bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrospective study of preoperative CA199 combined control nutritional status score to predict the prognosis of distal cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Gang , Li Qing , Ge Xinyu , Wang Tianyi , Wang Ximin , Lu Yiming , Xu Jiahua , Wang Wei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Distal cholangiocarcinoma (dCCA) can be independently predicted by the Control of Nutritional Status (CONUT) score and CA199 levels. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of the CONUT score and CA199 to predict surgical outcomes in patients with dCCA in combination with CA199. An examination of preoperative CONUT scores and serum CA199 levels was conducted retrospectively. The patients were categorized into four groups according to their preoperative CONUT scores and serum CA199 concentrations. The examination of the differences between overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) was also conducted among different groups of patients.The preoperative CONUT-CA199 score is a prognostic factor that can independently forecast the results for surgical distal bile duct carcinoma patients. In the Cox multivariate regression analysis, lymph node metastasis positivity, decreased serum albumin (ALB), elevated CA199, elevated CONUT, and elevated significant unfavorable prognostic markers for distal bile duct carcinoma were discovered to be CA199-CONUT scores. Meanwhile, in the ROC curve analysis, compared to preoperative CA199 and preoperative CONUT scores separately, the combined preoperative CONUT-CA199 score exhibited a higher Area Under the Curve (AUC) value.Compared to any single factor, it provided more accurate prognostic information for postoperative distal bile duct cancer patients.Moreover, patients' OS and RFS are negatively correlated with their preoperative CONUT-CA199 score.Patients with postoperative distal bile duct carcinoma can be independently predicted by their preoperative CONUT-CA199 score, and patients with distal bile duct carcinoma may have a better postoperative outcome when their CONUT-CA199 scores are classified.
A Resistance-Evading Antibiotic for Treating Anthrax
Authors: Hughes Dallas , Lawrence William , Peel Jennifer , Rosan de Winter , Ling Losee , Niiti Nitti , Aaron Peoples , Shukla Rhythm , MacGillavry Harold , Heine Henry , Martha Hensel , Elbert Whorton , Weingarth Markus , Lewis Kim 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The antimicrobial resistance crisis (AMR) is associated with millions of deaths and undermines the franchise of medicine. Of particular concern is the threat of bioweapons, exemplified by anthrax. Introduction of novel antibiotics helps mitigate AMR, but does not address the threat of bioweapons with engineered resistance. We reasoned that teixobactin, an antibiotic with no detectable resistance, is uniquely suited to address the challenge of weaponized anthrax. Teixobactinbinds to immutable targets, precursors of cell wall polymers. Here we show that teixobactinis highly efficacious in a rabbit model of inhalation anthrax. Inhaling spores of Bacillus anthracis causes overwhelming morbidity and mortality. Treating rabbits with teixobactinafter the onset of disease rapidly eliminates the pathogen from blood and tissues, normalizes body temperature, and prevents tissue damage. Teixobactinassembles into an irreversible supramolecular structure of the surface of B. anthracis membrane, likely contributing to its unusually high potency against anthrax. Antibiotics evading resistance provide a rational solution to both AMR and engineered bioweapons.
Predictors of absenteeism: A longitudinal cohort study of Japanese elementary and junior high schools
Authors: Soma Yuki , Ogasawara Yu , Kobayashi Hiromi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Continuous schooling and healthy learning during childhood is essential. Therefore, we investigated the risk factors for absenteeism to support at-risk students. This study examined the longitudinal relationship between absenteeism and frequency of school health room usage, academic performance, body mass index, physical fitness, and lifestyle in the first grade of elementary school using accumulated data from elementary and junior high school students.
Methods
We analyzed 453 students enrolled in the target elementary and junior high schools in January 2022. The analysis used data obtained from the students’ schoolwork. We performed a Cox regression analysis to assess the characteristics associated with absenteeism for 10 days or more, excluding absences due to relatives’ funerals and suspension of attendance. The independent variables were the frequency of use of the health room, grade points of subjects, grade point average of all subjects, body mass index, physical fitness, frequency of physical activity, and days of good sleep.
