bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of the fracture- and karst-controlled geothermal reservoir below Munich from geophysical wireline and well information
Authors: Krumbholz J. F. , Krumbholz M. , Wadas S. H. , Tanner D. C. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe Upper Jurassic carbonate aquifer in the German Molasse Basin (S Germany) below Munich is the focus of exploitation of geothermal energy. To implement geothermal wells, meaningful prediction of reservoir quality (e.g., volume, temperature, location of aquifers, porosity, permeability) is required. However, permeability of this aquifer is often highly heterogeneous and anisotropic, as in other karst- and fracture systems. Based on geophysical well logs from six wells, a 3D porosity model, and side-wall cores, we provide a comprehensive characterisation of the reservoir. We investigate the correlation between rock porosity and matrix permeability, and the impact of hyper-facies on fractures and karstification. We locate and analyse hydraulic active zones and compare them with hydraulic inactive zones within equivalent depth ranges, to characterise promising exploration targets. We show that fracture system parameters vary strongly between wells and within a single well. However, we observe local trends between the fracture systems and rock properties. For instance, fracture intensities and compressional wave velocity increase, while porosity decreases, in dolomitic reefal build-ups (massive facies). We observed substantial karstification dominantly within the massive facies. The main indicators for hydraulic active zones in the reservoir seem to be karstification, fractures, and fault zones. Although matrix porosity has neglectable impact on permeability, the identified hydraulic active zones appear more frequently in sections with higher porosity. We conclude, similar to previous studies, that the massive facies is a suitable exploitation target. Despite the favourable conditions within the massive facies, the strongest hydraulic active zones are nevertheless in the bedded facies, often considered as aquitard, directly below the top of the reservoir within the lithostratigraphic group of the Purbeck, at the transition between the Jurassic and the Cretaceous.
Ensilage using Leuconostoc lactis and Weissella confusa reduces microbial risk and enhances hygienic quality of whole-crop corn
Authors: Zhao Jie , Li Xinbao , Liu Haopeng , Jing Zhaodi , Yin Xuejing , Li Junfeng , Dong Zhihao , Shao Tao 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study combined applied PICRUSt2 and BugBase tools to evaluate the effects of these two strains on the fermentation characteristics, microbial community, potential microbial risk and hygienic quality of whole-crop corn (WCC) silage. Fresh WCC harvested at the dough stage was ensiled with distilled water (CON),Leuconostoc lactis(LS) andWeissella confusa(WA) for 2, 4, 8, 15 and 30 days. After ensiling, all WCC silages presented desirable fermentation with high lactic acid andLactobacillusproportions, low pH and ammonia nitrogen levels and absent butyric acid. Ensiling decreased the complexity of bacterial co-occurrence networks, and theLc. lactisandW. confusainoculation further decreased the complexity. The inoculation ofW. confusasuppressed the most pathogenic pathways and related modules associated with zoonosis. In bacterial phenotype predicted analysis, although CON had lower proportions of ‘Potentially pathogenic’ than fresh material, this undesirable phenotype declined to negligible levels via LS and WA inoculation. Even for well-fermented WCC silages, the risk of pathogens remained after 30 days of ensiling. Therefore, WA could be developed as a promising fast start-up inoculant for reducing pathogenic contamination and improving hygienic quality of silage.Graphical Abstract
Genomic susceptibility to gastric cancer in Northwest Iran: population-based and case–control studies
Authors: Aghghaleh Homa Akhavan , Ranji Najmeh , Habibollahi Hadi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Introduction
The age-standardized incidence rate for gastric cancer is estimated to be 11.1% worldwide and 39.1% for Ardabil province in northwest Iran. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) occur in coding and non-coding regions, contributing to cancer susceptibility. To identify SNPs predisposing individuals to gastric cancer in this region, we compared 263 variants between the Ardabil population and other populations.

