bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability and Validity of the Chinese Version of the Contraceptive Knowledge Assessment Scale in College Students
Authors: Zhang Jiayang , Tian Maoting , Xu Lei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives: To translate and revise the Contraceptive Knowledge Assessment (CKA) scale and apply it to college students. After cross-cultural debugging of the source scale, the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the scale were tested.
Study design: Based on the principle of scale introduction, the contraceptive knowledge assessment scale was translated and back-translated, and cross-cultural adjustment and revision were carried out. A survey was then conducted among 388 college students in Shanghai to test the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the CKA scale.
Results: There were 22 items in the Chinese version. Factor analysis extracted 8 common factors, with a cumulative contribution rate of 58.923%. The Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.793, and the test-retest reliability Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.743.
Conclusion: The Chinese version of the CKA scale has good reliability and validity and is suitable for assessing the level of contraceptive knowledge.
Evaluation of the intramammary distribution of breast lesions detected by MRI but not conventional second- look B-mode ultrasound using an MRI/ultrasound fusion technique
Authors: Saito Masayuki , Banno Hirona , Ito Yukie , Ido Mirai , Goto Manami , Ando Takahito , Mouri Yukako , Kousaka Junko , Fujii Kimihito , Imai Tsuneo , Nakano Shogo , Suzuki Kojiro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the intramammary distribution of MRI-detected mass and focus lesions that were difficult to identify with conventional B-mode ultrasound (US) alone. Consecutive patients with lesions detected with MRI but not second-look conventional B-mode US were enrolled between May 2015 and June 2023. Following an additional supine MRI examination, we performed second-look US using real-time virtual sonography (RVS), an MRI/US image fusion technique. We divided the distribution of MRI-detected mammary gland lesions as follows: center of the mammary gland versus other (superficial fascia, deep fascia, and atrophic mammary gland). We were able to detect 27 (84%) of 32 MRI-detected lesions using second-look US with RVS. Of these 27 lesions, 5 (19%) were in the center of the mammary gland and 22 (81%) were located in other areas. We were able to biopsy all 27 lesions; 8 (30%) were malignant and 19 (70%) were benign. Histopathologically, three malignant lesions were invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC; luminal A), one was IDC (luminal B), and four were ductal carcinoma in situ (low-grade). Malignant lesions were found in all areas, with no statistical differences in frequency between the center of the mammary gland and other areas (p = 0.601). In this study, 81% of the lesions identified using second-look US with RVS were located outside the center of the mammary gland. Thus, we consider it important to carefully examine other areas for breast lesions when performing second-look US when a lesion has been detected with MRI but not with second-look conventional B-mode US.
Impact of systemic steroids on the efficacy of first line imatinib treatment of patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)
Authors: Kim Sejin , Kim Hyung-Don , Kim Eo Jin , Ryu Min-Hee , Kang Yoon-Koo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Effective management of adverse events is required to maintain sufficient imatinib dosing when treating patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Skin rash is a common adverse event of imatinib, which can be effectively controlled by systemic steroid treatment without imatinib dose modification or interruption. However, the impact of the use of systemic steroids on the efficacy of imatinib treatment remains unclear.
Methods: Between October 2014 and February 2022, 277 consecutive patients from a prospective registry of GIST patients were included as the study population. Patients who started systemic steroids due to grade ≥ 3 skin rash or grade 2 skin rash with grade 2 pruritis were classified as the steroid group, whereas patients who did not develop a skin rash or those who did not require steroids for a mild skin rash were classified as the control group. Efficacy outcomes were compared between the two groups.
Results: Among the 277 patients, 30 (10.8%) were treated with systemic steroids for skin rash. There was no significant difference in PFS or OS between the steroid and control groups (3-year PFS, 67.7% vs. 65.1%, p=0.53; 3-year OS, 91% vs. 89.9%, p=0.67, respectively). The use of systemic steroids was not an independent factor associated with PFS (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.46–1.65, p=0.664) and OS (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.19–1.46, p=0.218). In the steroid group, patients who successfully maintained the imatinib dosage showed a trend toward more favorable survival outcomes than those who did not (3-year PFS, 73.3% vs. 44.4%, p=0.34; 3-year OS, 95.8% vs. 75.0%, p=0.15, respectively).