Results
A total of 50 students (27 girls, 11.7%; 23 boys, 10.4%) had 10 days or more of absenteeism. The median (1st–3rd quartile) follow-up period for girls and boys was three (2–5) years. After adjusting for potential confounders, the grade point average and frequency of use of school health rooms due to illness were common in both girls (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.252) and boys (HR = 1.261) in the adjusted model. Additionally, three or more days of physical activity per week (HR = 0.047) and six or more days of good sleep were additional predictors for girls.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that careful monitoring of children with frequent school health room usage, low grade point average, minimal physical activity, and poor sleep quality in the first grade of elementary school and providing them support in dealing with school difficulties may reduce absenteeism.
FGF21 improves ventricular remodeling in TAC induced heart failure rats
Authors: Fan Liuzhang , Yan MD；Jingjin , Ma genshan , Ju Yunfeng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Studies have found that elevated serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels in patients with heart failure (HF) predicted poor prognosis. While preclinical studies have found that FGF21 plays a favorable role in the pathophysiological process of heart failure. Clinically, this increase in serum FGF21 seems to contradict the results of preclinical studies, therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze whether FGF21 can improve ventricular remodeling in the HF rats, thereby improving cardiac function.
Methods: The HF model of transverse aortic coarctation (TAC) was conducted and divided into 4 groups: sham group (Sham), TAC model group (TAC), TAC+FGF21 neutralizing antibody (FGF21nAb) group (TAC+FGF21nAb), and TAC+FGF21nAb+recombinant mouse FGF21 (rmFGF21) group (TAC+FGF21nAb+rmFGF21). Echocardiography, hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE), Masson staining, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot (WB) were used to evaluate the changes of cardiac structure and function in each group. The adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in myocardial tissue was determined by colorimetry. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in myocardial tissue was determined by chemiluminescence method.
Results: Serum FGF21 level in the TAC+FGF21nAb group was significantly lower than that in the TAC group (29.42±8.54pg/ml vs1886.65±169.51 pg/ml, P<0.001). Compared with the Sham group, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS)were significantly decreased (P<0.001), with a significant increase in serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels (P<0.05) in the TAC group and TAC+FGF21nAb group. However, after 3 weeks of rmFGF21 treatment, LVEF and LVFS were significantly increased (P<0.001), and serum BNP was significantly decreased (P<0.001). Compared to the Sham group, the heart mass significantly increased (P<0.01), myocardial cell hypertrophy, inflammatory cell infiltration，a large amount of fiber deposits in myocardium and around blood vessels, ROS level significantly increased (P<0.001), and the ATP content was significantly decreased (P<0.001) were observed in the TAC group and TAC+FGF21nAb group. While rmFGF21 could improve the above phenomenon.
Conclusion: FGF21 can improve ventricular remodeling and cardiac function in HF rats by anti-inflammation, anti-fibrosis, reducing oxidative stress and regulating energy metabolism.
New record of Velvety Black Tyrant Knipolegus Nigerrimus (Vieillot, 1818) (Passeriformes, Tyrannidae) at low altitude, in a Caatinga area, Paraíba, Brazil
Authors: Silva Ricardo Henrique Pereira , Souza José Alan Sales , de Lucena Bruno Pinho , Mariano Erich de Freitas 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Knipolegus nigerrimus is a widely distributed species in the Caatinga and has been recorded at altitudes between 560 and 1000 m. Here, we describe the occurrence of K. nigerrimus at an altitude lower than that recorded in the literature. A male individual was recorded during an avifauna study conducted in 2022 in the municipality of Passagem, Paraíba, Brazil. The individual was observed making short flights near a rocky wall and landing on rocks in the vicinity. At that time, the individual was photographed and photographs were used to identify the species. One possible explanation for what happened is that it moved to a low-altitude environment in search of a watercourse present at the site. However, the observed behaviour is described in the literature as parental care behaviour, which may indicate the presence of a nest at the site. This record is important because it shows a possible behavioural adaptation.
