as a major challenge.