bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Cephalometric Parameters and Correlation With the Severity of the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Garofalo Eugenio , Neri Giuseppe , Perri Lucilla Maria , Lombardo Nicola , Piazzetta Giovanna , Antonelli Alessandro , Biamonte Eugenio , Bosco Vincenzo , Battaglia Caterina , Pelaia Corrado , Manti Francesco , Pitino Annalisa , Tripepi Giovanni , Bruni Andrea , Morelli Michele , Giudice Amerigo , Longhini Federico 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
In individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), variations in craniofacial structure have been inconsistently documented, showing differing degrees of alteration between obese and nonobese patients. In addition, sleep disturbance has also been shown to induce disequilibrium in this population of patients. This pilot observational study aimed to assess craniofacial values in obese and nonobese subpopulations of patients with OSAS and their correlation and association with the severity of OSAS. We also assessed whether OSAS patients are characterized by an impaired equilibrium in relation to and associated with the severity of OSAS.
Methods
Forty consecutive adult patients with OSAS (45% female) with a mean age of 56 ± 8.18 years were included. Through cephalometry, we assessed the upper (UPa-UPp) and lower (LPa-LPp) pharynx diameters, superior anterior facial height (Sor-ANS), anterior facial height (ANS-Me), anterior vertical dimension (Sor-Me), posterior facial height (S-Go) and craniovertebral angle (CVA). Furthermore, we analyzed postural equilibrium through a stabilometric examination.
Results
Nonobese patients with OSAS had a reduced UPa-UPp (p = 0.02). Cephalometric measurements were correlated with the severity of OSAS in nonobese patients, whereas only Sor-ANS was correlated with the severity of OSAS in the obese subpopulation. In the overall population, altered craniofacial values are associated with severe OSAS. Although there are differences in equilibrium between obese and nonobese OSAS patients, the stabilometric measurements were not correlated or associated with OSAS severity.
Conclusion
Altered craniofacial values in OSAS patients are linked to OSAS severity, which is influenced by obesity but not exclusively; these patients also experience compromised equilibrium unrelated to obesity and disease severity. From a translational medicine perspective, these findings underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the management of OSAS, suggesting that interventions tailored not only to weight management but also to craniofacial and postural rehabilitation could enhance patient outcomes. Furthermore, the identification of specific craniofacial alterations associated with OSAS severity opens new avenues for the development of personalized diagnostic tools and therapeutic devices, exemplifying the potential of translational research in bridging the gap between clinical observations and innovative treatments.
The effects of temporal and spatial variations in food resources on the distribution and abundance of Black-necked Cranes, Grus nigricollis
Authors: Haoyan Dong , Hao Wang , Qingming He , Mengmeng Wu , Hua Lv , Wenfei Zhu , Tingyou Li , Pinghe Wei , Xiaojun Yang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The Black-necked Crane, Grus nigricollis, is categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Food distribution and biomass are factors that will determine its long-term survival. Understanding food variation will facilitate the development of effective conservation plans for the protection of this vulnerable species. Available biomass of food for Black-necked Cranes was sampled on the agricultural farmlands and grasslands used by foraging flocks of these species in Dashanbao Nature Reserve, during the winter periods of 2012 and 2015. We compared variation separately in biomass of a particular group (e.g. invertebrates, grains and potato) and analysed the relationship between food biomass utilisation by cranes. The results showed that relative availability of invertebrates in grassland, and potato and grain in farmland, varied seasonally. The number of cranes was less affected by the monthly food variation in the reserve. However, the habitat type has an impact on the number of cranes. In grassland habitat, crane abundance was positively related to invertebrate biomass. However, there was no significant correlation in farmland habitat. Availability food in both habitats vary across years, months, which relate to a seasonal crop depletion and farming, and annual to crop productivity, and invertebrate availability, influenced in part by winter temperatures. Therefore, we recommend that there should be enough food biomass in the reserve for cranes to forage during the cold-weather periods, and expanded grassland foraging habitat, so as to expand the range of foraging and increase the diversity of food for the cranes.
