bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeting mitochondrial metabolism by the mitotoxin bromoxib as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma
Authors: Schmitt Laura , Krings Karina S. , Wolsing Andre , Buque Xabier , Zimmermann Marcel , Flores-Romero Hector , Lenz Thomas , Lechtenberg Ilka , Peter Christoph , Stork Björn , Teusch Nicole , Proksch Peter , Stühler Kai , García-Sáez Ana J. , Reichert Andreas S. , Aspichueta Patricia , Bhatia Sanil , Wesselborg Sebastian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Targeting mitochondrial metabolism represents a promising approach for cancer treatment. Here, we investigated the mitotoxic potential of the polybrominated diphenyl ether bromoxib, a natural compound isolated from the marine sponge Dysidea family. We could show that bromoxib comprised strong cytotoxicity in different leukemia and lymphoma cell lines (such as HL60, HPBALL, Jurkat, K562, KOPTK1, MOLT4, SUPB15 and Ramos), but also in solid tumor cell lines (such as glioblastoma cell lines SJ-GBM2 and TP365MG). Bromoxib activated the mitochondrial death pathway as evidenced by the rapid translocation of Bax to mitochondria and subsequent mitochondrial release of Smac. Accordingly, bromoxib-induced apoptosis was blocked in caspase-9 deficient Jurkat cells and Jurkat cells overexpressing antiapoptotic Bcl-2. In addition, we could show that bromoxib functioned as a protonophore in similar rapid kinetics as CCCP concerning the breakdown of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), processing of the dynamin-like GTPase OPA1 and subsequent fragmentation of mitochondria. Beyond that, bromoxib strongly abrogated ATP production via glycolysis as well as oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) by targeting electron transport chain complexes II, III, and ATP-synthase in Ramos lymphoma cells. Thus, bromoxib's potential to act on both cytosolic glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration renders it a promising agent for the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma.
Prediction of Total and Regional Body Composition from 3D Body
Shape
Authors: Cipolla Roberto , Qiao Chexuan , Rolfe Emanuella De Lucia , Brage Søren , Mak Ethan , Sengupta Akash , Powell Richard , Watson Laura , Heymsfield Steven , Shepherd John , Wareham Nicholas 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Accurate assessment of body composition is essential for evaluating the risk of chronic disease. Access to medical imaging methods is limited due to practical and ethical constraints. 3D body shape, which can be obtained using smartphones, correlates strongly with body composition. However, large-scale datasets containing 3D body shapes with paired anthropometric and metabolic traits are scarce. Here, we present a novel method that fits a 3D body mesh to a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) silhouette which is paired with anthropometric traits (height, waist and hip circumferences), using a large dataset from the UK population-based Fenland study (12,435 adults, age 30–65 years at baseline phase 1). We predict total and regional body composition metrics using these meshes, and monitor changes in body composition between the baseline (phase 1) and a follow-up assessment (phase 2). We also evaluate a 3D body shape smartphone app which reconstructs a 3D body mesh from phone images to predict body composition metrics, and compare the results against the reference methods DXA and air plethysmography. In the Fenland validation dataset (follow up), total and regional body composition metrics were predicted accurately, achieving r>0.86 for all metrics. Absolute mean bias expressed as percentage of the mean was less than 2% for all metrics except for visceral fat mass and subcutaneous abdominal fat mass (4%, 7% respectively). Predictions for changes achieved r>0.60 for all metrics. The predicted metrics from the smartphone generated avatars also showed strong correlations r>0.84 for all metrics. The 3D body shape approach is a valid alternative tool to medical imaging that could offer accessible health parameters for monitoring the efficacy of lifestyle intervention programs.
Synthesis, crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and bioactivity studies of the hydrazones derived from 2-methylsulfonyl-5-nitrobezaldehyde against the breast (MCF-7) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cell lines, and their antioxidant potential.
