bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating urban canyons, façade albedo, and pedestrian thermal comfort using microclimate model calculations
Authors: Feteha Salma , ElDeeb Sally 
Published: April 2024

Previous studies have shown a strong relationship between heat-related fatalities and ambient air temperature. This problem is expected to increase due to constant urbanization and the threat of global warming. Therefore, designing urban street canyons (USC) to be thermally comfortable is essential for a healthy urban life. This paper investigates the correlation between an urban street canyon’s aspect ratio and the albedo material of its surrounding buildings. The aim is to study which combination can successfully mitigate urban heat stress and create a thermally comfortable pedestrian microclimate. This research uses a comparative analysis that suggests the optimum albedo for different USC geometries. An ENVI-met model was used to simulate 9 scenarios for an idealized 2D USC with varying aspect ratios and albedo values. Air temperature, mean radiant temperature and Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) were analyzed. Results show that a medium albedo value performs best thermally in all USCs. High albedo had 13.2% more combined thermal stress compared to medium albedo. However, high albedo performed much better in deep canyons than wider ones, with the average UTCI decreasing by about 4.8%-5.7% when used in deep canyons. Medium albedo should be exclusively used in wide canyons for minimal thermal stress. Practical application: This study provides a reference to the use of materials in urban street canyons of different aspect ratios to achieve good outdoor thermal comfort for pedestrians.
Predictors of cancer-specific survival and overall survival among patients aged ≥60 years with lung adenocarcinoma using the SEER database
Authors: Li Feiyang , Li Fang , Zhao Dong , Lu Haowei 
Published: April 2024

Objective We developed a simple, rapid predictive model to evaluate the prognosis of older patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Methods Demographic characteristics and clinical information of patients with lung adenocarcinoma aged ≥60 years were retrospectively analyzed using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data. We built nomograms of overall survival and cancer-specific survival using Cox single-factor and multi-factor regression. We used the C-index, calibration curve, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) to evaluate performance of the nomograms. Results We included 14,117 patients, divided into a training set and validation set. We used the chi-square test to compare baseline data between groups and found no significant differences. We used Cox regression analysis to screen out independent prognostic factors affecting survival time and used these factors to construct the nomogram. The ROC curve, calibration curve, C-index, and DCA curve were used to verify the model. The final results showed that our predictive model had good predictive ability, and showed better predictive ability compared with tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging. We also achieved good results using data of our center for external verification. Conclusion The present nomogram could accurately predict prognosis in older patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
The base-rate and longer-term relevance of year-to-year change in personality traits
Authors: Roemer Lena , Lechner Clemens M. , Rammstedt Beatrice , Roberts Brent W. 
Published: April 2024

Personality traits are assumed to change slowly and incrementally. Recent intervention studies apparently challenge this assumption, showing that personality traits can also change quickly and substantially. However, how frequently do such quick changes manifest in the general population? This study sought to determine (1) a base rate of year-to-year changes in the general population and (2) the extent to which these shifts are related to longer-term change patterns. We examined year-to-year change in Big Five traits with nationally representative data from 7005 German participants, annually tracked for up to six years. Year-to-year patterns exhibited stability and change (e.g., ≥ 1 SD year-to-year change in ≈ 20%). Across participants, year-to-year trait score increases and decreases occurred in equal proportions, suggesting that in a given sample, year-to-year changes in different directions average out. Within participants, however, in all domains but agreeableness, year-to-year changes reliably propagated to longer-term trajectories. While much of the year-to-year change faded away in subsequent years, lasting shifts in individuals’ trait levels remained, particularly upon pronounced year-to-year decreases. Overall, (pronounced) year-to-year changes were relatively common, largely reversible, and yet predictive of individuals’ longer-term trajectories. We discuss how the results bridge set-point assumptions with assumptions of incremental trait change.
Mechanistic Roles of Different Varieties of Honey on Wound Healing: Recent Update
Authors: Naskar Ankan , Chatterjee Kaberi , Roy Kankan , Majie Ankit , Nair Anroop B. , Shinu Pottathil , Morsy Mohamed A. , Jain Neha , Pandey Manisha , Gorain Bapi 
Published: April 2024

