bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of the Optical Fiber Diameter Analyzer for assessing cotton fiber ribbon width
Authors: Tesema Addisu Ferede , Gautam Surendra , Sayeed Md Abu , Turner Christopher , Delhom Christopher D. , Abidi Noureddine 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background Cotton fiber fineness is an essential trait for processing fibers into yarn. Fibers that are long, strong, and fine allow the production of high yarn counts, i.e., finer yarns. Existing methods for measuring fineness are time-consuming, tedious, and impractical to evaluate a large number of samples. For this reason, the textile industry has sought a rapid, accurate, and reliable instrument to determine fiber fineness and other fiber quality parameters. Recently, the Optical Fiber Diameter Analyzer (OFDA) was introduced for rapid and precise evaluation of the diameter of different types of fibers, i.e., wool, cotton, and synthetic fibers. In this study, the OFDA was evaluated for measuring the ribbon width of cotton fiber snippets. A set of 104 carded cotton samples covering a wide range of fiber properties were selected and tested with nine replications per sample.Results Before the ribbon width measurement, the repeatability of the OFDA diameter measurement was confirmed. Comparisons with the data (cross-sections, AFIS, and Cottonscope) obtained from previous studies on the 104 samples were used to assess the effectiveness of the proposed method. We observed that the relationship between ribbon widths from the Cottonscope and the OFDA is not very good. Still, there is a strong correlation between OFDA ribbon width and AFIS standard fineness. We hypothesize that the poor relationship between the Cottonscope and the OFDA is related to the medium in which the measurements are performed, i.e., aqueous medium for the Cottonscope and air for the OFDA.Conclusion The OFDA 4000 ribbon width measurement could be useful in a laboratory setting. The results are stable and provide measurements closely related to AFIS standard fineness, a trusted measurement within the cotton industry.
Automated Spatial Omics Landscape Analysis Approach Reveals Novel Tissue Architectures in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Holman* Derek R. , Rubin* Samuel J. S. , Ferenc* Mariusz , Holman* Elizabeth A. , Koron Alexander N. , Daniel Robel , Boland Brigid S. , Nolan Garry , Chang John T. , Rogalla Stephan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The utility of spatial omics in leveraging cellular interactions in normal and diseased states for precision medicine is hampered by a lack of strategies for matching disease states with spatial heterogeneity-guided cellular annotations. Here we use a spatial context-dependent approach that matches spatial pattern detection to cell annotation. Using this approach in existing datasets from ulcerative colitis patient colonic biopsies, we identified architectural complexities and associated difficult-to-detect rare cell types in ulcerative colitis germinal-center B cell follicles. Our approach deepens our understanding of health and disease pathogenesis, illustrates a strategy for automating nested architecture detection for highly multiplexed spatial biology data, and informs precision diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.

*Derek R. Holman, Samuel J. S. Rubin, Mariusz Ferenc, and Elizabeth A. Holman contributed equally to this work.
The Association between a History of Induced Abortion for Nonmedical Reasons and Maternal and Neonatal Perinatal Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Siqi , Lu Chunxia , Zhao Qing , Zhang Ling ping , Xiang Yuxin , He Weichong , Qu Yong , Zhang Yujiao , Dong Wenbin , Lei Xiaoping 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Following the implementation of the universal two-child policy in China, many multiparous women who had a history of induced abortion gave birth again. However, there is a lack of studies exploring the associations between induced abortion for nonmedical reasons and maternal and neonatal perinatal complications.
Methods
In this retrospective cohort study, the participants were multiparous women who gave birth to singleton babies at or after 28 weeks of gestation between December 1st, 2015, and December 1st, 2020. The exposure factor was maternal history of induced abortion for nonmedical reasons. Logistic regression models were used to adjust for potential confounding factors, and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for maternal and neonatal perinatal outcomes. The dose‒effect relationships between the number of induced abortions for nonmedical reasons and adverse outcomes were tested by the Cochran‒Armitage trend test (p for trend). Stratified analyses were conducted to test the robustness of the results in subgroups with different maternal ages or interpregnancy intervals.