Authors: Maluleka Marole M. , Mphahlele Malose J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The hydrazones derived from 2-formyl-4-nitrophenyl methanesulfonate were characterized using a combination of spectroscopic and single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, in turn, evaluated for cytotoxicity in vitro against the human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) and human cervical cancer (Hela) cell lines. The presence of a chlorine atom on the para position of the phenylhydrazone moiety of 3b resulted in increased cytotoxicity compared to camptothecin (IC50 = 3.71 ± 0.16 µM and 9.15 ± 0.84 µM, respectively) against the Hela and MCF-7 cell lines with IC50 values of 2.40 ± 0.13 µM and 5.64 ± 0.84 µM, respectively. The hydrazone derivatives exhibited significant 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity compared to ascorbic acid and 2-formyl-4-nitrophenyl methanesulfonate. Increased interactions of the arylhydrazone moiety are predicted with the residues in the active site of tyrosine kinase and cytochrome c peroxidase.
Deterministic vs. Stochastic Methods for Frontier Estimation: Update and Illustration
Authors: Weber William , Grosskopf Shawna , Hayes Kathy , Wetzel Heike 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We compare an updated version of Aigner-Chu (1968) deterministic frontierestimation to stochastic frontier estimation. This comparison is illustrated byestimation of the Lerner index of monopoly power for a public sector producer.For the deterministic method we apply the bootstrap of Simar and Wilson(1998) and the m out of n bootstrap of Simar and Wilson (2011) as suggestedby Amsler et al. (2013) to construct confidence intervals for the Lerner indexand its price and marginal cost components. Marginal cost estimates arederived from a translog cost function. Since market prices are typically notobserved for public sector producers we use duality theory and derive price1from observed costs and an estimated translog input distance function. Datafrom German public theaters’ production of performances to attract spectatorsusing inputs of artistic staff, administrative staff, and other operatingexpenditures are used as an example. We find no evidence of monopoly power.
JEL codes: D24, D42
Association between atherogenic index of plasma and new-onset stroke in individuals with different glucose metabolism status: insights from CHARLS
Authors: qu Longjie , Fang Shuang , Lan Zhen , Xu Shuai , Jiang Jialiu , Pan Yilin , Xu Yun , Zhu Xiaolei , Jin Jiali 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background Circulating atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) levels has been proposed as a novel biomarker for dyslipidemia and as a predictor of insulin resistance (IR) risk. However, the association between AIP and the incidence of new-onset stroke, particularly in individuals with varying glucose metabolism states, remains ambiguous.
Methods A total of 8727 participants aged 45 years or older without a history of stroke from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS)were included in this study. The AIP was calculated using the formula log [Triglyceride (mg/dL) / High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mg/dL)]. Participants were divided into four groups based on their baseline AIP levels: Q1(AIP≤0.122), Q2(0.122<AIP≤0.329), Q3(0.329<AIP≤0.562), and Q4(AIP>0.562). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of new-onset stroke events. The Kaplan–Meier curves, Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models, and Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis were applied to explore the association between baseline AIP levels and the risk of developing a stroke among individuals with varying glycemic metabolic states.
Results During a median follow-up of 9 years, 734 participants (8.4%) had a first stroke event. The relative risk for stroke increased with each increasing quartile of baseline AIP levels. Kaplan–Meier curve analysis revealed a significant difference in stroke occurrence among the AIP groups in all participants, as well as in those with prediabetes mellitus (Pre-DM) and diabetes mellitus (DM) (all P-values <0.05). After adjusting for potential confounders, the prevalence of stroke was significantly higher in the Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups than in the Q1 group in all participants. The respective hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for stroke in the Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups were 1.34 (1.05-1.71), 1.52 (1.19-1.93), and 1.84 (1.45-2.34). Furthermore, high levels of AIP were found to be linked to an increased risk of stroke in both pre-diabetic and diabetic participants across all three Cox models. However, this association was not observed in participants with normal glucose regulation (NGR) (p>0.05). Restricted cubic spline analysis also demonstrated that higher baseline AIP levels were associated with hazard ratios for stroke in all participants and those with glucose metabolism disorders.
Conclusions An increase in baseline AIP levels was significantly associated with the risk of stroke in middle-aged and elderly individuals, and exhibited distinct characteristics depending on the individual’s glucose metabolism status.
