bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nomograms predicting benefit after immunotherapy in oral bifidobacteria supplementation ICC patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhu Sihui , Jin Yuncheng , Zhang Juan , Zhou Minzheng , Liu Baorui , Liu Xiufeng , Shen Jie , Chen Chao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose: The objective of this study was to develop nomograms for predicting outcomes following immunotherapy in patients diagnosed with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).
Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 75 ICC patients who received immunotherapy at Jinling Hospital and Drum Hospital. The discriminative power, accuracy, and clinical applicability of the nomograms were assessed using the consistency index (C-index), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). The predictive performance of the nomograms for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Kaplan-Meier curves were also generated for validation purposes.
Results: Multivariable analysis identified independent prognostic factors for OS, including CA19-9, portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) grade, bifidobacteria, and surgery. The C-index of the nomogram for OS prediction was 0.722 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.661-0.783). Independent prognostic factors for PFS included CA19-9, albumin, and bilirubin, with a C-index of 0.678 (95% CI: 0.612-0.743) for the nomogram predicting PFS. Calibration curves demonstrated good agreement between predicted and observed values, while DCA and Kaplan-Meier curves further supported the clinical applicability of the nomogram.
Conclusion: The nomogram developed in this study exhibited favorable performance in predicting the prognosis of ICC patients undergoing immunotherapy. Additionally, our findings, for the first time, identified probiotics as a potential prognostic marker for immunotherapy. This prognostic model has the potential to enhance patient selection for immunotherapy and improve clinical decision-making.
Mesolithic hazelnut roasting – Experiments and their implications on subsistence and consumption strategies
Authors: Holst Daniela , Hecker Ruth , Hein Wulf 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Hazelnuts (Corylus avellana) are considered as a staple in Mesolithic subsistence, decisive for early Holocene land use strategies. According to pollen analyses, ethnographic and historic accounts hazelnuts provided high return harvests. Roasting structures potentially served for the processing of nuts into large scale staples and therefore had an important economic role. As yet, the related nut technologies remain poorly understood and could not be replicated successfully. By controlled experiments we provide detailed data on the roasting process, its efforts and implications. Roasting in hot sand proved as a most efficient technology, capable of processing large amounts of nuts loss-free in a short time. These data help to quantitatively substantiate early Holocene nut economy and related land use strategies. Experiments on cracking and grinding of roasted nuts and analyses of resulting use wear supply references for future investigations in nut processing sites and their equipment. A significant improvement of flavour and processability were the most important advantages of roasting. However, shelf life could not be prolonged by roasting, neither for ripe nor for green nuts. Based on these results we discuss, if nuts served as a fat storage or were roasted for immediate consumption during feasting.
Increased Risk of Cerebral Palsy in IVF/ICSI Babies: Meta analysis of Current Literature
Authors: Bulut Halil , Bastopcu Merve , Altin Omer , Ali  
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background:
The correlation between assisted reproductive therapies (ARTs) and congenital or developmental anomalies has been acknowledged by prominent obstetric and reproductive science authorities. However, the orthopedic perspective on this aspect of ARTs remains largely unexplored. This meta-analysis aims to examine a plausible association between cerebral palsy and in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) therapies within the realm of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs).
Methods:
The literature spanning from 1980 to February 2024 was systematically reviewed within the MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase databases, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines. Data synthesis was conducted using the Jamovi program.
Results:
The literature review involved an initial search that yielded 192 articles, which were subsequently refined to 21 articles following the removal of duplicates and screening for relevance. These articles, selected according to the PRISMA model, collectively included data from 8,657,973 patients. Upon analyzing the dataset, it was found that among 8,400,080 control patients, there were 14,518 cases of cerebral palsy, while among 237,873 patients who underwent IVF or ICSI, 736 cases of cerebral palsy were documented. This analysis revealed that the incidence of cerebral palsy was approximately 1.9 times higher in IVF and ICSI cases compared to control groups (p < 0.001, adjusted odds ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.570–2.323).