Effects of Blast Furnace Slag Particles on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al-4mg Alloy Manufactured by Stir Casting
Authors: Sreed Konda , Ramji Koona , Krishna M. Gopi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The study significantly contributes to the knowledge of utilizing blast furnace slag as a reinforcement material in Al-4Mg alloys, highlighting its potential for various applications in the automotive, aerospace, and automotive industries. By successfully fabricating composites with varying weight percentages of slag. The thorough investigation of grain structure changes and uniform particle distribution through advanced microscopy techniques provides valuable insights into the reinforcement mechanisms. The observed improvements in mechanical properties, particularly in hardness, density, Young's modulus, compressive strength, and tensile strength, with the addition of 5% slag reinforcement, underscore the practical significance of these composites. This finding indicates that Al-4Mg alloy composites with blast furnace slag can potentially offer lightweight yet high-strength materials suitable for demanding applications in the automotive and aerospace industries. Overall, the study's results not only demonstrate the enhanced performance of the composites but also highlight the eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness of using blast furnace slag as a reinforcement material.
Missense Mutations in the CITED2 Gene Contribute to Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Yaqoob Hira , Ahmad Hussain 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a lifelong abnormality present from birth. Multiple studies have shown that mutations in genes involved in heart development could cause congenital heart disease. The CITED2 gene works as a transcription factor in the hypoxic pathway for the development of the heart. Therefore, five CHD types, ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, atrioventricular septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot, and patent ductus arteriosus, were evaluated by conducting a targeted single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis of the CITED2 gene variant rs375393125 (T > C). This study aimed to identify the association of CITED2 gene mutations in CHD patients.
Methods
A total of 350 samples were collected 250 from patients and 100 from controls for genetic analysis. Allele-specific PCR and gel electrophoresis were used to identify the target missense mutations. The genotypic results of the CHDs were further validated through Sanger sequencing.
Results
The frequency of the homozygous mutant (CC) in CHD patients was 48.4% and of heterozygous mutant (TC) genotype was 11.4%; these percentages are higher than controls (1%). The control samples had only one heterozygous TC and no homozygous CC genotype. The chi-square value was obtained at 103.9 with a probability of 0.05, which is greater than the significance value of 21.03. The odds ratio was 43.7, which is > 1. The calculated value of ANOVA was 11.6, which was more significant than the F critical value of 3.7. As a result of sequencing, the mutant sample of each selected CHD type was found heterozygous or homozygous and the results were like as those obtained through conventional PCR.
Conclusion
CHD patient’s samples showed mutations. Therefore, it can say that CITED2 gene SNP might be associated with CHD.
Four-year effectiveness, safety and drug retention rate of secukinumab in psoriatic arthritis: a real-life Italian multicenter cohort
Authors: Ramonda Roberta , Lorenzin Mariagrazia , Chimenti Maria Sole , Atzeni Fabiola , Semeraro Angelo , D’Angelo Salvatore , Selmi Carlo , Ortolan Augusta , Marchesoni Antonio , Manara Maria , Gentiloni Michele Maria Luchetti , Santo Leonardo , Salvarani Carlo , Cauli Alberto , Rossini Maurizio , Amato Giorgio , Cozzi Giacomo , Scagnellato Laura , Ferraioli Mario , Carriero Antonio , Fracassi Elena , Giorgio Francesco , Doria Andrea , Foti Rosario , Carletto Antonio , Spadaro” Spondyloartritis and Psoriatic Arthritis SIR Study Group “An 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives
to evaluate over a 48-month follow-up period the: 1) long-term effectiveness and safety; 2) drug retention rate (DRR); 3) impact of comorbidities and bDMARDs line on MDA and DAPSA remission/low disease activity (LDA) of secukinumab in a multicenter Italian cohort of PsA patients.