Research on the Integrated Process Method of In-Situ Measurement and Machining for the Mandrel of Aerostatic Spindle
Authors: Xu Hanwei , Dai Yifan , Sun Zizhou , Guan Chaoliang , Hu Hao , Liu Kaihua 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The mandrel parts, as the essential component of the aerostatic spindle, play a pivotal role in determining the performance of both the spindle and ultra-precision machine tools. However, the stringent precision machining requirements of these parts pose significant challenges to machining technology. In this paper, an integrated process method combining in-situ measurement and machining specifically tailored for the mandrel of the aerostatic spindle is introduced. Using this method, spindle radial error, machine coaxiality error, and slide linear motion error can be accurately separated from the original measurement data, enabling the precise reconstruction of the mandrel's cylindrical shape. Based on the reconstruction results and time-controlled grinding technology, the cylindricity of the spindle's mandrel ultimately achieved 0.5 µm. The readings from a commercial roundness meter is used to validate the accuracy of in-situ measurements. Overall, this integrated process offers a novel approach for high-precision machining of mandrel parts, demonstrating that high-precision machining can be achieved even with low-precision machine tools.
Muco-ciliary flow with thermal and concentration analysis of Powell-Eyring fluid in the human airways
Authors: Ashraf H. , Ali Tariq , Shah Nehad Ali , Rehman Hamood Ur , Alshehri Mansoor , Siddiqui A. M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The thermal and concentration analysis of muco-ciliary transport in the human airways is important from a physiological perspective. This paper proposes a mathematical model of muco-ciliary two-layered fluid flow in a finite two-dimensional channel. The two-layered model is used because the human airways epithelium cell has both the periciliary liquid layer (PCL) and the airway ciliary layer (ACL). The Powell-Eyring fluidis used as an analogy for the viscoelastic mucus found in the airways. The formulated system of nonlinearpartial differential equations (PDEs) is first simplified by making use of low Reynolds number and longwavelength assumptions. The Adomian decomposition method is then used to solve the subsequent simplified system of nonlinear PDEs. The analysis focuses on the effects of important emerging parameters of interest on velocity, temperature, and concentration of ACL and PCL through graphs. The analysis also highlights the effects of relaxation time, viscous dissipation, and the rate of thermal diffusion. The results of this investigation showed that the suggested two-layered muco-ciliary model provides a better description ofmucus transport in the airways. The pressure gradient at the airways’ entrance shows a significant impacton the passage of mucus through the airways.
Acupuncture with different acupoint combinations as adjunctive therapy for COPD: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xu Guixing , Liu Yilin , Sun Mingsheng , Li Junqi , Xiong Chan , Li Dehua , Liang Fanrong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Acupuncture is beneficial for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the effect of different acupoint combinations to control COPD remains unknown. This study aims to compare the effects of distal-proximal point association, superior-inferior point association, and anterior-posterior point associationin COPD management.
Methods and Analysis: The study is a multi-center, single-blind, randomized, sham-acupuncture controlled trial. A total of 150 participants will be randomly divided into five groups. All participants will receive bronchodilation and anti-inflammatory therapies recommended by the guidelines as standard therapy. The non-acupuncture group will receive standard treatment only, and the sham-acupuncture group will receive acupuncture at non-acupoint plus standard therapy, while the three acupuncture groups will receive acupuncture treatments three times a week plus standard therapy. Acupuncture group I will receive distal-proximal point association (Dingchuan(EX-B3), Feishu (BL14), Pishu (BL21), Shenshu (BL24), Lieque (LU7)), acupuncture group Ⅱ will receive superior-inferior point association (Dingchuan (EX-B3), Feishu (BL14), Pishu (BL21), Shenshu (BL24), Zusanli (ST36)), and acupuncture group III will receive anterior-posterior point association (Dingchuan (EX-B3), Feishu (BL14), Pishu (BL21), Shenshu (BL24), Zhongfu (LU1)). The primary outcome is the forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) measured using the lung function test. The secondary outcome measures are the modified British Medical Research Council (mMRC), COPD assessment test (CAT), 6-minute walk distance, to name a few. Assessment will be scheduled from the day before acupuncture to week 8 of acupuncture. Follow-ups will be performed from week 8 to week 26 post-acupuncture.