Results
There were 3,985 multiparous women with a history of induced abortion for nonmedical reasons and 1,823 multiparous women without such a history. Compared to women without such a history, women with a history of induced abortion for nonmedical reasons had increased risks of cesarean section (adjusted OR, 1.44; 95% CI: 1.23–1.69), placenta-related complications (adjusted OR, 2.14; 95% CI: 1.68–2.72), uterine-related complications (adjusted OR, 1.38; 95% CI: 1.05–1.81), HDP (adjusted OR, 1.49; 95% CI: 1.16–1.93), and preterm birth (adjusted OR, 1.24; 95% CI: 1.05–1.48) in subsequent pregnancy. In addition, there were dose-effect relationships between the number of induced abortions and the number of cesarean sections (P trend <.001), placenta-related complications (P trend <.001), uterine-related complications (P trend =.016), HDP (P trend =.0003), and preterm birth (P trend =.0006). Similar trends were observed in most subgroups with different maternal ages or interpregnancy intervals.
Conclusions
A history of induced abortion for nonmedical reasons was associated with increased risks of maternal and neonatal perinatal complications. Furthermore, dose‒effect relationships were observed for these associations.
Is the ventriculo-atrial shunt a last resort treatment for hydrocephalus? A meta-analysis comparing ventriculo-atrial and ventriculo-peritoneal shunt
Authors: Bue Enrico Lo , Morello Alberto , Bellomo Jacopo , Bradaschia Leonardo , Lacatena Filippo , Colonna Stefano , Fiumefreddo Alessandro , Stieglitz Lennart , Regli Luca , Lanotte Michele Maria , Garbossa Diego , Cofano Fabio 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Hydrocephalus is a common pathology in the neurosurgical field. Since the first permanent ventriculo-subarachnoid-subgaleal shunt by Mikulicz in 1893, there were multiple attempts to find a solution to drain the excess production/less reabsorption of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain. Nowadays the most used technique is the Ventriculo-Peritoneal Shunt (VPS), whereas the ventriculo-atrial shunt (VAS) is used only in some rare conditions. To date there are still no specific guidelines or strong evidences in literature to choose between the two methods and the decision usually lying in the confidence and expertise of the surgeon. Since this lack of established recommendations, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of these two shunting techniques. This systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA protocol (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta–Analyses). No chronological limits of study publications were included. Prospective and retrospective clinical studies, and reports of case series with at least five patients per group and reporting data on comparison between VAS and VPS techniques were eligible for inclusion. 9 studies meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria and reporting on 3197 patients were identified and included in in the quantitative synthesis. The risk for shunt dysfuction/obstruction was significantly lower in the VAS group (0.49, 95%-CI 0.34 to 0.70, I2 0%). As for the risk of infection, it was not significantly different between the two groups (1.02, 95%-CI 0.59 to 1.74, I2 0%). The risk for revision was not significantly different between the two groups, however the heterogeneity between the studies was high (0.73, 95%-CI 0.36 to 1.49, I2 91%). On the other hand, the risk of death was not significantly different between the two groups, however the heterogeneity between the studies was high (1.93, 95%-CI 0.81 to 4.62, I2 64%). VAS represent a valuable alternative to VPS. In this study, it was observed a lower risk of shunt dysfunction/obstruction variable in the VAS group and there was no statistical difference on the occurrence of at least one infection-related complication. The choice between these two techniques must to be tailored to the specific characteristics of patient.
Efficacy of Axicabtagene Ciloleucel Compared to Historical Treatments for Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma of Asian Descent: A Matching Adjusted Indirect Comparison of ZUMA-1 vs REAL-TREND
Authors: Locke Frederick , Ball Graeme , Ray Markqayne , Li Tony , Limbrick-Oldfield Eve , Popoff Evan , Kanters Steve 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: To better understand the comparative effectiveness of axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) to historical standard of care (SoC) for the treatment of refractory diffused large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) among patients of Asian descent, we conducted a matching-adjusted indirect treatment comparison (MAIC) of the pivotal ZUMA-1 trial (NCT02348216 registered in 2015) and the Asia-based REAL-TREND cohort.
