bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic sensory contact with subordinated conspecifics promotes splenic glucocorticoid resistance in experimentally wounded C57BL/6N male mice
Authors: Schiele Jessica , Mazzari Giulia , Struck Antonia , Bailer Yorick , Langgartner Dominik , Reber Stefan O. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractChronic psychosocial stress induced by the chronic subordinate colony housing (CSC, 19 Days) paradigm promotes functional splenic in vitro glucocorticoid (GC) resistance, but only if associated with significant bite wounding or prior abdominal transmitter implantation. Moreover, sensory contact to social defeat of conspecifics represents a social stressor for the observer individual. As the occurence and severity of bite wounding is not adequately controllable, the present study aimed to develop an animal model, allowing a bite wound-independent, more reliable generation of chronically-stressed mice characterized by functional splenic in vitro GC resistance. Therefore, male C57BL/6N mice received a standardized sterile intraperitoneal (i.p.) incision surgery or SHAM treatment one week prior to 19-days of (i) CSC, (ii) witnessing social defeat during CSC exposure in sensory contact (SENS) or (iii) single-housing for control (SHC), before assessing basal and LPS-induced splenic in vitro cell viability and GC resistance. Our results indicate that individually-housed SENS but not CSC mice develop mild signs of splenic in vitro GC resistance, when undergoing prior i.p.-wounding. Taken together and considering that future studies are warranted, our findings support the hypothesis that the combination of repeated standardized i.p.-wounding with chronic sensory stress exposure represents an adequate tool to induce functional splenic in vitro GC resistance independent of the occurrence of uncontrollable bite wounds required in social stress paradigms to induce a comparable phenotype.
Multiple asynchronous recurrence as a predictive factor for refractoriness against locoregional and surgical therapy in patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kasuga Ryosuke , Taniki Nobuhito , Chu Po-Sung , Tamura Masashi , Tabuchi Takaya , Yamaguchi Akihiro , Hayatsu Shigeo , Koizumi Jun , Ojiro Keisuke , Hoshi Hitomi , Kaneko Fumihiko , Morikawa Rei , Noguchi Fumie , Yamataka Karin , Usui Shingo , Ebinuma Hirotoshi , Itano Osamu , Hasegawa Yasushi , Abe Yuta , Kitago Minoru , Inoue Masanori , Nakatsuka Seishi , Jinzaki Masahiro , Kitagawa Yuko , Kanai Takanori , Nakamoto Nobuhiro 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDevelopment of subclassification of intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by treatment suitability is in demand. We aimed to identify predictors that define treatment refractoriness against locoregional(transarterial chemoembolization(TACE) or thermal ablation) and surgical therapy. This multicenter retrospective study enrolled 1167 HCC patients between 2015 and 2021. Of those, 209 patients were initially diagnosed with intermediate-stage HCC. Treatment refractoriness was defined as clinical settings that meets the following untreatable progressive conditions by TACE (1) 25% increase of intrahepatic tumor, (2) transient deterioration to Child–Pugh class C, (3) macrovascular invasion or extrahepatic spread, within one year. We then analyzed factors contributing to treatment refractoriness. The Child–Pugh score/class, number of tumors, infiltrative radiological type, and recurrence were significant factors. Focusing on recurrence as a predictor, median time to untreatable progression (TTUP) was 17.2 months in the recurrence subgroup whereas 35.5 months in the initial occurrence subgroup (HR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.44–2.96; P = 0.001). Median TTUP decreased in cases with more later times of recurrence (3–5 recurrences, 17.3 months; ≥ 6 recurrences, 7.7 months). Recurrence, even more at later times, leads to increased treatment refractoriness. Early introduction of multidisciplinary treatment should be considered against HCC patients after multiple recurrent episodes.
