bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Item performance of the scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia in rare and ultra‐rare genetic ataxias
Authors: Hamdan Alzahra , Hooker Andrew C. , Chen Xiaomei , Traschütz Andreas , Schüle Rebecca ,   ARCA Study Group,   EVIDENCE‐RND consortium, Synofzik Matthis , Karlsson Mats O. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) is widely used for assessing the severity and progression of genetic cerebellar ataxias. SARA is now considered a primary end point in several ataxia treatment trials, but its underlying composite item measurement model has not yet been tested. This work aimed to evaluate the composite properties of SARA and its items using item response theory (IRT) and to demonstrate its applicability across even ultra‐rare genetic ataxias. Leveraging SARA subscores data from 1932 visits from 990 patients of the Autosomal Recessive Cerebellar Ataxias (ARCA) registry, we assessed the performance of SARA using IRT methodology. The item characteristics were evaluated over the ataxia severity range of the entire ataxia population as well as the assessment validity across 115 genetic ARCA subpopulations. A unidimensional IRT model was able to describe SARA item data, indicating that SARA captures one single latent variable. All items had high discrimination values (1.5–2.9) indicating the effectiveness of the SARA in differentiating between subjects with different disease statuses. Each item contributed between 7% and 28% of the total assessment informativeness. There was no evidence for differences between the 115 genetic ARCA subpopulations in SARA applicability. These results show the good discrimination ability of SARA with all of its items adding informational value. The IRT framework provides a thorough description of SARA on the item level, and facilitates its utilization as a clinical outcome assessment in upcoming longitudinal natural history or treatment trials, across a large number of ataxias, including ultra‐rare ones.
Exploring mid‐infrared spectral transfer functions for the prediction of multiple soil properties using a global dataset
Authors: Ng Wartini , Winowiecki Leigh Ann , Karari Valentine , Weullow Elvis , Ateku Dickens Alubaka , Vågen Tor‐Gunnar , Pittaki Zampela , Minasny Budiman 
Published: May 2024