Conclusions: The use of systemic steroids for the control of imatinib induced severe skin rash did not adversely affect the efficacy outcomes of imatinib in patients with advanced GIST.
Improving the Spectral Resolution and Wavelength Scale of Solar Flares Using SDO/EVE MEGS-A Level 0B Image Data
Authors: Gonzalez Gabriela , Chamberlin Phillip , Herde Vicki 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The EUV Variability Experiment (EVE) is one of three instruments onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). This paper focuses on using the ”A” channel on the Multiple EUV Grating Spectrographs (MEGS-A) on EVE, which measures wavelengths of 5-37nm, to improve the wavelength scale accuracy and spectral resolution during solar flares. In this study, an X2.2 class flare that occurred on 15 February 2011, SOL2011-02-15T0156, was used to derive pixel-to-wavelength scales. EVE’s Level 0B data product is used to create updated wavelength scales that are shown, through this analysis, to make more precise spectral measurements compared to EVE Level 2 data. An X2.2 class flare that occurred on 15 February 2011, SOL2011-02-15T0156, was used to derive the pixel-to-wavelength scales. An improvement range of 5.21% to 11.35% was found in the emission line widths. In the future, these measurements can be used for improved Doppler velocity calculations of the accelerated plasma of various temperatures during solar flares.
The metabolic and physiological responses to spaceflight of a lipopeptide- producing Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Qin Wan-Qi , Liu Yi-Fan , Liu Jin-Feng , Zhou Lei , Yang Shi-Zhong , Gu Ji-Dong , Mu Bo-Zhong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The outer space is an extreme environment that has attracted continuous interest in microbial adaptation and safety, due to its high mutagenesis frequency and genetic variability. To date, several studies have assessed the impact of the space environment on the microbiomes and microorganisms. While the survival of Bacillus subtilis after spaceflight is well established, how the phenotype and metabolic function of B. subtilis respond to space stress is rarely reported.
Results
In this study, we performed a space flight of the B. subtilis TD7 strain facilitated by the launch project of the Xinyidai Zairen Feichuan-Shiyan Chuan, and compared the strains after spaceflight with the wild-type in terms of their growth, morphology, biofilm formation and secondary metabolism. The spaceflight strain exhibited slower growth, higher cell density, different morphology and decreased biofilm formation. Importantly, a decrease in the lipopeptide production was observed after spaceflight. Thus, we used a multi-omics approach to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying the changeable secondary metabolism. A total of 14 gene clusters for secondary metabolite biosynthesis were identified in both the wild-type strain and spaceflight strains through whole-genome sequencing, including nonribosomal peptide synthetase. The comparative transcriptome revealed 997 differentially expressed genes which involved in the TCA cycle, fatty acid degradation, amino acid biosynthesis, and quorum sensing systems. The differential expression analysis of 26 lipopeptide-related DEGs further elucidated the relationship between the space environment and the regulation of secondary metabolism.
Conclusion
Our study is the first study to provide new insight into the behaviors, metabolic functions and adaptation mechanisms of B. subtilis in response to spaceflight. This knowledge could contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between the space environment and microbial adaption mechanisms.
Predictors of continuation for asenapine from real-world data in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Takekita Yoshiteru , Hiraoka Shuichi , Iwama Yasuhiro , Matsui Daisuke , Aoki Nobuatsu , Ogata Haruhiko , Funatsuki Toshiya , Shimizu Toshiyuki , Murase Yuji , Shimamoto Yutaro , Koshikawa Yosuke , Kato Masaki 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The continuation rates of pharmacotherapy in schizophrenia exhibit variability, a phenomenon influenced by the specific antipsychotic agent prescribed and patient-related factors such as age and duration of illness. In this context, our study aims to elucidate the predictors of medication continuation for asenapine sublingual tablets, characterized by unique formulation properties.