Fine-grained recognition of bitter gourd maturity based on Improved YOLOv5-seg model
Authors: Jiang Sheng , Ao Jiangbo , Yang Hualin , Xie Fangnan , Liu Ziyi , Yang Shanglin , Wei Yichen , Deng Xijin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBitter gourd, being perishable, requires timely harvesting. Delayed harvesting can result in a substantial reduction in fruit quality. while premature harvesting leads to underdeveloped fruit and decreased yields, the continuous flowering pattern in bitter gourd underscores the significance of accurately assessing fruit growth and ensuring timely harvesting for subsequent fruit setting and development. The current reliance on the experience of production personnel represents a substantial inefficiency. We present an improved real-time instance segmentation model based on YOLOv5-seg. The utilization of dynamic snake convolution enables the extraction of morphological features from the curved and elongated structure of bitter gourd. Diverse branch blocks enhance feature space diversity without inflating model size and inference time, contributing to improved recognition of expansion stages during bitter gourd growth. Additionally, the introduction of Focal-EIOU loss accurately locates the boundary box and mask, addressing sample imbalances in the L2 stage. Experimental results showcase remarkable accuracy rates of 99.3%, 93.8%, and 98.3% for L1, L2, and L3 stages using mAP@0.5. In comparison, our model outperforms other case segmentation models, excelling in both detection accuracy and inference speed. The improved YOLOv5-seg model demonstrates strong performance in fine-grained recognition of bitter gourd during the expansion stage. It efficiently segments bitter gourd in real-time under varying lighting and occlusion conditions, providing crucial maturity information. This model offers reliable insights for agricultural workers, facilitating precise harvesting decisions.
Assessment of cardiac adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination by speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Chaichuum Srisakul , Tseng Ching-Li , Chang Su-Chen , Chan Chih-Lin , Hsu Chu-Ying , Chiang Edward , Daimon Masao , Chiang Shuo-Ju , Chen Hsiang-Ho 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCardiac discomfort has been reported periodically in COVID-19-vaccinated individuals. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the role of myocardial strains in the early assessment of the clinical presentations after COVID-19 vaccination. Totally, 121 subjects who received at least one dose of vaccine within 6 weeks underwent laboratory tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), and echocardiogram. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) was implemented to analyze changes in the left ventricular myocardium. After vaccination, 66 individuals (55.4 ± 17.4 years) developed cardiac discomforts, such as chest tightness, palpitations, dyspnea, and chest pain. The ECG readings exhibited both premature ventricular contractions and premature atrial contractions (n = 24, 36.4%), while none of the individuals in the control group manifested signs of cardiac arrhythmia. All had normal serum levels of creatine phosphokinase, creatine kinase myocardial band, troponin, N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide, platelets, and D-dimer. Left ventricular ejection fraction in the symptomatic group (71.41% ± 7.12%) and the control group (72.18% ± 5.11%) (p = 0.492) were normal. Use of 2D-STE presented global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) was reduced in the symptomatic group (17.86% ± 3.22% and 18.37% ± 5.22%) compared to the control group (19.54% ± 2.18% and 20.73% ± 4.09%) (p = 0.001 and p = 0.028). COVID-19 vaccine-related cardiac adverse effects can be assessed early by 2D-STE. The prognostic implications of GLS and GCS enable the evaluation of subtle changes in myocardial function after vaccination.
In vitro and in vivo stability of a highly efficient long-acting cocaine hydrolase
Authors: Shang Linyue , Wei Huimei , Deng Jing , Stewart Madeline J. , LeSaint Johnathan E. , Kyomuhangi Annet , Park Shawn , Maul Elise C. , Zhan Chang-Guo , Zheng Fang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIt is recognized as a promising therapeutic strategy for cocaine use disorder to develop an efficient enzyme which can rapidly convert cocaine to physiologically inactive metabolites. We have designed and discovered a series of highly efficient cocaine hydrolases, including CocH5-Fc(M6) which is the currently known as the most efficient cocaine hydrolase with both the highest catalytic activity against (−)-cocaine and the longest biological half-life in rats. In the present study, we characterized the time courses of protein appearance, pH, structural integrity, and catalytic activity against cocaine in vitro and in vivo of a CocH5-Fc(M6) bulk drug substance produced in a bioreactor for its in vitro and in vivo stability after long-time storage under various temperatures (− 80, − 20, 4, 25, or 37 °C). Specifically, all the tested properties of the CocH5-Fc(M6) protein did not significantly change after the protein was stored at any of four temperatures including − 80, − 20, 4, and 25 °C for ~ 18 months. In comparison, at 37 °C, the protein was less stable, with a half-life of ~ 82 days for cocaine hydrolysis activity. Additionally, the in vivo studies further confirmed the linear elimination PK profile of CocH5-Fc(M6) with an elimination half-life of ~ 9 days. All the in vitro and in vivo data on the efficacy and stability of CocH5-Fc(M6) have consistently demonstrated that CocH5-Fc(M6) has the desired in vitro and in vivo stability as a promising therapeutic candidate for treatment of cocaine use disorder.