Ethics and Dissemination: Ethical approval of this study has been granted by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ID: 2021KL-074). The outcomes of the trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications. Results of this trial will help evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture with different acupoint combinations in the treatment of COPD.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: ChiCTR2100051081.
Factors Associated with Teenage Pregnancy among Refugees in Palabek Refugee Settlement, Northern Uganda.
Authors: Okiror Emmanuel Okello , Musinguzi Marvin , Opollo Marc Sam , Eustes Kigongo , Ruth Akello 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Globally, teenage pregnancy is a public health problem. Low- and middle-income countries in the Sub-Saharan region are more affected with teenage pregnancy. It is worse with teenage girls who have other vulnerabilities like living in refugee camps. However, there is little information about teenage pregnancy in refugee camps especially in resource limited areas like Northern Uganda.
Objective:To determine the prevalence and the factors associated with teenage pregnancy among refugees in Palabek refugee settlement, Northern Uganda.
Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted among teenage girls in Palabek refugee settlement in Northern Uganda. The study estimated a total sample size of 316 teenage girls and they were sampled using systematic random sampling. Data was collected using researcher administered questionnaire and analyzed at univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis.
Results: A total of 306 teenagers participated in the study with a response rate of 98.6%. The study reveals that the prevalence of teenage pregnancy among teenage girls in Palabek refugee settlement, Northern Uganda was 41.2%. The factors associated with teenage pregnancy among teenage girls in Palabek refugee settlement included: being in the age group between 15-19 years of age (aOR=6.31, 95%CI 1.75-22.76, p=0.005), Not being in school (aOR=5, 95%CI2.30-10.87,p<0.001), being unmarried (aOR=0.21, 95%CI 0.09-0.45, p<0.001), having the first sexual intercourse after 18 years of age (aOR=2.4, 95%CI 1.05-5.48 , p=0.037), having multiple sexual partners (aOR=3.11, 95%CI 0.13-0.74, p=0.008), alcohol use (aOR=6.67, 95%CI2.24-18.39,p=0.008), being aware of Sexual reproductive health services (aOR=0.42, 95%CI0.18-0.94, p=0.036), and being in a family that divorced (aOR=2.38, 95% CI1.17-4.86, p=0.017).
Conclusion: Study results reveal that 4 in 10 teenage girls in Palabek, Northern Uganda, are pregnant, influenced by individual, community, and health system factors. This highlights vulnerabilities in refugee camps, urging prioritization of sexual and reproductive health for adolescent girls in refugee camps.
Temperature and Rain Variability in Southwestern Mediterranean Region, 1980-2022
Authors: LEBID Sara , BOUGUENAYA Nadia , FERKA-ZAZOU Rahma , ANANI Fatima , ANANI Macho 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Mean temperatures and rainfall evolution have been examined from 1980 to 2022 in Sidi Bel Abbes northwestern Algeria fifty six km far from Alboran Sea in the extreme southwestern Mediterranean Sea. Then, one came to the fact that, contrary to many other scientific results, the rainfall tends to increase even if this augmentation seemed to be slight and difficult to explicate and clarify, when on the other hand temperatures are also clearly augmenting in a really very alarming way collaborating to the global warming. Nevertheless, this trend was not regular and linear, because temperatures and rainfall evolved abruptly alternating rainy years with drier ones when temperatures are growing almost regularly year after year. However, this saw-toothed evolution of the rains remains less pronounced than that of average temperatures, which have increased significantly over these past four decades. Climate of our region seems to be a semi-arid Mediterranean Köppen and Geiger "Csa" climate with rainy cold winter and very dry and hot summer, even if winter becomes slightly more humid but summer substantially more swelter.
