bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of metformin, statin, aspirin and insulin on the prognosis of uHCC patients receiving first line Lenvatinib or Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab
Authors: Rimini Margherita , Montes Margarida , Amadeo Elisabeth , Vitiello Francesco , Kudo Masatoshi , Tada Toshifumi , Suda Goki , Shimose Shigeo , Lonardi Sara , Finkelmeier Fabian , Salani Francesca , Antonuzzo Lorenzo , Marra Fabio , Iavarone Massimo , Cabibbo Giuseppe , Foschi Francesco Giuseppe , Silletta Marianna , Sacco Rodolfo , Rapposelli Ilario Giovanni , Scartozzi Mario , Nicoletta Pella , Aldrighetti Luca , Persano Mara , Camera Silvia , Rossari Federico , Foti Silvia , Kumada Takashi , Hiraoka Atsushi , Iwamoto Hideki , Rizzato Mario Domenico , Himmelsbach Vera , Masi Gianluca , Corradi Mattia , Celsa Ciro , Conti Fabio , Frassineti Giovanni Luca , Cascinu Stefano , Casadei-Gardini Andrea , Presa Jose 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Recently, in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) setting, the use of metformin has been associated to a trend toward worse response rate, overall survival and progression free survival in patients who received immunotherapy.
METHODS AND MATERIAL: The study population included individuals from both Eastern and Western regions with a confirmed diagnosis of HCC and receiving first line treatment with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab or lenvatinib. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed by Cox proportional. For the analysis, patients were stratified based on their use of concomitant medication or not.
RESULTS: At the time of database lock, 319 deaths were observed: 209 in the Lenvatinib cohort, 110 in the Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab cohort. In the Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab arm, 50 (16.5%) patients were on chronic metformin use. At the univariate analysis for OS, patients who used metformin showed significantly shorter OS compared to patients who did not use metformin (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.2). Multivariate analysis confirmed that patients in metformin group had significantly shorter OS compared to patients in no-metformin group (HR 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.1). At the univariate analysis for PFS, patients in metformin group had significantly shorter PFS compared to patients in no-metformin group (HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.0-2.6). Multivariate analysis confirmed that patients in metformin group had significantly shorter PFS compared to patients in no-metformin group (HR 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.7; p=0.0147). No differences were reported in terms of ORR and DCR between patients in metformin group and those in no-metformin group. In the Lenvatinib cohort, 65 (15%) patients were recorded to chronically use metformin. No statistically significant differences in terms of both OS and PFS were found between patients in metformin group and patients in no-metformin group .
CONCLUSION: This analysis unveils a negative prognostic role associated with metformin use specifically within the Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab group.
EIA in Strengthening Law Enforcement and Penalties: A Case of Corruption in Natural Resource Sector for Indonesia
Authors: Sasongko Mochamad Agung , Mizuno Kosuke , Utomo Suyud Warno , Koestoer Raldi Hendrotoro Seputro 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Corruption in Indonesia's natural resource sector is a significant issue with far-reaching consequences for environmental sustainability. Despite the detrimental effects of corrupt practices on the environment, law enforcement penalties for corruption often fail to compensate for their environmental impact. The aim of the study is to explore how the use of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) strengthen law enforcement efforts and increase penalties for corrupt practices in Indonesia's natural resource sector. The method used is to collect and analyze regulations, policies, and corruption study cases to examine the relationship between EIA and corruption penalties. The results showed that EIA can help corruption cases investigation and corruption cases involving EIA receive heavier penalties. This study concluded that the Indonesian government needs to reformulate its law enforcement approach by incorporating EIA into corruption investigations and using more severe penalties to deter corruption in the natural resource sector.