Study on the fracture propagation of ground fissures with syn-depositional structure in Fenwei Basin, China
Authors: Lu Quanzhong , Li Cong , Liu Rendao , Sun Yuemin , Mao Xinyu , Chen Feilong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn Fenwei Basin, most of the tectonic ground fissures show characteristics of growth faults on the section. They continue to destroy the engineering properties of soil at different depths. This has introduced significant security risks to the construction processes of deep underground spaces. However, there are few studies have been conducted on syn-depositional ground fissures. Therefore, in this study, a physical simulation test was used to study the fracture propagation of syn-depositional ground fissures. The characteristics of sections and surface fractures were analyzed. The engineering properties of model soil were divided into bad and poor areas. The syn-depositional ground fissure fracture propagation process was divided into five phases. The results show that soil profile exhibited a composite Y-shaped fracture morphology. Syn-deposition affects the fracture angle and healing state of fractures. The soil strain and surface displacement were positively correlated with the number of deposition layers. The conclusions of this study provide a theoretical geological basis and practical engineering significance for design of deep underground space structures.
Exploring optimal drug targets through subtractive proteomics analysis and pangenomic insights for tailored drug design in tuberculosis
Authors: Khan Muhammad Fayaz , Ali Amjad , Rehman Hafiz Muzzammel , Noor Khan Sadiq , Hammad Hafiz Muhammad , Waseem Maaz , Wu Yurong , Clark Taane G. , Jabbar Abdul 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, ranks among the top causes of global human mortality, as reported by the World Health Organization’s 2022 TB report. The prevalence of M. tuberculosis strains that are multiple and extensive-drug resistant represents a significant barrier to TB eradication. Fortunately, having many completely sequenced M. tuberculosis genomes available has made it possible to investigate the species pangenome, conduct a pan-phylogenetic investigation, and find potential new drug targets. The 442 complete genome dataset was used to estimate the pangenome of M. tuberculosis. This study involved phylogenomic classification and in-depth analyses. Sequential filters were applied to the conserved core genome containing 2754 proteins. These filters assessed non-human homology, virulence, essentiality, physiochemical properties, and pathway analysis. Through these intensive filtering approaches, promising broad-spectrum therapeutic targets were identified. These targets were docked with FDA-approved compounds readily available on the ZINC database. Selected highly ranked ligands with inhibitory potential include dihydroergotamine and abiraterone acetate. The effectiveness of the ligands has been supported by molecular dynamics simulation of the ligand–protein complexes, instilling optimism that the identified lead compounds may serve as a robust basis for the development of safe and efficient drugs for TB treatment, subject to further lead optimization and subsequent experimental validation.
Deciphering the role of a SINE-VNTR-Alu retrotransposon polymorphism as a biomarker of Parkinson’s disease progression
Authors: Fröhlich Alexander , Pfaff Abigail L. , Middlehurst Ben , Hughes Lauren S. , Bubb Vivien J. , Quinn John P. , Koks Sulev 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA) retrotransposons are transposable elements which represent a source of genetic variation. We previously demonstrated that the presence/absence of a human-specific SVA, termed SVA_67, correlated with the progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD). In the present study, we demonstrate that SVA_67 acts as expression quantitative trait loci, thereby exhibiting a strong regulatory effect across the genome using whole genome and transcriptomic data from the Parkinson’s progression markers initiative cohort. We further show that SVA_67 is polymorphic for its variable number tandem repeat domain which correlates with both regulatory properties in a luciferase reporter gene assay in vitro and differential expression of multiple genes in vivo. Additionally, this variation’s utility as a biomarker is reflected in a correlation with a number of PD progression markers. These experiments highlight the plethora of transcriptomic and phenotypic changes associated with SVA_67 polymorphism which should be considered when investigating the missing heritability of neurodegenerative diseases.
