bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design of the STRIVE-IPF Trial- Study of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange, Rituximab, and Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Acute Exacerbations of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Kulkarni Tejaswini , Criner Gerard , Kass Daniel , Rosas Ivan , Scholand Mary Beth , Dilling Daniel , Summer Ross , Duncan Steven 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Acute exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF) affect a significant proportion of patients with IPF. There are limited data to inform therapeutic strategies for AE-IPF, despite its high mortality. We discuss the rationale and design of STRIVE-IPF, a randomized, multi-center, open-label Phase IIb clinical trial to determine the efficacy of combined therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), rituximab, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), in comparison to treatment as usual (TAU), among patients with acute IPF exacerbations.
Methods: The STRIVE-IPF trial will randomize 51 patients among five sites in the United States. The inclusion criteria have been designed to select a study population with AE-IPF, as defined by American Thoracic Society criteria, while excluding patients with an alternative cause for a respiratory decompensation. The primary endpoint of this trial is six-month survival. Secondary endpoints include supplement oxygen requirement and six-minute walk distance which will be assessed immediately prior to treatment and after completion of therapy on day 19, as well as at periodic subsequent visits.
Discussion: The experimental AE-IPF therapy proposed in this clinical trial was adapted from treatment regimens used in other antibody-mediated diseases. The regimen is initiated with TPE, which is expected to rapidly reduce circulating autoantibodies, followed by rituximab to reduce B-cells and finally IVIG, which likely has multiple effects, including affecting feedback inhibition of residual B-cells by Fc receptor occupancy. We have reported potential benefits of this experimental therapy for AE-IPF in previous anecdotal reports. This clinical trial has the potential to profoundly affect current paradigms and treatment approaches to patients with AE-IPF.
Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03286556
Aerosol-type Classification Based on AERONET Version 3 Data: A Case Study of Two Major Cities in Pakistan
Authors: Zeeshan Muhammad 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In the Earth’s atmosphere, aerosols are one of the most variable components that significantly impact Earth's climate and largely vary in their forms. This study investigates the temporal distribution of atmospheric particles over two mega-cities in Pakistan for the period 2015–2023, offering an aerosol-type classification based on the Particle Linear Depolarization Ratio (PLDR) and Single-Scattering Albedo (SSA) at 1020 nm, retrieved by the AERONET (Aerosol Robotic Network) Version 3.0 Level 2.0 inversion products. Results reveal that Lahore has comparatively higher average values for Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD 440nm) and Ångstroṁ Exponent (AE 440-870nm) than Karachi. The contribution of fine (coarse) −mode aerosols to the total volume concentration dominates at lower (higher) PLDR values. The dust ratio (Rd) parameter indicated that coarse-mode aerosols are dominated at both sites with occurrence rates of 86% at Lahore, and 99% at Karachi, respectively. Pure dust (PD) particles have a higher frequency of occurrence (43.16%) and pollution-dominated mixture (PDM) aerosols (44.14%) in the atmosphere of Lahore and Karachi, respectively, but dust-dominated mixture (DDM) have a lower frequency of occurrence (33.91% and 29.63%, respectively). Annual incidence rates for dust-free pollution aerosols (SA, MA, WA, and NA) are lower (25.62% at Lahore, 27.87% at Karachi) at both sites as compared to dust-containing (28.47% at Lahore, 30.43% at Karachi) aerosol type. Weakly absorbing (WA) and non-absorbing (NA) aerosols are dominated as compared to strong absorbing (SA) and moderately absorbing (MA) aerosols. In addition, seasonally, winter season is strongly affected by PD (85.42%) and DDM (54.39%), spring seasons by WA (55.53%) and PDM (68.61%), summer by NA (Lahore: 64.94%, and Karachi: 57.22%), and autumn seasons by WA (Lahore: 51.56%, and Karachi: 49.46%) aerosols, over Lahore and Karachi, respectively.