Conclusion
As a result, the risk of developing cerebral palsy, as in many other congenital anomalies and pediatric diseases, in babies born with assisted reproductive techniques is statistically significantly higher than in normal babies. This, together with the sensitive monitoring of the neonatal period and perinatal period in women conceived with ART. It is recommended that teams collaborate with pediatric orthopedic surgeons.
Applications, Opportunities and Challenges of AI in the Real Estate Sector
Authors: Antão João , Ribeiro Ricardo , Pereira Rúben 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The article presents a Multivocal Literature Review (MLR) on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the real estate sector, aiming to analyze existing applications, literature gaps, and current challenges. The methodology involved defining keywords, searching online repositories, and applying inclusion/exclusion criteria. In total, 185 documents were selected and reviewed. Findings underscore the significance of areas such as personalized strategies for clients, real estate recommendation systems, and process automation. A literature gap was identified regarding the analysis of performance and accuracy of these applications, indicating the need for further research and technological development to meet the demands of the real estate sector.
YKL-40 inhibits melanoma progression and metastasis by inducing immune cell infiltration in a mouse model
Authors: Zhang Hailong , Zhao Xiangyu , Fu Hong , Shi Mengqi , Han Yuqi , Lu Kun , Wang Hongyu , Sun Sipeng , Yang Ben , Gao Zhiqin , Qu Meihua , Wang Guohui , Wang Yi , Yu Wenjing , Wang Yubing 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
YKL-40, a glycoprotein implicated in the pathophysiology of various solid tumors, exhibits a paradoxical expression profile in melanoma, characterized by reduced levels in tumor tissues relative to normal cutaneous tissues. Interestingly, elevated YKL-40 expression in melanoma patients correlates with markedly enhanced survival outcomes, positing a putative tumor-suppressive role for YKL-40 in this malignancy.
Methods
This study entailed the ectopic induction of YKL-40 in human melanoma (A375) and murine melanoma (B16F10) cell lines to elucidate its impact on cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion processes. Additionally, in vivo analysis involving a subcutaneous melanoma mouse model was deployed to evaluate tumor progression, and a pulmonary metastasis model was employed to quantify tumor cell metastatic dissemination upon YKL-40 overexpression. RNA-Seq analysis was conducted to identify possible mechanisms and possible signaling pathways involved.
Results
Ectopic YKL-40 expression in melanoma cell lines led to significant attenuation in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, YKL-40 overexpression was associated with suppressed tumor growth in the subcutaneous melanoma mouse model and reduced tumor cell metastasis in the pulmonary metastasis model. RNA-Seq analysis revealed that YKL-40 overexpression leads to the upregulation of immune cell infiltration-related signaling pathways, including cytokine receptor interactions, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and T and B lymphocyte receptor signaling.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that YKL-40 may play a tumor-suppressive role in melanoma by regulating tumor-immune interactions, highlighting its potential utility in immunotherapy-based treatment strategies for melanoma. The upregulation of immune cell infiltration-related signaling pathways further accentuates the regulatory capacity of YKL-40 in melanoma immune response modulation, offering new insights into its biological function and therapeutic potential.
Small target detection in aerial images of road scenes based on the improved YOLOv7
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Chuhan , Shi Fubin , Wei Yuning 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Small target detection in aerial road images is challenging, and the existing detection models are not suitable for small targets with dense, complicated background and occlusion in aerial images. Therefore, a new small target detection model based on YOLOv7 model is used for small target detection in UAV road scenes. We have made four improvements： (i) a new head for detection is added to the original YOLOv7 model to detect tiny-scale targets. (ii) we use the SimAM attention to focus on areas with small-scale targets. (iii) In the downsampling stage, SPD-Conv model is added to replace the original CNN model to improve the capacity to identify small targets of low resolution in aerial road images. (iv) CARAFE model is introduced to enhance feature fusion and reduce information loss. To demonstrate the feasibility of the model, the first set of contrast experiments were first performed on the Drone dataset, the mAP0.5 value is increased by 8.8% compared with that of the original YOLOv7. Then, experiments are also carried out on the VisDrone2019 dataset. In comparison with the original YOLOv7, the mAP0.5 value of the improved YOLOv7 is increased by 7.2%. This model is equally effective for dense and obscured small targets, our detection performance of the improved YOLOv7 is superior to that of recent methods.
