bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Process improvement in thyroid fine needle aspiration: Standardizing number of smears for enhanced adequacy and diagnosis
Authors: Morse Patrick , Roberts Kaleigh F. , Spies Nicholas C. , Padmanabhan Vijayalakshmi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractFine‐needle aspiration (FNA) is a safe, cost‐effective diagnostic procedure used in the evaluation of thyroid nodules. The number of thyroid FNAs has dramatically increased over the past few years. In the absence of standardized procedures regarding the number of needle passes needed for diagnosis and the lack of clarity on the use of conventional smears (CS) versus liquid‐based preparations (LBP), the demand of thyroid FNAs has led to increased workload on cytology laboratories, which can negatively affect patient safety. We implemented a standardized two needle passes for CS and collection of all needle rinses and additional pass material in CytoRich Red for ThinPrep LBP and compared the non‐diagnostic and diagnostic rates before and after this intervention. There were 290 pre‐intervention cases and 348 post‐intervention cases; of which, there were 17 (5.9%) non‐diagnostic cases of the pre‐intervention group and 27 (7.8) non‐diagnostic cases of the post‐intervention group. There was no statistically significant difference in non‐diagnostic and diagnostic rates before and after the change (p = 0.347 by two‐tailed Z test).
Field agrochemical exposure impacts locomotor activity in wild bumblebees
Authors: Strang Caroline G. , Rondeau Sabrina , Baert Nicolas , McArt Scott H. , Raine Nigel E. , Muth Felicity 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAgricultural intensification has been identified as one of the key causes of global insect biodiversity losses. These losses have been further linked to the widespread use of agrochemicals associated with modern agricultural practices. Many of these chemicals are known to have negative sublethal effects on commercial pollinators, such as managed honeybees and bumblebees, but less is known about the impacts on wild bees. Laboratory‐based studies with commercial pollinators have consistently shown that pesticide exposure can impact bee behavior, with cascading effects on foraging performance, reproductive success, and pollination services. However, these studies typically assess only one chemical, neglecting the complexity of real‐world exposure to multiple agrochemicals and other stressors. In the summer of 2020, we collected wild‐foraging workers of the common eastern bumblebee, Bombus impatiens, from five squash (Cucurbita) agricultural sites (organic and conventional farms), selected to represent a range of agrochemical, including neonicotinoid insecticide, use. For each bee, we measured two behaviors relevant to foraging success and previously shown to be impacted by pesticide exposure: sucrose responsiveness and locomotor activity. Following behavioral testing, we used liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) chemical analysis to detect and quantify the presence of 92 agrochemicals in each bumblebee. Bees collected from our sites did not vary in pesticide exposure as expected. While we found a limited occurrence of neonicotinoids, two fungicides (azoxystrobin and difenoconazole) were detected at all sites, and the pesticide synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) was present in all 123 bees. We found that bumblebees that contained higher levels of PBO were less active, and this effect was stronger for larger bumblebee workers. While PBO is unlikely to be the direct cause of the reduction in bee activity, it could be an indicator of exposure to pyrethroids and/or other insecticides that we were unable to directly quantify, but which PBO is frequently tank‐mixed with during pesticide applications on crops. We did not find a relationship between agrochemical exposure and bumblebee sucrose responsiveness. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of a sublethal behavioral impact of agrochemical exposure on wild‐foraging bees.
Theoretical Mechanism Study of BH3‐Mediated Reduction of P‐Stereogenic Hydroxyalkylphosphine Oxides
Authors: Mattalia Jean‐Marc , Javierre Guilhem , Fortrie Rémy , Buono Gérard , Nava Paola , Hérault Damien 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe BH3‐mediated reduction of P‐stereogenic hydroxyalkylphosphine oxides was investigated by Density Functional Theory calculations. By combining theoretical approaches with experimental observations, we explored two mechanisms that account for its stereospecificity, implying an inversion of the configuration at the phosphorus atom. One mechanism proceeds through a cyclic intermediate in which the coordination of borane to the oxygen atoms lowers the BH3.THF‐attack barrier. However, the free energy barrier for this combined process is too high for a reaction feasible at room temperature. The calculations rather support a second mechanism that proceeds through from the same cyclic intermediate and the in‐situ formation of BH4− as reducing agent.
