bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of post-storage filters vs. pre-storage filters for leukoreduction of blood components on clinical outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Silva Natasha Dejigov Monteiro da , Nukui Youko , Takahashi Juliana , Cruz Diná de Almeida Lopes Monteiro da , Nogueira Lilia de Souza 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Leukoreduction has been used to limit the risk of adverse events. The most commonly used methodology is filtration (pre or post-storage). However, whether pre-storage filtration is better than post-storage filtration needs to be clearly defined, particularly for countries that still use post-storage filtration. This study aimed to synthesize the best available evidence on the effectiveness of pre-storage filters compared with post-storage filters for transfusion reactions, for the occurrence of infections, for the length of hospital stay, and for the death of patients undergoing leukoreduced transfusion.
Methods: Eight databases and gray literature were searched, and GRADE was used to determine the certainty of the evidence.
Results: The meta-analysis showed that pre-storage filtration was a protective factor against febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions in red blood cells and platelet concentrate transfusions. The same did not occur for post-surgical infection after platelet concentrate transfusions. Only one study analyzed the length of hospital stay and showed no significant difference between patients who received leukoreduced transfusions according to the type of filter used. According to the GRADE criteria, the certainty of the evidence for febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions was low for red blood cells and very low for platelet concentrate due to the high risk of bias. For infection was low risk due to imprecision.
Conclusions: The results of this review showed that the certainty of recommending the best type of filter (pre or post-storage) for the benefit of the outcomes analyzed is still fragile; therefore, more robust evidence is needed.
Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO CRD42020192202
Thermal Power Generation Efficiency and Renewable Energy Power Generation Substitution Transition Effect: A Case Study of Provinces in China
Authors: Li Shuangjie , Huang Tingyang , Liu Fang , Chen Hongbo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study evaluates the production efficiency and Total Factor Energy Efficiency (TFEE) of China's provincial thermal power industry using the super-efficiency SBM model, complemented by panel regression to assess renewable energy's potential substitutive effects on thermal power production. Additionally, spatial econometric regression analysis clarifies the impact of inter-regional electricity output on thermal power production. Key findings include:1.Regional Efficiency Comparison: Average production efficiency ranks as "East > West > Central," with the West marginally leading over the Central region. In contrast, average TFEE follows "East > Central > West," with the Western region lagging significantly.2. Influential Factors on Thermal Power: Internally, installed capacity, energy consumption, and production efficiency impact thermal power. Externally, hydropower, wind power, and nuclear power show significant substitutive potential, with hydropower's potential increasing from East to West, while wind power's potential decreases. Photovoltaic impact remains negligible.3. Cross-Regional Electricity Transmission: Improved transmission capabilities have broadened renewable energy plants' influence but led to provincial generation exceeding demand. Hydropower, wind power, and nuclear energy from neighboring provinces significantly substitute for thermal power, in that order, with minimal impact from photovoltaics. Policy recommendations focus on the importance of TFEE and production efficiency in thermal power, advocating for inter-regional electricity transfer, and enhancing grid intelligence to optimize the thermal power industry's efficiency, promote sustainable development, and balance power supply and demand. These guidelines aim to inform future energy structure adjustments and urban planning.