The gills and skin microbiota of five pelagic fish species from the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Varela Jose Luis , Nikouli Eleni , Medina Antonio , Papaspyrou Sokratis , Kormas Konstantinos 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The gills and skin microbiota and microbiome of wild fish remain far more under-investigated compared to that of farmed fish species, despite that these animal-microbe interactions hold the same ecophysiological roles in both cases. In this study, the gills and skin bacterial microbiota profiles and their presumptive bacterial metabolisms were investigated in five open-sea fishes: bullet tuna (Auxis sp.), common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus), Atlantic little tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus), Atlantic bonito (Sarda sarda) and Atlantic white marlin (Tetrapturus albidus). Gills and skin tissues were collected from two to three individuals per species, from specimens caught by recreational trolling during summer of 2019 and their bacterial 16S rRNA gene diversity was analysed by high-throughput sequencing. The gills bacterial communities among the five species were clearly different but not the skin bacterial microbiota. The dominant operational taxonomic units beloged to the Moraxellaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Rhodobacteraceae, Staphylococcaceae and Vibrionaceae families. Despite the differences in taxonomic composition, the presumptive metabolisms between the gills and skin of the five fishes investigated here was ≥ 94% and were dominated by basic metabolism, most likely reflecting the continuous exposure of these tissues in the surrounding seawater.
Nonlinear dynamic analysis of high-strength concrete Bridge under post-fire earthquakes considering hydrodynamic effects
Authors: Yun Gaojie , Liu Chunguang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

A host of investigations on the fire resistance of concrete structures after-earthquakes and the fire resistance of concrete structures. This study utilized the linear interpolation method to deduce the curve relationship of elastic modulus and stress with temperature of high-strength concrete C60, and then the nonlinear dynamic analysis of high-strength concrete bridge structures under post-fire earthquake action is evaluated. The nonlinear dynamic response laws of high-strength concrete total bridge structures under different water depths are evaluated. The seismic capacity of high-strength concrete bridge structures under the influence of hydrodynamic effects and temperature effects is comparatively evaluated, and the results show that the hydrodynamic effect provides the external force, the temperature effect changes the concrete material properties, and the combined effect of the temperature effect and the hydrodynamic effect is significant than the effect independent of the temperature effect and the hydrodynamic effect. It is complicated and significantly increases the displacement and stress response of the bridge. The combined effects of the hydrodynamic effect and the temperature effect cannot merely be characterised as a linear superposition of the two single actions. The temperature effect on the structure is more significant than the hydrodynamic effect.
Identification of a urinary CD276 fragment for detecting resectable pancreatic cancer using a C-terminal proteomics strategy
Authors: Mitsunaga Shuichi , Okumura Nobuaki , Takei Toshiki , Takao Toshifumi , Tsubouchi Hironobu , Nakata Kohei , Nakamura Masafumi , Kitahata Yuji , Motobayashi Hideki , Ikeda Masafumi , Nakazato Masamitsu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to confirm urinary protein fragments in relation to the presence of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) via a C-terminal proteomics strategy using exploratory and validation cohorts. Urinary fragments were examined by iTRAQ-labelling of tryptic peptides and concentrations of C-terminal fragments were evaluated. Only the urinary CD276 fragment showed a fold change (FC) of > 1.5 with a significant difference of P < 0.01 between healthy (H) and PDAC participants in both the exploratory (H, n = 42; PDAC, n = 39) and validation cohorts (H, n = 36; resectable PDAC, n = 28). The sensitivity and specificity of the CD276 fragment for diagnosing resectable PDAC were 75% and 89%, respectively, in the validation cohort. Postoperative urinary levels of the CD276 fragment were low as compared to those before surgery (n = 18, P < 0.01). Comprehensive C-terminus proteomics identified an increase in the urinary CD276 fragment level as a feature of patients with PDAC. The urinary CD276 fragment is a potential biomarker for detecting resectable PDAC.