Optimizing Mendelian Randomization for Drug Prediction: Exploring Validity and Research Strategies
Authors: Zhang Miaoran , Xie Zhihao , Tian Aowen , Su Zhiguo , Wang Wenxuan , Qi Baiyu , Yang Jianli , Wen Jianping , Chen Peng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Mendelian randomization (MR) plays an increasingly important role in drug discovery, yet its full potential and optimized framework for accurately predicting drug targets have not been firmly established. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of multiple MR models in predicting effective drug targets and to propose the optimal selection of models and instrumental variables for MR analyses. We meticulously constructed datasets using approved drug indications and a range of IVs, encompassing cis-expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) and protein quantitative trait loci (pQTLs). Our analytical approach incorporated diverse models, including Wald’s ratio, inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR‒Egger, weighted median, and MRPRESSO, to evaluate MR's validity in drug target identification. The findings highlight MR efficacy, demonstrating approximately 70% accuracy in predicting effective drug targets. For the selection of instrumental variables, tissue-specific eQTLs in disease-related tissues emerged as superior IVs. We identified a r2 threshold below 0.3 as optimal for excluding redundant SNPs. To optimize the MR model, we recommend IVW as the primary computational model, complemented by the weighted median and MRPRESSO for robust analyses. This finding is consistent with current findings in the literature. Notably, a P value of < 0.05, without false discovery rate correction, is the most effective for identifying significant drug targets. With the optimal strategies we summarized, we identified new potential therapeutic targets for IBD and its subtypes, including ERAP1, HLA-DQA1, IRF5 and other genes. This study provides a refined, optimized strategy for MR application in drug discovery. Our insights into the selection of instrumental variables, model preferences, and parameter thresholds significantly enhance MR's predictive capacity, offering a comprehensive guide for future drug development research.
Seismic resilience assessment of cable-stayed bridges based on composite copula models
Authors: Yang Guojun , ZHANG Tieyao , TIAN Li , DU Yongfeng , TANG Guangwu , MAO Jianbo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The seismic vulnerability of cable-stayed bridges, as crucial transportation nodes with numerous components, has always been a focal point of concern. The paper introduces a vulnerability assessment method for cable-stayed bridge system with the consideration of multi-component based on Pair Copula and Vine Copula models. The seismic resilience of cable-stayed bridges is evaluated by considering the degradation of bridge performance. In this approach, Pair Copula and Vine Copula models are iteratively applied to assess the vulnerability of each component of the cable-stayed bridge, resulting in an overall system vulnerability assessment. Additionally, performance degradation curves for the cable-stayed bridge during a downtime period are defined, and seismic resilience is assessed to simulate the impact of secondary disasters and other post-earthquake damages, leading to a reduction in bridge performance and affecting seismic resilience. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated using an actual cable-stayed bridge, illustrating its applicability. The study investigates the adverse effects of the degradation process on the seismic resilience of cable-stayed bridges. The results indicate that the method is highly applicable for obtaining the system vulnerability of cable-stayed bridges, providing a more practical assessment of their seismic resilience. This approach serves as a theoretical reference for future assessments of the seismic resilience of cable-stayed bridges.
Determinants of FinTech Service Utilization and Access Factors: Case of Palestine
Authors: Habash Nojoud 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This study addresses the challenges of accessibility to financial technology (FinTech) services in emerging markets, focusing on Palestine. The purpose is to examine the determinants influencing access to and usage of FinTech services in this context, amidst the unprecedented disruptions faced by the conventional financial system due to decentralization and the removal of physical barriers in the dynamic landscape of FinTech. The study employs a robust multinomial Generalized Linear Model regression analysis. The analysis is based on a nationally representative secondary survey dataset on financial inclusion from the year 2022. Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is utilized to dissect the factors influencing FinTech usage, adding a distinctive layer to existing literature, particularly within the specific context of a developing country like Palestine. The study reveals significant insights into the challenges of financial inclusion in Palestine. Economic conditions and individual income levels emerge as formidable obstacles impacting both the accessibility and utilization of FinTech services. These factors intertwine with motivational and attitudinal behaviors among the surveyed population, that individual motivation plays a more potent role than attitude in steering the decision-making process surrounding FinTech adoption. This study introduces original contributions to the existing literature by applying TPB to dissect the determinants of FinTech usage within the specific context of a developing country, Palestine. The study explores the intricate interplay between economic conditions, individual income levels, motivational factors, and attitudinal behaviors in shaping FinTech access and usage.
