bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blocking Immune Checkpoint—LAIR1: Disrupting the LAIR1—FXIII-A—Collagen Immunosuppressive Circuit for Enhanced Antitumor Therapeutics
Authors: Huang Jianping , Tao Haipeng , Chen Dongjiang , Yang Changlin , Nguyen Duy , Liu Ruixuan , Liu Tianyi , Chakraborty Avirup , Hou Alicia , Petit Nicole , Abbas Muhammad , Roemeling Christina , Gbadamosi Mohammed , Jin Linchun , Gu Tongjun , Lin Tuo , Pepe Alfonso , Pedro Diego , Yu Shengkun , Abboud Georges , Mendez-Gomez Hector , Karachi Aida , Weidert Frances , Jin Dan , Long-James Kaytora , Molchan Elizabeth , Castillo Paul , Ligon John , Ghiaseddin Ashley , Sayour Elias , Rahman Maryam , Deleyrolle Loic , Kim Betty , Mitchell Duane , Sawyer W. Gregory 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests that tumor-associated myeloid cells (TAMCs), which include tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), play a significant role in cancer immunosuppression and progression. These cells constitute up to 50% of a tumor's total mass and play pivotal roles in dampening the immune response, thereby negatively affecting patient survival. Therefore, targeting TAMCs could overcome the limitations of current cancer treatments. Yet, drug development in this realm remains limited. Our research focuses on leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor 1 (LAIR1), prominently expressed on the surface of TAMs, which is essential in mediating the immunosuppressive role of TAMs. We have uncovered a previously unrecognized immunosuppressive LAIR1→ Factor XIII A (FXIII-A)→ Collagen IV circuit across cancer types. The LAIR1 triggers TAMs to release the FXIII-A around tumor cells, which increases tumor collagen IV deposition and structure, shielding the tumors from immune attacks. Inhibiting LAIR1, either through genetic knock-out (LAIR1-/-) or antibody blockade (aLAIR1), effectively disrupts this immunosuppressive pathway and results in enhanced peripheral and tumor-infiltrating memory CD8 T cell populations, a phenotypic shift of TAMs towards an M1 profile, and a decrease in collagen deposition. These collective effects contribute to the normalization of the TME and facilitate improved interactions between T cells and tumor cells, leading to a more effective antitumor response. Notably, using aLAIR1 as a standalone intervention or combined with Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy demonstrates enhanced antitumor efficacy in preclinical models resistant to anti-PD-1 treatment. These findings position aLAIR1 as a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy.
Sequential Acid-Catalyzed Esterification and Base-Catalyzed Transesterification of Babassu (Attalea speciosa Mart. Ex Spreng.) and Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) Oils of High Acid Values Over Functionalized Mesoporous Silicas
Authors: Mota Claudio J. A. , Moreira Anderson F. Sant´Anna , Vieira José Sebastião C. , de Lima Ana Lúcia , Lachter Elizabeth R. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this work Babassu (Attalea speciosa Mart. Ex Spreng.) and Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense camb.) vegetable oils of high acid values were transformed in the respective methyl esters, through sequential acid-catalyzed esterification and base-catalyzed transesterification over functionalized mesoporous heterogeneous catalysts. The vegetable oils were firstly esterified with methanol over SBA-15 functionalized with propylsulfonic acid (Pr-HSO3/SBA-15) or K-10 Montmorillonite. The oil to methanol molar ratio, temperature, catalyst loading, and time were varied to assess the best conversion of the free fatty acids. The esterification with Pr-HSO3/SBA-15 catalyst yielded 94% and 83% in the esters for the Babassu and Pequi oils, respectively, at the best reaction conditions studied. K-10 Montmorillonite showed a poorer performance in the esterification, yielding 70% of methyl esters for the Babassu oil. The Pr-HSO3/SBA-15 acid catalyst showed negligible loss of activity for three consecutive reuses, whereas K-10 is significantly poisoned upon the first use. These results may be explained by the higher acidity of the hybrid catalyst. The esterified oils were subject to transesterification with methanol in the presence of MCM-41 mesoporous silica grafted with 1,5,7-triazabicyclo [4,4,0] dec-5-ene (TBD/MCM-41) basic catalyst. At the best conditions studied, the esterified Pequi oil achieved 89% conversion in the methyl esters. The results may be explained by the relatively low incorporation of the organic base on the silica support. The sequential esterification and transesterification of Babassu and Pequi oils over functionalized silica heterogeneous catalysts may be a sustainable alternative to the production of biodiesel in remote regions.