Molecular characterization and phylogeny based on ITS2 and 28S regions of rDNA of Microphallus sp. (Digenea: Microphallidae) parasitic in freshwater crabs of Manipur, India
Authors: Athokpam Voleentina Devi , Goswami Lalit Mohan , Tandon Veena 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Freshwater crabs (Potamiscus manipuriensis), commonly consumed as local delicacies by the native people in the state of Manipur, were found to harbour metacercariae of Microphallus sp. (Family Microphyllidae), which were morphologically different from metacercariae of Microphallus indicus reported earlier from a different host (Barytelphusa lugubris mansoniana) in Meghalaya, another state in Northeast India. So, PCR-based molecular characterization of this metacercaria was done utilizing rDNA marker regions: larger subunit (LSU) or 28S and inter-transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2). Sequence and phylogenetic analyses confirmed that the taxon under study belonged to family Microphyllidae. The ITS2 secondary structure data analyses also confirmed the primary sequence analysis. The analysis also revealed sequence differences in one hundred and nineteen bases (with 38 transitions, 35 transversions and 46 indels) with regard to 28S, though ITS2 showed sequence differences in 25 bases (10 transitions, 7 transversions and 8 indels) between the present microphallid and M. indicus.
Causal role of immune cells in digestive system cancers: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhao Junfeng , Li Ying , Li Ruyue , Yao Xiujing , Dong Xue , Li Yintao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Immune cell characteristics and digestive system cancers (DSCs) are correlated; however, the causal relationship between immune cell phenotypes and DSCs remains unclear. In this study, a comprehensive two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed based on publicly available genetic data to investigate the causal relationship between 731 immunophenotypes and the risk of esophageal cancer (EC), gastric cancer (GC), hepatocellular cancer (HCC), gallbladder cancer, small intestine cancer, colorectal cancer (CRC), and pancreatic cancer (PCA) development.
Methods: Inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger regression, and weighted median methods were used for the MR analysis.
Results: IVW results confirmed that among the 731 immunophenotypes, three, six, two, two, four, and five immunophenotypes had significant causal effects on the development of GC, HCC, gallbladder cancer, small intestine cancer, CRC, and PCA, respectively. However, immunophenotypes with a significant causal relationship with EC were not found. Moreover, the instrumental variables did not exhibit significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy.
Conclusions: This MR study demonstrated a close association between immune phenotype and DSCs through genetic means and could guide future clinical studies.
Prediction of forming accuracy in incremental sheet forming using artificial neural networks on local surface representations
Authors: Möllensiep Dennis , Detering Lukas , Kulessa Philipp , Steinhof Matthias , Kuhlenkötter Bernd 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

While incremental sheet metal forming offers the potential for producing sheet metal parts in small lot sizes, the relatively low forming accuracy prevents a widespread industrial use. For improving the forming accuracy, research institutes are using machine learning techniques to predict the geometric accuracy and modify the toolpath based on the prediction. A critical challenge is it to ensure the generalisability of the prediction model as only a small amount of process data is available to train the model due to the lack of industrial collaborations. This publication presents a highly transferable feature engineering approach where surface representations of the part's geometry around each toolpath point are transferred into a standardized coordinate system. Several artificial neural networks were trained and used for predicting the forming accuracy and modifying the toolpath. During the validation experiments, the forming errors of parts which were independent of the training process were reduced by up to 68.5 %. The framework for computing the surface representations alongside with several pre-trained artificial neural networks is publicity available for download.
First Case of Infant Botulism in Sicily - Case Report
Authors: Fazzino Antonino , Cavallaro Carmelinda , Cavataio Francesca , Linares Giulia , Cascio Antonina Lo , Porto Carla Lo , Santangelo Giuseppe , Venuti Laura , Corsello Giovanni , Colomba Claudia 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Botulism is a rare and life-threatening disease caused by the potent botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), which can be produced by Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum) and related bacteria. Clinical manifestations, which include a symmetrical, descending muscular paralysis, generalized hypotonia, and potentially respiratory failure, are non-specific and diagnosis is challenging, especially when anamnesis does not reveal any typical risk factor, like honey consumption.