Methods
Consecutive PsA patients receiving secukinumab were followed prospectively in Italian centers between 2016 and 2023. Disease characteristics, previous/ongoing treatments, comorbidities and follow-up duration were collected. Treatment response was evaluated at 6 and 12 months after initiation, and every year up to 48 months (T48). DRR was assessed according to clinical and demographic features, comorbidities and bDMARDs line. Adverse events (AE) were recorded.
Results
685 patients [42.5% male] were enrolled; 32.9% naïve received secukinumab; 74.2% had ≥ 1 comorbidity. Overall, secukinumab yielded improved outcomes at T48: naïve maintained lower disease activity vs. non-naïve [DAPSA 4.0 (1.4–8.1) vs. 6.0 (2.2–10.4);p = 0.04]; 76.9% naïve and 66.2% non-naïve achieved MDA; MDA no comorbidities vs. 1–3 comorbidities 78.8% vs. 73.3% (p < 0.05), and MDA no comorbidities vs. >3 comorbidities 78.8% vs. 48.7% (p < 0.001). DAPSA-REM and DAPSA-LDA rates were higher in naïve patients, albeit similar between those without comorbidities vs. 1–3 comorbidities, and slightly higher in those with > 3 comorbidities. Treatment was discontinued in 233 patients due to loss of effectiveness, and in 41 due to AE. The overall DRR at T48 was 66%, with differences according to bDMARDs line, use of combined csDMARDs (p = 0.016), and mono/oligoarthritis vs. polyarthritis; p = 0.012.
Conclusions
Secukinumab proved safe and effective, and patients achieved sustained remission with a notable drug retention rate at 4 years.
Enhancing flame retardancy, thermal stability, and superhydrophobic of paper through Na₂O·nSiO₂ and PDMS modification
Authors: Jiang Xiawang , Sun Delin , Yu Minggong , Zhao Shan , Song Ling 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The water absorption and flammability of paper pose significant challenges for its long-term effectiveness. In addressing these concerns, a paper modification strategy was proposed that synergistically incorporated superhydrophobicity and flame retardancy. This approach involved the formation of a micro or nano-level rough structure on the paper surface through sodium silicate modification. Subsequent modification with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) resulted in a functional paper, exhibiting excellent superhydrophobic properties. The water contact angle (WCA) and sliding angle (SA) of the modified paper reached 153.5° and 9°, respectively, exhibiting excellent self-cleaning ability and wear resistance. The results from TG–DTG analysis and cone calorimeter tests indicated that the superhydrophobic paper exhibited remarkable thermal stability and flame-retardant properties. These properties contributed to enhancing the safety of products during application. The comprehensive improvement in paper properties, including its superhydrophobicity, flame retardancy, and thermal stability, holds significant implications for expanding its application range and enhancing its overall utility.
Deep Learning for Outage Probability Minimization in Secure NOMA Energy Harvesting UAV IoT Networks
Authors: Nguyen Quoc-Long , Dang Viet-Hung , Nguyen Gia Nhu , Nguyen Trong Thanh , Ho Dac Tu , Tran Hung , Tran Duc-Dung , Le Thanh Cong , Vo Nhan Van 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In this paper, a secure uplink non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) internet of things (IoT) system using an energy harvesting unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is studied. The communication protocol includes three phases: The first phase is an energy harvesting phase in which the IoT devices and UAV relay harvest radio frequency energy from a power beacon. The second phase is information transmission from IoT devices to a UAV relay. The third phase is relaying transmission from the UAV relay to the base station. Furthermore, a UAV eavesdropper (UE) wiretaps the signals from the IoT devices and UAV relay in the second and third phases. For this system, we derived the closed-form outage and intercept probabilities to evaluate the system and secrecy performances. The constrained optimization algorithm for minimizing the outage probability is then deployed to obtain training data. Finally, a deep learning model is trained to predict the optimal configuration parameters, enabling rapid adaptation to environmental conditions.