Fever lasting 48 hours as a predictive factor of ESBL-producing bacteria in non-critically ill patients with urinary tract infection
Authors: Yoon Sungbin , Kim Hae-rim , Kim So Won , Yu Hoon 
Published: May 2024

AbstractUrinary tract infection (UTI) is the most prevalent urological condition worldwide. Choosing appropriate antibiotics for patients who have fever before receiving a culture result is challenging. This retrospective study enrolled patients 394 patients hospitalized at Gangneung Asan Hospital for UTI from May 2017 to April 2021. Fever at 48 h of hospitalization was the analysis point, as this is when the response to antibiotic therapy manifest, although the results of antibiogram are not available. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the correlation between ESBL producing bacteria (EPB) and fever at 48 h. Overall, 36.3% of patients had EPB and 27.9% had fever at 48 h. In multivariate analysis, a significant positive association was found between EPB and fever (odds ratio 1.17, 95% CI 1.05–1.30, P = 0.004) Female had negative association with multivariate model (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.73–0.94, P = 0.004). Diabetes did not demonstrate a significant association with EPB. (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.99–1.22, P = 0.072). Fever at 48 h is associated with EPB and could be considered a predictive factor for EPB infection in patients with UTI. Antibiotic escalation may be considered in patients with fever at 48 h.
A novel coupled rainfall prediction model based on stepwise decomposition technique
Authors: Jiao Xueran , He Zongheng 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe traditional decomposed ensemble prediction model decomposes the entire rainfall sequence into several sub-sequences, dividing them into training and testing periods for modeling. During sample construction, future information is erroneously mixed into the training data, making it challenging to apply in practical rainfall forecasting. This paper proposes a novel stepwise decomposed ensemble coupling model, realized through variational mode decomposition (VMD) and bidirectional long short-term memory neural network (BiLSTM) models. Model parameters are optimized using an improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO). The performance of the model was evaluated using rainfall data from the Southern Four Lakes basin. The results indicate that: (1) Compared to the PSO algorithm, the IPSO algorithm-coupled model shows a minimum decrease of 2.70% in MAE and at least 2.62% in RMSE across the four cities in the Southern Four Lakes basin; the IPSO algorithm results in a minimum decrease of 25.58% in MAE and at least 28.19% in RMSE for the VMD-BiLSTM model. (2) When compared to IPSO-BiLSTM, the VMD-IPSO-BiLSTM based on the stepwise decomposition technique exhibits a minimum decrease of 26.54% in MAE and at least 34.16% in RMSE. (3) The NSE for the testing period of the VMD-IPSO-BiLSTM model in each city surpasses 0.88, indicating higher prediction accuracy and providing new insights for optimizing rainfall forecasting.
Exploring ALK fusion in colorectal cancer: a case series and comprehensive analysis
Authors: Li Zi-Jing , Pat Fong William , Zhang Dong-Sheng , Luo Hui-Yan , Chen Dong-Liang , Cai Yan-Yu , Chen Zhi-Gang , Duan Jian-Li , Huang Zi-Yao , Lu Yu-Ting , Huang Xiao-Xia , Li Yu-Hong , Wang De-Shen 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAnaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion-positive colorectal cancer (CRC) is a rare and chemotherapy-refractory subtype that lacks established and effective treatment strategies. Additionally, the efficacy and safety of ALK inhibitors (ALKi) in CRC remain undetermined. Herein, we examined a series of ALK-positive CRC patients who underwent various lines of ALKi treatment. Notably, we detected an ALK 1196M resistance mutation in a CRC patient who received multiple lines of chemotherapy and ALKi treatment. Importantly, we found that Brigatinib and Lorlatinib demonstrated some efficacy in managing this patient, although the observed effectiveness was not as pronounced as in non-small cell lung cancer cases. Furthermore, based on our preliminary analyses, we surmise that ALK-positive CRC patients are likely to exhibit inner resistance to Cetuximab. Taken together, our findings have important implications for the treatment of ALK-positive CRC patients.