Background Honey has been used for centuries for its medicinal benefits, where topical treatments in the folklore literature reported its beneficial role in treating different types of wounds. Despite its immense use in wound care, honey’s exact mechanism remains unclear. Purpose The present study aimed to explore and abridge the gap between honey and its molecular wound healing mechanism. Methodology An extensive literature study has been performed where these activities can be explained due to phenolic compounds, nitric oxide, non-peroxide factors, low pH, high osmolarity, and hydrogen peroxide in honey. Besides that, honey also contains carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, lipids, minerals, and vitamins, contributing to the wound healing potential to some extent. However, these metabolites and constituents differ among different honey varieties due to the distinct nutritional requirements of different species of bees and their collection of nectar from varied sources containing different natural actives. Results The revival of honey-based wound care research has identified a few probable mechanistic pathways of honey primarily due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory potentials. It also promotes angiogenesis, facilitates reepithelialization, stimulates proliferation of extracellular matrix, reduces neutrophil formation, modulates production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and prevents secondary infection at the wound site. Conclusion The varieties of honey vary in their qualities, phenolic compounds, and safety for human use. A few of these are currently clinically employed for wound dressings. Moreover, honey can be effective for managing complicated and chronic wounds; more extensive molecular research and safety profiling would be necessary.
The Association of Oncology Provider Density With Black-White Disparities in Cancer Mortality in US Counties
Authors: Zhang Yuehan , Leifheit Kathryn M. , Lee Kimberley T. , Thorpe Roland J. , Gaskin Darrell J. , Dean Lorraine T. 
Published: April 2024

Background Black-White racial disparities in cancer mortality are well-documented in the US. Given the estimated shortage of oncologists over the next decade, understanding how access to oncology care might influence cancer disparities is of considerable importance. We aim to examine the association between oncology provider density in a county and Black-White cancer mortality disparities. Methods An ecological study of 1048 US counties was performed. Oncology provider density was estimated using the 2013 National Plan and Provider Enumeration System data. Black:White cancer mortality ratio was calculated using 2014-2018 age-standardized cancer mortality rates from State Cancer Profiles. Linear regression with covariate adjustment was constructed to assess the association of provider density with (1) Black:White cancer mortality ratio, and (2) cancer mortality rates overall, and separately among Black and White persons. Results The mean Black:White cancer mortality ratio was 1.12, indicating that cancer mortality rate among Black persons was on average 12% higher than that among White persons. Oncology provider density was significantly associated with greater cancer mortality disparities: every 5 additional oncology providers per 100 000 in a county was associated with a .02 increase in the Black:White cancer mortality ratio (95% CI: .007 to .03); however, the unexpected finding may be explained by further analysis showing that the relationship between oncology provider density and cancer mortality was different by race group. Every 5 additional oncologists per 100 000 was associated with a 1.6 decrease per 100 000 in cancer mortality rates among White persons (95% CI: −3.0 to −.2), whereas oncology provider density was not associated with cancer mortality among Black persons. Conclusion Greater oncology provider density was associated with significantly lower cancer mortality among White persons, but not among Black persons. Higher oncology provider density alone may not resolve cancer mortality disparities, thus attention to ensuring equitable care is critical.
Reconstruction Strategy for Upper Extremity Defects After Bone Tumor Resection Based on 3D Customized Bone Cement Mold
Authors: Ke Song , Zhang Bokai , He Yongqin , Zhou Yuanyuan , Hu Xu , Fan Yubo , Wang Min , Zhang Yuan , Wang Chao 
Published: April 2024