Drp1 depletion protects against ferroptotic cell death by preserving mitochondrial integrity and redox homeostasis
Authors: Culmsee Carsten , Tang Stephan , Fuß Anneke , Fattahi Zohreh 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles which undergo constant fusion and fission as part of the mitochondrial quality control. In genetic diseases and age-related neurodegenerative disorders, altered mitochondrial fission-fusion dynamics have been linked to impaired mitochondrial quality control, disrupted organelle integrity and function, thereby promoting neural dysfunction and death. The key enzyme regulating mitochondrial fission is the GTPase Dynamin-related Protein 1 (Drp1), which is also considered as a key player in mitochondrial pathways of regulated cell death. In particular, increasing evidence suggests a role for impaired mitochondrial dynamics and integrity in ferroptosis, which is an iron-dependent oxidative cell death pathway with relevance in neurodegeneration. In this study, we demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genetic depletion of Drp1 exerted protective effects against oxidative cell death by ferroptosis through preserved mitochondrial integrity and maintained redox homeostasis. Knockout of Drp1 resulted in mitochondrial elongation, attenuated ferroptosis-mediated impairment of mitochondrial membrane potential, and stabilized iron trafficking and intracellular iron storage. In addition, Drp1 deficiency exerted metabolic effects, with reduced basal and maximal mitochondrial respiration and a metabolic shift towards glycolysis. These metabolic effects further alleviated the mitochondrial contribution to detrimental ROS production thereby significantly enhancing neural cell resilience against ferroptosis. Taken together, this study highlights the key role of Drp1 in mitochondrial pathways of ferroptosis and expose the regulator of mitochondrial dynamics as a potential therapeutic target in neurological diseases involving oxidative dysregulation.
Pulmonary function and sleep related disorders during cervical admission of intrathecal baclofen in spinal cord injury; a study protocol
Authors: Maas Ellen , Kho Kuan , Rietman Johan , Brusse-Keizer Marjolein 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Study design: multiphase single arm intervention study
Objectives: The primary goal is to establish the safety of cervical infusion of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) on pulmonary and respiratory functions and sleep related disorders in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). The secondary goal is to explore the effect of cervical ITB on reduction of spasticity and improvement at the level of functions and activities.
Settings: General hospital and rehabilitation centre, The Netherlands
Methods: The first phase involves a safety study in persons with SCI with functionally hindering spasticity of the upper extremity. In this phase an extracorporeal pump will be used to investigate whether cervical ITB leads to reduction of spasticity without an adverse effect on respiratory function and sleep related disorders. In case of a safe (no adverse effects) and positive (reduction of spasticity) result of the test, a baclofen pump will be implanted in the second phase of the study. The dosage of ITB will be slowly increased and oral spasmolytics phased out. At 3, 6, and 12 months after discharge, a pulse-oximetry will be performed and pulmonary function, respiratory function, level of spasticity and the level of function and activities will be assessed.
Conclusion: Little is known, at present, about safety and effectiveness of cervical ITB for the treatment of upper extremity spasticity. We aim to establish the safety and efficacy of this procedure. This paper describes the protocol of this safety study.
Meta-Learning for Real-World Class Incremental Learning: A Transformer-Based Approach
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Sharma Amit , Shokeen Vikrant , Azar Ahmad Taher , Amin Syed Umar , Khan Zafar Iqbal 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Modern Natural Language Processing (NLP) state-of-the-art (SoTA) Deep Learning (DL) models have hundreds of millions of parameters, making them extremely complex. Large datasets are required for training these models, and while pretraining has reduced this requirement, human-labelled datasets are still necessary for fine-tuning. Few-Shot Learning (FSL) techniques, such as meta-learning, try to train models from smaller datasets to mitigate this cost. However, the tasks used to evaluate these meta-learners frequently diverge from the problems in the real world that they are meant to resolve. This work aims to apply meta-learning to a problem that is more pertinent to the real world: class incremental learning (IL). In this scenario, after completing its training, the model learns to classify newly introduced classes. One unique quality of meta-learners is that they can generalise from a small sample size to classes that have never been seen before, which makes them especially useful for class incremental learning (IL). The method describes how to emulate class IL using proxy new classes. This method allows a meta-learner to complete the task without the need for retraining. To generate predictions, the transformer-based aggregation function in a meta-learner that modifies data from examples across all classes has been proposed. The principal contributions of the model include concurrently considering the entire support and query sets, and prioritising attention to crucial samples, such as the question, to increase the significance of its impact during inference. The outcomes demonstrate that the model surpasses prevailing benchmarks in the industry. Notably, most meta-learners demonstrate significant generalisation in the context of class IL even without specific training for this task. This paper establishes a high-performing baseline for subsequent transformer-based aggregation techniques, thereby emphasising the practical significance of meta-learners in class IL.