Materials and methods
Whole exome sequencing was used to determine the distribution of variants in the genomic DNA of 150 volunteers (aged < 35 years) from the general population of Ardabil. We compared allele frequencies with databases such as Iranome, Alfa, GnomAD, and 1000G, and statistically analyzed their correlation with age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) for gastric cancer in related populations using the Pearson correlation test. Some findings were validated using Sanger-based PCR-Sequencing. We determined the frequency of seventeen variants among 150 individuals with gastric cancer and 150 healthy volunteers (matched for age and sex) as the control group.

Results
Nineteen variants, including rs10061133, rs1050631, rs12220909, rs12983273, rs1695, rs2274223, rs2292832, rs2294008, rs2505901, rs2976391, rs33927012, rs3744037, rs3745469, rs4789936, rs4986790, rs4986791, rs6194, rs63750447, and rs6505162, were found to be significantly different between the general population of Ardabil and other populations. Among them, the variants rs1050631, rs12983273, rs1695, rs2274223, rs2292832, rs2505901, rs33927012, rs374569, and rs6505162 showed significant differences between the cases and controls.

Discussion
In this study, 17 variants appeared to be involved in the etiology of the high frequency of gastric cancer in the Ardabil population. Some of the observed differences were consistent with previous case–control and meta-analysis reports from various parts of the world. These findings motivate further cohort investigations in this population. Ultimately, identifying prognostic factors can help diagnose individuals predisposed to gastric cancer in this population.
Size-dependent effects of niosomes on the penetration of methotrexate in skin layers
Authors: Soni Sakshi , Baghel Kalpana , Soni Murari Lal , Kashaw Sushil K. , Soni Vandana 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundNiosomes hold promise as drug delivery systems for cancer treatment, with niosome size impacting stability, biodistribution, and effectiveness. This study optimized methotrexate (MTX)-loaded niosome formulation by studying the effects of components and processing conditions on size. The niosomes formulation was made by the thin-film hydration technique.ResultsThe optimized formulation (NIO 17) with a 6:2:2 ratio of span 60, soya PC, and cholesterol achieved 55.05% methotrexate encapsulation, particle size 597.2 nm, PDI 0.49, and zeta potential − 23.3 mV. The compatibility of methotrexate with lipids was confirmed via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy revealed spherical, well-dispersed vesicles. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated methotrexate conversion or entrapment within vesicles. In vitro release exhibited a sustained pattern with an initial burst. NIO 17 showed potent anti-cancer activity against B16-F10 cells (GI50: 38.7176 μg/mL). Ex vivo studies suggest tailoring niosome size (597.2–982.3 nm) to target specific skin depths (0–38 μm) for enhanced localized drug delivery.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the potential of methotrexate-loaded niosomes as a novel cancer therapy approach, highlighting the potent anti-cancer activity and transdermal delivery potential of NIO 17. Further research is necessary to explore its clinical translation.Graphical abstract
Thyroid abscess presenting as a discharging sinus: a case report
Authors: Singh Vibha , Soni Annanya , Jotdar Arijit , Gupta Amit Kumar 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
It is unusual to get an isolated thyroid abscess. Thyroid abscess or acute suppurative thyroiditis accounts for 0.7–1% of all instances of thyroid diseases. The thyroid gland typically has a high level of iodine, a well-enveloped capsule, and resistance to infections. The diagnosis and treatment of this unusual entity are covered in this paper.
Case presentation.
An adult male patient presented with anterior neck swelling for 15 days and pus discharge for 2 days. The neck ultrasound revealed characteristics that could indicate a thyroid abscess. The thyroid function test and other laboratory data were within normal bounds. A neck contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan was performed, and it only revealed a single thyroid abscess and no other abnormalities. After starting the patient on intravenous antibiotics, the abscess was incised and drained. The patient’s symptoms got better.