Liquid metal interface mechanochemistry disentangles energy density and biaxial-stretchability tradeoff in composite capacitor film
Authors: Wu Kai , Xie Zilong , Zhu Jianan , Dou Zhengli , Zhang Yongzheng , Wang Ke , Fu Qiang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Dielectric polymer composites for film capacitors have advanced significantly in recent decades, yet their practical implementation in industrial-scale, thin-film processing faces challenges, particularly due to limited biaxial stretchability. Here, we introduce a mechanochemical solution that applies liquid metal onto rigid dielectric fillers (e.g. boron nitride), dramatically transforming polymer-filler interface characteristics. This approach significantly reduces modulus mismatch and stress concentration at the interface region, enabling polypropylene composites to achieve biaxial stretching ratio up to 450×450%. Furthermore, liquid metal integration enhances boron nitride's dielectric polarization while maintaining inherent insulation, producing high-dielectric-constant, low-loss films. These films, only microns thick yet quasi square meters in area, achieve a 55% increase in energy density over commercial biaxially-oriented polypropylene (from 2.9 to 4.5 J cm-3 at 550 MV/m), keeping 90% discharge efficiency. Coupled with improved thermal conductivity, durability, and device capacitance, this distinctive interface engineering approach makes these composites promising for high-performance film capacitors.
Magnetic activated carbon derived from pine fruit waste: efficient adsorbent for tetracycline (TC) and paracetamol (PC) removal from aqueous solution
Authors: Hashemzadeh Farzad , Ariannezhad Maryam , Derakhshandeh Seyed Hamed 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This work presents a significant highly porous activated magnetic carbon nanoparticles (MPFRC-A) derived from pine fruit residue through physical activation (carbonization temperature: 110–550◦C), chemical activation (H2SO4 (0.1 N, 96%)), and Co-precipitation processes and then using it for removing tetracycline (TC) and paracetamol (PC) from water and evaluating via the spectrophotometer (DR6000). Functionalization of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on the surface of (PFR-AS) generated high saturation magnetization that causes to separate from aqueous solution by an external magnet. MPFR-AS adsorbent was evaluated by Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) analyzer, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy (RM). In the experimental sector, the effect of different items including, pH, contact time, initial concentrations, adsorbent dosage, and temperature on the adsorption processes were investigated and based on them the adsorption isotherm modules, and kinetics were studied and concluded. Results indicated that MPFR-A exhibited a large specific surface area (182.5 m2/g) and high total pore volume (0.33 cm3/g). The maximum adsorption capacity was obtained at pH = 4,5, adsorbent dose: 400 mg and initial concentration of 20 mg/L at 25°C. The study showed that experimental data were well-fitted by Langmuir isotherm model (R2 > 0.98) and the maximum uptake capacities for TC was 43.75 mg/g and for PC was 41.7 mg/g.
Delineation of groundwater potential zones using multi- criteria analysis (AHP), Frequency Ratios (RF), remote sensing and GIS: a case study of the Batcham municipality (West Cameroon)
Authors: Adama AMAYA , Juscar Ndjounguep , Mama NTOUMBE , Tsoptie TCHINDA , Rachida BENDAOUD , Elvis KAH 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This study uses the methods of multi-criteria analysis (AHP) and Frequency Ratios (FR) to identify areas of high groundwater potential in order to facilitate the implementation of boreholes and help decision-makers improve access to drinking water in the Batcham municipality. The database used is made up of geological data, hydroclimatic data, well data, and satellite images. Each of the methods used is based on the study of the relationships between the factors controlling the groundwater potential. Among these factors, ten (10) were retained on the basis of previous work; these are: slope, elevation, land use, land cover, lineament density, drainage density, topographic wetness index, curvature, geology, rainfall, and the static water level. The AHP allowed, according to the user's expertise, to assign weights to each factor controlling the water potential. The FR made it possible to study the relationships linking each variable with high flow rates. The thematic layers obtained were integrated into a GIS environment to generate the groundwater potential map. Four classes of groundwater potential have been identified: bad, moderate, good, and excellent. The bad classes represent 8.32% and 11.21%; moderate 36.57% and 28.70%; good 43.55% and 38.93%; and excellent 11.56% and 21.16%, for the AHP and FR models, respectively. The overlying of wells with high flow rates on areas of excellent groundwater potential shows perfect concordance, which validated the final map. The result map was also validated by sensitivity curve analysis, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve from which result accuracy was obtained is 70.63% and 80.28% for the AHP method and FR method, respectively. The maps obtained can help decision-makers choose appropriate sites for groundwater research and for drilling boreholes.