Lymph Node Involvement are Associated with Overall Survival for Elderly Patients with Non-metastatic Gallbladder Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Huang Jianhao , Qiu Yanyu , Bai Xuesong , He Xiaodong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Lymph node involvement are recognized as a prognostic factor of the patients with gallbladder cancer. However, the N stage varied from different editions of AJCC TNM Classification. Our objective was to investigate the impact of lymph node involvement on overall survival in elderly patients with non-metastatic gallbladder adenocarcinoma.
Methods
Patients older than age 65 years with non-metastatic gallbladder adenocarcinoma were identified from the SEER data. We used Cox proportional hazard regression analysis to select the independent risk factor. A nomogram was built to identify the 1-, 3-, and 5- years prognostic impact. Univariate and multivariate models were used to examine the correlation of OS with the number of metastatic nodes.
Results
A total of 1654 patients (706 with and 948 without nodal involvement) were included. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses found that age, gender, tumor size, lymph node involvement and surgical options were risk factors for the prognosis and were integrated into the nomogram. After adjustment, OS was compromised for patients who receive surgery with nodal involvement (HR, 2.238; P < 0.01). After adjustment, the presence of more than two metastatic lymph nodes was associated with decreased OS (HR, 3.305; P < 0.01).
Conclusions
Our results suggest that lymph node involvement are associated with compromised survival in elderly patients. A nomogram was developed to predict the prognosis of gallbladder cancer. A change point of more than two metastatic lymph nodes seems to carry prognostic significance, calling for closer monitor to elderly gallbladder cancer patients with increased number of lymph node involvement.
Spatial variability in Arctic-boreal pyroregions shaped by climate and human influence
Authors: Scholten Rebecca , Veraverbeke Sander , Chen Yang , Randerson James 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Fire activity in Arctic and boreal regions is rapidly increasing with severe consequences for climate and human health. Long-term variations in fire frequency and intensity within regions characterize fire regimes. The spatial variability in Arctic-boreal fire regimes and their climatic and anthropogenic drivers, however, remain poorly understood. Here, we developed an object-based fire tracking system to map the sub-daily evolution of all circumpolar Arctic-boreal fires between 2012 and 2023 using 375m Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) active fire detections. This dataset characterizes the ignition time, location, size, duration, spread, and intensity of individual fires. We used the resulting fire atlas to classify the Arctic-boreal biomes into seven distinct pyroregions with unique climatic and geographic environments. The pyroregions exhibited varying responses to environmental drivers, with boreal North America, eastern Siberia, and northern tundra regions showing the highest sensitivity to climate and lightning density. Anthropogenic factors also played an important role in influencing fire number and size, interacting with other factors. Understanding the spatial variability of fire regimes and its interconnected drivers in the Arctic-boreal domain is important for improving future predictions of fire activity and identifying areas at risk for extreme events.
Consanguinity, pregnancy outcomes and offspring mortality in India: Evidences from National Family Health Survey, 2015-2021
Authors: Kalam Mir Azad , Sharma Santosh Kumar , Ghosh Saswata , Roy Subho 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The authors hypothesize that consanguineous marriages remain a risk factor for pregnancy outcomes and offspring mortality in post-globalized India. Data from women aged 15–49 from National Family Health Surveys 4(2015–2016) and 5(2019–2021) were pooled and used for analysis. The study used binary logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard regression models to examine the effects of close (CC) and distant (DC) consanguinity on spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, neonatal mortality, and post-neonatal, child mortality respectively compared to non-consanguinity (NC). The final model showed that the risk of spontaneous abortion was significantly higher for CC (1.32, p < 0.001) and DC (1.62, p < 0.001); while the likelihood of neonatal mortality was significantly higher for DC (1.30, p < 0.01) compared to NC. The risk of post-neonatal mortality was significantly higher for CC (1.49, p < 0.01) and DC (1.87, p < 0.001) compared to non-consanguineous (NC) marriage. No significant association was found between consanguinity and child mortality. We conclude that the endogenous effect of consanguinity still pose a serious challenge to the survival of fetus and new born; but exogenous effect reduces the risk of child death. We propose to incorporate socially entrenched practice of consanguinity explicitly into Mosley and Chen's (1984) framework for the aid in understanding child survival in developing countries.