Effect of apigetrin in pseudo-SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammatory and pulmonary fibrosis in vitro model
Authors: Han Hengmin , Kim Jung-Eun , Lee Hyo-Jeong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has become a global public health problem. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the leading cause of death due to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a severe and frequently reported COVID-19 sequela. In this study, an in vitro model of ARDS and PF caused by SARS-CoV-2 was established in MH-S, THP-1, and MRC-5 cells using pseudo-SARS-CoV-2 (PSCV). Expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) and HIF-1α was increased in PSCV-infected MH-S and THP-1 cells, ARDS model, consistent with other profiling data in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients have been reported. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) siRNA and cobalt chloride were tested using this in vitro model. Furthermore, apigetrin, a glycoside bioactive dietary flavonoid derived from several plants, including Crataegus pinnatifida, which is reported to be a HIF-1α inhibitor, was tested in this in vitro model [1]. Apigetrin significantly reduced the increased inflammatory cytokine (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) expression and secretion by PSCV in MH-S and THP-1 cells. Apigetrin inhibited the binding of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein RBD to the ACE2 protein. An in vitro model of PF induced by SARS-CoV-2 was produced using a conditioned medium of THP-1 and MH-S cells that were PSCV-infected (CMPSCV) into MRC-5 cells. In a PF model, CMPSCV treatment of THP-1 and MH-S cells increased cell growth, migration, and collagen synthesis in MRC-5 cells. In contrast, apigetrin suppressed the increase in cell growth, migration, and collagen synthesis induced by CMPSCV in THP-1 and MH-S MRC-5 cells. Also, compared to control, fibrosis-related proteins (CTGF, COLA1, α-SMA, and HIF-1α) levels were over two-fold higher in CMPSV-treated MRC-5 cells. Apigetrin decreased protein levels in CMPSCV-treated MRC-5 cells. Thus, our data suggest that hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) might be a novel target for SARS-CoV-2 sequela therapies and apigetrin, representative of HIF-1alpha inhibitor, exerts anti-inflammatory and PF effects in PSCV-treated MH-S, THP-1, and CMPVSC-treated MRC-5 cells. These findings indicate that HIF-1α inhibition and apigetrin would have a potential value in controlling SARS-CoV-2-related diseases.
Multi-environment Clonal Selection Using Ideotype-Design Derived From Factor Analytic Linear Mixed Models: An Application on Eucalyptus Breeding
Authors: Barros Lenin Pereira , Marcal Tiago Souza , Goncalves Flavia Maria Avelar , Nunes Jose Airton Rodrigues , Carneiro Vinicius Quintao , Botelho Thiago Tavares , Aguiar Aurelio Mendes , Lima Jose Luis , Dias Donizete da Costa 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The growing demand for raw materials in the forestry sector and the imperative to conserve native forests have spurred the expansion of forest areas planted globally, particularly in Brazil. Eucalyptus stands out as the primary genus employed in the Brazilian forestry industry. Addressing the need for new clones due to expanding exploitation and changing climate conditions poses a considerable challenge. The evaluation of genotypes in multi-environment trials (MET) is complicated by their varying behavior. Factor analytic mixed models (FAMM) are presently employed for MET analyses, enabling the modeling of genotype-by-environment interactions without a substantial increase in parameters. However, existing tools for assessing genotype stability and adaptability within FAMM are unsuitable for scenarios involving a large number of eucalyptus clones, typical in intermediate clonal testing stages. To address this gap, a methodology for clonal selection in eucalyptus is required. FAMM offers a way to summarize clone responses across environments through scores. Utilizing the genotype-ideotype (GI) distance based on these scores facilitates the ranking of clones. This study aims to propose and assess the use of genotype-ideotype distance in conjunction with factor analytic mixed models for selecting eucalyptus clones in multi-environment trials. The combined use of factor analytic mixed models and genotype-ideotype distance enables the ranking of clones based on broad adaptability. This approach balances the simplicity of a single parameter's interpretability with the capability to handle a large number of clones effectively.