Conclusion
In the era of advanced antibiotics incidence of thyroid abscess is extremely rare. Early diagnosis and intervention may improve the outcome of this condition. Knowledge of disease and its potential complications can prevent morbidity.
Impact of Broadening Trial Eligibility Criteria on the Inclusion of Patients With Brain Metastases in Cancer Clinical Trials: Time Series Analyses for 2012-2022
Authors: Xiao Hong , Vaidya Riha , Hershman Dawn L. , Unger Joseph M. 
Published: March 2024

PURPOSE In October 2017, an ASCO, Friends of Cancer Research (FoCR), and US Food and Drug Administration (ASCO/FoCR/FDA) task force recommended that common eligibility criteria be modified to make trials more inclusive. We examined whether patterns of exclusions regarding patients with brain metastases changed over time in relation to these recommendations. METHODS Trial eligibility criteria were abstracted from ClinicalTrials.gov for phase I-III US-based interventional clinical trials for patients with advanced breast, colorectal, lung, or melanoma cancers from January 2012 to December 2022. Trials were examined to determine whether patients with brain metastases were not excluded, conditionally excluded (ie, excluded in some circumstances), or wholly excluded. An interrupted time series analysis with multinomial logistic regression was used to determine whether the ASCO/FoCR/FDA recommendations were associated with changes in brain metastases criteria. RESULTS We evaluated N = 3,077 trials. Patients with brain metastases were not excluded in 506 trials (16.4%), conditionally excluded in 2,263 trials (73.5%), and wholly excluded in 308 trials (10.0%). In the postrecommendation period, we estimated a 68% increase in the odds of brain metastases not excluded compared with conditionally excluded (odds ratio, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.06 to 2.66], P = .03). The proportion of trials in which patients with brain metastases were not excluded increased (from 11.5% v 17.3%) and conditionally excluded decreased (from 82.3% to 75.2%, P = .03). We found no difference in the proportion of trials in which patients with brain metastases were wholly excluded (7.5% v 6.2%, P = .42). CONCLUSION The ASCO/FoCR/FDA task force recommendations were associated with a shift in patterns of brain metastases exclusion criteria from conditionally excluded to not excluded. These findings demonstrate that the cancer clinical trial community has begun to change the way trials are written to be more inclusive.
Sounding Together
Authors: Wilson Dave 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This article reflects on the participation of humans and other species as listening and sounding entities in creating sonic environments. The article offers a preliminary reflexive consideration of the author’s current composition-improvisation project, discussing how the project’s pieces transform and transport particular sonic environments of the author’s experience to new settings. The author meditates through birdsong on what it sounds like to compose, improvise, and perform with the sonic affordances of our surroundings. The article suggests that extensions of interspecies and interhuman acoustic assemblages and sonic affordances in composition and improvisation can bring overlapping elements of world-making projects into focus and open up potentialities for new ones. In the article, the author blends reflection with musical description and analysis of one of the project’s pieces, refusing to situate nature as other and rejecting a posture that uses nonhuman sound for personal (human) benefit. By focusing on the edge effects of the overlapping world-making projects at the site of the Zealandia Te Mārā a Tāne Wildlife Sanctuary in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, and on challenging settler colonial listening practices, the article reflects on the implications of sharing spaces with other humans and with countless species beyond our own.
Inter-plane feedback coordinates cell morphogenesis and maintains 3D tissue organization in the Drosophila pupal retina
Authors: Sun Xiao , Decker Jacob , Sanchez-Luege Nicelio , Rebay Ilaria 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
How complex organs coordinate cellular morphogenetic events to achieve three-dimensional (3D) form is a central question in development. The question is uniquely tractable in the late Drosophila pupal retina, where cells maintain stereotyped contacts as they elaborate the specialized cytoskeletal structures that pattern the apical, basal and longitudinal planes of the epithelium. In this study, we combined cell type-specific genetic manipulation of the cytoskeletal regulator Abelson (Abl) with 3D imaging to explore how the distinct cellular morphogenetic programs of photoreceptors and interommatidial pigment cells (IOPCs) organize tissue pattern to support retinal integrity. Our experiments show that photoreceptor and IOPC terminal differentiation is unexpectedly interdependent, connected by an intercellular feedback mechanism that coordinates and promotes morphogenetic change across orthogonal tissue planes to ensure correct 3D retinal pattern. We propose that genetic regulation of specialized cellular differentiation programs combined with inter-plane mechanical feedback confers spatial coordination to achieve robust 3D tissue morphogenesis.
Immediate effects of lateral truncal tilt balance training with and without a wedge on subjective postural vertical and sitting balance in patients with subacute stroke: a randomised crossover trial
Authors: Sawa Kota , Amimoto Kazu , Ishigami Keisuke , Miyamoto Takuya , Setoyama Chika , Suzuki Rikuya , Miyagami Mitsusuke , Fukata Kazuhiro 
Published: March 2024

