bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental study and multi‐scale refinement model of high damping acrylic polymer matrix VEDs for civil structural seismic retrofit
Authors: Dong Yao‐Rong , Xu Zhao‐Dong , Zhu Lihua , Shi Qingxuan , Li Qiang‐Qiang , He Jia‐Xuan , Cheng Yu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe viscoelastic dampers (VEDs), which can provide both stiffness and damping, have been recently introduced into the field of structural vibration control for seismic enhancement of civil engineering structures. In this study, a kind of high damping acrylic polymer matrix VEDs (HDPVED) is developed independently, and this innovative HDPVED can solve the significant problem of service performance under medium‐high temperature environments, as well as low‐frequency vibration control under earthquake actions for civil engineering structures. To systematically investigate the influencing rules of frequency, temperature, and displacement amplitude on the mechanical properties and damping dissipation performance of HDPVEDs, a series of dynamic mechanical performance tests of the developed HDPVEDs are carried out at different frequencies, temperatures, and displacement amplitudes. The research results show that HDPVED exhibits excellent damping dissipation capability and adaptability under medium‐high temperature environments and low‐frequency excitations. The mechanical properties and energy dissipation performance present a strong correlation with frequency, temperature and displacement amplitude, and there is an obvious coupling effect between the three influencing factors. Based on the macroscopic mechanical property research of HDPVED, the microscopic damping mechanism and microscopic mechanical properties of HDPVED are then investigated. High‐order fractional derivative fraction Voigt and Maxwell model in parallel (FVMP) models are preferred to characterize the combined hyper‐elasticity and viscoelasticity owned by networked molecular chains and free molecular chains. The breaking and reconstruction theory of microphysical bonds is used to assess the effect of packing particles, and the time‐temperature equivalence principle is introduced to assess the effect of temperature. The multi‐scale refinement model is proposed, and the validity and accuracy of this model are verified by testing data of HDPVED. The study results show that the proposed model can accurately describe the effects of frequency, temperature, displacement amplitude, and microstructure on the multi‐scale mechanical properties of HDPVED. It provides a theoretical basis for the multi‐scale design and development of high damping VEDs.
Can Bees Detect Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS)?
Authors: Sonter Carolyn A. , Tighe Matthew , Rader Romina , Wilson Susan C. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The European honey bee (Apis mellifera) is an important crop pollinator threatened by multiple stressors, including exposure to contaminants. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a persistent global contaminant that accumulates and biomagnifies in food chains and is detected in honey. Even sublethal exposure to PFOS is detrimental to bee health, but exposure routes are unclear and nothing is known about bee response (detection, avoidance, or attraction) to PFOS. Using Y-mazes, we studied the response of individual bees to PFOS-spiked sugar syrup at four concentrations, 0.02, 30, 61 and 103 µg L−1. Bee activity, choice behavior, and drink duration for unspiked and spiked sugar syrup was recorded for 10 min in the Y-maze system. Most bees (≥80%) tasted and then drank the sugar syrup solutions, including the PFOS-contaminated syrup. Only at 61 and 103 µg L−1 did bees significantly avoid drinking PFOS-spiked syrup, and only when given a choice with unspiked syrup. When the choice of consuming unspiked syrup was removed, the bees drank PFOS-spiked syrup at all the PFOS concentrations tested, and avoidance was not evident. Avoidance was not observed in any treatment at 0.02 or 30 µg L−1 PFOS, concentrations that are frequently reported in environmental waters in contaminated areas. These findings confirm that bees will access PFOS-contaminated resources at concentrations detrimental to the colony health, and provide evidence of potential exposure pathways that may threaten crop pollination services and also human health via food chain transfer in PFOS-contaminated areas. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1638–1647. © 2024 SETAC
Delineating genotype and parent‐of‐origin effect on the phenotype in MSH6‐associated Lynch syndrome
