bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental study on the bending performance of a precast, pretensioned high-strength concrete I-girder with pretensioned double broken strands
Authors: Lu Tao , Zheng Xiaobo , Chen Jie , Yang Yongqing , Li Yuan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Precast, pretensioned concrete girders are extensively used in bridge engineering to prevent damage to concrete girders, such as the loss of prestress and the corrosion of strands. Existing studies of the mechanical performance and failure characteristics of bridge girders had shortcomings, resulting in potential safety hazards. This study conducted a full-scale model experiment and theoretical analysis of the bending performance of a 35-m long precast, pretensioned concrete I-girder with pretensioned double broken strands. The cracks and bending damage were investigated. The results showed that the maximum vertical displacement of the composite girder was much lower than the required standard value, with a crack factor and bearing capacity factor of 1.31 and 1.54, respectively. The bending stiffness of the composite girder decreased by 70%. Many cracks occurred in the concrete, resulting in excess stress of the steel bars and prestressed strands. The crack width during loading was much smaller than the theoretical one in the Specifications for Highway Reinforced Concrete Prestressed Concrete Bridge Culverts(JTG 3362 − 2018). Therefore, the girder exhibited optimum bending stiffness, sufficient crack resistance, acceptable ultimate bending capacity, and ductile failure performance. The mechanical behavior and failure mechanism during loading were investigated. This study provides recommendations for the design, maintenance, and damage assessment of this bridge type to improve the service lives of bridges.
Hygroscopic Mg-Al LDHs composite microspheres for highly efficient hyperspectral camouflage in the VIS and NIR wavebands
Authors: Xie Zixun , Yuan Le , Qing Xiaolong , Wang Yaqin , Wu Xiaoyan , Weng Xiaolong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

To enhance the hyperspectral camouflage efficacy of stealth coatings against a natural vegetative backdrop, LiCl, known for its significant hygroscopic properties, was incorporated into green Mg-Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) material. Micron-sized composite microspheres were subsequently synthesized via the spray-drying granulation technique. The structure, morphology, and chemical composition of these microspheres were thoroughly characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, laser particle size analysis, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The effect of LiCl content on the moisture absorption capacity and near-infrared reflectance spectra of the microspheres was systematically evaluated. We found that incorporating an optimal amount of LiCl into the internal pores of the LDHs microspheres did not compromise their smooth surface morphology and uniform particulate distribution. Notably, when the LiCl content was 10%, the maximum saturation moisture uptake rate of the coating increased to 0.75 g/g. This hygroscopicity significantly enhanced the absorption and scattering of near-infrared radiation by the coating while concurrently improving its ability to modulate the shape and reflectance of both the visible and near-infrared spectral curves. Spectral congruence between the synthetic coating and natural green foliage was quantified at 97.41%. Moreover, this performance was maintained over 10 cycles of programmed drying and re-humidification, and the coating consistently demonstrated stable hygroscopic properties and sustained over 95% spectral congruence. These optimized artificial coatings were found to effectively confuse hyperspectral classification algorithms, thus blending seamlessly into a natural foliage backdrop. This study provides a new method for regulating visible and near-infrared spectral features, which will be critical for applications in advanced hyperspectral camouflage materials.
Third trimester asymptomatic uterine rupture with ballooning of fetal membranes, case report
Authors: Barger Branden T. , Brar Herb , Oshiro Bryan , Smithson Sarah 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Uterine rupture, though uncommon, is a serious and potentially fatal obstetric complication most often occurring among women undergoing a trial of labor after Cesarean (TOLAC) and is typically accompanied by alterations in both maternal and fetal status. Asymptomatic uterine rupture prior to labor is more unusual. In this report, we detail the case of a 26-year-old woman with a history of three prior Cesarean deliveries (CDs) who, during an outpatient ultrasound, was discovered to have a pre-labor asymptomatic uterine rupture with ballooning of fetal membranes past the uterine defect into the maternal abdomen. Following discovery, she was admitted for monitoring and steroids for fetal lung maturity and was delivered without complication in the late preterm period. Current guidelines do not recommend routine ultrasound in the third trimester for use in monitoring for rupture in women with known risk factors. However, the detection of fluid in the vesicouterine space in individuals with a uterine scar should prompt consideration of a asymptomatic uterine rupture. The presence of amniotic fluid passing through a possible uterine wall defect can be verified using Doppler ultrasound technology.