Sociomarkers and Connectomes: Neurodevelopmental Imprints in Adolescent Brains
Authors: Shin Eun Kyong , Kang Eunsong , Lee Jiwon , Yun Byungyeon , Cha Jiook , Suk Heung-Il 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Neural consequences of social disparities are not yet rigorously investigated. How socioeconomic conditions influence children’s connectome development remains unknown. This paper endeavors to gauge how precisely the connectome structure of the brain can predict an individual’s social environment, thereby inversely assessing how social influences are engraved in the neural development of the adolescent brain. The analysis has been performed over an integrated dataset consisting of brain imaging data and household level socioeconomic conditions from the Adolescent Brain and Cognition Development (ABCD) data (9,099 children residing in the United States) - and local poverty prevalence and neighborhood education level from the US census data. Using this uniquely integrated database, we found that social conditions both at the household and neighborhood levels are significantly associated with specific neural connections. Solely with brain connectome data, we train a linear support vector machine (SVM) to predict socioeconomic conditions of those adolescents. Hispanic participants achieved higher accuracy rates than White and African American children, except for the household Income level. Hispanic participants exhibited the highest accuracy rate of 0.71 and the best AUPRC of 0.77 for predicting neighborhood level educational attainment. Accuracy 0.85 for the household income and neighborhood education dual combination cases and 0.81 for the household education and neighborhood education dual condition. Furthermore, we identified 8 significant connections that critically contribute to predicting social environments in the parietal lobe and frontal lobe. Insights into social factors that contribute to early brain connectome development is critical to mitigate the disadvantages of children growing up in unfavorable neighborhoods.
Assessment of the environmental quality of areas used for sport and leisure in a city undergoing an accelerated urbanization process (Fortaleza, Brazil)
Authors: Rocha Camille , Marques Elissandra , Ramos Fernanda , Souza Oscarina , Carvalho Fátima , Nascimento Ronaldo , Zanella Maria , Cavalcante Rivelino 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The expansion of cities results in serious environmental impacts, such as a reduction in green spaces, noise pollution, atmospheric pollution and thermal discomfort. Good urban environmental quality requires adequate public spaces for use by the population and well-distributed green areas throughout the city. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the environmental quality of seven areas used for leisure and sport in a city that is going through an intense process of urbanization through multi-indicators such as biological (fungi and bacteria), chemical (particulate matter, carbonyl compounds) and physical (noise and thermal comfort). Collections were performed in two main seasonal periods (wet and dry), in the morning and afternoon, on weekdays and on weekends for the analysis of multi-indicators. The results revealed considerable differences in the variables measured among the different sites, indicating that location and the characteristics of each area are fundamental to the definition of environmental quality. Seasonality also exerted a considerable influence on all variables studied. The factors that most influenced this result were: flow of vehicles (greater in the afternoon and during the week), presence of vegetation in the place and building density close to the points. Most of the areas presented a high cancer risk for formaldehyde, when compared to the limits set by regulatory agencies, and three areas presented a higher risk to their users in terms of PM.
How Tourists ‘Escaping the Heat’ May Drive Future Increases in Municipal Water Demand in Oregon Coastal Communities
Authors: Rupp David E. , Dundas Steven J. , Mazaud Laura C. , de Szoeke Suzanne 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Little is known about the effect of future weather and climate on municipal water demand in coastal communities with tourist-centric economies. To address this knowledge gap, we used an econometric model of monthly water demand that allowed for non-linear responses to weather variables to estimate temperature-response functions for demand from a sample of communities in the Oregon Mid-Coast. A main result is that local temperature was not a significant driver of variability in monthly water demand but that temperature in the Willamette Valley – the source of most tourists to the Oregon coast – was. We assumed that the increase in demand in response to higher Willamette Valley temperature arose from an increase in tourists escaping the heat in the Willamette Valley for cooler conditions on the coast. Applying the temperature response functions to scenarios of future climate to the year 2070 led to projected increases in water demand independent of other factors. Whether future tourism is either constrained by the local resident population that serves tourism or is constrained by the potential tourist population in the Willamette Valley, the climate-change contribution to projected water demand is generally of comparable magnitude to – if not greater than – the contribution from resident population change alone over the next fifty years. For communities where the population is projected to decline, the climate effect may more than offset the effect of declining population, resulting in a net positive change in demand.