Background Reconstructing bone defects in the upper extremities and restoring their functions poses a significant challenge. In this study, we describe a novel workflow for designing and manufacturing customized bone cement molds using 3D printing technology to reconstruct upper extremity defects after bone tumor resection. Methods Computer tomography data was acquired from the unaffected upper extremities to create a detachable mold, which can be customized to fit the joint precisely by shaping the bone cement accordingly. Fourteen patients who underwent reconstructive surgery following bone tumor resection in the proximal humerus (13 cases) or distal radius (1 case) between January 2014 and December 2022 were retrospectively evaluated. The medical records of this case series were reviewed for the demographic, radiological, and operative data. Metastasis, local recurrence, and complication were also reviewed. Additionally, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to assess clinical outcomes. Results The mean follow-up period was 49.36 ± 15.18 months (range, 27-82 months). At the end of follow-up, there were no cases of metastasis or recurrence, and patients did not experience complications such as infection, dislocation, or implant loosening. Two cases complicated with subluxation (14.3%), and 1 case underwent revision surgery for prosthetic fracture (7.1%). The average MSTS score was 23.2 ± 1.76 (77.4%, range, 66.7%-86.7%), and the postoperative VAS score was 1.86 ± 1.03 (range, 1-4), which was significantly lower than that before surgery (average preoperative VAS score was 5.21 ± 2.00 (range, 2-8)) ( P < .001). Conclusion Customized 3D molds can be utilized to shape bone cement prostheses, which may serve as a potential alternative for reconstructing the proximal humerus and distal radius following en bloc resection of bone tumors. This reconstruction strategy offers apparent advantages, including precise matching of articular surfaces and comparatively reduced costs.
Correlation between qualitative and semi-quantitative ultrasound assessment of diffuse fatty liver disease: A case-control study
Authors: Gbande Pihou , Tchaou Mazamaesso , Djoko Makamto Huguette Diane , Dagbe Massaga , Sonhaye Lantam , Agoda-Koussema Lama Kegdigoma , Adjenou Komlanvi 
Published: April 2024

Objective: To study the relationship between qualitative and semi-quantitative assessment of diffuse liver steatosis in ultrasound. Patients and Methods: This was a case-control study, conducted in the Campus University Hospital Centre of Lome (Togo) over a 3-month period. It included 40 patients showing ultrasonographic signs of diffuse hepatic steatosis and 40 volunteers (healthy) whose echostructure and echogenicity of the hepatic parenchyma were normal. The B-mode sonographic grade of steatosis was compared with the hepatorenal echogenicity gradient and the ultrasound attenuation coefficient. Results: The average body mass index in patients was 30.87 ± 4.65 kg/m2 versus 24.25 ± 4.30 kg/m2 in the healthy group (p < 0.00001). Hepatomegaly was observed in 57.5% of the patients versus 17.5% in the healthy group (p = 0.0005). The average hepatorenal echogenicity ratio was 1.18 ± 0.07 in patients versus 1.01 ± 0.03 in the healthy group (p < 0.00001). The average difference in hepatorenal echogenicity was 9.30 ± 3.41 dB in patients versus 1.52 ± 1.07 dB in the healthy group (p < 0.00001). The attenuation of ultrasound waves increased with the grade of steatosis, averaging 0.08 ± 0.23 dB/cm/MHz (ranging from −0.33 to 0.61 dB/cm/MHz) in patients versus −0.24 ± 0.21 (ranging from −0.69 to 0.19 dB/cm/MHz) in the healthy group (p < 0.00001). Conclusion: Despite the advancements in new ultrasound technologies today, qualitative methods continue to be effective for the detection of hepatic steatosis and could prove useful in monitoring the effectiveness of hepatic steatosis treatment.
Monoaxial Screws Versus Polyaxial Screws Osteosynthesis for Unstable Atlas Fractures: A Retrospective, Comparative Study With a Minimum Follow-Up of 3 years
Authors: Niu He-Gang , Zhao Cheng-Kun , Yang Kun , Tao Hui , Liu Chang , Zhang Jing-Jing , Shen Cai-Liang , Zhang Yin-Shun 
Published: April 2024

Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Objective The study aimed to compare the radiological parameters, clinical outcomes, and long-term effects of the posterior osteosynthesis with polyaxial screw-rod system and the monoaxial screw-rod system in the treatment of unstable atlas fractures. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 33 patients with posterior ORIF for unstable atlas fractures in our hospital from August 2013 to June 2020, with a minimum of 3 years of follow-up. Polyaxial screws (group A) were used in 12 patients and monoaxial screws (group B) in 21 patients. Perioperative data, radiological parameters, and clinical outcomes were collected and compared between the 2 surgical approaches. Results The operative time, blood loss, time of screw-rod system placement, and hospital stay were significantly lower in group A than in group B. At the last follow-up, the visual analog scale (VAS) score and anterior arch reduction rate of the atlas in group A were lower than those in group B, while the lateral mass displacement (LMD) in group A was higher than that in group B. There was no significant difference between Group A and Group B in terms of the anterior atlantodental interval (AADI), posterior arch reduction rate of the atlas, range of motion (ROM), and neck disability index (NDI). Conclusions Monoaxial screws can achieve better reduction results for unstable atlas fractures, especially for the anterior arch of atlas. However, the surgical operation of monoaxial screws is more complicated than that of polyaxial screws and has more complications. Appropriate implants should be selected for the treatment of unstable atlas fractures based on the type of atlas fracture, the experience of surgeons, and the demands of patients.
Pangenome-Wide Association Study and Transcriptome Analysis Reveal a Novel QTL and Candidate Genes Controlling both Panicle and Leaf Blast Resistance in Rice
Authors: Wang Jian , Hu Haifei , Jiang Xianya , Zhang Shaohong , Yang Wu , Dong Jingfang , Yang Tifeng , Ma Yamei , Zhou Lian , Chen Jiansong , Nie Shuai , Liu Chuanguang , Ning Yuese , Zhu Xiaoyuan , Liu Bin , Yang Jianyuan , Zhao Junliang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCultivating rice varieties with robust blast resistance is the most effective and economical way to manage the rice blast disease. However, rice blast disease comprises leaf and panicle blast, which are different in terms of resistance mechanisms. While many blast resistant rice cultivars were bred using genes conferring resistance to only leaf or panicle blast, mining durable and effective quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for both panicle and leaf blast resistance is of paramount importance. In this study, we conducted a pangenome-wide association study (panGWAS) on 9 blast resistance related phenotypes using 414 international diverse rice accessions from an international rice panel. This approach led to the identification of 74 QTLs associated with rice blast resistance. One notable locus, qPBR1, validated in a F4:5 population and fine-mapped in a Heterogeneous Inbred Family (HIF), exhibited broad-spectrum, major and durable blast resistance throughout the growth period. Furthermore, we performed transcriptomic analysis of 3 resistant and 3 sensitive accessions at different time points after infection, revealing 3,311 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) potentially involved in blast resistance. Integration of the above results identified 6 candidate genes within the qPBR1 locus, with no significant negative effect on yield. The results of this study provide valuable germplasm resources, QTLs, blast response genes and candidate functional genes for developing rice varieties with enduring and broad-spectrum blast resistance. The qPBR1, in particular, holds significant potential for breeding new rice varieties with comprehensive and durable resistance throughout their growth period.
Assessing inflation and greenhouse gas emissions interplay via neural network analysis: a comparative study of energy use in the USA, EU, and China
Authors: AlShafeey Mutaz , Saleh Saleh Mohamad Ali 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study examines the relationship between inflation and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in three major economies: the United States of America (USA), the European Union (EU), and China. The analysis spans from 1960 to 2021 for the USA and EU, and from 1971 to 2021 for China. A feedforward neural network model, optimized using the Levenberg–Marquardt backpropagation algorithm, was employed to predict GHG emissions based on annual inflation rates and fossil fuel energy consumption. The study integrates historical data on inflation trends with GHG emissions, measured in CO2 equivalents, and fossil fuel energy consumption, expressed as a percentage of total energy use. This multidimensional approach allows for a nuanced understanding of the economic-environmental interplay in these regions. Key findings indicate a nonlinear response of GHG emissions to inflation rates. In the USA, GHG emissions begin to decrease when inflation rates exceed 4.7%. Similarly, in the EU, a steep reduction in emissions is observed beyond a 7.5% inflation rate. China presents a more complex pattern, with two critical inflection points: the first at a 4.5% inflation rate, where GHG emissions start to decline sharply, and the second at a 7% inflation rate, beyond which further increases in inflation do not significantly reduce emissions. A critical global insight is the identification of a uniform inflation rate, around 4.4%, across all regions, at which GHG emissions consistently increase by 1%, hinting at a shared global economic behavior impacting the environment. This discovery is vital for policymakers, emphasizing the need for tailored regional strategies that consider unique economic structures, energy policies, and environmental regulations, alongside a coordinated global approach.
Nanoparticle delivery of si-Notch1 modulates metabolic reprogramming to affect 5-FU resistance and cell pyroptosis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Dan-dan , Jin Jia-cheng , Liu Xuan-wen , Liu Shu-yang , Ji Fu-jian , Liu Tong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Nanocarrier delivery of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to silence cancer-associated genes is a promising method for cancer treatment. Here, we explored the role and mechanisms of PLAG NPs-delivered si-Notch1 in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Results
High Notch1 expression was observed in both sensitive and resistant CRC tissues and cells. Notch1 silencing repressed proliferation and facilitates apoptosis of resistant CRC cells, and suppressed glycolysis and promoted pyroptosis in resistant CRC cells. Notch1 directly interacts with PCAF. Notch1 knockdown’s suppressive effect on glycolysis was reversed by overexpression of PCAF. Moreover, a nanocarrier called PLAG NPs was built with a higher delivery efficiency compared with lipo2000. Si-Notch1 delivered by PLAG NPs efficiently overcame the CRC cells’ 5-FU resistance and facilitated pyroptosis in a CRC mouse model.