Background/Aims The subjective postural vertical is an important factor in maintaining sitting balance. However, specific training to improve verticality and sitting balance has yet to be established. The aim of this study was to clarify the effectiveness of lateral truncal tilt training, using a wedge, on subjective postural vertical, subjective postural vertical with eyes open and sitting balance in patients with subacute stroke. Methods In this randomised crossover trial, the immediate effects of lateral truncal tilt training were examined. Participants were allocated to one of two groups (group 1 and group 2). In group 1, after placing an inclined 10° tilt wedge on the participants' affected side, the participants moved their trunk laterally as far as possible toward the wedge side 60 times within 2 minutes. The participants in group 2 performed the same movement but without the wedge. This was performed once. The participants' subjective postural vertical, subjective postural vertical with eyes open and sitting pressure while they were tilted toward the frontal plane were measured at baseline, after the first intervention and after the second intervention. Following a 1-hour break, the groups crossed over. Repetition analysis was used at baseline and after both groups had competed the intervention both with and without the wedge. Results In total, 18 patients (mean age 68.7 years) participated in this study. Variabilities in subjective postural vertical with eyes open indicated a greater decrease in group 1 than group 2 (P<0.01). A significantly larger improvement in the balancing capabilities in the subjective postural vertical and sitting pressure was observed (P<0.01). The sitting pressure on the affected side in the subjective postural vertical with eyes open and subjective postural vertical showed a pre- and post-training interaction (P<0.01). Conclusions Lateral truncal tilt balance training using a wedge can improve postural verticality and improve sitting balance in people who have had a stroke. Implications for practice Stroke rehabilitation programmes can include wedge training to improve posture and sitting balance in people who have had a stroke, which can help these individuals to complete activities of daily living.
Nonlinear compression of mid-infrared supercontinuum generation in dispersion-engineered As2S5 chalcogenide ridge waveguide
Authors: Saenkwa Bunyasit , Anusasananan Panatcha , Wannaprapa Mongkol , Chiangga Surasak , Yupapin Preecha , Sonasang Somchat , Suwanarat Suksan 
Published: March 2024

We numerically demonstrated nonlinear compression of mid-infrared (mid-IR) supercontinuum (SC) generation in As2S5 chalcogenide glass (ChG) ridge waveguides, achieving a small dispersion value at the pump wavelength of 2.5 µm by adjusting the waveguide width (normal dispersions of -10.547 ps.nm−1.km−1 and the anomalous dispersions of +5.314 ps.nm−1.km−1). These waveguides were designed using the negative slope of the dispersions with the negative third-order dispersion, which are applied to generate the nonlinear compression of SC generation. Using a 50-fs pulse with the peak power of 2000 W, the two waveguides could compress the maximum pulse peak power of 6900 W (> 3.4 octaves) and 6360 W (> 3.1 octaves) and generate the widest SC spectra, spanning from 1.20 µm to 12.96 µm and from 1.25 µm to >13 µm with only short waveguides 0.85 mm and 1 mm long, respectively. The key process behind SC formation in such ChG waveguides is related to self-phase modulation, four-wave mixing, and nonlinear compression. This particular design is effective, and ChG waveguides can generate high peak power and the widest spectra of SC generation. Moreover, the waveguides are also relatively flexible in design, which is concerned with optical design and engineering, and micro-optical devices. As the ultra-wideband mid-IR SC source, high pulse peak power, very short waveguides, and low-energy pulses (<1 pJ) are important for on-chip mid-IR SC sources, the proposed work would offer the greatest benefits in practical application.
Development and validation of the Japanese version of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Development of Clinical Skills Scale
Authors: Kanakubo Yusuke , Sugiyama Yoshifumi , Yoshida Eriko , Aoki Takuya , Mutai Rieko , Matsushima Masato , Okada Tadao 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Development of Clinical Skills Scale (LGBT-DOCSS) is a validated self-assessment tool for health and mental health professionals who provide healthcare for sexual and gender minority patients. This study aimed to develop and validate a Japanese version of LGBT-DOCSS (LGBT-DOCSS-JP) and examine its psychometric properties.