Authors: van der Werf‐'t Lam Anne‐Sophie , Rodriguez‐Girondo Mar , Villasmil Mandy , Tops Carli M. , van Hest Liselotte , Gille Hans J. P. , Duijkers Floor A. M. , Wagner Anja , Eikenboom Ellis , Letteboer Tom G. W. , de Jong Mirjam M. , Bajwa‐ten Broeke Sanne W. , Bleeker Fonnet , Gomez Garcia Encarna B. , Dominguez‐Valentin Mev , Møller Pal , Suerink Manon , Nielsen Maartje 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundThis study investigates the potential influence of genotype and parent‐of‐origin effects (POE) on the clinical manifestations of Lynch syndrome (LS) within families carrying (likely) disease‐causing MSH6 germline variants.Patients and MethodsA cohort of 1615 MSH6 variant carriers (310 LS families) was analyzed. Participants were categorized based on RNA expression and parental inheritance of the variant. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using weighted Cox regression, considering external information to address ascertainment bias. The findings were cross‐validated using the Prospective Lynch Syndrome Database (PLSD) for endometrial cancer (EC).ResultsNo significant association was observed between genotype and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk (HR = 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.77–1.46). Patients lacking expected RNA expression exhibited a reduced risk of EC (Reference Cohort 1: HR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.43–1.03; Reference Cohort 2: HR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.46–0.87). However, these results could not be confirmed in the PLSD. Moreover, no association was found between POE and CRC risk (HR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.52–1.17) or EC risk (Reference Cohort 1: HR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.65–1.33; Reference Cohort 2: HR = 0.8, 95% CI: 0.64–1.19).Discussion and ConclusionNo evidence of POE was detected in MSH6 families. While RNA expression may be linked to varying risks of EC, further investigation is required to explore this observation.
Genomic profiling of pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma reveals a genomic signature distinct from that of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Saoud Carla , Dermawan Josephine K. , Sharma Aarti E. , Tap William , Wexler Leonard H. , Antonescu Cristina R. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma (PRMS) is a rare and highly aggressive sarcoma, occurring mostly in the deep soft tissues of middle‐aged adults and showing a variable degree of skeletal muscle differentiation. The diagnosis is challenging as pathologic features overlap with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS), malignant Triton tumor, and other pleomorphic sarcomas. As recurrent genetic alterations underlying PRMS have not been described to date, ancillary molecular diagnostic testing is not useful in subclassification. Herein, we perform genomic profiling of a well‐characterized cohort of 14 PRMS, compared to a control group of 23 ERMS and other pleomorphic sarcomas (undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and pleomorphic liposarcoma) using clinically validated DNA‐targeted Next generation sequencing (NGS) panels (MSK‐IMPACT). The PRMS cohort included eight males and six females, with a median age of 53 years (range 31–76 years). Despite similar tumor mutation burdens, the genomic landscape of PRMS, with a high frequency of TP53 (79%) and RB1 (43%) alterations, stood in stark contrast to ERMS, with 4% and 0%, respectively. CDKN2A deletions were more common in PRMS (43%), compared to ERMS (13%). In contrast, ERMS harbored somatic driver mutations in the RAS pathway and loss of function mutations in BCOR, which were absent in PRMS. Copy number variations in PRMS showed multiple chromosomal arm‐level changes, most commonly gains of chr17p and chr22q and loss of chr6q. Notably, gain of chr8, commonly seen in ERMS (61%) was conspicuously absent in PRMS. The genomic profiles of other pleomorphic sarcomas were overall analogous to PRMS, showing shared alterations in TP53, RB1, and CDKN2A. Overall survival and progression‐free survival of PRMS were significantly worse (p < 0.0005) than that of ERMS. Our findings revealed that the molecular landscape of PRMS aligns with other adult pleomorphic sarcomas and is distinct from that of ERMS. Thus, NGS assays may be applied in select challenging cases toward a refined classification. Finally, our data corroborate the inclusion of PRMS in the therapeutic bracket of pleomorphic sarcomas, given that their clinical outcomes are comparable.
A perspective on the worst ever dengue outbreak 2023 in Bangladesh: What makes this old enemy so deadly, and how can we combat it?