Base‐Mediated Regioselective Synthesis of Pyrrolo[3,4‐b]quinolin‐1‐one and Benzo[b][1,6]Naphthyridin‐1(2H)‐One Derivatives fromo‐Alkynyl Quinoline‐3‐carbonitriles and Their Photophysical Properties
Authors: Kumar Vipin , Sharma Shubham , Kumar Pandey Satyendra , Singh Virender 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA KOtBu‐promoted robust strategy has been described for the regioselective synthesis of pyrrolo[3,4‐b]quinolin‐1‐one and naphthyridin‐1(2H)‐one derivatives fromo‐alkynylquinolinecarbonitriles in good to excellent yields. The reaction proceeds throughin situtransformation of the nitrile moiety into an amide group followed by the selective C−N bond formation through a5‐exo‐digor6‐endo‐digannulation reaction. Among the synthesized derivatives,6‐endo‐dignaphthyridin‐1(2H)‐ones displayed good photophysical properties. The present approach is superior to other established methodologies as it avoids use of transition metals and column chromatographic purification and affords the products in high yields. Additionally, the current methodology provides several additional advantages, such as one‐pot operation, high atom economy, broad substrate scope and a step‐economical process.
Isolation and characterization of two phages against emetic Bacillus cereus and their potential applications
Authors: Chen Bo , Huang Zhichao , Yuan Xiaoming , Li Chun , Wang Juan , Chen Moutong , Xue Liang , Zhang Jumei , Wu Qingping , Ding Yu 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBacillus cereus is a common foodborne pathogen capable of producing cereulide and enterotoxin. Consumption of food contaminated with cereulide can even result in fatality. Bacteriophages are increasingly being utilized as biocontrol agents to combat specific pathogens in a variety of food products. However, there are currently no lytic phages available to target cereulide‐producing B. cereus. This study aims to isolate and characterize two novel phages, DC1 and DC2, and assess their potential for use in food substrates. These two phages possessed the widest host range among the reported lytic phages that target B. cereus. The whole genome analysis demonstrated that DC1 and DC2 belonged to the Tsarbombavirus genus of the Bastillevirinae subfamily, which is part of the Herelleviridae family. The one‐step growth curve analysis revealed that DC1 had a latent period of 30 min and a burst size of approximately 39 PFU (plaque‐forming units) per cell. On the other hand, DC2 exhibited a shorter latent period of 15 min and a larger burst size of 124 PFU per cell. Both phages had a burst period of 30 min. Furthermore, DC1 and DC2 displayed excellent stability within a wide range of pH levels and temperatures. After undergoing a brief phage‐soaking treatment, DC1 and DC2 effectively reduced the bacterial count in spiked food samples. Additionally, they inhibited the formation of biofilms and degraded already‐formed biofilms. Collectively, DC1 and DC2 exhibit great potential as biocontrol agents for the prevention and control of B. cereus contamination in foods.
Remyelination‐oriented clemastine treatment attenuates neuropathies of optic nerve and retina in glaucoma
Authors: Liu Kun , Yang Yujian , Wu Zhonghao , Sun Chunhui , Su Yixun , Huang Nanxin , Wu Haoqian , Yi Chenju , Ye Jian , Xiao Lan , Niu Jianqin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAs one of the top causes of blindness worldwide, glaucoma leads to diverse optic neuropathies such as degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). It is widely accepted that the level of intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor in human glaucoma, and reduction of IOP level is the principally most well‐known method to prevent cell death of RGCs. However, clinical studies show that lowering IOP fails to prevent RGC degeneration in the progression of glaucoma. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of glaucoma pathological process is required for developing new therapeutic strategies. In this study, we provide functional and histological evidence showing that optic nerve defects occurred before retina damage in an ocular hypertension glaucoma mouse model, in which oligodendroglial lineage cells were responsible for the subsequent neuropathology. By treatment with clemastine, an Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved first‐generation antihistamine medicine, we demonstrate that the optic nerve and retina damages were attenuated via promoting oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) differentiation and enhancing remyelination. Taken together, our results reveal the timeline of the optic neuropathies in glaucoma and highlight the potential role of oligodendroglial lineage cells playing in its treatment. Clemastine may be used in future clinical applications for demyelination‐associated glaucoma.