Methods
LGBT-DOCSS was translated into Japanese and cross-culturally validated using cognitive debriefing. We then evaluated the structural validity, convergent and discriminant validity, internal consistency, and test–retest reliability of LGBT-DOCSS-JP using an online survey.

Results
Data were analyzed for 381 health and mental health professionals aged 20 years or older from three suburban medical institutions. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the original three-factor model did not fit well with LGBT-DOCSS-JP. Exploratory factor analysis revealed four new factors: Attitudinal Awareness, Basic Knowledge, Clinical Preparedness, and Clinical Training. Convergent and discriminant validity were supported using four established scales that measured attitudes toward lesbians and gay men, genderism and transphobia, authoritarianism and conventionalism, and social desirability. The internal consistency of LGBT-DOCSS-JP was supported by the Cronbach’s alpha values for the overall scale (0.84), and for each of its subscales (Attitudinal Awareness and Basic Knowledge both 0.87, Clinical Preparedness 0.78, and Clinical Training 0.97). The test–retest reliability for the overall LGBT-DOCSS-JP was supported by an intraclass correlation coefficient score of 0.86.

Conclusions
LGBT-DOCSS-JP has the potential to serve as a valuable tool in the development and assessment of effective curricula for LGBT healthcare education, as well as a means to promote self-reflection among trainees and professionals.
Sex-related differences in pre-dialysis trajectories and dialysis initiation: A French nationwide retrospective study
Authors: Raffray Maxime , Bourasseau Louise , Vigneau Cécile , Couchoud Cécile , Béchade Clémence , Glowacki François , Bayat Sahar ,   on behalf of the REIN registry
Published: March 2024

Background
In the last two decades, sex and gender differences have been documented in chronic kidney disease (CKD) management, including access to renal replacement therapy and its outcomes. The objectives of this study were to 1) compare the pre-dialysis healthcare utilization in men and women, and 2) examine the sex-specific factors associated with emergency dialysis start.

Methods
Adult patients with CKD who started dialysis in France in 2015 were extracted from the Renal Epidemiology and Information Network registry. Patients were matched to the French National Health Data System database to extract healthcare utilization data for the 2 years before dialysis start. Frequencies and monthly rates of consultations and hospitalizations were compared between men and women. Logistic regression analyses were performed separately in the two groups.

Results
Among the 8856 patients included, 3161 (35.7%) were women. Median age (71 years) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (8.1 and 7.7 ml/min for men and women) were similar between groups at dialysis start. Monthly consultations rates with a general practitioner and nephrology-related care were similar between women and men. Some sex-specific differences were found: higher frequencies of consultations with a psychiatrist in women and more frequent hospitalizations for circulatory system diseases in men. Emergency dialysis start rate was 30% in both groups. Emergency dialysis start was associated with acute nephropathy, compared with slowly progressive nephropathy, in women but not in men (OR = 1.48, p<0.01 vs 1.15, p = 0.18).

Conclusions
This study found similar quantitative pre-dialysis healthcare utilization in men and women. To better understand sex/gender differences in CKD care trajectories, future research should focus on patients with CKD who are unknown to nephrology services, on patients receiving conservative care and on the sex/gender-specific mechanisms underlying care decision-making.