Linear and Artificial Neural Network Radiation models over North India
Authors: Singh S. K. , Srivast Priyank , Jain Ankit , Singh Ashok K. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The present study examines three key aspects of global solar radiation modelling based on sunshine duration. Firstly, Angstrom coefficients were calibrated for both daily and monthly datasets using the recommended values of a = 0.25 and b = 0.50 as suggested by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Secondly, it conducts a stability analysis of the estimated coefficients for both daily and monthly time scales, taking into account variations in data length at selected locations due to the availability of data during different time durations. Lastly, data-driven artificial neural network (ANN) regression model was employed to not only enhance correlation and accuracy, but also to identify non-linear relationship between the duration of sunshine and global radiation. Four meteorological stations, namely New Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Patna, were chosen for this study. These stations are located in North India, specifically between 23°52º N to 30°15³ N and 76°24' E to 88°17' E. The Angstrom-Prescott models showed a strong linear relationship between sunshine duration and global radiation for both daily and monthly data with high statistical significance (p<0.01). The monthly and daily value calibrated coefficients for the Angstrom-Prescott models showed no significant variation in predicted global radiation root mean square error (RMSE), suggesting that both types of calibration can be used interchangeably. The average values of Angstrom coefficient for the region were found to be, a= 0.264, b=0.454 for monthly and a=0.292, b=0.427 for daily sunshine-radiation data. Angstrom constant ‘b’ shows relatively high variability with locations in two climate zones of the area. For monthly data, the estimated average coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.7962 and an average RMSE 1.2377 MJ/m2-day was found in North India. For the daily data, R2 = 0.7910; the average RMSE) was estimated to be 1.6794 MJ/m2-day in the region. The double and triple layer ANN regression models showed better performance improving R2 from 0.08% to 5.67% and lowering RMSE by 0.0345-0.2575 MJ/m2-day. Thus, the data-driven ANN regression models demonstrated not only a higher accuracy but also revealed the non-linear relationships between global radiation and sunshine duration in the region. Similar results were also exhibited by higher-order (non-linear) physical models for global radiation and sunshine duration conducted in India and other parts of the world. For most of the practical applications the linear A-P model was found to be simpler and sufficient with reasonable accuracy.
Feasibility and safety of surfactant administration via laryngeal mask airway as first-line therapy for a select newborn population: results of a standardized clinical protocol
Authors: Kubicka Zuzanna , Zahr Eyad , Feldman Henry A , Rousseau Tamara , Welgs Theresa , Ditzel Amy , Perry Diana , Lacy Molly , O'Rourke Carolyn , Arzuaga Bonnie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives
(1) To demonstrate feasibility and safety of surfactant administration via laryngeal mask airway (LMA) as a first-line therapy. (2) To measure treatment success, defined as avoidance of intubation/invasive mechanical ventilation, and determine if specific clinical variables could predict success/failure.
Study design:
Observational cohort with eligible infants given surfactant using one type of LMA via standardized protocol. Data was captured prospectively followed by retrospective chart review.
Results
150 infants ≥ 1250g and 28.3–41.1 weeks gestation were included. First-line LMA surfactant therapy was successful in 70% of the infants and those infants weaned to room air significantly quicker than infants requiring subsequent intubation/mechanical ventilation (p = 0.01 by 72h, p = 0.003 by 96h). Clinical variables assessed could not predict treatment success/failure. Complications were infrequent and did not differ between groups.
Conclusion
First-line LMA surfactant is feasible and safe for certain infants. Prediction of treatment success was not possible in our cohort.