Characterization of Spent Nuclear Fuel Canister Surface Roughness Using Surface Replicating Molds
Authors: Nation B. L. , Faubel J. L. , Vice G. T. , Ohlhausen J. A. , Durbin S. , Bryan C. R. , Knight A. W. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In this study we present a replication method to determine surface roughness and to identify surface features when a sample cannot be directly analyzed by conventional techniques. As a demonstration, this method was applied to an unused spent nuclear fuel dry storage canister to determine variation across different surface features. In this study, an initial material down-selection was performed to determine the best molding agent and determined that non-modified Polytek PlatSil23-75 provided the most accurate representation of the surface while providing good usability. Other materials that were considered include Polygel Brush-On 35 polyurethane rubber (with and without Pol-ease 2300 release agent), Polytek PlatSil73-25 silicone rubber (with and without PlatThix thickening agent and Pol-ease 2300 release agent), and Express STD vinylpolysiloxane impression putty. The ability of PlatSil73-25 to create an accurate surface replica was evaluated by creating surface molds of several locations on surface roughness standards representing ISO grade surfaces N3, N5, N7,, and N8. Overall, the molds were able to accurately reproduce the expected roughness average (Ra ) values, but systematically over-estimated the peak-valley maximum roughness (Rz ) values. Using a 3D printed sample cell, several locations across the stainless steel spent nuclear fuel canister were sampled to determine the surface roughness. These measurements provided information regarding variability in nominal surface roughness across the canister as well as a detailed evaluation on specific surface features (e.g., welds, grind marks, etc.). The results of these measurements can support development of dry storage canister ageing management programs, as surface roughness is an important factor for surface dust deposition and accumulation as well as susceptibility to localized corrosion, pitting, and possible stress corrosion cracking. This method can be applied more broadly to different surfaces beyond stainless steel to provide rapid, accurate surface replications for analytical evaluation by profilometry.
Genetic correlations of alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder with sex hormone levels in females and males
Authors: Waller Cameron , Ho Ada , Batzler Anthony , Geske Jennifer , Karpyak Victor , Biernacka Joanna , Winham Stacey 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Alcohol consumption behaviors and alcohol use disorder risk and presentation differ by sex, and these complex traits are associated with blood concentrations of the steroid sex hormones, testosterone and estradiol, and their regulatory binding proteins, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. Genetic variation is associated with alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder, as well as levels of steroid sex hormones and their binding proteins.
Methods
To assess the contribution of genetic factors to previously described phenotypic associations between alcohol-use traits and sex-hormone levels, we estimated genetic correlations (rg) using summary statistics from prior published, large sample size genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of alcohol consumption, alcohol dependence, testosterone, estradiol, SHBG, and albumin.
Results
For alcohol consumption, we observed positive genetic correlation (i.e. genetic effects in the same direction) with total testosterone in males (rg = 0.084, p = 0.007) and trends toward positive genetic correlation with bioavailable testosterone (rg = 0.060, p = 0.084) and SHBG in males (rg = 0.056, p = 0.086) and with albumin in a sex-combined cohort (rg = 0.082, p = 0.015); however in females, we observed positive genetic correlation with SHBG (rg = 0.089, p = 0.004) and a trend toward negative genetic correlation (i.e. genetic effects in opposite directions) with bioavailable testosterone (rg = -0.064, p = 0.032). For alcohol dependence, we observed a trend toward negative genetic correlation with total testosterone in females (rg = -0.106, p = 0.024) and positive genetic correlation with BMI-adjusted SHBG in males (rg = 0.119, p = 0.017). Several of these genetic correlations differed between females and males and were not in the same direction as the corresponding phenotypic associations.