Authors: Sarker Rapty , Roknuzzaman A. S. M. , Emon Faisal Abdullah , Dewan Syed Masudur Rahman , Hossain Md. Jamal , Islam Md. Rabiul 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsBangladesh has been going through outbreaks of dengue fever cases every year since 2000. Yet this year's (2023) episode of dengue fever has crossed every line concerning fatality. Symptoms of the fever range from high fever, headaches, and muscle aches to deadly dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). The present review aims to assess the current pathogenicity and associated risk factors of recent dengue outbreaks in Bangladesh.MethodsTo perform this review work, we extracted relevant information from published articles available in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. We used dengue virus, dengue fever, and dengue outbreaks as keywords while searching for information.ResultsThis Aedes mosquito‐transmitted viral fever is more common in Bangladesh because of the tropical nature and immense burden of populations, resulting in convenient conditions for the reproduction of the vector. The rapid genetic transformation of this RNA virus and the resistance of its vector against insecticides have intensified the situation. The number of hospitalized patients has increased, and the case fatality rate has risen to 0.47%. Inadequate mosquito control measures, plenty of vector breeding sites, and a lack of public awareness have worsened the situation. Routine spraying of effective insecticides in high‐risk zones, regular inspection of potential mosquito breeding sites, and public awareness campaigns are the keys to limiting the spread of this virus. Also, the availability of detection kits, improved hospital settings, and trained health professionals are mandatory to keep disease fatalities under control.ConclusionDengue fever is a preventable disease. The successful development of a competent vaccine is now a prime need for preventing any future upsurge of the disease. Also, we recommend public awareness, vector control activities, and global collaboration to prevent spread.
Factors affecting firm‐level job cuts during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐country evidence
Authors: Sarker Bibhuti 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the determinants of firms' job‐cut decisions during the COVID‐19 pandemic, considering both firm‐level and country‐level factors. Data from 31 countries (a mix of developed and emerging) collected between May 2020 and May 2021 are analyzed using a multilevel Zero‐Inflated Negative Binomial (ZINB) model. The results reveal that firms that were operational, larger in size, received financial incentives, and arranged remote work for their workforce laid off a smaller proportion of workers. Conversely, firms that experienced significant sales reductions, input supply disruptions, and introduced delivery or carry‐out services laid off a larger proportion of workers. Moreover, among financial incentive‐recipient firms, smaller ones and those that introduced remote work and delivery or carry‐out services had smaller layoffs. At the country level, the human capital index (HCI) significantly influenced job‐cut decisions, with higher HCI scores associated with smaller layoffs. Classifying countries into “developed” and “emerging” yielded similar results, except for temporary closure having no significant impact on job cuts in developed countries and remote work showing no impact on job cuts in emerging countries. The robustness of the results was confirmed by a multilevel zero‐inflated Tobit model, which consistently reproduced the outcomes.