Conclusions
PLAG NPs carrying si-Notch1 had a great advantage in the extension of half-life circulation and targeting ability, providing a theoretical foundation for precise clinical treatment of CRC.
Different profiles of soil phosphorous compounds depending on tree species and availability of soil phosphorus in a tropical rainforest in French Guiana
Authors: Gargallo-Garriga Albert , Sardans Jordi , Llusià Joan , Peguero Guille , Ayala-Roque Marta , Courtois Elodie A. , Stahl Clément , Urban Otmar , Klem Karel , Nolis Pau , Pérez-Trujillo Miriam , Parella Teodor , Richter Andreas , Janssens Ivan A. , Peñuelas Josep 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
The availability of soil phosphorus (P) often limits the productivities of wet tropical lowland forests. Little is known, however, about the metabolomic profile of different chemical P compounds with potentially different uses and about the cycling of P and their variability across space under different tree species in highly diverse tropical rainforests.

Results
We hypothesised that the different strategies of the competing tree species to retranslocate, mineralise, mobilise, and take up P from the soil would promote distinct soil 31P profiles. We tested this hypothesis by performing a metabolomic analysis of the soils in two rainforests in French Guiana using 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). We analysed 31P NMR chemical shifts in soil solutions of model P compounds, including inorganic phosphates, orthophosphate mono- and diesters, phosphonates, and organic polyphosphates. The identity of the tree species (growing above the soil samples) explained > 53% of the total variance of the 31P NMR metabolomic profiles of the soils, suggesting species-specific ecological niches and/or species-specific interactions with the soil microbiome and soil trophic web structure and functionality determining the use and production of P compounds. Differences at regional and topographic levels also explained some part of the the total variance of the 31P NMR profiles, although less than the influence of the tree species. Multivariate analyses of soil 31P NMR metabolomics data indicated higher soil concentrations of P biomolecules involved in the active use of P (nucleic acids and molecules involved with energy and anabolism) in soils with lower concentrations of total soil P and higher concentrations of P-storing biomolecules in soils with higher concentrations of total P.

Conclusions
The results strongly suggest “niches” of soil P profiles associated with physical gradients, mostly topographic position, and with the specific distribution of species along this gradient, which is associated with species-specific strategies of soil P mineralisation, mobilisation, use, and uptake.