FDA-cleared home sleep apnea testing devices
Authors: Park Ji Hyeun , Wang Changwon , Shin Hangsik 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe demand for home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) devices is escalating, particularly in the context of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The absence of standardized development and verification procedures poses a significant challenge. This study meticulously analyzed the approval process characteristics of HSAT devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from September 1, 2003, to September 1, 2023, with a primary focus on ensuring safety and clinical effectiveness. We examined 58 reports out of 1046 that underwent FDA clearance via the 510(k) and de novo pathways. A substantial surge in certifications after the 2022 pandemic was observed. Type-3 devices dominated, signifying a growing trend for both home and clinical use. Key measurement items included respiration and sleep analysis, with the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) and sleep stage emerging as pivotal indicators. The majority of FDA-cleared HSAT devices adhered to electrical safety and biocompatibility standards. Critical considerations encompass performance and function testing, usability, and cybersecurity. This study emphasized the nearly indispensable role of clinical trials in ensuring the clinical effectiveness of HSAT devices. Future studies should propose guidances that specify stringent requirements, robust clinical trial designs, and comprehensive performance criteria to guarantee the minimum safety and clinical effectiveness of HSATs.
Catalyst-free multicomponent polymerization of aldehydes, amines and trimethylsilyl cyanide toward poly(α-aminonitrile)s
Authors: Cheng Tianyu , Wang Huadong , Ding Jianqing , Fang Junguo , Wang Jia , Li Mingzhao , Chen Jie , Qin Anjun , Tang Ben Zhong 
Published: May 2024

An effecient multicomponent polymerization of dialdehydes, diamines and trimethylsilyl cyanide for preparation of cyano-containing polymers poly(α-aminonitrile)s was established. And the properties of poly(α-aminonitrile)s were investigated.
Pure cut vs. Endocut in endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Bicudo de Oliveira Luiza , Funari Mateus Pereira , So Taa Kum Angelo , Bestetti Alexandre de Moraes , Brunaldi Vitor Ottoboni , Franzini Tomazo Antonio Prince , Moura Eduardo Turiani Hourneaux , Baroni Luiza Martins , de Carvalho Matheus Ferreira , Bernardo Wanderley Marques , de Moura Eduardo Guimarães Hourneaux 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background and study aims Biliary sphincterotomy is a crucial step in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), a procedure known to carry a 5% to 10% risk of complications. The relationship between Pure cut, Endocut, post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) and bleeding is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared these two current types and their relationships with adverse events.
Patients and methods This systematic review involved searching articles in multiple databases until August 2023 comparing pure cut versus Endocut in biliary sphincterotomy. The meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA).
Results A total of 987 patients from four randomized controlled trials were included. Overall pancreatitis: A higher risk of pancreatitis was found in the Endocut group than in the Pure cut group (P=0.001, RD=0.04 [range, 0.01 to 0.06]; I2=29%). Overall immediate bleeding: Statistical significance was found to favor Endocut, (P=0.05; RD=–0.15 [range, –0.29 to –0.00]; I2=93%). No statistical significance between current modes was found in immediate bleeding without endoscopic intervention (P=0.10; RD=–0.13 [range, –0.29 to 0.02]; I2=88%), immediate bleeding with endoscopic intervention (P=0.06; RD=–0.07 [range, –0.14 to 0.00]; I2=76%), delayed bleeding (P=0.40; RD=0.01 [range, –0.02 to 0.05]; I2=72%), zipper cut (P=0.58; RD=–0.03 [range, –0.16 to 0.09]; I2=97%), perforation (P=1.00; RD=0.00 [range, –0.01 to 0.01]; I2=0%) and cholangitis (P=0.77; RD=0.00 [range, –0.01 to 0.02]; I2=29%).
Conclusions The available data in the literature show that Endocut carries an increased risk for PEP and does not prevent delayed or clinically significant bleeding, although it prevents intraprocedural bleeding. Based on such findings, Pure cut should be the preferred electric current mode for biliary sphincterotomy.
Oxidative C–N Bond Formation of Isochromans Using an Electronically Tuned Nitroxyl Radical as Catalyst
Authors: Hamada Shohei , Yano Kyoko , Ohshimo Ayano , Elboray Elghareeb E. , Kobayashi Yusuke , Furuta Takumi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe cross-dehydrogenative coupling between isochromans and nucleophiles using an electronically tuned nitroxyl radical catalyst, which effectively promotes the oxidation of benzylic ethers, has been investigated. Using sulfonamides as a nucleophile, modification of isochromans via oxidative C–N bond formation has been achieved at ambient temperature.