A note on σ-nilpotency of finite groups
Authors: Zhong Xuecheng , Li Youxin , Meng Wei , Lu Jiakuan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Let $\sigma=\{\sigma_i\mid i\in I\}$ is some partition of the set $\mathbb{P}$ of all primes, and $\sigma(n) =\{\sigma_i\mid i\in I, \sigma_i\cap\pi(n)\neq\emptyset\}$ for any integer $n$. A group $G$ is called $\sigma$-primary if either $G =1$ or $|\sigma(G)| =1$. $G$ is $\sigma$-nilpotent if $(H/K) \rtimes(G/C_G(H/K))$ is $\sigma$-primary for every chief factor $H/K$ of $G$.In this paper, we prove that $G$ is $\sigma$-nilpotent if and only if $G$ is a $\sigma$-full group and $\pi(|xy|)=\pi(|x||y|)$ for any two elements $x,y\in G$ such that $\sigma(|x|)\cap\sigma(|y|)=\emptyset$.
MSC(2020): 20D10, 20D20
Majorana modes and Fano resonances in Aharonov-Bohm ring with topologically nontrivial superconducting bridge
Authors: Aksenov S.V. , Kagan M.Yu. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We study different resonances (first of all of the Fano type) in the interference device formed by the Aharonov-Bohm ring with superconducting (SC) wire in the topologically nontrivial state playing a role of a bridge between top and bottom arms. We analyze Majorana modes on the ends of the SC wire and show that the collapse of the additional Fano resonance, that is initially induced by transport scheme asymmetry, is connected with the increase of the length of the bridge when the binding energy of the Majorana end modes tends to zero. In local transport regime, the Fano resonances are stable against the change of the transport symmetry. The reasons of both collapse and sustainability are analyzed using a spinless toy model including the Kitaev chain.
The Factors Influencing The Improvement of Pulmonary Fuction in Patients With Severe and Rigid Thoracic Scoliosis Treated With Preoperative Halo-Pelvic Traction
Authors: Zhao Deng , Shui Min , Hu Zhengjun , Zhong Rui , Huang Huaqiang , Zhang Zhong , Jiang Dengxu , Liang Yan , Liang Yijian 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Object：To evaluate the changes in pulmonary function caused by preoperative halo-pelvic traction (HPT) in patients with severe and rigid thoracic scoliosis, and find out the factors influencing the improvement of pulmonary function HPT.
Method: According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected patients with severe and rigid thoracic scoliosis who underwent preoperative HPT in our hospital from 2022.1 to 2023.1. Spinal parameters including main thoracic Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis, T1-T12 distance, and T1-S1 distance in standing whole spinal coronal and sagittal film before traction and after traction were evaluated, as well as pulmonary function test (PFT) results included FVC, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and the measured FVC and FEV1 values as a percentage of the predicted values (FVC%, FEV1%). Total lung volume (TLV) was measured by pre-traction and post-traction CT images.
Results: Thirty patients with severe and rigid scoliosis and severe pulmonary impairment were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 25.8±6.93 years. The average duration of traction was 3.7±1.28 months. The main thoracic Cobb angle and thoracic kyphosis decreased from pre-traction 140.8±19.9° and 124.9±46.4° to post-traction 98.6±20.3° and 89.5±43.5°，respectively. T1-T12 distance increased from 139.0±32.7 mm before traction to 195.1±36.1 mm after traction, while T1-S1 distance increased from 246.7±57.3 mm to 346.0±54.2 mm. The FVC and FEV1 improved from 1.09±0.44 L, and 0.90±0.38 L to 1.35±0.42 L, and 1.17±0.37 L after traction, respectively. The FVC and FEV1 improved significantly as well as FVC% and FEV1%. The pre-traction and post-traction TLV (1706.0±584.1ml and 2097.4±662.2ml, respectively) were significantly difference. The variation in T1-T12 distance and T1-S1 distance exhibited correlation with variation in FVC and FVC% before and after traction. Correlation was also observed between the variation of Cobb angle and total lung volume.