Methods
Our investigation leveraged real-world data collected through post-marketing surveillance in Japan, comprising 3,236 cases. Utilizing multivariate logistic regression analysis, we identified patient-related factors associated with medication continuation as the primary outcome measure, subsequently employing survival analysis for further evaluation. Additionally, adverse event occurrence was assessed as a secondary outcome measure.
Results
Multivariate logistic regression analysis unveiled significant predictors of asenapine continuation, notably including patient-related factors such as a chlorpromazine equivalent dose exceeding 600 mg/day and an illness duration of 25 years or more. While the overall continuation rate stood at 40.6%, patients exhibiting factors such as a chlorpromazine equivalent dose surpassing 600 mg/day or an illness duration exceeding 25 years demonstrated continuation rates of 46.3% and 47.9%, respectively. Remarkably, patients presenting both factors showcased the highest continuation rate at 52.5%.
Conclusions
Our findings shed light on distinct patient-related predictors of asenapine continuation, deviating from those observed with other antipsychotic medications. This underscores the necessity of recognizing that predictive factors for antipsychotic medication continuation vary across different agents. Moving forward, elucidating these predictive factors for various antipsychotic medications holds paramount importance in schizophrenia treatment, facilitating the delivery of tailored therapeutic interventions for individual patients.
Study on the impact of coordinated development of two-way FDI on energy performance
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhang Wei , Jing Man , Ye Linwei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

With the continuous expansion of the scale of two-way FDI, it not only plays an important role in China's economy, but also profoundly affects the regional environment. Therefore, based on data from 30 provinces and regions in China from 2003 to 2019, this article calculates the coordinated development level of bidirectional FDI, and uses the construction of NDDF non radial directional distance function to measure energy performance, studying the relationship between coordinated development of bidirectional FDI and energy performance. Research has found that continuously improving the coordinated development level of two-way FDI can significantly improve the energy performance index, thereby suppressing environmental pollution and promoting regional sustainable development. Bidirectional FDI has a positive regulatory effect on energy performance through two paths: research and development investment and promoting industrial upgrading. The energy-saving and emission reduction effects of bidirectional FDI have regional heterogeneity, and are more significant in the eastern and central regions than in the western regions, while the effect in the northern regions is more significant than in the southern regions. Therefore, adjusting measures to local conditions to improve the scale and quality of two-way FDI, continuously improving the coordinated development level of two-way FDI, plays an important role in achieving the "dual carbon" goal.
Chronic exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is associated with alterations in skin virome composition and increased virus–host coevolution
Authors: Du Shicong , Tong Xinzhao , Leung Marcus H. Y. , Betts Richard J. , Woo Anthony C. , Bastien Philippe , Misra Namita , Aguilar Luc , Clavaud Cécile , Lee Patrick K. H. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background: Viruses play an essential role in the human skin microbiome under healthy and diseased conditions. We previously reported that exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) led to the differentiation of bacteria samples from the cheeks of 124 Chinese women into two cutotypes with distinct taxonomic and functional compositions. In addition, we found that women with a high level of PAH exposure exhibited skin dryness and hyperpigmentation. However, the characteristics of viruses associated with these cutotypes are not well understood. In this study, we employed bulk metagenomic sequencing to investigate the diversity and functions of skin viromes and the virus–host interactions of the two cutotypes.
Results: The viruses associated with the two cutotypes had distinct diversities, compositions, functions, and lifestyles. Moreover, virus–host interactions were substantially increased by high levels of PAH exposure, especially when the hosts were potential pathogens. Under high- PAH exposure conditions, the viruses were enriched in xenobiotic degradation functions, and there was evidence suggesting that the insertion of bacteriophage-encoded auxiliary metabolic genes into hosts aids biodegradation. Furthermore, under low-PAH exposure conditions, virus– host interactions followed the “Piggyback-the-Winner” model, with Cutibacterium strains being “winners,” whereas under high-PAH exposure conditions, the interactions followed the “Piggyback-the-Persistent” model, with the biodegradation bacteria being “persistent.”
Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that PAHs not only influence skin bacteria but also impact the composition of skin viruses and their interactions with skin bacteria, which may influence skin health. A detailed understanding of the roles played by viruses on skin exposed to air pollutants would aid the development of strategies to harness the potential of viruses to prevent undesirable skin conditions.
APG-1252 combined with Cabozantinib inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma through MEK/ERK and CREB/Bcl-xl pathways
Authors: Di Tian , Luo qiuyun , Song Jiang-tao , Yan Xiang-lei , Zhang Lin , Pan Wen-tao , Guo Yu , Lu Fei-teng , Sun Yu-ting , Xia Zeng-fei , Yang Li-qiong , qiu miao-zhen , yang da-jun , sun jian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background and Purpose
Liver cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer. APG-1252 is a small molecule inhibitor of Bcl-2/Bcl-xl, and the anti-tumor effect of APG-1252 in HCC, or its anti-tumor effects in combination with cabozantinib, has not been researched.
Experimental Approach:
TCGA database analysis was used to analysis the gene expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl in HCC tissues. Western Blot was used to detect the proteins’ expression level. And the inhibitory effects of APG-1252 and Cabozantinib on the proliferation of HCC cell lines was detected by CCK-8. The effect on the migration and invasion of HCC cells was verified by Transwell assay. Huh7 xenograft model in nude mice was used to detect the combined effect in vivo.
Key Results:
We found that APG-1252 monotherapy could inhibit the proliferation and migration of HCC cells and promote apoptosis of HCC cells. APG-1252 combined with Cabozantinib could inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells and promote the apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and exerted synergistic effect in vivo. The combination could significantly downregulate MEK/ERK phosphorylation levels. Besides, the treatment of Cabozantinib could cause the protein level of phosphorylation CREB and BCL-XL increased, while combined with APG-1252 could impair this effect.
Conclusion and Implications:
Our data suggest that APG-1252 in combination with Cabozantinib can provide more effective treatment strategies for HCC patients and deserve further clinical investigation.
Unveiling Molecular Moieties through Hierarchical Graph Explainability
Authors: Sortino Paolo , Contino Salvatore , Perricone Ugo , Pirrone Roberto 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Graph Neural Networks (GNN) have emerged in very recent years as a powerful tool for supporting in silico Virtual Screening. In this work we present a GNN which uses Graph Convolutional (GC) architectures to achieve very accurate multi-target screening. As novelty compared to state-of-the-art we devised a hierarchical Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) technique to catch information directly at atom, ring, and whole molecule level by leveraging the message passing mechanism. In this way, we find the most relevant moieties involved in bioactivity prediction.
Results: We report a state-of-the-art GNN classifier on twenty Cyclin-dependent Kinase targets in support of VS. Our classifier outperforms previous SOTA approaches proposed by the authors. Moreover, a CDK1-only high-sensitivity version of the GNN has been designed to use our explainer in order to avoid the inherent bias of multi-class models. The hierarchical explainer has been validated by comparison with literature, experimental and docking data on 19 approved drugs on CDK1. Our explainer provided information in accordance to the docking analysis for 17 out of the 19 test drugs.
Conclusion: Our approach is a valid support for shortening both the screening and the hit-to-lead phase. Detailed knowledge about the molecular substructures that play a role in the inhibitory action, can help the computational chemist to gain insights into the pharmacophoric function of the molecule also for repurposing tasks.