An Association of SLC2A9 variant rs7442295 with Uric Acid at Baseline and in Interaction with Iloperidone
Authors: Smieszek Sandra P. , Chadwick Sean R. , Czeisler Emily L. , Torres Rosarelis , Bai Haimeng , Xiao Changfu , Polymeropoulos Christos , Birznieks Gunther , Polymeropoulos Mihael 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Uric acid concentrations are routinely measured during clinical laboratory evaluations, given serum urate levels correlate with blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, gout, and cardiovascular disease. Circulating levels of uric acid are influenced by a complex mix of intrinsic and environmental factors, including genetics, diet, and drugs. We analyzed levels of uric acid in a recent phase 3 clinical trial of patients with bipolar mania treated with 24mg/day (12mg twice daily) of the antipsychotic iloperidone or placebo. Initial results revealed iloperidone treatment was associated with increases in uric acid from baseline, consistent with a similar, previous phase 3 study of iloperidone treatment of schizophrenia in adults. Pharmacogenetic analysis examining the urate transporter SLC2A9 revealed iloperidone associated increases were linked to a genetic variant (rs7442295), correlating with both urate levels at baseline and in interaction with iloperidone vs placebo. Further investigation suggested potentially clinically relevant sex differences associated with this variant, with male GG genotype patients exhibiting more frequent shifts from above the upper limit of normal for iloperidone-treated patients in comparison to female, AG/AA, and placebo groups. A pronounced increase of 35.91 µmol/L (0.674 mg/dL) was seen in iloperidone-treated patients homozygous for the for the rs7442295 (G) allele at the SLC2A9 gene, compared to a decrease of -16.5 µmol/L in the corresponding GG placebo group. Overall, the mechanism of this iloperidone-induced increase in serum urate levels is likely due to decrease in clearance of urate through interaction with the SLC2A9 urate transporter protein.
Multi-channel portable odor delivery device for self-administered and rapid smell testing
Authors: Hopper Richard , Popa Daniel , Maggioni Emanuela , Patel Devarsh , Obrist Marianna , Landis Basile , Hsieh Julien , Udrea Florin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

To improve our understanding of the perception of odors, researchers are often required to undertake experimental procedures with users exposed to multiple odors in a variety of settings, including to diagnose smell loss in clinics and care homes. Existing smell tests are typically administered using multiple sniffing pens manually presented to patients by a highly specialized nurse using a time-consuming and complex testing paradigm. Automated odor delivery devices, such as olfactometer systems, exist but are expensive, bulky and typically lab based, making them difficult to use for “on the ground” odor delivery.
We have developed a portable, affordable, odor delivery device that can deliver 24 odors through individual channels with high temporal precision and without cross-contamination. The device allows for the fast, flexible sequencing of odors via digital control using a mobile application and has been experimentally validated in the lab, as well as tested on patients. The novel design provides several unique advantages for investigating olfactory perception and offers the possibility that users can one day self-administer smell tests in a range of settings, including at home, allowing smell healthcare services to evolve and become part of a routine practice and self-care culture.