Conclusion: The application of HPT is a safe and effective method for improving pulmonary function in patients with severe and rigid thoracic scoliosis. The improvement of FVC and FVC% were significantly correlation with the changes of T1-T12 distance and T1-S1 distance.
Anticancer peptide MCP-1 induces ferroptosis in liver cancer HCCLM3 cells by targeting FOXM1/ALOXE3 signal pathway
Authors: Zhu Fanyue , Shang Zhixian , Jia Shijie , Jiang Yuhong , Chang Miao , Liang Anping , Hua Xinyi , Mao Canquan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

FOXM1 is a crucial oncogenic transcription factor involved in almost all cancer hallmark pathways across all cancer types. Our previous work had found that FOXM1 targeted peptide P201 can strongly inhibit the growth of cancer cells including the liver cancer HCCLM3 cells. In addition, by RNA-seq of HCCLM3 cells treated with MCP-1, an anticancer peptide optimized from P201, ALOXE3, a key feature of ferroptosis was significantly elevated while FOXM1 was down-regulated, we wonder if the cell death of HCCLM3 induced by MCP-1 was associated with ferroptosis. Also, the relationship between FOXM1 and ferroptosis was less understood. Hence, in this study, we explore the effect of MCP-1 on ferroptosis and establish the associations among MCP-1, FOXM1 and ALOXE3 in HCCLM3 cells. The results showed that MCP-1 can significantly induce the elevated expression of ALOXE3, decreased content of GSH, down-regulation of GPX4 expression, increased contents of ROS and total iron in HCCLM3 cells. Also, ferrostatin-1, a specific inhibitor for ferroptosis, can reverse the cell death in HCCLM3 cells when co-administrated with MCP-1. TCGA database hepatocellular carcinoma gene expression analysis showed that FOXM1 was negative-related to ALOXE3 and further confirmed by the results of siRNA knockdown of FOXM1 in HCCLM3 cells. Moreover, the co-expressed genes analysis for FOXM1 and ALOXE3 revealed that many of them were closely involved in the regulation of ferroptosis. Taken together, we discovered and confirmed the induction of ferroptosis by MCP-1 in liver cancer HCCLM3 cells and primarily established the relationships among MCP-1, FOXM1 and ALOXE3.
Prediction of prognosis related to immune cell infiltration in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma using a model based on immune-associated genes
Authors: Niu Jin-Rui , Cai Bing-Kun , Zhang Ming , Jiang Yan , Lv Hui-Yi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
HNSCC, a prevalent cancer globally, can be influenced by the immune microenvironment, affecting its prognosis. However, the contribution of immune to cancer progression has not been clarified clearly. Data on the gene expression patterns and clinical information of patients with HNSCC were obtained from the TCGA repository. The LASSO Cox analysis model was used to identify prognostic genes. Kaplan‒Meier analysis was used to compare the survival rates of patients classified as high-risk and low-risk. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis identified the factors that independently predicted overall survival. Immune cell infiltration and activity of immune-related pathways were evaluated using ssGSEA. GSEA was used to analyses GO terms and KEGG pathways. Prognostic genes in patients with HNSCC were analyzed using the GEPIA database. Immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR were used to detect the protein and gene expression of OLR1 in HNSCC samples. A gene signature related to immunity was developed using LASSO Cox regression analysis. Patients with HNSCC in the high-risk category exhibited a marked decrease in overall survival when compared to those in the low-risk category. ROC curve analysis validated the predictive ability of the prognostic gene signature. According to the multivariate Cox analysis, the risk score was identified as a standalone predictor for overall survival. The functional analysis revealed significant differences in immune status between the two groups at risk. The risk score was significantly related to tumor stage and immune subtype. Furthermore, high expression of ORL1 significantly predicted poor prognosis of HNSCC patients. The new set of 24 genes related to the immune system in the signature of the novel indicates the immune condition of HNSCC and has the potential to predict prognosis. Additionally, ORL1 could serve as promising targets for treating HNSCC. The gene model for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma plays a crucial role in immune response.