Methods: The individual patient data (IPD) from ZUMA-1 (n = 101 infused patients) used the 60-month data-cut, while the REAL-TREND cohort data consisted of aggregate data and pseudo-IPD derived from digitized curves using the Guyot algorithm. The outcomes assessed were overall survival (OS), complete response (CR) and overall response rate (ORR), as reported in REAL-TREND. The MAIC weights were derived using age ≥60, sex, proportion of fourth line or higher (4L+) patients, international prognostic index (IPI; 0-1 vs 2 vs 3 vs 4-5), and refractory to SCT. Sensitivity analyses explored the use of the intention to treat population, alternative variable alignment and use of central review assessed response outcomes for ZUMA-1.
Results: Somebaseline characteristics were similar across ZUMA-1 and REAL-TREND, such as age and IPI scores, but key differences included proportion of 4L+ patients (69% vs 9%), of ECOG performance score 0-1 (100% vs. 59%), and type of refractoriness. The MAIC models aligned on prior lines and refractoriness, while differences in ECOG performance scores were captured through IPI. The resulting effective sample size for ZUMA-1 was 31.1. The estimated hazard ratio for OS was 0.27 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.15-0.50) and sensitivity analyses led to similar estimates. Strong effects were estimated for both ORR (odds ratio: 20.76; 95% CI: 7.18-60.02) and CR (odds ratio: 15.25; 95% CI: 6.84-33.98).
Conclusion: The comparative efficacy of axi-cel relative to historical SoC was similar to that observed in studies restricted to Western settings. By providing outcomes data within a population of Asian-descent, we can provide better economic modeling to support reimbursements and improved access.
Residues of veterinary antibiotics in solid natural and organic fertilizers – method development and sample analysis
Authors: Patyra Ewelina , Osiński Zbigniew , Kwiatek Krzysztof 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Antibiotics are active substances frequently used to treat and prevent diseases in animal husbandry. Most veterinary antibiotics are excreted after administration, in some cases up to 90% of the consumed dose can be found in the faeces and/or urine as parent compound. Livestock excrement is used around the world as natural fertilizers or, after processing, as organic fertilizers for crops and grasslands. Natural and organic fertilizers are an excellent source of nutrients for plants, but due to the presence of veterinary antibiotics in them, they may pose a threat to the natural environment, mainly to soil microorganisms, but also to human and animal health. Therefore, the work aimed to develop and validate an analytical method using the UHPLC-MS/MS technique and to analyze real samples of natural and organic fertilizers. Our research has shown that over 38% of natural fertilizers are contaminated with antibiotics, mainly doxycycline in concentrations reaching up to several dozen milligrams per kilogram of fertilizers. In the case of organic fertilizers that undergo processing, the presence of antibiotics was found in over 37% of the analyzed samples. The presented analytical method can be a tool for assessing the presence of veterinary antibiotics in solid natural and organic fertilizers.
What impact local failure for post-operative radiotherapy of resected brain metastases in breast cancer patients?
Authors: haisraely ory , jaffe marcia , Symon Zvi , Taliansky Alicia , Lawerence Yaacov 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Single brain metastasis surgical resection remains an effective treatment for brain metastases. However, surgery alone associate with a high rate of local failure. The current guidelines recommend radiation to surgical cavity. The recommended dose for brain cavity after surgery remain to be define as most guidelines gives a very general suggestion about the dose and fractionation. The aim of this study was to determine what variable influence local control in this specific population.
Methods
Retrospective analysis of 62 patients with breast cancer who undergo surgical resection to single brain metastases and who received post-operative radiotherapy between the years 2011–2022. All clinical and dosimetric variables were analyzed to evaluate their impact on local control.
Results
One year local control was 70.9%. HER-2 disease, size of initial tumor, time from initial surgery, total dose deliver, inclusion of corridor and type of lesion were all significant for local control. Patients with HER-2 positive disease had higher local control rate without any difference in other variables.