PHLDA2 overexpression facilitates senescence and apoptosis via the mitochondrial route in human nucleus pulposus cells by regulating Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway
Authors: Chang Xian , Cao Ya , Hu Zhi‐Lei , Zhai Yu , Zhang Yu‐Yao , Lv Yang‐Fan , Li Chang‐Qing 
Published: May 2024

AbstractLow back pain is a common clinical symptom of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), which seriously affects the quality of life of the patients. The abnormal apoptosis and senescence of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) play important roles in the pathogenesis of IVDD. PHLDA2 is an imprinted gene related to cell apoptosis and tumour progression. However, its role in NPC degeneration is not yet clear. Therefore, this study was set to explore the effects of PHLDA2 on NPC senescence and apoptosis and the underlying mechanisms. The expression of PHLDA2 was examined in human nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues and NPCs. Immunohistochemical staining, magnetic resonance imaging imaging and western blot were performed to evaluate the phenotypes of intervertebral discs. Senescence and apoptosis of NPCs were assessed by SA‐β‐galactosidase, flow cytometry and western blot. Mitochondrial function was investigated by JC‐1 staining and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the expression level of PHLDA2 was abnormally elevated in degenerated human NP tissues and NPCs. Furthermore, knockdown of PHLDA2 can significantly inhibit senescence and apoptosis of NPCs, whereas overexpression of PHLDA2 can reverse senescence and apoptosis of NPCs in vitro. In vivo experiment further confirmed that PHLDA2 knockdown could alleviate IVDD in rats. Knockdown of PHLDA2 could also reverse senescence and apoptosis in IL‐1β‐treated NPCs. JC‐1 staining indicated PHLDA2's knockdown impaired disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential and also ameliorated superstructural destruction of NPCs as showed by transmission electron microscopy. Finally, we found the PHLDA2 knockdown promoted Collagen‐II expression and suppressed MMP3 expression in NPCs by repressing wnt/β‐catenin pathway. In conclusion, the results of the present study showed that PHLDA2 promotes IL‐1β‐induced apoptosis and senescence of NP cells via mitochondrial route by activating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, and suggested that therapy targeting PHLDA2 may provide valuable insights into possible IVDD therapies.
Interplay of RUNX2 and KLF4 in initial commitment of odontoblast differentiation
Authors: Gao Yongyan , Lin Yuxiu , Li Yuanyuan , Zeng Wenrui , Chen Zhi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractOdontoblast differentiation is a key process in dentin formation. Mouse dental papilla cells (mDPCs) are pivotal in dentinogenesis through their differentiation into odontoblasts. Odontoblast differentiation is intricately controlled by transcription factors (TFs) in a spatiotemporal manner. Previous research explored the role of RUNX2 and KLF4 in odontoblast lineage commitment, respectively. Building on bioinformatics analysis of our previous ATAC‐seq profiling, we hypothesized that KLF4 potentially collaborates with RUNX2 to exert its biological role. To investigate the synergistic effect of multiple TFs in odontoblastic differentiation, we first examined the spatiotemporal expression patterns of RUNX2 and KLF4 in dental papilla at the bell stage using immunostaining techniques. Notably, RUNX2 and KLF4 demonstrated colocalization in preodontoblast. Further, immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays verified the interaction between RUNX2 and KLF4 in vitro. Specifically, the C‐terminus of RUNX2 was identified as the interacting domain with KLF4. Functional implications of this interaction were investigated using small hairpin RNA‐mediated knockdown of Runx2, Klf4, or both. Western blot analysis revealed a marked decrease in DSPP expression, an odontoblast differentiation marker, particularly in the double knockdown condition. Additionally, alizarin red S staining indicated significantly reduced mineralized nodule formation in this group. Collectively, our findings highlight the synergistic interaction between RUNX2 and KLF4 in promoting odontoblast differentiation from mDPCs. This study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the regulatory network of TFs governing odontoblast differentiation.
