bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low circulating tumor cell levels correlate with favorable outcomes and distinct biological features in multiple myeloma
Authors: Kostopoulos Ioannis , Ntanasis-Stathopoulos Ioannis , Rousakis Pantelis , Malandrakis Panagiotis , Panteli Chrysanthi , Eleutherakis-Papaiakovou Evangelos , Angelis Nikolaos , Spiliopoulou Vasiliki , Bakouros Panagiotis , Syrigou Rodanthi-Eleni , Dimitrakopoulou Georgia , Fotiou Despina , Migkou Magdalini , Kanellias Nikolaos , Paschalidis Nikolaos , Gavriatopoulou Maria , Kastritis Efstathios , Dimopoulos Meletios-Athanasios , Tsitsilonis Ourania E. , Terpos Evangelos 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
There is growing interest in multiple myeloma (MM) circulating tumor cells (CTCs), but its rareness in peripheral blood (PB) and inconsistency in cutoffs question their clinical utility. Herein, we aimed at defining the optimal CTC cutoff using a highly sensitive approach. Moreover, we analyzed matched bone marrow (BM) and PB samples in order to highlight inconsistencies between the two sites and identify microenvironmental profiles associating with enhanced CTC dissemination.
Methods
Next-generation flow cytometry was performed for the detection of myeloma cells in matched BM and PB samples from 550 newly-diagnosed MM patients. Various multivariable regression models were applied for the detection of the optimal CTC clinical cutoff (median follow-up: 41 months). BM microenvironment was characterized by deep phenotyping using both CyTOF and various multiparametric flow cytometry panels.
Results
CTCs were detected in 90% of patients (median 0.01%, range: 0.0002% − 12.6%) and increased levels associated with adverse features. Unexpected correlations were observed between high CTC percentages and a diffused MRI pattern, a distinct BM composition characterized by altered B-cell differentiation together with an expansion of effector cells and tumor-associated macrophages, as well as a greater phenotypic dissimilarity between BM and PB tumor cells. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) gradually worsened with each logarithmic increment of CTCs. Conversely, patients without CTCs showed unprecedented outcomes (5-year PFS and OS: 83% and 97%, respectively). A cutoff of 0.02% CTCs was independent of the ISS, LDH and cytogenetics in a multivariate analysis of risk factors for PFS and proved clinically relevant for both TE and TI patients. The 0.02% CTC cutoff synergized with the MGUS-like phenotype and the R-ISS for improved risk stratification. MRD-negativity was less frequent if CTCs were ≥ 0.02% at diagnosis, but whenever achieved, the poor prognosis of these patients was abrogated.
Conclusions
This study shows the clinical utility of CTC assessment in MM and provides evidence towards a consensus cutoff for risk stratification. The liquid biopsy is more informative of the entire tumor burden than a single-spot BM aspiration; hence, CTC analysis may serve as the new hallmark for the real-time evaluation of a patient’s disease status.
Detecting anomalies in buildings using point cloud data and BIM: a practical application
Authors: FIDELES Bruna , OLIVEIRA² Afonso , BESSA³ Maycon , CABRAL Eduardo , MESQUITA Esequiel 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Visual inspections using the traditional method can be inefficient and complicated in some buildings, making the anomaly survey process slow and inaccurate. Recently, studies have been carried out on digital surveying and reality capture techniques as a way of inspecting and capturing the in-situ state of structures, especially in complex scenarios. Anomaly detection using laser scanners is a new area of research that offers many opportunities to improve the current practice of visual inspections, which will reduce the need for skilled labor, avoid human access to hostile environments and allow for the automatic documentation of related information using building information modeling (BIM). This article discusses the implementation of a workflow to detect anomalies present in a commercial building using laser scanning and BIM. The results are a technical inspection report with a description of the anomalies and an as-is model of the building with the quantity for the recovery budget.
Research on vehicle lane keeping ability in low-speed scenarios based on real- vehicle driving behavior
Authors: Mengmeng Duan , Penghui Li , Hao Wu , Lai Jin , Shulin Zhang , Pengfei Feng , Huiqing Jin , Susu Liu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In order to ensure the safety and stability of the vehicle lane in the low-speed scenario, this paper selects 2926 pieces of real vehicle driving lane maintenance in the low-speed scenario based on the open source natural driving data set AD4CHE in Dajiang, China, and extracts 15 typical driving safety and stability indicators in the low-speed scenario. Through K-means cluster correlation analysis, combined with Youden index, Boxplot method and statistical value, a total of five unreasonable indicators were eliminated, and a three-level evaluation system of lane keeping capacity under low-speed scenarios containing ten indicators was constructed, and the best discrimination threshold of each indicator was determined. The calculation method of subjective and objective weight combination based on difference coefficient is proposed to realize scientific and reasonable distribution of evaluation index weight. Finally, the evaluation model of lane keeping ability in low-speed scenarios based on multi-dimensional index fusion and the grading evaluation standard of vehicle lane keeping ability in low-speed scenarios are constructed. It can objectively and accurately reflect the actual situation of the driver's lane keeping ability in low-speed scenarios. Finally, the lane keeping ability evaluation model and standard in low-speed scenarios based on multi-dimensional index fusion are applied to the natural driving dataset, which verifies that the lane keeping ability evaluation model and standard in low-speed scenarios proposed in this paper are effective, and can provide theoretical support for traffic safety prevention and control in low-speed road scenarios.