Conclusions
Findings suggest that shared genetic effects may contribute to positive associations of alcohol consumption with albumin in both sexes, as well as positive associations between alcohol consumption and bioavailable testosterone and between alcohol dependence and SHBG in males. However, relative contributions of heritable and environmental factors to associations between alcohol-use traits and sex-hormone levels may differ by sex, with genetic factors contributing more in males and environmental factors contributing more in females.
Evaluation of hepatic resection in adolescent and young adult patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ueda Junji , Mamada Yasuhiro , Taniai Nobuhiko , Yoshioka Masato , Matsushita Akira , Mizutani Satoshi , Kawano Youichi , Shimizu Tetsuya , Kanda Tomohiro , Murokawa Takahiro , Takata Hideyuki , Furuki Hiroyasu , Aoki Yuto , Kawashima Mampei , Irie Toshiyuki , Ohno Takashi , Haruna Takahiro , Yoshimori Daigo , Hamaguchi Akira , Yoshida Hiroshi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
In Japan, primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often develops against a background of chronic hepatitis, such as persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Patients with HCC are commonly in their 50s or 60s. It is extremely rare to find HCC patients in their 40s or younger. In Japan, such cases are reported to constitute only 0.23% of all cases. The adolescent and young adult (AYA) population refers to people aged 15–39 years. Patients with cancer in the AYA population may present special clinical features and biologic characteristics. In this study, we evaluated hepatic resection of AYA hepatocellular carcinoma at our facility.
Materials and Methods
We analyzed 978 patients who underwent hepatectomy at our institute between 1994 and 2022. We categorized the patients into two groups: the AYA group and the non-AYA group. Patient demographics, operative details, perioperative outcomes, pathologic details, clinicopathological findings, overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared.
Results
Eight patients—five males and three females—were less than 40 years old. The incidence of AYA hepatocellular carcinoma was 0.8%. Six patients had a history of hepatitis B. Four patients had a history of liver cirrhosis. Two patients experienced recurrent HCC. One patient died a year and a half after surgery. The percentage of HBV-positive patients was significantly greater in the AYA group than in the non-AYA group, and the tumor diameter was significantly greater in the AYA group. There were no significant differences in tumor marker levels, vascular invasion, differentiation, overall survival rate, or recurrence-free survival rate between the AYA group and the non-AYA group.
Conclusion
The outcome of resection for AYA HCC is good. Detection of AYA HCC in the early stage and hepatectomy are recommended.
Correlation analysis of the SIRI, PLR and NLR with the short- term prognosis of acute cerebral infarction
Authors: Zhu Feng , Wang Zihan , Song Jiang-hua , Ji Yan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide. The incidence of stroke in China is the highest in the world. Numerous studies have confirmed the clinical value of the SIRI, SII, NHR, NLR, PLR and MLR in predicting the prognosis of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients. To date, no studies have compared the predictive value of these six composite inflammatory markers. A total of 264 AIS patients with symptoms for < 24 h were included in this study. The short-term prognosis of AIS patients at 30 days was assessed using the modified Rankin scale (mRS), with an mRS score > 2 defined as a poor prognosis. The results of the univariate analysis showed that all six composite inflammatory indices, the SIRI, SII, NHR, NLR, PLR and MLR, were associated with a poor prognosis in patients with AIS. The results of the correlation analysis showed that all six composite inflammatory indicators correlated with the short-term prognosis of AIS patients. The six composite inflammation indicators were included in the binary logistic regression, and the results showed that the SIRI, NLR and PLR were found to be independent risk factors for poor short-term prognosis in AIS patients. Among the six inflammatory markers, the SIRI, NLR and PLR were the most clinically valuable for predicting the short-term prognosis of patients with AIS. Peripheral blood indices are easy to obtain clinically and can provide important clinical value for early prognosis and treatment adjustment.