Effect of prior cold rolling on the dry wear performance of GCr15 bearing steel with multiphase microsturcture
Authors: Qian Dongsheng , Li Tianqi , Wang Feng , Deng Jiadong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In this work, the effect of cold rolling on the wear performance of GCr15 bearing steel with multiphase microstructure has been investigated. The microstructural observation shows that prior cold rolling facilitates to the dissolution of carbides into prior austenite, reduction of the large-scale carbides and refinement of martensitic lath. In addition, with the increase of cold rolling reduction, the residual austenite content is increased after multiphase heat treatment due to the carbon enrichment in austenite induced by increasing dissolution of carbides. The wear results indicates that friction coefficient as well as wear quality distinctly decreases with the increase of rolling reduction. There are fewer plow grooves and peeling pits on the wear marks after 40% cold rolling reduction. It is also found that the transformation of martensite from residual austenite induced by frictional stress increases the surface compressive stress and hardness for the rolled specimens. This transformation effectively diminishes the depth of plow grooves and reduces the number of peeling pits, which finally leads to the enhancement of dry wear resistance.
Causal relationship between periodontitis and prostate cancer: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Xin , Cheng Jianjun , Du Lanting , Ji Yuan , Yang Ke , Wang Jingqi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objectives
A two-sample Mendelian randomization study approach was used to assess the potential causal relationship between periodontitis and the risk of prostate cancer.
Methods
We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis utilizing publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) statistics. In the main analysis, we employed inverse variance weighting (IVW), while complementary methods such as the simple mode, weighted median, weighted mode and MR-Egger approaches were utilized to identify and correct for potential horizontal pleiotropy effects.
Results
IVW MR analysis revealed periodontitis to be a risk factor for prostate cancer (OR and 95% CI: 1.066, 1.008 ~ 1.126; p = 0.028). Similarly, the weighted median results were consistent with the IVW results (OR and 95% CI: 1.088, 1.003 ~ 1180; p = 0.041), whereas the MR‒Egger regression, simple mode, and weighted mode results were inconsistent with the IVW results; in addition, the funnel plot and MR‒Egger intercept (0.041) were not consistent with the IVW results. The MR‒Egger intercept (0.019, p = 0.114) was not observed to indicate multiplicity and heterogeneity.
CONCLUSION
MR analysis of a large sample suggested a potential causal relationship between periodontitis and prostate cancer, and periodontitis was a risk factor for prostate cancer.
Biofilm Associated Uropathogenic Escherichia coli from Catheterised Patients at a Nigerian Hospital
Authors: Yaki Lucy Musa , Nwabuisi Charles , Dagang Wan Rosmiza Zana Wan , Huyop Fahrul 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) pose a significant health risk in healthcare facilities, accounting for 40% of all hospital-acquired infections and 80% of healthcare-acquired urinary tract infections. These infections are often associated with biofilm formation, which can lead to recurrent or persistent infections due to antimicrobial resistance. In this study, urine samples from 230 catheterised patients, mostly males (91.3%), were analysed to investigate the prevalence of biofilm-forming uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) and their correlation with antibiotic resistance. Standard microbiological methods and the Analytical Profile Index (API) 20E were used to isolate and identify UPEC, while the microtiter plate method was used to screen UPEC for their ability to form biofilms under static and dynamic conditions. An antimicrobial susceptibility test was also performed using a modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The results of the study showed that UPEC was present in 21.7% of catheterized urine samples, with patients with long-term catheterization accounting for 96% of these isolates. Among these isolates, 84% and 86% were found to form biofilms under static and dynamic conditions, respectively, with all strong biofilm-forming isolates being extensively drug-resistant. The study also found a significant correlation between biofilm formation and resistance to most antibiotics tested, including Augmentin, Ceftazidime, Ceftriaxone, Gentamicin, and Ciprofloxacin (p-value < 0.05). However, Imipenem and nitrofurantoin showed no significant correlation with biofilm formation (p-value > 0.05). Given these findings, it is recommended that routine tests include biofilm detection and antimicrobial susceptibility assessments to guide the choice of a suitable antibiotic treatment, which is essential for effective management.