The Interaction Between the Recent Evolution of Working from Home and Online Shopping
Authors: Mohammadi Motahare , Davatgari Amir , Asgharpour Sina , Shabanpour Ramin , Mohammadian Abolfazl , Derrible Sybil , Pendyala Ram , Salon Deborah 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The growing behaviors of work-from-home (WFH) and online shopping hold significant potential for reducing traffic congestion and emissions. Understanding the frequency and the interplay between these two behaviors is important for successful implementation. This study investigates the recent trends of WFH and online shopping and the underlying factors influencing individuals’ decisions on these two behaviors. Focusing on non-grocery online shopping, this study uses comprehensive survey data collected across the United States during October and November 2021. We develop a Generalized Structural Equation Model (GSEM) to jointly examine WFH and online shopping frequency and their interaction. Moreover, the study investigates the psychological aspects of WFH and online shopping, introducing four stochastic latent constructs—WFH comfort, WFH unproductiveness, online shopping enjoyment, and online shopping inconvenience using the attitudinal variables. Results indicate a positive causal relationship, suggesting that increased WFH promotes online shopping engagement. Perceived comfort and productivity at home affect WFH frequency shaped by factors like home workspace, commuting time, childcare responsibilities, and telecommunications with co-workers. Likewise, perceived convenience and enjoyment significantly affect online shopping, influenced by aspects such as timesaving, and the delivery and return process. Technological tools at home also play a role in WFH frequency. Demographic factors like age, race, income, physical disability, and mode choice habits correlate with WFH and online shopping incidence, while job category and employer flexibility influence WFH frequency. These insights can help policymakers to regulate remote work and online shopping activities as they continue to grow.
Expressional and prognostic value of CRLF3 in liver hepatocellular carcinoma patients via integrated bioinformatics analyses and experiments
Authors: 王 幸幸 , Huang Zhen , Huang Lili , Huang Cong , Zhang Xiaoying , Zhang Xiantu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) exhibits a notable prevalence and fatality rate, posing a significant risk to human well-being. 1. The orphan cytokine receptor-like factor 3 (CRLF3), which exhibits evolutionary conservation, has been associated with hematopoiesis in vertebrates, human diseases, and neuroprotection in insects 2,3. However, there is a dearth of research investigating the role of CRLF3 in LIHC and the underlying mechanisms involved.
METHODS: The researchers utilized the TCGA database to examine the putative regulatory association between the expression of CRLF3 mRNA and LIHC.The Human Protein Atlas (HPA) has made available visual representations of the expression patterns of the CRLF3 protein. To determine the protein expression levels of CRLF3 in LIHC and adjacent normal tissues, immunohistochemistry techniques were employed.The study employed the Kaplan-Meier method, Cox regression, and logistic regression to evaluate the association between CRLF3 mRNA expression levels and survival outcomes and prognosis. In this study, the researchers employed GO and Kyoto KEGG pathway enrichment analyses, as well as GSEA, to investigate the potential regulatory role of CRLF3. The biological function of CRLF3 was identified using the ssGSEA technique.
RESULTS: The primary objective of this study is to assess the levels of expression exhibited by various members of the CRLF family in LIHC and analyze their potential influence on prognosis. The mRNA expression levels of CRLF3 exhibited a significant increase in LIHC tissues, both at the transcript and protein levels. Furthermore, research has demonstrated that patients exhibiting elevated levels of CRLF3 in LIHC experience diminished OS, DSS, and PFI. Several clinicopathologic parameters, including clinical T stage, pathologic stage, histologic grade, and AFP concentration, have been seen to exhibit associations with CRLF3 expression in LIHC. The study used multivariate survival analysis to establish that CRLF3 served as an independent predictive factor. Additional enrichment analysis was conducted, which demonstrated that the PI3K Akt, Wnt, FcεRI-mediated NF-κB activation, activation of the intestinal immune network for the IgA production, interactions between immune cells and microRNAs in the tumor microenvironment, and JAK/STAT signaling pathways exhibited significant enrichment in the group with high CRLF3 expression. The ssGSEA analysis revealed a significant positive connection between the expression of CRLF3 and the presence of T helper 2 (Th2) and T helper cells.