AbstractInfrared spectroscopy is increasingly being adopted as a technology for soil analysis. However, laboratories worldwide are equipped with different infrared spectrometers, leading to variations that hinder the global application of soil spectroscopy. This study evaluates the transferability of soil spectra from a global dataset collected using four mid‐infrared spectrometers. To evaluate the efficacy of five spectral transfer functions (direct standardization, piecewise direct standardization, spectral space transformation [SST], principal components‐canonical correlation analysis [PC‐CCA], and domain‐invariant partial least square [DIPLS] regression), two datasets were used: dataset A (n = 224; standardized samples) was scanned using one primary spectrometer and three secondary spectrometers; dataset B (n = 1904; legacy samples) was scanned only using the primary spectrometer. The first set of chemometrics models was developed using dataset A to compare the performance of different spectrometers. The second set of models was developed using dataset B to evaluate the effectiveness of spectral transfer functions. Both models were developed using partial least squares regression. Spectral transfer functions developed using dataset A indicate that the PC‐CCA method was the best in converging spectra collected from four instruments into a similar space projected using Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection. Spectral transfer did not result in consistent improvement in the prediction of soil properties compared to the direct use of spectra collected from different spectrometers. These findings carry significant implications for the utilization of legacy models, enabling laboratories to concentrate on acquiring new samples and spectral measurements using established protocols without the need for spectral transfer.
Lightweight, Strong, and Transparent Wood Films Produced by Capillary Driven Self‐Densification
Authors: Chen Feng , Ritter Maximilian , Xu Yifan , Tu Kunkun , Koch Sophie Marie , Yan Wenqing , Bian Huiyang , Ding Yong , Sun Jianguo , Burgert Ingo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWood delignification and densification enable the production of high strength and/or transparent wood materials with exceptional properties. However, processing needs to be more sustainable and besides the chemical delignification treatments, energy intense hot‐pressing calls for alternative approaches. Here, this study shows that additional softening of delignified wood via a mild swelling process using an ionic liquid‐water mixture enables the densification of tube‐line wood cells into layer‐by‐layer sheet structures without hot‐pressing. The natural capillary force induces self‐densification in a simple drying process resulting in a transparent wood film. The as‐prepared films with ≈150 µm thickness possess an optical transmittance ≈70%, while maintaining optical haze >95%. Due to the densely packed sheet structure with a large interfacial area, the reassembled wood film is fivefold stronger and stiffer than the delignified wood in fiber direction. Owing to a low density, the specific tensile strength and elastic modulus are as high as 282 MPa cm3 g−1 and 31 GPa cm3 g−1. A facile and highly energy efficient wood nanotechnology approach are demonstrated toward more sustainable materials and processes by directly converting delignified wood into transparent wood omitting polymeric matrix infiltration or mechanical pressing.
Dual‐Carbon Phase‐Encapsulated Prelithiated SiOx Microrod Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Fu Yulin , Li Dongxia , Sun Xiangfeng , Xue Yuxin , Shi Yuanhao , Li Zhiqi , Luo Chongxian , Lin Qiong , Gui Xuefeng , Xu Kai 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAmong silicon‐based anode family for Li‐ion battery technology, SiOx, a nonstoichiometric silicon suboxide holds the potential for significant near‐term commercial impact. In this context, this study mainly focuses on demonstrating an innovative SiOx@C anode design that adopts a pre‐lithiation strategy based on in situ pyrolysis of Li‐salt of silsesquioxane trisilanolate without the need for lithium metal or active lithium compounds and creates dual carbon encapsulation of SiOC nanodomains by simply one‐step thermal treatment. This ingenious design ensures the pre‐lithiation process and pre‐lithiation material with high‐environmental stability. Moreover, phenyl‐rich organosiloxane clusters and polyacrylonitrile polymers are expected to serve as internal and external carbon source, respectively. The formation of an interpenetrating and continuous carbon matrix network would not only synergistically offer an improved electrochemical accessibility of active sites but also alleviate the volume expansion effect during cycling. As a result, this new type of anode delivered a high reversible capacity, remarkable cycle stability as well as excellent high‐rate capability. In particular, the L2‐SiOx@C material has a high initial coulomb efficienc of 80.4% and, after 500 cycles, a capacity retention as high as 97.5% at 0.5 A g−1 with a reversible specific capacity of 654.5 mA h g−1.
Citrulline facilitates the glycolysis, proliferation, and metastasis of lung cancer cells by regulating RAB3C
Authors: Meng Qingjun , Li Yanguang , Sun Zhen , Liu Junfeng 
Published: May 2024