Conclusion
Brain metastases from breast cancer remain a life-threating condition. Surgery plays a critical role in the treatment of large symptomatic brain metastases for which Post-operative radiotherapy is essential. Choosing a regime with a dose of more then 40Gy (BED) seems important for achieving local control and without increase toxicity. Different biology and systemic therapy options can differentiate Breast cancer population after brain surgery for metastatic disease. A larger prospective trial is needed to addressed the question whether lower dosage can be use in HER-2 positive disease.
Enhancing Precision in Vascular Embolization: Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Intentional Early Detachment Technique with Detachable Coils in Complex Cases
Authors: Oka Shojiro , Kohno Shigeshi , Arizono Shigeki , Onishi Yasuyuki , Fumimoto Masaya , Yoshida Atsushi , Ishikura Reiichi , Ando Kumiko 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and versatility of an intentional early detachment technique with detachable coils to address challenging vascular embolization scenarios. This novel approach aims to provide interventional radiologists with an alternative method for achieving precise coil placement when standard methods of detachable coil placement are rendered ineffective owing to vascular anatomy or limited available equipment.
Materials and Methods
This was a retrospective study comprising 11 patients (9 males and 2 females; median age, 77 years) who underwent embolization procedures using the intentional early detachment technique via 1.6-Fr or 1.3-Fr microcatheters between October 2021 and December 2023. In this technique, detachable coils were intentionally detached within the microcatheter and placed using saline flushing. Technical success, complications, and clinical success were evaluated.
Results
The technique was applied in three distinct scenarios: tortuous vascular anatomy (4 cases), inadequate system backup (3 cases), and 1.3-Fr microcatheter use (4 cases). The technical and clinical success rates were 100%. No complications were observed, and there were no cases of coil migration or malpositioning.
Conclusion
The intentional early detachment technique is valuable for interventional radiologists and offers a solution for challenging vascular embolization scenarios. Although its application is limited to specific circumstances, it can significantly enhance coil placement in complex cases, thereby contributing to improved patient care.
Application of TELC model to neuroscience: Better elucidation for neural stimulation by touch
Authors: Lee James 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The 2021 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was recently awarded to David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian “for their discoveries of receptors for temperature and touch”. It is well established that touch receptors (PIEZO) provide sensory inputs to inform the brain about objects in our environment. However, exactly how the transient ion transport activity of touch receptors could stimulate action potential firing seems still not entirely clear. In this article, the latest transmembrane-electrostatically localized protons/cations charges (TELC) theory is employed to better understand neural stimulation and action potential that we have recently identified as the voltage contributed by TELC at a neural liquid-membrane interface in a neural cell. The TELC density at the resting membrane potential of −70 mV is now calculated to be 3900 (protons + cations) per μm2 on extracellular membrane surface. At the stimulation threshold level (−55 mV), the TELC density is calculated to be 3100 (protons + cations) per μm2. Accordingly, the neural stimulation by touch can now be better understood by analyzing PIEZO ion conduction and TELC activity. The response time from PIEZO channel ion conduction activities to reduce the TELC density to the stimulation level of 3100 TELC per μm2 for action potential firing was calculated for the first time. The activities of a single or a few PIEZO channels may be sufficient to generate a “graded potential” to trigger an action potential spike firing. With a high number (200~300) of PIEZO channels activated by touch, it can generate the required “graded potential” to reach the stimulation threshold level (−55 mV) within 0.3 ms. Real-time action potential (Vt) with PIEZO mechanically-activated stimulation by touch is now, mathematically explained through a novel integral equation (Vt=-1/C ∫0t I(t)dt+ V0) of the net time-dependent transmembrane ion current I(t), which is fundamentally important to neuroscience.