Do responsible practices lead to higher firm productivity? Evidence from Europe
Authors: Piserà Stefano , Gandullia Luca , Girardone Claudia 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study examines the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in its environmental, social and governance (ESG) dimensions on firm productivity. We analyze a data set comprising 448 non‐financial firms operating in 15 European countries during the period 2002–2018 and find compelling evidence indicating that both the overall ESG scores and their individual sub‐pillars, are positively associated with total factor productivity (TFP). To ensure the robustness of our findings, we employ multiple analytical approaches to address potential endogeneity and selection biases. Our evidence demonstrates that the link between ESG and TFP link becomes more pronounced during economic slowdowns, particularly in the aftermath of the financial crisis. Furthermore, our investigation reveals that firms' environmental performance plays a pivotal role in driving this relationship. To validate this outcome, we employ a quasi‐natural experiment, focused on the adoption of the international climate change treaty, the 2015 ‘Paris Agreement’. Overall, our results offer valuable insights for policymakers and regulators and confirm that involvement in sustainability practices within the non‐financial sector not only yields societal benefits but also bolsters firm‐level productivity.
An interpretable deep learning Bayesian optimized random forest framework for the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease in structural magnetic resonance images
Authors: Toumi Sihem Nour Elhouda , Belkhamsa Noureddine , Cherfa Yazid , Bouzouad Assia Cherfa 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAs one of the fastest‐growing neurological disorders, Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative, cardinally motor ailment. Associated with the late onset of symptoms and often misdiagnosed, it inflicts massive life handicaps. To aid in its early detection, the research community is seeking alternative in‐vivo biomarkers, mainly in the field of neuroimaging. This study aimed to build a computer‐aided diagnosis system to distinguish between healthy controls (HC) and early Parkinsonian patients (PD). Our classification paradigm encompasses a Convolutional Neural Network built from scratch to extract discriminatory features, followed by a Bayesian‐optimized Random Forest classifier (CNN_RF). We trained and validated our customized model on the MRI images of 178 PD and 124 HC, taken from the benchmark Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) dataset, as well as their brain tissue segments and Jacobian determinant maps. The classification was evaluated using seven performance metrics. For visual interpretation, we employed Grad‐CAM to generate saliency maps. Our findings demonstrate the robustness of the proposed method, as it outperformed deep‐tuned ResNet18, VGG16, and SqueezeNet, implemented for comparison. Furthermore, it resulted in 98.9% accuracy, 98.6% specificity, 99.0% precision, 99.5% F1‐score, a 97.7% Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC), and an AUC of 99.6% for the classification of fused gray matter and Jacobian map features. This indicates that the tailored CNN_RF possesses superior adaptability to identify intrinsic characteristics linked to the disease, as highlighted in the salient maps showcasing pertinent regions in the striatum, thalamus, frontal, temporal, and insular cortices for Parkinson's disease classification. Moreover, it offers a single modality and cost‐effective CAD, which could pave the way for a feasible early PD diagnosis. As data availability and AI robustness increase, PD diagnosis will no longer be a challenging task in the future.
Early extracorporeal photopheresis treatment is associated with better survival in patients with chronic or recurrent acute lung allograft dysfunction
Authors: Gautschi Fiorenza , Vogelmann Tobias , Ortmanns Gernot , Knörr Fabian , Steinack Carolin , Hage René , Nägeli Mirjam , Schuurmans Macé Matthew 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundDue to development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD), prognosis for patients undergoing lung transplantation (LTx) is still worse compared to other solid organ transplant recipients. Treatment options for slowing down CLAD progression are scarce with extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) as an established rescue therapy. The aim of the study was to identify characteristics of responders and non‐responders to ECP treatment, assess their survival, lung function development and by that define the subset of patients who should receive early ECP treatment.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of all LTx patients receiving ECP treatment at the University Hospital Zurich between January 2010 and March 2020. Patients were followed‐up for a maximum period of 5 years. Mortality and lung function development were assessed by CLAD stage and by CLAD subtype before initiation of ECP treatment.ResultsOverall, 105 patients received at least one ECP following LTx. A total of 57 patients (61.3%) died within the study period with a median survival of 15 months. Mortality was 57% for patients who started ECP at CLAD1, 39% for CLAD2, 93% for CLAD3, and 90% for CLAD4 (p < 0.001). Survival and lung function development was best in young patients at early CLAD stages 1 and 2. Response to ECP treatment was worst in patients with CLAD‐RAS/mixed subtype (14.3%) and patients with ECP initiation in CLAD stages 3 (7.1%) and 4 (11.1%). Survival was significantly better in a subset of patients with recurrent acute allograft dysfunction and earlier start of ECP treatment (105 vs 15 months).ConclusionIn this retrospective analysis of a large group of CLAD patients treated with ECP after LTx, early initiation of ECP was associated with better long‐term survival. Besides a subset of patients suffering of recurrent allograft dysfunction, especially a subset of patients defined as responders showed an improved response rate and survival, suggesting that ECP should be initiated in early CLAD stages and young patients. ECP might therefore prevent long‐term disease progression even in patients with CLAD refractory to other treatment options and thus prevent or delay re‐transplantation.