Neoadjuvant Triplet Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma
Authors: Long Georgina , Wilmott James , Shklovskaya Elena , Satgunseelan Laveniya , Mao Yizhe , Perry Kristen , Diefenbach Russell , Gide Tuba , Shivalingam Brindha , Buckland Michael , Gonzalez Maria , Caixeiro Nicole , Vergara Ismael , Bai Xinyu , Hsiao Edward , Rawson Robert , Silva Ines da , Palendira Umaimainthan , Phan Tri , Menzies Alexander , Carlino Matteo , Quek Camelia , Grimmond Sean , Vissers Joseph , Yeo Dannel , Rasko John , Khasraw Mustafa , Neyns Bart , Reardon David , Ashley David , Wheeler Helen , Back Michael , Drummond James , Scolyer Richard , Rizos Helen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive primary brain tumor with a dismal prognosis. Given the paucity of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), an immune suppressive tumor microenvironment and a low tumor mutation burden, the potential benefits of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) for GBM patients are considered low1,2. Anti-PD-1 ICI monotherapy administered post-primary resection or after recurrence has not improved GBM outcomes3,4. Here, we present the first case of newly diagnosed IDH-wildtype, MGMT-unmethylated GBM treated with upfront neoadjuvant triplet ICI (anti-PD-1/anti-CTLA4/anti-LAG3). Twelve days post-therapy, the primary resected GBM showed anti-PD-1-bound TILs and marked TIL infiltration and activation, compared with baseline biopsy. After 10 months, there is no recurrence.
First-Line Immunotherapy Combined with Chemoradiotherapy for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Real World Study
Authors: Zhao Xiao-Han , Weng Chen-Gang , Yang Wu-Han , Gao Hong-Mei , Wang He-Song , Deng Wen-Zhao , Zhu Shu-Chai , Shen Wen-Bin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Backgroud: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness, safety, and recurrence patterns of first-line immunotherapy combined with chemoradiotherapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients.
Methods:A retrospective analysis of 79 eligible ESCC patients was conducted. Primary outcomes included overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), with secondary outcomes being objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DOR), treatment-related adverse events (trAEs), and treatment failure patterns.
Results: The median follow-up was 29.4 months, with median OS unreached and median PFS of 14.6 months (95% CI: 10.7-18.5). ORR was 82.3%, and DOR was 96.2%. Factors affecting OS were clinical stage, immunotherapy cycles, immunotherapy and chemoradiotherapy sequence, radiation coverage, mid-treatment lymphocyte count, and short-term efficacy (HR=2.254, 0.374, 2.653, 2.957, 2.309, 2.789; P=0.030, 0.019, 0.009, 0.004, 0.001, 0.014). Factors impacting PFS were clinical stage, immunotherapy and chemoradiotherapy, and post-treatment lymphocyte count (HR=2.135, 2.048, 1.911; P=0.007, 0.010, 0.001). Among the cohort, 46.8% experienced treatment failure, with 33 receiving second-line treatment, resulting in a median OS of 14.17 months (95% CI: 7.303-21.037) and 1- and 2-year OS rates of 56.7% and 24.3%. Notably, 36.7% experienced grade ≥2 trAEs, bone marrow suppression most commonly happened, and 5.1% developed esophageal fistulas.
Conclusion: Immunotherapy combined with chemoradiotherapy demonstrates strong anti-tumor activity and tolerability in ESCC patients, The radiation for all leisions, sequential immunotherapy combined with chemoradiotherapy, and higher levels of lymph node cell counts are associated with a better prognosis. Large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed for further validation.