Heat combined with salinity stimulate antioxidant defense but induce severe impairment in photosynthesis of rice plants
Authors: Mendes Kellyane da Rocha , Bonifácio Aurenivia , Martins Márcio Oliveira , Sousa Rachel Helen Vieira , Monteiro Matheus Vasconcelos , Silveira Joaquim A G 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Aims To test the hypothesis if high temperature could aggravate salt stress through stimulation of Na+ accumulation, impairment in photosynthesis and generation of oxidative stress in rice leaves.Methods Rice plants were previously exposed to 0 and 100 mM NaCl for eight days at 27°C and afterwards two groups were transferred to high temperature (42°C) for 10 hours (heat and heat + salt) whereas two others remained at 27°C (control and single salt).Results Heat combined with salinity greatly stimulated Na+ accumulation in leaves causing intense decrease in K+/Na+ ratios, inducing significant osmotic and ionic alterations. Stomata were closed intensely causing drastic impairment in CO2 assimilation and decrease in water use efficiency. In contrast, the PSII activity was much lesser affected, corroborated by low increase in closed reaction center fraction of PSII and slight decrease in electron transport rates. Unexpectedly, that stress combination partially favored oxidative protection as indicated by reduction in the levels of H2O2 and lipid peroxidation associated with reduction in the contents of reduced ascorbate and glutathione. These favorable antioxidant responses were accompanied by increases in the activities of ascorbate peroxidases, superoxide dismutases, glutathione peroxidases, and phenol peroxidases whereas catalases and glycolate oxidases decreased. These antioxidant responses were not enough to mitigate overall physiological damages caused by combined stress as indicated by drastic increase in membrane damage.Conclusions High temperature drastically aggravates negative effects caused by salt stress on the photosynthetic efficiency, especially CO2 assimilation, despite that combination has partially favored the antioxidant defense.
Extracting XCO2 NASA data with XCODEX: A Python package designed for data extraction and structuration
Authors: Laurito Henrique Fontellas , Scala Newton La , Rolim Glauco Souza 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Monitoring carbon dioxide (CO2) is an essential part of studying climate change and its impacts. NASA has played a key role in global CO2 monitoring using the OCO-2 satellite. With this, daily records of column averaged CO2 dry air mole fraction (XCO2) are made available on the GES DISC platform for the study of sources and sinks of CO2 in the atmosphere. However, these records are presented in netCDF (nc4), which is complex and multidimensional files, requiring specialized software and programming knowledge for the efficient manipulation of data. To offer a tool, whose advantages extend from obtaining the files to the extraction and organization of the data, in a spatio-temporal series, in addition to identifying possible missing data in regions of interest, the XCODEX package (XCO2 Daily EXtractor) was developed in Python language. The package was applied by comparing data from the Mauna Loa observatory and a simple linear regression model was adjusted. The adjusted model showed high correlation (adjusted R² = 0.983), high accuracy (RMSE = 0.659 ppm) and small trend (SE = 0.025 ppm). We also apply to 10 locations around the globe. The XCODEX package, faced with the complexity of handling nc4 files, was able to download and extract daily data from XCO2 in a correct, intuitive and simple way, being available for free in the PyPi repository.
Giant gap 3D topological insulator in double perovskites: A2BiAtO6 (A=Ca, Sr, Ba)
Authors: Tsai Shang-Yuu , Lee Po-Han , Chang Tay-Rong , Wang Yin-Kuo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We predict new class of three-dimensional (3D) Z2 topological insulators (TIs) in A2BiAtO6 (A=Ba, Ca and Sr) double perovskites with band gaps due to spin-orbital couplings (SOC). By employing first-principle calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT), we obtain energy gaps of 0.70 , 0.71 and 0.72 eV for A2BiAtO6 with A=Ba, Ca and Sr, respectively. These energy band gaps are among the largest ever found so far and allow for potential room-temperature applications of their topological properties. The proposed materials are not only chemically more inert but also more robust against surface perturbations due to its intrinsic protection layer.
Structural variations of pectinate muscles across sheep and rabbit atria
Authors: Sakr Mahmoud A , Yacoub Magdi H 
Published: February 2024