Tea Grading and Counting Recognition Model Based on YOLOv8n-SSMC
Authors: Xia Yuxin , Wang Zejun , Cao Zhiyong , Chen Yaping , Li Limei , Chen Lijiao , Zhang Shihao , Li Hongxu , Wang Chun , Wang Baijuan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In order to solve the problems of dense distribution, limited feature extraction ability, and false detection in the field of tea grading recognition, a YOLOv8n-SSMC tea grading and counting recognition model was proposed in this study. Firstly, the SPD-Conv module was embedded into the backbone of the network model to enhance the deep feature extraction ability of the target. Secondly, the Super-Token Vision Transformer was integrated to reduce the attention of the model to redundant information, thus improving the perception ability of tea. Subsequently, the positioning loss function was improved to MPDIoU, which accelerated the convergence speed of the model, optimized the performance of the model. Finally, the classification positioning counting function was added to achieve the purpose of classification counting. The experimental results showed that the precision, recall and average precision improved by 17.6%, 19.3%, and 18.7% respectively. The average precision of single bud, one bud and one leaf, and one bud and two leaves were 88.5%, 89.5% and 89.1% respectively. In this study, the YOLOv8n-SSMC recognition model demonstrated strong robustness and proved suitable for tea grading edge picking equipment, laying a solid foundation for the realization of mechanized tea industry.
Dexmedetomidine promotes NREM sleep by depressing the neuronal activity of OXT neurons in the PVN
Authors: Zhang Ying , Li Jiaxin , Wang Wei , Wang Daming , Ding Junli , Wang Liecheng , Cheng Juan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of Dexmedetomidine (DEX) on sleep homeostasis. We will focus on the effect of DEX on the activity and the signal transmission of oxytocin-expressing (Oxytocin, OXT) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus (PVNOXT) in the regulation of sleep-wakefulness cycle. In this study, the guide cannula was implanted to microinject DEX into PVN. PVNOXT neurons were specifically activated by the chemogenetic method. Differences in sleep-wakefulness states were monitored by electroencephalogram (EEG)/ electromyogram (EMG) recording. In addition, the effect of DEX on the electrophysiological activity of PVNOXT neurons was examined by whole-cell patch-clamp technique. EEG/EMG results showed that microinjection of DEX in PVN significantly increased the duration of nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep in mice. Chemogenetic activation of PVNOXT neurons after internal cannula injection of DEX to PVN increased the amount of wake. Electrophysiological results show that DEX could inhibit the frequency of action potential (AP) and the spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current (sEPSC) in PVNOXT neurons through α2-adrenoceptors. DEX maintained sleep homeostasis by inhibiting excitatory synaptic signaling in PVNOXT neurons through α2-adrenoceptors.
Investigating the correlation between PD-L1 expression and radiomics predictions in non-small cell lung cancer using PET/CT imaging analysis
Authors: chang Ruxi , Shen Cong , Luo Liang , Liu xiang , Li Yan , Duan Xiaoyi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
This study aims to build a clinical factor model by incorporating clinical factors and metabolic parameters, as well as lesion imaging features from PET/CT images. Additionally, radiomics models are established based on PET-CT images to assess its capability in predicting PD-L1 expression in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
Methods
After retrospective data collection, based on the clinical factor logistic regression results, a clinical factor model was constructed. The regions of interest (ROIs) for PET in radiomics were delineated using a semi-automatic method, while those for diagnosis CT were manually delineated. After extracting radiomic features, feature selection was performed using variance analysis, correlation analysis, and Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT). PET, diagnosis CT, and combined models were constructed. Predictive power was evaluated through ROC analysis comparing different models.
Result
In all 104 cases(mean age, 63.90years+/-8.99, 62males) were evaluated. The SUVmax in the PD-L1 positive group was higher than that in the negative group (P = 0.04), but both metabolic parameters and imaging features showed no correlation with PD-L1 expression. The radiomics models outperformed the clinical factor model (AUC = 0.712), yet the clinical factor model exhibited higher specificity than all radiomics models (Specificity = 0.765). The predictive performance of the PET model surpassed that of the diagnosis CT model (AUC: 0.838 vs 0.723). The combined model demonstrated enhanced predictive performance (AUC = 0.874).
Conclusion
The radiomics models perform better in predicting PD-L1 expression than the clinical factor model. The radiomics model combining PET and diagnosis CT exhibits the best predictive performance.