Mentha spp. essential oils: Toxicity to Alphitobius diaperinus, activity against poultry pathogenic bacteria, and Beauveria bassiana compatibility
Authors: Gebauer Sandra , Pompermayer Katiane , de Oliveira Daian Guilherme Pinto , Pinto Fabiana Gisele da Silva , Rosset Jéssica , Bandeira Debora Marina , Silva Gabriela Trindade de Souza e , de Oliveira Murilo Silva , Silva Geraldo Humberto , Alves Luis Francisco Angeli , Carvalho Geraldo Andrade , de Oliveira Denilson Ferreira , Alves Dejane Santos 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The botanical insecticides market is growing because of limitations placed on the use of certain synthetic chemical insecticides. Consequently, this study explored the following hypotheses: i) essential oils (EOs) derived from Mentha spp. are toxic to Alphitobius diaperius (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), a common poultry pest; ii) these EOs are compatible with Beauveria bassiana, the natural enemy of the poultry pest, that parasite A. diaperinus; iii) these EOs also exhibit activity against bacteria that are pathogenic to poultry. In topical applications and ingestion tests, EOs from Mentha arvensis, Mentha spicata, and Mentha piperita were toxic to A. diaperinus. Chromatographic analyses revealed that menthol is the predominant compound in M. arvensis and M. piperita, whereas carvone is the major compound in M. spicata. Both (-)- and (+)-menthol, along with (-)- and (+)-carvone, underwent testing with A. diaperinus. Nevertheless, their activity was not as potent as that of the EOs, suggesting a possible synergistic and/or additive effect. The EOs did not have any adverse effects on the conidial germination, vegetative growth, or conidia production per colony of the entomopathogenic fungus B. bassiana. Consequently, these EOs are compatible with this natural enemy. The EO extracted from M. spicata exhibited significant toxicity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), whereas the remaining EOs displayed moderate toxicity against this bacterium. The EOs derived from Mentha spp., as assessed in this study, hold promise for the development of botanical insecticides tailored for the control of A. diaperinus. These insecticides are selective in favor of the natural enemy B. bassiana, and can also serve as effective sanitizers, thanks to their antibacterial properties.
The application of bronchoscopy in the assessment of immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis severity and recurrence
Authors: Guo Cuiyan , Zhang Qi , Zhou Peining , Cheng Yuan , Nie Ligong , Wang Guangfa 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the role of bronchoscopy for the assessment of checkpoint inhibitor pneumonitis (CIP).
Method： A retrospective single-center study was conducted to assess patients diagnosed with CIP at grade 2 or above and also underwent bronchoscopy between January 2020 and December 2022. Clinical data and bronchoscopic findings were recorded. The treatment data and prognosis information were collected.
Results:
Twenty-one patients who underwent bronchoscopy and were diagnosed with CIP were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis. Of them, T lymphocyte subsets of BALF were tested in 15 cases. Transbronchial cryobiopsywas performed in 8 patients, and transbronchial lung biopsy was performed in 5 patients. 14 patients experienced grade 2 CIP, while 7 patients ≥ grade 3 CIP. Symptoms were improved in 19 (90.5%) patients after standard treatment adhering to CIP guidelines. However, 5 patients relapsed during steroid tapering. Factors related to the severity and recurrence of CIP were analyzed. Patients with previous interstitial lung disease (ILD) were more likely to develop high grade CIP than those without [83.3% (5/6) versus 15.4% (3/15), P=0.011].The odds ratio (OR) was 32.5 (95%CI 2.284-443.145, P=0.009). Increased BALF lymphocyte percentage was associated with high grade CIP, OR 1.095 (95%CI 1.001-1.197, P=0.047), and higher possibility of CIP relapse, OR 1.123 (95%CI, 1.005-1.225, P=0.040). Lymphocyte subsets were tested in 15 patients. CD4/CD8 >1 was found in 80%(4/5) of relapsed patients and 20%(2/10) of patients without relapse (P=0.047). The OR was 16.00 (95%CI 1.093-234.24, P=0.043).
Conclusion：
In this retrospective study, patients with previous ILD was more likely to develop high grade CIP. Higher lymphocyte percentage in BALF was associated with high grade CIP and susceptibility to relapse during treatment of CIP. A CD4/CD8 ratio greater than 1 in lymphocyte subsets of BALF was associated with higher possibility of CIP relapse.