AbstractLung cancer (LC) is one of the major malignant diseases threatening human health. The study aimed to identify the effect of citrulline on the malignant phenotype of LC cells and to further disclose the potential molecular mechanism of citrulline in regulating the development of LC, providing a novel molecular biological basis for the clinical treatment of LC. The effects of citrulline on the viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of LC cells (A549, H1299) were validated by CCK‐8, colony formation, EdU, and transwell assays. The cell glycolysis was assessed via determining the glucose uptake, lactate production, ATP levels, extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), and oxygen consumption rate (OCR). RNA‐seq and molecular docking were performed to screen for citrulline‐binding target proteins. Western blotting experiments were conducted to examine the expression of related signaling pathway molecules. In addition, the impacts of citrulline on LC growth in vivo were investigated by constructing mouse models. Citrulline augmented the viability of LC cells in a concentration and time‐dependent manner. The proliferation, migration, invasion, glycolysis, and EMT processes of LC cells were substantially enhanced after citrulline treatment. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that citrulline could bind to RAB3C protein. Western blotting results indicated that citrulline activated the IL‐6/STAT3 pathway by binding to RAB3C. In addition, animal experiments disclosed that citrulline promoted tumor growth in mice. Citrulline accelerated the glycolysis and activated the IL6/STAT3 pathway through the RAB3C protein, consequently facilitating the development of LC.
Real-life use of ropeg-interferon α2b in polycythemia vera: patient selection and clinical outcomes
Authors: Palandri Francesca , Branzanti F. , Venturi M. , Dedola A. , Fontana G. , Loffredo M. , Patuelli A. , Ottaviani E. , Bersani M. , Reta M. , Addimanda O. , Vicennati V. , Vianelli N. , Cavo M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractRopeginterferon-alfa2b (ropegIFNα2b) is a long-acting IFN formulation with broad FDA/EMA approval as a therapy of polycythemia vera (PV) with no symptomatic splenomegaly. There is currently lack of information on the real-world patient selection, including the impact of local reimbursement policies, and drug management, particularly: type/timing of screening and follow-up tests; absolute/relative contraindications to therapy; ropegIFNα2b dose and combinations with hydroxyurea. As a sub-analysis of the PV-ARC retrospective study (NCT06134102), we here report our monocenter experience with ropegIFNα2b in the period from January 2021, corresponding to drug availability outside clinical trial, and December 2023. Among the 149 patients with EMA/FDA indication, only 55 (36.9%) met the local reimbursement criteria and 18 (12.1%) received ropegIFNα2b. Thanks to appropriate screening, relative/absolute contraindications to ropegIFNα2b were detected and managed in a multidisciplinary manner. Efficacy and safety of ropegIFNα2b was confirmed, with 3 cases of early molecular response. General use of low ropegIFNα2b dose, with frequent need for hydroxyurea combinations, was noted. This real-world experience suggests a significant impact of local regulations on drug prescription and the need for greater real-world data collection on ropegIFNα2b in PV patients. Also, it describes appropriate multidisciplinary screening and monitoring procedures during ropegIFNα2b therapy.
Association of atrial mechanical dispersion with atrial fibrillation recurrence following catheter ablation: results of the ASTRA-AF pilot study
Authors: Knappe Dorit , Vogler Julia , Weimann Jessica , Banas Victor , Yildirim Sevenai , Memenga Felix , Senftinger Juliana , Keil Laura , Ismaili Djemail , Nies Moritz , Rillig Andreas , Willems Stephan , Blankenberg Stefan , Kirchhof Paulus , Metzner Andreas , Sinning Christoph 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Aims
For patients with symptomatic drug-refractory atrial fibrillation (AF), catheter ablation to achieve rhythm control is an important therapeutic option. The atrial mechanical dispersion measured as standard deviation of the time to peak strain (SD-TPS) is associated with the risk of AF recurrence following catheter ablation.

Methods
The study cohort prospectively enrolled n = 132 consecutive patients with paroxysmal (n = 88) or persistent AF (n = 44) presenting for de novo pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and followed for 1 year. We related left atrial (LA) volume, LA ejection fraction, SD-TPS, and global longitudinal strain of the left ventricle and clinical variables (sex, age, and type of AF) to AF recurrence.

Results
Kaplan–Meier curves showed higher AF recurrence rate with an increase of SD-TPS with the calculated cut-off of 38.6 ms. Uni- and multivariable Cox regression analysis could show that SD-TPS had the highest relevance regarding AF recurrence with a HR of 1.05 (95% CI, 1.01; 1.09, p = 0.01) and HR of 1.05 (95% CI, 1.01; 1.09, p = 0.02) per 10 ms increase. In the additional analyses for the model including the clinical variables age, sex, and type of AF with paroxysmal or persisting AF, SD-TPS did only show a trend and after adjusting for covariates, SD-TPS showed a HR of 1.04 (95% CI, 0.99; 1.09, p = 0.09) per 10 ms increase.

Conclusion
Atrial mechanical dispersion was associated with recurrent AF.