LncRNA AFAP1‐AS1 mediates breast cancer cell proliferation and migration through the miR‐21/PTEN axis
Authors: Quan Dongling , Wu Huanxian , Yang Yuqin , Lian Huining , Guan Yiqing , Yang Danni , Zhang Guohua , Liu Minfeng , Wu Shaoyu , Lv Lin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractLncRNAs play various effects, mostly by sponging with miRNAs. Based on public databases integrating bioinformatics analyses and further validation in breast cancer (BC) tissue and cell lines, the effect of lncRNA AFAP1‐AS1 on breast cancer cell proliferation and migration was verified. It might work via the miR‐21/PTEN axis. The expression of AFAP1‐AS1, which was significantly upregulated in BC tissues and cell lines, was correlated with old age and lymph node metastasis of patients with BC. Knockdown of AFAP1‐AS1 inhibited the proliferation and migration of BC cells in vitro and in vivo. And downregulated miR‐21 expression and upregulated PTEN expression additionally. Mechanistically, the knockdown of lncRNA AFAP1‐AS1 upregulated PTEN expression and consequently attenuated miR‐21‐mediated enhanced BC cell proliferation and migration. LncRNA AFAP1‐AS1 is a potential prognostic biomarker for BC patients.
Cognitive interview conducted in‐person and over‐the‐phone for informants' memory of overheard conversations
Authors: Sneyd Danielle , Fisher Ronald P. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe current study examined the Cognitive Interview (CI) for eliciting information about an overheard conversation (planning a future crime). Interviews were conducted either in‐person or via telephone. The CI elicited more information, and at a comparable accuracy level, in comparison to a structured interview (SI). The efficacy of the CI was not significantly influenced by whether the interview was conducted in‐person or via telephone. It took more time to conduct the CI than the SI. Finally, various measures of efficiency showed that the CI was as or more efficient than the SI. Suggestions are offered about adapting the CI for telephone interviews.
敗血症性ショックおよび急性感染性電撃性紫斑病を併発したCapnocytophaga canimorsus感染症の1例(Case report: Septic shock and acute infectious purpura fulminans due to Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection)
Authors: 大地 田畑 , 恭輔 高端 , 勲 鵜飼 , 雄公 中川 , 公伸 鴻野 
Published: June 2024

要旨カプノサイトファーガ・カニモルサスは主に犬・猫の口腔内常在菌である。ヒトへの感染の頻度は少ないものの，一旦感染すると全身状態が急激に悪化して敗血症性ショックやDICに至ることが多く，最近では認知の広がりとともに症例の報告が増加している。しかし，電撃性紫斑病合併例の報告は極めて少ない。一般的に，電撃性紫斑病を合併する敗血症の生命予後は極めて悪く，また急激な経過をとることが知られている。症例は70歳の女性。入院4日前に犬に指を軽く噛まれたが，自己判断で医療機関は受診しなかった。入院2日前に発熱し，入院前日に意識障害が生じたため，前医へ救急搬送された。原因不明の敗血症性ショックと診断され，集中治療目的に当院へ転院となった。当院受診時，明らかな咬傷痕は認めなかったが，顔面や四肢末梢に表在性の点状出血斑を認めた。第2病日に創部等の培養を提出し，第15病日にその創部培養と喀痰培養からカプノサイトファーガ・カニモルサスが検出された。集中治療により敗血症性ショックは軽快し救命できたものの，手指や耳介，鼻尖，口唇の血流障害は改善せず壊死へ至ったため，第26病日に電撃性紫斑病と診断した。複数回の手術加療を要し最終的に四肢切断に至った。明らかな咬傷痕がなくとも，動物咬傷の病歴があればカプノサイトファーガは鑑別に含めるべきである。
Circulating metabolites are associated with persistent elevations of ALT in patients with chronic hepatitis B with complete viral suppression
Authors: Zheng Dekai , Cheng Changhao , Tang Yanhua , Fang Zhixin , Gao Xuelian , Chen Yuchuan , You Qiuhong , Wang Kaifeng , Zhou Heqi , Lan Zhixian , Sun Jian 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) can be completely suppressed after antiviral treatment; however, some patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) exhibit elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and sustained disease progression. This study provides novel insights into the mechanism and potential predictive biomarkers of persistently elevated ALT (PeALT) in patients with CHB after complete viral inhibition. Patients having CHB with undetectable HBV DNA at least 12 months after antiviral treatment were enrolled from a prospective, observational cohort. Patients with PeALT and persistently normal ALT (PnALT) were matched 1:1 using propensity score matching. Correlations between plasma metabolites and the risk of elevated ALT were examined using multivariate logistic regression. A mouse model of carbon tetrachloride‐induced liver injury was established to validate the effect of key differential metabolites on liver injury. Of the 1238 patients with CHB who achieved complete viral suppression, 40 (3.23%) had PeALT levels during follow‐up (median follow‐up: 2.42 years). Additionally, 40 patients with PnALT levels were matched as controls. Ser‐Phe‐Ala, Lys‐Ala‐Leu‐Glu, 3‐methylhippuric acid, 3‐methylxanthine, and 7‐methylxanthine were identified as critical differential metabolites between the two groups and independently associated with PeALT risk. Ser‐Phe‐Ala and Lys‐Ala‐Leu‐Glu levels could be used to discriminate patients with PeALT from those with PnALT. Furthermore, N‐acetyl‐