Summary: The venous inflow of each atrial cortex is asymmetric and coupled to geometry and outflow to produce optimal vortices and flow patterns in each chamber. In the right atrium, fiber orientation is dependent on the crista terminals and pectinate muscles, which produce a circumferential squeezing effect to propel blood into the desired direction. The left atrial fiber orientation is a more complex fiber that suits its its geometry and function. This study demonstrates the structural differences between the right and left atria.

Background: The right and left atria play important roles in overall cardiac performance, both at rest and during exercise. Atrial dysfunction due to congenital or acquired heart diseases can result in significant disability or death. The prevalence of such conditions has been rising due to the increasing age of the population as well as the progressively larger number of patients with Grown-up congenital heart disease (GUCH).
Methods: Left and right atria were collected from rabbits and juvenile sheep, and pattern recognition and image analysis were used to illustrate the microstructure and orientation of the pectinate muscles.
Results: The aim of this study is to observe the differences in the structure of the pectinate muscles in both rabbits and sheep. Through image analysis and pattern recognition, we were able to identify the orientation of the patterns that can help produce off-the-shelf patches that are capable of mimicking and/or reproducing most of the functions of normal atrial tissue.
Conclusion: The microstructure of the pectinate muscles is unique and provides remarkable functionality to the atria.
Spatiotemporal trends and evapotranspiration estimation using an improvised SEBAL convergence method for the semi-arid region of Western Rajasthan, India
Authors: Saxena Dhruv , Choudhary Mahender , Sharma Gunwant 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The study demonstrates how to estimate evapotranspiration (ET) for the Western Rajasthan region of India utilizing remotely sensed images with the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL). Landsat 8 and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite inputs were used to compute seasonal and annual ET on the Google Earth Engine platform. The assessment utilizing the SEBAL algorithm, in combination with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Penman–Monteith (PM) and Hargreaves methods, demonstrates that SEBAL has adequate reliability for estimating ET for a spatially large extent in semi-arid regions when evaluated with the Hargreaves method. The values of R2, root-mean-square error (RMSE), and mean bias error (MBE) for FAO-PM were 0.63, 1.65 mm/day, and 1.28 mm/day, respectively. For the Hargreaves method, the values of R2, RMSE, and MBE were 0.96, 0.41 mm/day, and −0.31 mm/day, respectively. The study showed that the northern region witnessed the highest ET due to the availability of abundant surface water for irrigation. Overall, the results demonstrate the SEBAL model's effectiveness in estimating evapotranspiration. A downward trend in ET is observed in the region, mainly due to changing climatic conditions.
Scouring around bridge pier: A comprehensive analysis of scour depth predictive equations for clear-water and live-bed scouring conditions
Authors: Baranwal Anubhav , Das Bhabani Shankar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The failure of bridges, attributed to bridge pier scouring, poses a significant challenge in ensuring safe and cost-effective design. Numerous laboratory and field experiments have been conducted to comprehend the mechanisms and predict the maximum equilibrium scour depth around bridge piers. Over the last eight decades, various empirical methods have been developed, with different authors incorporating diverse influencing parameters that significantly impact the estimation of equilibrium scour depth around bridge piers. This paper aims to consolidate: (1) available experimental and field data sets on different types of bridge pier scouring, (2) the influence of flow and roughness parameters on both clear water scouring (CWS) and live bed scouring (LBS), and (3) existing empirical equations suitable for computing equilibrium scour depth around a bridge pier under CWS and LBS conditions. The presented research encompasses over 80 experimental/field data sets and more than 60 scour-predicting equations developed for CWS and LBS conditions in the past eight decades. Based on the performance of different empirical models in predicting scour depth ratio, suitable models are recommended for CWS and LBS conditions.
Prospecting the biodegradation of ciprofloxacin by Stutzerimonas stutzeri R2 and Exiguobacterium indicum strain R4 isolated from pharmaceutical wastewater
Authors: Ali Qurban , Zainab Rida , Badshah Malik , Sarwar Warda , Khan Samiullah , Mustafa Ghulam , Ibrahim Tanveer , Ahmed Safia 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Ciprofloxacin (CIP), an emerging micro-pollutant antibiotic, poses an environmental threat due to its resistance to high-temperature decomposition, aiding antibiotic resistance spread. Conventional degradation generates toxic byproducts, while biodegradation offers an efficient and eco-friendly means to eliminate CIP. In this study, ciprofloxacin-degrading strains were isolated from pharmaceutical wastewater using an enrichment technique. Isolated strains R2 and R4 were identified as Stutzerimonas stutzeri and Exiguobacterium indicum, respectively, based on their 16S rRNA gene sequence. Ciprofloxacin degrading potential of these strains was tested in shake flask fermentation and quantified using spectrophotometric assays and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). UHPLC analysis revealed that in co-metabolism, R2 achieved 51 and 77% degradation, and R4 achieved 60 and 68% after 5 and 10 days of incubation. When CIP served as the only carbon source, R2 degraded it by 23 and 35%, while R4 degraded it by 19% and 28 in 5 and 10 days, respectively. Spectrophotometric analyses produced congruent results with UHPLC. Notably, in co-metabolism, R2 and R4 achieved 66 and 88% degradation within the 5 days. Moreover, the degraded residues displayed reduced antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In conclusion, both strains show potential for degrading CIP, aiding in mitigating pharmaceuticals and environmental pollutants.
Telehealth Care Through Internet Hospitals in China: Qualitative Interview Study of Physicians’ Views on Access, Expectations, and Communication
Authors: Zhong Yuqiong , Hahne Jessica , Wang Xiaomin , Wang Xuxi , Wu Ying , Zhang Xin , Liu Xing 
Published: February 2024