Mental Health and Resilience of University Students in the United Arab Emirates: A Study on Migrant Students at RAK Medical and Health Sciences University
Authors: Salgado Arnel Bañaga , Salgado Jan Joseph Rainer Christorey Maria , Mathew Sandra Maria , Razak Aqsa Abdul , Hussain Shimna , Fatima Wafeeqa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the mental health resilience of migrant students enrolled at RAK Medical and Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The present research analyzed the current status of mental health resilience among students, identified the key factors contributing to mental health issues, explored the role of resilience in mitigating these challenges, and formulated evidence-based recommendations. The practical implications of these recommendations aim to enhance mental health and resilience, offering hopefor the future and empowering stakeholders to take effective action.
The researchers collected data from a diverse group of 206 migrant university students using two standardized instruments: the Positive Mental Health Scale (PMH-Scale) and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). The findings revealed a spectrum of resilience levels and revealed that a significant number of students demonstrated high positive mental health. On the BRS, 13 students (6.31%) exhibitedlow resilience, 190 students (92.23%) exhibited normal resilience, and three students (1.46%) displayed high resilience. On the PMH scale, 175 students (84.95%) obtained high scores, indicative of a positive mental health status, while 31 students (15.05%) scored low, suggesting potential challenges in mental well-being. These positive outcomes testthe resilience and strength of our migrant student community, instilling hope for thefuture.
The analysis of the sample data, conducted with robust statistical methods, revealed a meaningful and statistically significant positive correlation between the PMHS-9 score and the BRS-6 score. This validation of the relationship between the two variables is crucial. The correlation coefficient (r) between PMHS-9 and BRS-6 was 0.188, indicating that as PMHS-9 increased, BRS-6 tended to increase, and vice versa. The p-value associated with the correlation coefficient was 0.007, suggesting a low probability of observing a correlation coefficient as extreme as 0.188 by chance alone. Therefore, the correlation between the PMHS-9 score and BRS-6 score was statistically significant at the 0.01 level, further reinforcing the research findings.
This research provides insights into mental health resilience in multicultural university settings. The results could help develop tailored support programs for migrant student populations.
Relationship between Δ40p53α, Δ133p53α, and p53β/γ isoforms and mitochondrial copy number, with clinical and pathological features in Mexican breast cancer patients
Authors: Domínguez-de-la-Cruz Eduardo , Oropeza-Sánchez Rubén , Muñoz María de Lourdes , García-Hernández Normand , Moctezuma-Meza Christian , Hinojosa-Cruz Juan Carlos , David Randy E. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Expression of WTp53 has been associated with mtDNA copy number (mtDNAcn) in cultured cells and expression of p53 isoforms has been associated with clinical and pathological features of different cancer types, including breast cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between Δ40p53α, Δ133p53α, and p53β/γ isoforms with clinical and pathological features, mitochondrial haplogroups, and mtDNAcn in a Mexican population. Expression of p53 isoforms was evaluated via immunoblot in breast cancer tissue (BCT) and normal adjacent tissue (NAT), to investigate the relationship between protein expression and clinical and pathological features, mitochondrial haplogroups and mtDNAcn. D-loop mtDNA sequencing and real time RT-PCR was performed to determine mtDNA haplogroups and mtDNAcn. Our findings revealed that: (a) expression of Δ40p53α was higher in NAT compared to BCT, (b) expression of Δ133p53α was higher in BCT compared to NAT, and elevated in BCT of patients >50 years old, overweight, and obese; in stage IA; subtypes IDC I-II; ER-positive, PR-positive, HER2-negative, HER3-negative, or luminal A; and mtDNA haplogroups A or B, (c) p53β/γ isoform expression in NAT were higher in patients with haplogroup C, and (d) mtDNAcn was lower in BCT subtype ILC I, stage IIIA, or in BCT of patients with haplogroup C compared to other haplogroups. The differential protein expression of Δ40p53α, Δ133p53α and p53β/γ observed in NAT compared with BCT, containing different clinical and pathological features, and mitochondrial haplogroups may contribute to breast cancer progression and prognosis. These findings have not been reported previously.