Graphical Abstract
Technical aspects of fourth ventricle ependymomas in adults: how I do it
Authors: Bubeníková Adéla , Beneš Vladimír 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Ependymomas in the fourth ventricle in adults are rare entity. Surgical treatment of adult ependymomas is the only treatment modality since no other effective alternative is available. Radical resection often means cure but it is hindered by the nature and location of the lesion.

Methods
Technical aspects of the fourth ventricle ependymoma surgery in adults are discussed. Anatomy of the area is provided with the step-by-step surgical algorithm.

Conclusion
Radical resection of low-grade ependymoma with a detailed understanding of the anatomy in this area is vital considering the high effectiveness of the treatment and its excellent prognosis.
Utilizing red blood cell distribution width (RDW) as a reliable biomarker to predict treatment effects after chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy
Authors: Nakamura Naokazu , Jo Tomoyasu , Arai Yasuyuki , Kitawaki Toshio , Nishikori Momoko , Mizumoto Chisaki , Kanda Junya , Yamashita Kouhei , Nagao Miki , Takaori-Kondo Akifumi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractChimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy is an effective treatment for B cell malignancies. A certain fraction of patients, however, experience post-CAR-T relapse, and due to the difficulty of precise relapse prediction, biomarkers that can predict the strength and duration of CAR-T efficacy are needed before CAR-T infusion. Therefore, we performed a single-center cohort study including 91 diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients treated with CAR-T in order to identify such a new prognostic biomarker. After confirming that each of the already reported prognostic parameters (disease status at leukapheresis, primary refractoriness, number of treatment lines, CD3+ cell counts at leukapheresis) has only limited predictive performance, we established a new composite parameter by integrating these four variables, and found that it predicts progression-free survival (PFS) after CAR-T infusion with statistical significance. Moreover, after comprehensive correlation analyses of this new composite parameter with all individual laboratory variables, we determined that the standard deviation of red blood cell distribution width (RDW-SD) at leukapheresis shows significant correlation with the composite parameter and may be a prognostic biomarker (R2 = 0.76, p = 0.02). Validation analysis indicated that a higher RDW-SD is significantly associated with poorer PFS after CAR-T cell therapy (HR, 3.46, P = 0.03). Thus, this study suggests that a single parameter, RDW-SD at leukapheresis, is a novel, useful biomarker that can be obtained early to predict therapeutic effects of CAR-T cell therapy. Post-CAR-T maintenance or re-induction therapies should be adopted for higher risk patients, who may relapse after CAR-T therapy.
Bridging operations research and machine learning for service cost prediction in logistics and service industries
Authors: Boresta Marco , Pinto Diego Maria , Stecca Giuseppe 
Published: May 2024