Background
Internet hospitals in China are an emerging medical service model similar to other telehealth models used worldwide. Internet hospitals are currently in a stage of rapid development, giving rise to a series of new opportunities and challenges for patient care. Little research has examined the views of chronic disease physicians regarding internet hospitals in China.

Objective
We aimed to explore the experience and views of chronic disease physicians at 3 tertiary hospitals in Changsha, China, regarding opportunities and challenges in internet hospital care.

Methods
We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with physicians (n=26) who had experience working in internet hospitals affiliated with chronic disease departments in 3 tertiary hospitals in Changsha, Hunan province, south central China. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by content analysis using NVivo software (version 11; Lumivero).

Results
Physicians emphasized that internet hospitals expand opportunities to conduct follow-up care and health education for patients with chronic illnesses. However, physicians described disparities in access for particular groups of patients, such as patients who are older, patients with lower education levels, patients with limited internet or technology access, and rural patients. Physicians also perceived a gap between patients’ expectations and the reality of limitations regarding both physicians’ availability and the scope of services offered by internet hospitals, which raised challenges for doctor-patient boundaries and trust. Physicians noted challenges in doctor-patient communication related to comprehension and informed consent in internet hospital care.

Conclusions
This study explored the experience and views of physicians in 3 tertiary hospitals in Changsha, China, regarding access to care, patients’ expectations versus the reality of services, and doctor-patient communication in internet hospital care. Findings from this study highlight the need for physician training in telehealth communication skills, legislation regulating informed consent in telehealth care, public education clarifying the scope of internet hospital services, and design of internet hospitals that is informed by the needs of patient groups with barriers to access, such as older adults.
Effects of the Prolong Life With Nine Turn-Method Qigong on Fatigue, Insomnia, Anxiety, and Gastrointestinal Disorders in Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Xie Fangfang , You Yanli , Gu Yuanjia , Xu Jiatuo , Yao Fei 
Published: February 2024

Background
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating multisystem disorder that can lead to various pathophysiological abnormalities and symptoms, including insomnia, gastrointestinal disorders, and anxiety. Due to the side effects of currently available drugs, there is a growing need for safe and effective nondrug therapies. The Prolong Life With Nine Turn (PLWNT) Qigong method is a system of mind-body exercise with restorative benefits that can alleviate the clinical symptoms of CFS and impart a significant inhibitory effect. Various studies have proven the treatment efficacy of PLWNT; however, the impact on insomnia, gastrointestinal disorders, and anxiety in patients with CFS has not yet been investigated.

Objective
This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the PLWNT method in terms of its effects on fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with CFS.

Methods
We will conduct a randomized, analyst-blinded, parallel-controlled trial with a 12-week intervention and 8-week follow-up. A total of 208 patients of age 20-60 years will be recruited. The patients will be randomly divided into a PLWNT Qigong exercise group (PLWNT Group) and a control group treated with cognitive behavioral therapy at a ratio of 1:1. Participants from the treatment groups will be taught by a highly qualified professor at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine once a week and will be supervised via web during the remaining 6 days at home, over 12 consecutive weeks. The primary outcome will be the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory 20, while the secondary outcomes include the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, functional magnetic resonance imaging, gut microbiota, and peripheral blood.

Results
The study was approved by the ethics committee of Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in March 2022 (Ethics Approval Number 2022SHL-KY-05). Recruitment started in July 2022. The intervention is scheduled to be completed in December 2024, and data collection will be completed by the end of January 2025. Over the 3-year recruitment period, 208 participants will be recruited. Data management is still in progress; therefore, data analysis has yet to be performed.

Conclusions
This randomized trial will evaluate the effectiveness of the PLWNT method in relieving fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with CFS. If proven effective, it will provide a promising alternative intervention for patients with CFS.

Trial Registration
China Clinical Trials Registry ChiCTR2200061229; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=162803

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
PRR1-10.2196/53347