Selective Activation of PPARα Mitigates Peritoneal Inflammation and Fibrosis through NLRP3 Inflammasome Suppression and Inflammation Modulation
Authors: Shinkai Yutaka , Sasaki Kensuke , Tamura Ryo , Ike Takeshi , Takahashi Akira , Osaki Yosuke , Ishiuchi Naoki , Maeoka Yujiro , Nakashima Ayumu , Masaki Takao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Peritoneal inflammation and fibrosis remain major challenges to the long-term maintenance of peritoneal dialysis. Pemafibrate, a selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) modulator, has been implicated in the management of fibrosis-related disorders. We investigated whether pemafibrate ameliorates peritoneal inflammation and fibrosis and explored the underlying mechanisms in mice with methylglyoxal (MGO)-induced peritoneal fibrosis (MGO mice). MGO mice exhibited peritoneal fibrosis with increased expression of mesenchymal markers, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and substantial deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Additionally, MGO mice exhibited peritoneal inflammation as indicated by elevated tumor necrosis factor-α expression and macrophage infiltration in peritoneal tissue. These effects were mitigated by pemafibrate treatment, which also restored peritoneal membrane function. Furthermore, pemafibrate promoted anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization in both mice and THP-1 cells. In human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs), pemafibrate effectively inhibited interferon-γ-induced production of TGF-β1 and ECM while suppressing the proinflammatory cytokines nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and activator protein 1. The NF-κB inhibitory effect of pemafibrate involved stabilization of the NF-κB inhibitory protein IkBα. Notably, pemafibrate hindered activation of the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3/caspase-1 axis in interferon-γ-stimulated HPMCs. These findings suggest that pemafibrate ameliorates peritoneal inflammation and fibrosis, making it a promising candidate for peritoneal fibrosis therapy.
The Influence of Contrast Media on Calcium-based Imaging of the Spine in Dual-layer CT
Authors: Rahn Stefanie , Skornitzke Stephan , Melzig Claudius , Reiner Tobias , Stiller Wolfram , Heussel Claus P , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Weber Tim F , Do Thuy D 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To evaluate the impact of contrast media application on a novel calcium-only imaging technique (VCa) using dual-layer spectral detector CT (DLCT) and to expand the applicability of VCa within CT-based opportunistic osteoporosis screening.
Methods
True non-contrast (TNC) and venous phase images (VP) of n = 97 patients were acquired with a DLCT scanner. CT attenuation of the first lumbar vertebra (L1) was measured in TNC-VCa, venous phase (VP-VCa), and in virtual non-contrast images (VNC). The difference in L1 CT attenuation between TNC-VCa and VP-VCa was determined. A statistical model for the prediction of TNC-VCa L1 CT attenuation values was established and the capacity of VP-VCa L1 CT attenuation to detect osteoporosis was examined.
Results
CT attenuation was significantly higher in VP-VCa than in TNC-VCa (p < 0.001). Regression analyses revealed a strong linear association between TNC-VCa and VP-VCa CT attenuation values (R²=0.84). The final statistical model for the prediction of TNC-VCa CT attenuation (TNC-VCa[HU]=-6.81 + 0.87*VP-VCa[HU]-0.55*body weight[kg]) yielded good agreement between observed and predicted values. A L1 CT attenuation threshold of 293 HU in VP-VCa showed a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 96% for detecting osteoporosis.
Conclusion
The application of contrast media leads to an overestimation of L1 CT attenuation in VCa. However, CT attenuation values from VP-VCa can be used to reliably predict TNC-VCa CT attenuation. VCa can be used in the context of contrast-enhanced CT acquisitions and might help to improve the precision of CT-based opportunistic osteoporosis screening in clinical routine.
Revolutionizing Soil Stabilization: Unleashing the Power of Glass Powder
Authors: POLOJU KIRAN KUMAR , Jardani GHADEER SAIF Al , Ponduri Samatha , Rao Mallikarjuna 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The glass was processed into a powder that could be blended with clay soil at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% to stabilize the soil, measured through four tests: liquid limit, plastic limit, soil compaction, and direct shear resistance. It is evident from the results that the ideal liquid limit test ratio is 15% because it makes the soil more efficient in deforming, improves its structure, reduces the water content needed to reach the liquid limit, and makes it more stable and harder. While, in the plastic limit test, 10% glass powder increased soil strength and decreased plasticity by decreasing the water content from which the soil moved from the plastic to the semi-solid state, lowering the plastic limit to 29.79. The addition of glass powder increased the maximum dry density from 5–10%, then dropped to 15% when the dry density reached 676.87 kg/m3. This is due to glass powder lowering soil porosity and permeability. Finally, in the direct shear strength test, 10% glass powder reduced vertical and horizontal deviation to 10.619 mm 2.251 mm. It can endure 0.274 kN before failing. By adding 10% glass powder, the soil becomes more durable and resistant, reducing horizontal and vertical compacting.