Regulating the Double-Way Traffic of Cations and Anions in Ambipolar Polymer Cathodes for Sustainable Aluminum Dual-Ion Batteries
Authors: Jiang Jia-Xing , Luo Lian-Wei , Zhang Chong , Ma Wenyan , Han Changzhi , Ai Xuan , Chen Yu , Xu Yunhua , Ji Xiulei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The strong Coulombic interactions between Al3+ and traditional inorganic crystalline cathodes present a significant obstacle in developing high-performance rechargeable aluminum batteries (RABs) that hold promise for safe and sustainable stationary energy storage. While accommodating chloroaluminate ions (AlCl4−, AlCl2+ etc.) in redox-active organic compounds offers a promising solution for RABs, the issues of dissolution and low ionic/electronic conductivities plague the development of organic cathodes. Herein, we synthetically connect electron donors with acceptors to create crosslinked, bipolar-conjugated polymer cathodes. These cathodes exhibit overlapped redox potential ranges for both donors and acceptors in highly concentrated AlCl3-based ionic liquid electrolytes. This approach strategically enables on-site doping of the polymer backbones during redox reactions involving both donor and acceptor units, thereby enhancing the electron/ion transfer kinetics within the resultant polymer cathodes. Based on the optimal donor/acceptor combination, the bipolar polymer cathodes can deliver a high specific capacity of 205 mAh g− 1 by leveraging the co-storage of AlCl4− and AlCl2+. The electrodes exhibit excellent rate performance, stable cycle life of 60,000 cycles, and function efficiently at high mass loadings, i.e., 100 mg cm− 2, and at low temperatures, i.e., − 30 oC. Our findings exemplify the exploration of high-performing conjugated polymer cathodes for RABs through rational structural design.
Development and Use of Semi-empirical Spectral Ground Motion Models for GPP-Induced Micro-earthquakes in Southern Germany
Authors: Taddei Francesca , Keil Sabrina , Khansefid Ali , Kumawat Aditi , Schneider Felix , Wassermann Johachim , Müller Gerhard 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive exploration of ground motions associated with micro-earthquakes induced by geothermal power plants (GPP) in Southern Germany and proposes corresponding ground motion prediction equations (GMPE). Initiating with a statistical analysis of recorded seismic data from the GPP in Insheim, the study is extended to the Greater Munich Area. For the latter, the scarce recorded data are merged with physics-based simulation data. The recorded data in Insheim, Poing, Unterhaching and the simulated data in Munich are compared to existing GMPEs for GPP-induced events, highlighting the need of new region-specific prediction equations. The proposed GMPEs are expressed in terms of peak quantities, spectral accelerations and velocities, separating the horizontal and vertical direction. The regression curves exhibit a good alignment with both recorded and simulated data, within an acceptable range. Notably, the results reveal higher spectral quantities at shorter periods (<0.1 s), underscoring the importance of this characteristic in seismic assessment. The article shows an exemplary application for a low-rise residential building, located at a hypocentral distance of 3 km. While the building meets serviceability standards for an MW up to 2.5, the verification fails at MW = 3, emphasizing the need for robust risk assessment. These findings contribute to the understanding of ground motions of GPP-induced events, offering practical implications for serviceability verifications and aiding informed decision-making in geothermal energy projects.
ECEQ: Efficient Multi-source Contact Event Query Processing for Moving Objects
Authors: Li Pengyue , Dai Hua , Zhou Qian , Chen Yu , Zhou Qiang , Li Bohan , Yang Geng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Using trajectory data to query and analyze contact events is an emerging method for disease prevention and control. Existing contact event query processings only focus on single-source contact events (one-to-one), overlooking the more realistic multi-source scenarios (n-to-one). In this paper, we focus on the multi-source contact event query problem. We first define multi-source contact events, followed by introducing a baseline query processing based on the idea of sliding window scanning. To improve the query efficiency, an anchor time point-based optimization strategy and a grid-time-object inverted index-based optimization strategy are designed and used in the optimized query processing, which can effectively filter out moving objects and time points that have no contact events. Experimental results using two real-world datasets demonstrate that the proposed schemes can effectively identify potential contact events while maintaining lower query time costs compared to existing schemes.