Nomogram Based on High‐Resolution Vessel Wall MRI Features to Differentiate Moyamoya Disease From Atherosclerosis‐Associated Moyamoya Vasculopathy
Authors: Chong Zhen , Zhang Shujun , Yue Xiuzheng , Wang Weiwei , Liu Deguo , Yu Hao , Sun Zhanguo , Guo Xiang , Chen Yueqin , Hou Lihua 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThe angiographic features of moyamoya disease (MMD) and atherosclerosis‐associated moyamoya vasculopathy (AS‐MMV) are similar, but the etiology and clinical treatment strategies are different. Differentiating MMD from AS‐MMV helps to choose the appropriate treatment.PurposeTo investigate the feasibility of a nomogram based on high‐resolution vessel wall (HR‐VWI) MRI features to differentiate MMD from AS‐MMV.Study TypeRetrospective.SubjectsOne hundred and two patients with MMD (N = 52) or AS‐MMV (N = 50) in the training cohort (9–72 years; 54 females) and 70 patients with MMD (N = 42) or AS‐MMV (N = 28) in the validation cohort (7–69 years; 33 females).Field Strength/Sequence3‐T, three‐dimensional time‐of‐flight MR angiography (3D‐TOF‐MRA), spin echo high‐resolution 3D T1‐weighted imaging (3D‐T1WI), 3D T2‐weighted imaging (3D‐T2WI), and contrast‐enhanced 3D‐T1WI.AssessmentImage assessment was performed by three neuroradiologists (with 10, 15, and 18 years of experience). Demographic characteristic and image features were evaluated and compared. Independent factors of MMD were screened to construct a nomogram model in the training cohort. The validation cohort was used to validated its generality.Statistical TestsInterclass correlation coefficient (ICC), kappa, t‐test, χ2 test, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve and concordance index (C‐index). A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsSignificant differences were observed between MMD and AS‐MMV in terms of age, vessel outer diameter, vessel wall thickening pattern, maximum thickness, dot sign, and anterior cerebral artery (ACA) involved. Age, outer diameter, dot sign, and ACA involved were independent factors. The C‐index was 0.886 in the training cohort and 0.859 in the validation cohort. The ROC demonstrated high diagnostic efficacy with an AUC of 0.884 in the training cohort and 0.857 in the validation cohort.Data ConclusionA nomogram model based on age, vessel outer diameter, dot sign and ACA involved may effectively distinguish MMD from AS‐MMV with good reliability and accuracy.Evidence Level4Technical EfficacyStage 2
Study on the value of second‐generation sequencing technology in the clinical diagnosis of osteoarticular brucellosis
Authors: Yao Xiaowei , Zhao Guisong , Wang Lianbo , Jia Chenguang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTo assess the value of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technology in the diagnosis of osteoarticular brucellosis pathogenesis. Fifty eight patients admitted to the Department of Orthopaedics, Hebei Provincial Chest Hospital from January 2021 to January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, and the patients were classified into 48 cases in the osteoarticular brucellosis group and 10 cases in the nonosteoarticular brucellosis group according to the final clinical diagnosis. All patients underwent serum agglutination test (SAT), CT‐guided puncture or surgical sampling of lesions for bacteriological culture and NGS after admission. The diagnostic efficacy of these three methods for osteoarticular brucellosis was compared using the final clinical diagnosis as the reference standard. Among the 58 patients with suspected osteoarticular brucellosis, 40 cases (68.97%) were positive by NGS, 33 cases (56.89%) by SAT and 10 cases (17.24%) by culture, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Using the final clinical diagnosis as a criterion, the sensitivity of NGS, SAT, and culture for the detection of osteoarticular brucellosis was 83.33%, 62.50%, and 20.83%, respectively, the specificity was 100.00%, 70.00%, and 100.00%, the diagnostic accuracy was 86.20%, 63.79%, and 34.49%, and the κ values were 0.799, 0.590, and 0.504, respectively. NGS has a high pathogen detection rate and sensitivity in the pathogenetic diagnosis of patients with osteoarticular brucellosis and can provide clinical guidance for the diagnosis and management of patients with osteoarticular brucellosis.
Lactase for infantile colic: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Nau Angélica Luciana , Bassan Amanda Santiago , Cezar Alessandra Bacelar , de Carlos Gabriel Assis , Deboni Mariana 
Published: May 2024

AbstractInfantile colic is excessive crying for no apparent reason in an otherwise healthy infant. Although its physiopathology is not completely understood, therapies usually target gastrointestinal symptoms. This systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) analyzes the efficacy of lactase supplementation in infantile colic. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane were searched for RCTs evaluating lactase supplementation in infants up to 6 months old with infantile colic. Out of six RCTs including 394 patients, three reported a significantly shorter crying time in the lactase group than in the placebo group, while the other three found no significant difference between groups. Of the two studies that performed the hydrogen breath test, only one reported a significant reduction in exhaled hydrogen levels. The pharmacological approach to infantile colic remains debatable, and new studies with standardized diagnostic criteria and outcomes are required to guide lactase supplementation in clinical practice.