l‐methionine (NALM) demonstrated the strongest negative correlation with ALT levels. NALM supplementation alleviated liver injury and hepatic necrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in mice. Changes in circulating metabolites may contribute to PeALT levels in patients with CHB who have achieved complete viral suppression after antiviral treatment.
The prevalence, determinants, and consequences of post‐COVID in healthcare workers: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Saade Anastasia , Didier Quentin , Cha Léo , Garlantezec Ronan , Paris Christophe , Tattevin Pierre 
Published: June 2024

AbstractData on post‐coronavirus disease (COVID) in healthcare workers (HCWs) are scarce. We aimed to assess prevalence, determinants, and consequences of post‐COVID in HCWs. In fall 2022, we performed a cross‐sectional survey in a tertiary care hospital with a web‐based questionnaire sent to HCWs. Post‐COVID was defined as persistent/new symptoms 3 months after acute COVID. Propensity score weighting was performed to assess the impact of post‐COVID on return‐to‐work. 1062 HCWs completed the questionnaire, 713 (68%) reported at least one COVID, and 109 (10%) met the definition for post‐COVID, with workplace contamination reported in 51 (47%). On multivariable analysis, risk factors for post‐COVID were female gender (p = 0.047), ≥50 years (p = 0.007), immunosuppression (p = 0.004), ≥2 COVID episodes (p = 0.003), and ≥5 symptoms during acute COVID (p = 0.005). Initial sick leave was prescribed for 94 HCWs (86% post‐COVID), for a median duration of 7 [7–9] days, and extended for 23. On return‐to‐work, 91 (84%) had residual symptoms, primarily asthenia/fatigue (72%) and cognitive impairment (25%). Cognitive impairment at return‐to‐work was associated with post‐COVID. Ten HCWs (9%) received a medical diagnosis of post‐COVID, 8 consulted the occupational physician, and four required work adaptation. Post‐COVID affected 10% of HCWs. Long‐term consequences included repeated sick leaves and residual symptoms on return‐to‐work.
Modeling and optimization of expected travel time for multi‐aisle AS/RSs with two‐class‐based storage policy
Authors: Yu Hu 
Published: June 2024

AbstractClass‐based storage policy with optimized contour‐shaped class boundary can significantly improve storage system's performance. Surprisingly, this policy has not been explored in widely used multi‐aisle automated storage and retrieval systems (MA‐AS/RSs), which use one storage and retrieval machine to serve multiple aisles with the help of an aisle‐transfer technique. This paper investigates the two‐class‐based storage policy with contour‐shaped class boundary in MA‐AS/RSs that use a transfer car for aisle transfer. The aim is to optimize the system dimensions and class boundary by minimizing system's expected travel time. Based on the approximation of the MA‐AS/RS with a continuous cube and the proposed hierarchical procedure, analytical expected travel time expressions for systems with any dimensions and class boundary are calculated. In addition, based on several proved properties, closed‐form optimal system dimensions and class boundary are derived. Numerical results show the accuracy of our continuous cubic approximation is sufficient. By measuring the performance using the average of expected travel time over all tested systems with various dimensions, we find that (1) class‐based policy with our optimal class boundary can respectively improve the performance by at least 40%, 10%, and 50% compared to three previous policies in the case of 20/80 ABC curve; and (2) system with our optimal dimensions can improve the performance by about 20%–30%. Several managerial insights for warehouse practitioners are presented.