BPPP: A novel pelvis-prostate model predicting immediate urinary continence after Retzius-sparing robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Zhang Xiaohu , Zhang Qing , Chen Tianyi , Wang Hao , Guo Hongqian , Zhang Gutian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to construct a novel pelvis-prostate model BPPP which consists of body mass index (BMI), prostate volume (PV), pelvic cavity index (PCI) and prostate-muscle index (PMI) to predict the immediate urinary continence after Retzius-sparing robot assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP). The perioperative data of patients with prostate cancer who underwent RS-RARP in the department of urology of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from June 2018 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. 280 patients were eligible for this study in total. Multivariate analysis showed that BMI, PV, PCI, PMI and NVB preservation were significantly associated with immediate urinary continence after RS-RARP. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with low BMI, low PV, high PCI and high PMI had a higher recovery rate of immediate urinary continence. The area under the curve of BPPP(BMI+PV+PCI+PMI) for predicting the immediate recovery of urinary continence after RS-RARP was 0.726. Delong test showed that the area under the curve of the combined test for predicting the immediate urinary continence after RS-RARP was better compared with single parameter (p<0.05). In conclusion the novel pelvis-prostate model BPPP may predict the immediate urinary continence after RS-RARP, providing information for preoperative decision‑making.
Open left diaphragm method enables safe surgery with a good visual field in a laparoscopic transhiatal approach for esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kanaji Shingo , Urakawa Naoki , Harada Hitoshi , Shimada Atsushi , Koterazawa Yasufumi , Sawada Ryuichiro , Goto Hironobu , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Yamashita Kimihiro , Matsuda Takeru , Oshikiri Taro , Kakeji Yoshihiro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite being oncologically acceptable for esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma with an esophageal invasion length of 3–4 cm, the transhiatal approach has not yet become a standard method given the difficulty of reconstruction in a narrow space and the risk of severe anastomotic leakage. This study aimed to clarify the safety and feasibility of the open left diaphragm method during the transhiatal approach for esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma.
Methods
This retrospective study compared the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent proximal or total gastrectomy with lower esophagectomy for Siewert type II/III adenocarcinomas with esophageal invasion via the laparoscopic transhiatal approach with or without the open left diaphragm method from April 2013 to December 2021.
Results
Overall, 42 and 13 patients did and did not undergo surgery with the open left diaphragm method, respectively. The median operative time was only slightly shorter in the open left diaphragm group than in the non-open left diaphragm group (369 vs. 482 min; P = 0.07). Grade ≥ II postoperative respiratory complications were significantly less common in the open left diaphragm group than in the non-open left diaphragm group (17% vs. 46%, P = 0.03). Neither group had grade ≥ IV anastomotic leakage, and two cases of anastomotic leakage requiring reoperation were drained using the left diaphragmatic release technique.
Conclusions
Transhiatal lower esophagectomy with gastrectomy using the open left diaphragm method is minimally invasive and safe, highlighting its advantages for Siewert type II/III esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma with an esophageal invasion length of ≤ 4 cm.
Estimation of Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and drought modeling using ARIMA time series in Raichur, Karnataka, India
Authors: Kashyap Anurag , Kumble Varija , POONIA VIKAS 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Drought, characterized by a prolonged absence of precipitation leading to water scarcity, profoundly impacts various sectors like agriculture, the environment, and human life. Accurate estimation of evapotranspiration through the Penman-Monteith method enhances the study's reliability. Assessing drought severity is effectively achieved by integrating drought indices, such as SPEI, into a statistical modeling framework. Incorporating these indices as input variables in time series models enables the analysis of temporal and spatial patterns, forecasting future drought conditions, and understanding drought impacts on different systems. This study demonstrates the efficacy of the ARIMA model in analysing SPEI time-series data at various temporal scales (1-month, 3-month, and 6-month). Emphasizing the importance of seasonal and monthly plots provides insights into climate analysis. Monthly SPEI plots facilitate the assessment of long-term drought trends and their potential connection to climate change. The findings underscore the increasing relationship between timescales and reveal the superior performance of the ARIMA model with SPEI6, as evidenced by the highest R-squared value, lowest MSE value, and lowest AIC value. These results enhance understanding of climatic patterns in the Raichur district, offering valuable insights for decision-making and resource management in the region.