AbstractOptimizing shared resources across multiple clients is a complex challenge in the production, logistics, and service sectors. This study addresses the underexplored area of forecasting service costs for non-cooperative clients, which is essential for sustainable business management. We propose a framework that merges Operations Research (OR) and Machine Learning (ML) to fill this gap. It begins by applying the OR model to historical instances, optimizing resource allocation, and determining equitable service cost allocations for each client. These allocations serve as training targets for ML models, which are trained using a combination of original and augmented client data, aiming to reliably project service costs and support competitive, sustainable pricing strategies. The framework’s efficacy is demonstrated in a reverse logistics case study, benchmarked against two traditional cost estimation methods for new clients. Comparative analysis shows that our framework outperforms these methods in terms of predictive accuracy, highlighting its superior effectiveness. The integration of OR and ML offers a significant decision-support mechanism, improving sustainable business strategies across sectors. Our framework provides a scalable solution for cost forecasting and resource optimization, marking progress toward a circular, sustainable economy by accurately estimating costs and promoting efficient operations.
Configuration of last-mile distribution networks for an encroaching manufacturer
Authors: Tahirov Nail , Akhundov Najmaddin , Emde Simon , Glock Christoph H. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The surge of e-commerce has revolutionized distribution channels, escalating from simple single-channel frameworks to complex multi-channel and omni-channel networks. In particular developments in information technology and rising customer expectations have popularized the transition from multi- to omni-channel distribution, where the classic brick-and-mortar stores can also be part of the omni-channel distribution strategy. This evolution poses intricate challenges for manufacturers, especially in the integration and optimization of these channels. Thus, there is a strong need for an in-depth analysis of how manufacturers navigate the transition across diverse distribution channels to meet the varying needs of different customer segments. To this end, we investigate single-, multi-, and omni-channel distribution strategies for the case of a manufacturer selling both standard and customized products to different customer segments with varying preferences. A central contribution of this research is the creation of an integrated optimization model that resolves a location-routing problem, designing a complex and realistic supply chain configuration suitable for an omni-channel distribution system. This model strategically serves to fragmented customer demands through multiple shopping and delivery options. The outcomes of our study indicate that an omni-channel distribution system is a viable approach, capable of serving more customer segments while simultaneously minimizing logistics costs. In addition, we offer a detailed analysis of the cost implications of in-store pickup versus home-delivery options, providing a comprehensive evaluation of their respective impacts on total logistics costs and customer responsiveness.
Prognostic significance and value of further classification of lymphovascular invasion in invasive breast cancer: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Zhang Yuyang , Wang Huali , Zhao Huahui , He Xueming , Wang Ya , Wang Hongjiang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the prognostic significance of lymphovascular invasion in invasive breast cancer and the value of using specific vascular endothelial markers to further classify lymphovascular invasion.

Methods
We collected 2124 patients with invasive breast cancer who were hospitalized at the First Hospital of Dalian Medical University from 2012 to 2020. Statistical methods were used to investigate the relationship between lymphovascular invasion and clinicopathological characteristics of breast cancer, and the correlation between lymphovascular invasion on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of various categories of breast cancers. Immunohistochemical staining of breast cancer samples containing lymphovascular invasion using specific vascular endothelial markers D2-40 and CD34 was used to classify lymphovascular invasion and to investigate the relationship between lymphovascular invasion and breast cancer progression.

Results
There was a high correlation between lymphovascular invasion and T stage, N stage and nerve invasion. Survival analyses showed that patients with lymphovascular invasion, especially luminal B, triple-negative, and Her-2 overexpression breast cancer patients, had poorer OS and DFS prognosis, and that lymphovascular invasion was an independent prognostic factor affecting OS and DFS in breast cancer. The immunohistochemical staining results showed that positive D2-40 staining of lymphovascular invasion was linked to the N stage and localized recurrence of breast cancer.

Conclusion
Lymphovascular invasion is associated with aggressive clinicopathological features and is an independent poor prognostic factor in invasive breast cancer. Breast cancer localized recurrence rate and lymph node metastases are influenced by lymphatic vessel invasion. Immunohistochemical techniques should be added to the routine diagnosis of lymphovascular invasion.
Platform—driven housing commodification, financialisation and gentrification in Athens
Authors: Pettas Dimitris , Avdikos Vasilis , Papageorgiou Antigoni 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe emergence and expansion of the digitally mediated, short-term rental (STR) market in Athens underplayed a key role in the rising inaccessibility to affordable housing, interrelating with broader transformations of the housing landscape, including i) the translation of the economic crisis into a housing one, ii) the unfolding of touristification processes in central Athenian districts and iii) the increased involvement of international investors and funds in the real estate market. In this paper, we bring out the role of STRs in the commodification and financialisation of housing and the unfolding of touristification processes in central Athens. We delineate the aforementioned developments as a series of successive waves, arguing that the STR market initially enabled the commodification of housing through its disassociation from the sphere of households’ social reproduction and its assetisation, facilitating the engagement of domestic and foreign investors and the association of the housing landscape with financial flows.