Alginate based metal pillared bentonite beads for efficient adsorption of cationic dyes
Authors: Raghav Little , Patanjali Pooja , Singh Rajeev 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Three pillared bentonite composites, namely Aluminium Pillared Clays-Beads (Al-PCB), Iron Pillared Clays-Beads (Fe-PCB) and Tin Pillared Clays-Beads (Sn-PCB) were prepared. The synthesized adsorbent beads were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectra (FT-IR), Brunauer-Emmer Teller (BET) analysis, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The adsorption capacity of prepared adsorbents was examined for two dyes viz. Malachite Green (MG) and Chrysoidine-Y (CY) from their aqueous solutions. Batch adsorption studies were conducted to assess the dye removal capacity of all three adsorbents. The effects of physicochemical parameters like solution pH, dose, and dye concentration were investigated. Thermodynamic studies of prepared beads were carried out at different temperature. The adsorption capacity of Al-PCB, Fe-PCB and Sn-PCB was found to be 130.734 mg g− 1, 95.827 mg g− 1 and 47.965 mg g− 1 for MG and 118.678 mg g− 1, 90.348 mg g− 1 and 36.706 mg g− 1 for CY respectively. On the other hand, fitting of PSO model was slightly better than PFO model. Regeneration studies revealed that the dye removal percentage ranged from 60–93%, up to five adsorption desorption cycles.
Preoperative clinical characteristics scoring system for the Differentiation of Uterine Leiomyosarcoma from Leiomyoma
Authors: Wang Yuanqiu , Huang Xiaowan , Su Ying 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Preoperative diagnosis of uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS) is challenging because the disease can mimic benign leiomyoma (LM). The objective of the present study was to investigate the role of preoperative clinical characteristics and hematologic parameters in differentiating ULMS fromLM.
Methods: Preoperative clinical and laboratory variables were retrospectively reviewed forpatients with ULMS or LM, and the significance of the intergroup differences was assessed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the optimal cutoffvalues for each variable. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify variables predicting the presence of ULMS.
Results: The preoperative clinical and laboratory variables of 288 patients with uterine tumorswere analyzed. 64 patients had ULMS,and 224 had LM. A significant difference was observed between ULMS and LM. Multivariate analysis revealed that increased systemic immune-inflammation index (SII > 500), the controlling nutritional status score (CONUT≥3), larger tumor size (> 9.7 cm), and older age (>48 years) were independent risk factors for ULMS (P=0.007, <0.001, 0.001, <0.001,respectively). Thepreoperative clinical characteristic score was calculated by summing the number of risk factors with a total score of 4 points. A score≥ 2 points was a useful predictor for distinguishing ULMS from LM (sensitivity 0.688, specificity 0.888).
Conclusion: Our results suggest that the SII, CONUT score, tumor size, age and preoperative Hb level could be useful for differentiating between ULMS and LM, which indicates that the preoperative clinical characteristics scoring system could be helpful in the preoperative diagnosis of indiscoverable ULMS.
Knowledge and attitude of patients on dialysis towards Holiday haemodialysis facilities and red kidney bus: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey study in an Indian setup.
Authors: Nayak Usha , Shettigar Bhavyatha , Attur Ravindra Prabhu , Kumar Prasanna 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background- Traveling or going on vacation might cause dialysis patients to miss their dialysis schedules, thus adversely affecting their health. Hence, facilities must help dialysis patients access information regarding dialysis centres in other places. This study would help in understanding the problems faced regarding travel and dialysis centre accessibility and determine the needs of dialysis patients to travel or to go on vacation/family functions/business meetings.
Methods- We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey in which all patients on dialysis who met our inclusion criteria were enrolled. The required data was collected using a self-developed questionnaire. Frequency was used for categorical variables and mean standard deviation/ Median and IQR were used to calculate continuous variables. The chi-square test was used to check patients' willingness to utilise Holiday haemodialysis facilities based on their age and duration since they are undergoing dialysis.
Results- Most patients (80.95%) had abstained entirely from travelling since the initiation of haemodialysis for multiple reasons. Among the remaining patients who go on vacation, the maximum duration and frequency was three days and 2-3 times a year. This was due to a lack of proper facilities to undergo dialysis at the travel destination. None of the patients in our centre knew about holiday haemodialysis facilities; when explained, many were willing to utilise them. Their willingness was dependent on their age group as well as the duration since they were undergoing dialysis.