Exploring Eco-friendly BaZrS3 Chalcogenide Perovskite Solar Cells with Earth-abundant Charge Transport Materials
Authors: Sadek Samiul , Sobayel K. , Alghafis Abdullah 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the efficacy of BaZrS3, an emerging chalcogenide perovskite material, by conducting a comparative analysis of its opto-electronic performance using different charge transport layers. The research juxtaposes the conventional TiO2 and Spiro-OMeTAD layers against earth abundant alternatives like gallium-doped zinc oxide (GZO) and CuSbS2. Results indicate that the configuration FTO/GZO/BaZrS3/CuSbS2 markedly surpasses the FTO/TiO2/BaZrS3/Spiro-OMeTAD arrangement in terms of photovoltaic performance metrics. The suggested structure exhibits an energy conversion efficiency of roughly 20%, surpassing the approximately 11% efficiency achieved by the conventional device structure relying on traditional charge transport layers. This research demonstrates that the absorber layers' thickness and defect density are critical in defining the device's performance, with the highest efficiency attained when the thickness of the structure is maintained below 1 µm. A bulk defect density ranging from 1x1014 /cm3 to 1x1016 /cm3 is found to be conducive to high device performance. Additionally, the doping concentration in each charge transport layer is found to play a pivotal role on the overall device performance. Finally, the study paves the way for chalcogenide perovskites for photovoltaic applications.
LncRNA H19 was a prognostic biomarker associated with immune infiltrates in stomach adenocarcinoma
Authors: QIU WEI , Hu Wei , Chen SuMei , Liu DongSheng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Expression of long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) H19 was observed in many diseases, while its role in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) was unclear. The objective of this research was to demonstrate the relationship between H19 and STAD.
Methods
Kaplan-Meier (K-M) analysis was applied to analyze the variations in survival of different subgroups of H19 expression. Immunoanalysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were utilized to filter the H19 functions that were substantially implicated. The methodology of Cox regression analysis was adopted to assess factors contributing to the prognosis. we also established an H19 ceRNA network and performed drug sensitivity analysis. In the final phase, the consistency between the expression of H19 in clinical samples and the results of bioinformatics was verified by RT-qPCR.
Results
High H19 expression predicted poorer survival, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells, neutrophils, and activated CD4 and CD8 T cells were correlated with the prognosis of STAD patients. The immune infiltration and GSEA analysis hypothesized that H19 expression was connected to the function of ECM receptor intraction and some differential immune cells. Independent prognostic analysis suggested that age, tumor stage, and H19 expression could act as separate prognostic factors. Ultimately, we constructed the ‘H19-3 miRNA-18 mRNA’ network. RT-qPCR results showed that the expression level of H19 in STAD tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent normal tissues.
Conclusion
H19 expression was significantly connected to poor survival in STAD, and it might be a prospective biomarker for prognosis in STAD.
A granularity time series forecasting model combining three-way decision and trend information granularity
Authors: Qiu Jianuan , Su Shuhua , Qian Jingjing 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In recent decades, significant advancements have been made in the field of time series data mining, leading to its widespread application in various domains. However, the existence of data correlation in time series data sets brings challenges to long-term prediction. One approach to address this issue is to transform the original time series into granular time series (GTS). Therefore, a prediction model based on GTS is proposed to meet this challenge in this study. Firstly, the improved L1-trend filtering is used to achieve the optimal segmentation of information particles. Then, a three-way decisions (TWD) model based on shape similarity is used to compress and aggregate information granules. Finally, a GTS prediction model based on LSTM neural network is established. The model effectively retains the trend information of the time series and overcomes the limitation that the existing models cannot adjust the granularity length of the original information. In addition, the proposed model is applied to several real datasets for sensitivity analysis and comparative analysis. The results show that the model has strong performance in long-term forecasting.