CONCLUSIONS: Increased CRLF3 in LIHC is strongly linked to decreased survival and immune infiltration invasion. Based on the findings of our study, it is suggested that CRLF3 has the potential as a prognostic marker for unfavorable outcomes and might serve as a viable target for immunotherapeutic interventions in the management of LIHC.
Single-centre experience on the safety and efficacy of thoracoscopy under local anaesthesia for the management of intrathoracic infections
Authors: Fujita Kohei , Saito Zentaro , Ito Takanori , Imakita Takuma , Oi Issei , Kanai Osamu , Yamamoto Yuki , Hata Hiroaki , Sawai Satoru , Tanizawa Kiminobu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objectives: Thoracoscopy under local anaesthesia is widely performed to diagnose malignancies and infectious diseases. However, few reports have described the use of this procedure for diagnosing and treating intrathoracic infections. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of thoracoscopy under local anaesthesia for the management of intrathoracic infections.
Results: Data from patients who underwent thoracoscopy procedures performed by chest physicians under local anaesthesia at our hospital between January 2018 and December 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. We analysed their demographic factors, reasons for the examinations, diseases targeted, examination lengths, anaesthetic methods used, diagnostic and treatment success rates, as well as any adverse events. Thirty patients were included. Of these, 12 (40%) had thoracoscopies to diagnose infections, and 18 (60%) had them to treat pyothorax.
In terms of diagnosing pleurisy, the causative microorganism of origin was identified via thoracoscopy in only three of 12 (25.0%) patients. For diagnosing pyothorax, the causative microorganism wasidentified in 7 of 18 (38.9%) patients. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was the most common causative microorganism identified. The treatment success rates were very high, ranging between 94.4–100%, whereas the identification rate of the causative microorganisms behind infections was low, ranging between 25.0–38.9%. The most frequent adverse events included perioperative hypoxaemia and pain. There were two (6.7%) serious adverse events of grade ≥ 3, but none resulted in death.
Sunflower meal valorization through enzyme-aided fractionation and production of emerging prebiotics
Authors: Simović Milica , Banjanac Katarina , Veljković Milica , Semenčenko Valentina , Lopez-Revenga Paula , Montilla Antonia , Moreno F. Javier , Bezbradica Dejan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Sunflower meal, a plentiful and underutilized oil industry by-product, is currently discarded as waste or used as cheap component of animal feed with poor protein content and high content of complex carbohydrates. To harness its great potential for valorization, we propose an efficient method through enzyme-aided fractionation yielding 47.8% of hemicellulosic fraction, with simultaneous generation of various other potentially valuable fractions (including polyphenol-rich fraction, protein isolate, pectin, and lignin). According to the monomeric composition the main type of extracted hemicellulose was xylan with the common feature of a backbone of β-(1→4)-linked xylose residues, with a common substitution with arabinose moieties and some glucuronic acid residues. Subsequently, the xylan fraction underwent enzymatic treatment using commercial xylanase (ROHALASE® SEP-VISCO) to produce highly valuable compounds - emerging prebiotics xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS). Under optimized reaction conditions (70°C, pH 6 and enzyme concentration of 0.005% v/v using 5% w/v xylan solution) a yield of XOS with a polymerization degree DP<50 reached approximately 52.3% after 2 hours (majority of obtained product had DP<6 with predominance of XOS2 and XOS3 and without significant xylose generation).