CagA , VacA and urease can assist in predicting the development trend of chronic gastritis
Authors: Hui Wenjia , Liu Weidong , Jiang Qi , Li Ting , Gao Feng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The virulence factors about CagA and VacA of Helicobacter pylori are thought to induce more serious gastric disorders and histological alterations, while the urease is regarded as a common virulence factor, which does not result in more severe outcomes. Now, there are few papers that systematically depict the association between the three virulence factors and the histopathology of chronic gastritis in Xinjiang.
Methods
From January 2018 to December 2022, we enrolled 1923 chronic gastritis patients who received endoscopy and were confirmed by pathology at the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. All the included patients were first-time tested for Helicobacter pylori infection and had no eradication treatment history. Selected chronic non-atrophic gastritis and chronic atrophic gastritis as the main research subjects. Histopathological evaluation was performed according to the Sydney system. All the patients underwent serologic detection of CagA, VacA and urease (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). We gathered the basic clinical data, serologic data, endoscopic and pathologic data of all the patients.
Results
Among 1923 chronic gastritis patients (1137 Han, 521 Uighur, 140 Kazakh, 125 Hui ; mean age: 56.73 ± 12.84), there are 1064 chronic non-atrophic gastritis and 859 chronic atrophic gastritis and significant difference between the two groups (χ2 = 10.27, P = 0.160). Further subgroup analyses of the proportions of different ethnic groups between the two types of gastritis showed a statistically significant difference only between Han and Uyghur groups (χ2 = 7.814, P = 0.005). The positivity rates of CagA, VacA and urease were statistically lower in Han than in Uyghur (χ2 = 27.92, P = 0.000; χ2 = 36.36, P = 0.000; χ2 = 11.814, P = 0.001). Most importantly, the positivity rates of CagA, VacA and urease rose with the rise of the seriousness of gastritis inflammation and activity, but there was no notable statistical discrepancy between the atrophy and intestinalization. Besides, the mean age of CagA, VacA and urease positivity rates in Han patients was usually higher than that in Uyghur, Kazakh and Hui patients.
Conclusions
The relationship between the three virulence factors and the histopathological grading has its own characteristics in Xinjiang. The detection of CagA, VacA, and urease is more suitable to predict the development trend of chronic gastritis for Uyghur patients.
Fibroblasts as an in vitro model of circadian genetic and genomic studies
Authors: Francia Marcelo , Bot Merel , Boltz Toni , Hoz Juan F. De La , Boks Marco P. M. , Kahn Rene S. , Ophoff Roel A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background Bipolar disorder (BD) is a heritable disorder characterized by shifts in mood that manifest in manic or depressive episodes. Clinical studies have identified abnormalities of the circadian system in BD patients as a hallmark of underlying pathophysiology. Fibroblasts are a well-established in vitro model for measuring circadian patterns. We set out to examine the underlying genetic architecture of circadian rhythm in fibroblasts, with the goal to assess its contribution to the polygenic nature of BD disease risk. We collected, from primary cell lines of 6 healthy individuals, temporal genomic features over a 48 hour period from transcriptomic data (RNA-seq) and open chromatin data (ATAC-seq).
Results The RNA-seq data showed that only a limited number of genes, primarily the known core clock genes such as ARNTL, CRY1, PER3, NR1D2 and TEF display circadian patterns of expression consistently across cell cultures. The ATAC-seq data identified that distinct transcription factor families, like those with the basic helix-loop-helix motif, were associated with regions that were increasing in accessibility over time. Whereas known glucocorticoid receptor target motifs were identified in those regions that were decreasing in accessibility.
Further evaluation of these regions using stratified linkage disequilibrium score regression analysis failed to identify a significant presence of them in the known genetic architecture of BD, and other psychiatric disorders or neurobehavioral traits in which the circadian rhythm is affected.
Conclusions In this study, we characterize the biological pathways that are activated in this in vitro circadian model, evaluating the relevance of these processes in the context of the genetic architecture of BD and other disorders, highlighting its limitations and future applications for circadian genomic studies.