Development and validation of a new nomogram for OA based on machine learning
Authors: Zheng Qiongbing , Chen Jiexin , Lan Youmian , Li Meijing , Lin Ling 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease with the global number of OA patients exceeds 300 million currently, posing a significant economic burden on patients and society. Currently, there is no cure for OA, making early identification and appropriate management of individuals at risk crucial. Thus, the development of a novel OA prediction model to screen for high-risk individuals, enabling early diagnosis and intervention, holds great importance in improving patient prognosis.
Methods: Based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the periods of 2011-2012, 2013-2014, and 2015-2016, the study was a retrospective cross-sectional study involving 11,366 participants. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, XGBoost algorithm, and random forest (RF) algorithm were used to identify significant indicators associated with OA, and a OA prediction nomogram was developed. The nomogram was evaluated by measuring the the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) curve of training and validation sets.
Results: In this study, we identified 5 predictors from 19 variables, including age, gender, hypertension, BMI and coffee intake, and developed an OA nomogram. In both the training and validation cohorts, the OA nomogram exhibited good predictive performance (with AUCs of 0.804 and 0.814, respectively), good consistency and stability in calibration curve and high net benefit in DCA.
Conclusion: This nomogram based on 5 variables predicted the risk of OA with a high degree of accuracy, suggesting that it is a convenient tool for clinicians to identify high-risk populations of OA.
Introduction and problems of robot-assisted surgery for colorectal cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: a single-institution experience
Authors: Ohta Ryo , Yokoyama Yasuyuki , Takeda Kohki , Sekiguchi Kumiko , Shimizu Takao , Minamimura Keisuke , Yamada Takeshi , Taniai Nobuhiko , Yoshida Hiroshi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In Japan, robot-assisted surgery for rectal cancer has been covered by insurance since 2018, and the number of surgical cases has increased significantly since then. COVID-19 spread across the world in 2019, adversely impacting healthcare systems. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our hospital was relocated in September 2021, and robotic surgical support equipment was introduced in June 2022. The introduction of robot-assisted surgery must be carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the Japanese Society of Endoscopic Surgery in Japan. These guidelines are wide-ranging, and the introduction of such surgery must satisfy not only operator and facility requirements but also organ-specific requirements. Our department found it difficult to meet these various requirements from the perspective of infection control during the COVID-19 pandemic. In anticipation of future infectious disease outbreaks similar to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to establish a system that can easily and smoothly introduce robot-assisted surgery in Japan.
Effects of fertilization on the composition of bacterial populations in the rhizosphere soil of Legume-Gramineae mixtures in the Hexi Corridor region
Authors: Chen Jingru , Nan Lili , Chen Xiaoshan , Wang Kun , WU Shiwen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background and aims
Fertilization is a critical management practice for improving soil fertility and increasing agricultural production. We still don't fully understand how biotic and abiotic variables interact with soil multifunctionality in the rhizosphere soil of legume-Gramineae mixtures following fertilization. Studies on the effects of fertilization on the bacterial composition of legume-Gramineae mixtures in particular geographical areas are scarce.
Methods
To tackle this matter, we set up five treatments: no fertilizer zone (CK, N0P0K0), nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium zone (NPK, N2P2K2), nitrogen-less zone (PK, N0P2K2), phosphorus-less zone (NK, N2P0K2), and potassium-less zone (NP, N2P2K0). The soil data were measured to assess the response mechanism of legume-Gramineae mixtures to fertilization management.
Results
The fertilization treatment resulted in a beneficial impact on the rhizosphere soil nutrients, enzyme activity, and biological characteristics, reaching the maximum under N2P2K2 treatment. The analysis of the bacterial community revealed that the oligotrophic taxa decreased primarily due to fertilizer addition, including Acidobacteria, and enhancing the copiotrophic taxa, such as Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria, in the soil. Furthermore, according to FAPROTAX analysis, the results indicated variations in the function of the bacterial community in the rhizosphere soil of legumes and gramineae. Fertilization indirectly affected soil versatility by changing the diversity and composition of bacterial communities.
Conclusions
The bacterial community can be reshaped and the properties of the rhizosphere soil can be modified by different fertilization treatments, thus impacting the potential function of the bacterial community. This study has the potential to offer scientific guidance for the rational management of fertilization in legume-Gramineae mixtures.