RIP3 orchestrates oxidative stress and pyroptosis in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity through regulation of AKT/Nrf2 signaling cascade
Authors: Wang Zhenyi , Yang Yitong , Wang Nisha , Lu Linhe , Xu Chennian , Ren Jun , Yang Lifang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study was designed to explore the role of RIP3 in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and its underlying molecular mechanisms.Ourresults demonstrate that RIP3 exacerbates DOX-inducedcardiotoxicity through promoting oxidative stress and pyroptosis by regulating the AKT/Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. Inhibition of RIP3 by using GSK-872 attenuated DOX-induced cardiac remodeling and contractile dysfunction. Moreover, by using GSK-872 in vivo, the results revealed that inhibition of RIP3 alleviated DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by the resulting inhibition of oxidative stress and pyroptosis. Besides, inhibition of RIP3 increased the protein levels of AKT and Nrf2 in DOX-treatedmouse hearts. Furthermore, the AKT inhibitor LY294002 lessened RIP3 reduction-offered protection against DOX-induced H9c2 cell injury by moderating oxidative stress and pyroptosis. Taken together, these data demonstrate that RIP3 activation orchestrates DOX-induced cardiotoxicity through elevated oxidative stress and pyroptosis in an AKT/Nrf2-dependent manner. Those findings highlight the clinical relevance and therapeutic potential of targeting RIP3for the treatment of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.
CT Hounsfield Unit value as a Treatment Response Indicator for Spinal Metastatic Lesions in Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Taniwaki Hiroshi , Dohzono Sho , Sasaoka Ryuichi , Takamatsu Kiyohito , Hoshino Masatoshi , Nakamura Hiroaki 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to determine the impact of computed tomography (CT)-measured increased Hounsfield unit (HU) values in the spinal metastatic lesions on the overall survival of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as well as to analyze the factors associated with HU increase in metastatic bone lesions. A total of 85 patients were included in this study between 2016 and 2021. HU values were evaluated in the metastatic bone lesions at the time of diagnosis of spinal metastasis (baseline), and at 3, 6, and 12 months after diagnosis. Patients were divided into two groups based on the median increase in HU between baseline and after 3 months of treatment in metastatic bone lesions. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess overall survival. Based on the median value of HU change (124), 42 and 43 patients were included in the HU responder and non-responder groups, respectively. The median overall survival was significantly longer in the HU responder group than in the HU non-responder group (13.7 vs. 6.4 months, P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the use of antiresorptive agents and molecularly targeted therapies were significant factors associated with an increase in HU. HU increase in spinal metastatic lesions after 3 months of treatment correlated with a significantly longer overall survival in patients with NSCLC. Thus, HU measurement may not only serve as an easy and quantitative method to evaluate the treatment response in spinal metastatic lesions, but can also predict the overall survival.
Investigation of the Pathogenic Variants Induced Sjogren’s Syndrome in Turkish Population
Authors: Terzi Ulku , Ates Ilker , Erden Abdulsamet , Suzen Sinan , Irham Lalu Muhammad 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder of unspecified etiology implicating exocrine glands. SS patients illustrate dry eyes and mouth, joint pain, fever and neurological symptoms. Hormones, immune dysregulation, and environmental and genetic factors play the primary roles in the development of the disease. Previous studies reported that HLA-II, STAT4, BAFF and TINIP1 polymorphisms have a pivotal role in SS development, however, the variant on each gene has not been investigated in the Turkish population. Therefore, this study aims to identify and evaluate the association between four variants of the four mentioned genes above and the development of Sjögren's syndrome. This study recruited 40 healthy subjects and 115 patients with Sjögren's syndrome in a Turkish population. All genomic variants were detected using the PCR-RFLP technique. We observed that SNP rs1130380, rs7574865, rs9514828, and rs17728338 were associated with SS development. We herein highlighted that the subjects with 1/2 or 2/2 Allele (%) had a higher susceptibility to SS development than those with the 1/1 Allele. Furthermore, the allele frequency of each variant was then assessed in multiple continents, including African, American, European, and Asian cohorts. Interestingly, our data shows that upregulating variants are at higher frequencies compared to European American and Asian populations, which implies that Turkish populations might be relatively susceptible to SS development related to these variants. The results indicated that all variants were significantly associated with the development of the SS disease in the Turkish population.