Conclusion- Holiday haemodialysis facilities should be developed and promoted in India to provide affordable and safe travelling experiences to people undergoing haemodialysis.
Tria registration- "This study protocol was reviewed and approved by [Kasturba Medical College and Kasturba Hospital institutional Ethics Committee - 2], approval number [Ethical Approval Number-IEC2:30/2023, dated 27 April 2023 (Appendix 1)]."
Superior Hypogastric Plexus Pulsed Radiofrequency Combined With Posterior Tibialis Nerve Transcutaneous Radiofrequency As A Treatment Option Of Chronic Pelvic Pain Management In Interstitial Cystitis
Authors: Öztürk Muhammet Uğur , Yıldırım Ayşegül Akyüz , Mollavelioğlu Tuğçe Yavuz , Sucu Mevlüt Gökhan , Çelebi Nalan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To compare the effectiveness of superior hypogastric plexus pulsed radiofrequency (SHP-PRF) and adjunctive transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (TPTNS) in the treatment of patients with interstitial cystitis (IC).
Methods
Patients diagnosed with IC and performed SHP-PRF treatment were included in this retrospective study. Some of these patients had also undergone TPTNS. Group 1 consisted of patients receiving SHP-PRF and TPTNS treatment. Group 2 consisted of patients receiving SHP-PRF treatment. Patients were evaluated before the interventional procedure and in the 1st and 3rd months after the procedure. Numerical rating scale (NRS), neuropathic pain 4 questions (DN4), the O'Leary-Sant interstitial cystitis symptom index (ICSI), and interstitial cystitis problem index (ICPI) were used as evaluation parameters.
Results
A total of 34 patients were divided into two groups. In both groups, the results showed significant differences in the NRS, DN4, ICSI, and ICPI scores between the baseline and the 1st month, as well as between the baseline and the 3rd month. (p < 0.01). NRS, DN4, and ICPI scores at baseline, 1st, and 3rd months were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). The median of the ICSI score at baseline was significantly higher in group 1 (p < 0.01), but ICSI scores in 1st and 3rd months were not significantly different (p > 0.05)
Conclusion
SHP-PRF treatment is a minimally invasive and effective method that can be used to reduce the symptoms and severity of IC. However, the effectiveness of adding TPTNS to the treatment could not be demonstrated. Long-term follow-up, prospective and placebo-controlled studies are needed.
CTR number:
NCT06256679, registration date: 05.02.2024, retrospectively registered.
Risk factors for the development of and outcomes after diagnosis of autoimmune alopecia areata in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Pan Yushan , Lilly Evelyn , Ananthakrishnan Ashwin N. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The development of certain immune-mediated diseases (IMD) in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD; Crohn’s disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC)) has been linked to treatment of IBD. Hair loss in some patients may be due to immune-mediated alopecia areata (AA). Risk factors and outcomes of AA in patients with IBD have not been previously explored.
Methods
This was a retrospective, multi-center case-control study. Cases were identified as individuals who developed IBD before AA diagnosis. Controls comprised of those who were never diagnosed with AA and treated contemporaneously. We extracted demographic and IBD treatment history. Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) was used to stratify AA severity. AA outcomes and interventions were compared within controls.
Results
We identified 58 cases and 90 controls. Cases had significantly higher rate of tumor necrosis factor α antagonist (anti-TNF) use compared to controls (40.7% vs. 20.0%, p= 0.006). Both groups had similar IBD disease location, behavior, and related surgery. Majority of cases had endoscopic remission or mild disease activity at AA diagnosis. There was no difference in partial or complete improvement of AA between those who stopped or continued IBD therapy (p=0.57). Those with severe AA were significantly less likely to have complete (0% vs 33.3%, p=0.01) or any improvement (50% vs 84.9%, p=0.02) of AA compared to those with non-severe AA.
Discussion
Individuals with IBD who later develop AA were more likely to have been on anti-TNF at time of AA onset. Severity of AA was a significant predictor of AA resolution. Fortunately many patients had improvement in their AA despite continuation of IBD therapy.