Case Presentation:
We present the first documented case of infant botulism (IB) in Sicily and provide and discuss the challenges posed by this complex condition. The infant, exclusively breastfed and without known exposure to honey, presented with poor suction, hypotonia, and hyporeactivity. A thorough investigation revealed a history of constipation and exposure to dust from home renovation works, leading to the suspicion of botulism. The botulinum antitoxin was administered and the diagnosis was confirmed through fecal examination, detecting toxin-producing C. botulinum.
Conclusion
IB should be considered in every infant with rapidly progressing hypotonia and a history of constipation. The transmission could occur through the inhalation of dust particles containing the toxin, highlighting the importance of exploring diverse sources of exposure. Timely diagnosis and treatment played a crucial role in the successful outcome, demonstrating the significance of early intervention in managing IB.
Diagnostic performance of low b-value versus high b-value diffusion kurtosis imaging in the detection of renal cell carcinoma: a comparative study
Authors: Zhu Qingqiang , Sun Jun , Ye Jing , Zhu Wenrong , Chen Wenxin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Although diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) values of renal tumors have been well analyzed by previous studies, no study has yet examined the b-values of DKI with respect to renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The aim of the current study was to produce a quantitative comparison of the potential of low b-value (0, 500, 1000 s/mm2 ) versus high b-value (0, 1000, 2000 s/mm2 ) obtained from DKI in the differentiation of RCC.
Methods
A total of 146 patients with pathologically confirmed RCC, including 103 patients with clear cell RCC (ccRCC) and 43 patients with non-ccRCC were examined.The DKI derived parametric results, i.e., Mean Diffusivity (MD), Fractional anisotropy(FA), Mean kurtosis (MK), Kurtosis anisotropy (KA) and Radial kurtosis (RK), as well as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and scanning time were compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used for obtaining the optimum diagnostic thresholds, the area under the ROC curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of these parameters.
Results
The mean SNRs of DKI at low b values were higher than that of high b values (14.2 ± 2.1 vs. 9.1 ± 1, p < 0.05). The scanning time of low b-values DKI was shorter than that of high b-values DKI (8.6 ± 1.6 mins vs. 17.6 ± 2.3 mins, p < 0.05). The MD values of ccRCCs were higher than those of non-ccRCCs (p < 0.05), however, MK, KA and RK values of ccRCCs were lower than those of non-ccRCCs (p < 0.05). ROC curve analyses showed that MD values at high b values had the highest diagnostic efficacy in differentiating ccRCC from non-ccRCC. For pairwise comparisons of ROC curves and diagnostic efficacy, DKI at low b-values was worse than high b-values analysis (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
High b-values DKI analysis showed a superior diagnostic efficacy to low b-values DKI analysis in differentiating ccRCC from non-ccRC.
Preliminary Sizing of an eVTOL Lift-Cruise Aircraft
Authors: Heidary Mastooreh , Kosari Amirreza 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This paper describes a methodology for the preliminary design of a lift-cruise aircraft with an electric propulsion system. This methodology has used the actual data of electric vertical take-off and landing to estimate the take-off weight. The central element in this methodology is a matching diagram, which obtains performance equations for fixed-wing and rotary-wing modes. Based on the matching diagram, two design areas are obtained. The first design area is for the fixed-wing mode, which can be selected as the optimal design point for achieving power loading and wing loading. The second design area is for the rotary-wing mode, which can be selected as the optimal design point for achieving power loading and disk loading. The initial design is done based on the design points and the obtained take-off weight. The end-step take-off weight is estimated based on the weight components, and the design process is repeated, which is a small error between the initial and final take-off weight. Finally, the aircraft’s optimal size and power are obtained. In the final section, this methodology has been used for the preliminary design of a lift-cruise aircraft with four passengers.