bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk Stratification and Overall Survival Prediction in extensive stage Small Cell Lung Cancer after chemotherapy with immunotherapy Based on CT Radiomics
Authors: Wang Fang , Chen Wujie , Chen Fangmin , Lu Jinlan , Xu Yanjun , Fang Min , Jiang Haitao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose The prognosis of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer is usually poor. In this study, a combined model based on pre-treatment CT radiomics and clinical features was constructed to predict the OS of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer after chemotherapy with immunotherapy. Methods Clinical data of 111 patients with extensive stage small-cell lung cancer who received first-line immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy in our hospital from December 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively collected. Finally, 93 patients were selected for inclusion in the study, and CT images were obtained through PACS system before treatment. All patients were randomly divided into a training set (n = 66) and a validation set (n = 27). Images were imported into ITK-SNAP to outline areas of interest, and Python software was used to extract radiomics features. A total of 1781 radiomics features were extracted from each patient's images. The feature dimensions were reduced by MRMR and LASSO methods, and the radiomics features with the greatest predictive value were screened. The weight coefficient of radiomics features was calculated, and the linear combination of the feature parameters and the weight coefficient was used to calculate Radscore. Univariate cox regression analysis was used to screen out the factors significantly associated with prognosis from the radiomics and clinical features, and multivariate cox regression analysis was performed to establish the prognosis prediction model of extensive stage small cell lung cancer. Results The degree of metastases was selected as a significant clinical prognostic factor by univariate cox regression analysis. Seven radiomics features with significance were selected by LASSO-COX regression analysis, and the Radscore was calculated according to the coefficient of the radiomics features. An alignment diagram survival prediction model was constructed by combining Radscore with the number of metastatic lesions. The study population was stratified into those who survived less than 11 months, and those with a greater than 11 month survival. The C-index was 0.722 (se = 0.044) and 0.68(se = 0.074) in the training and the validation sets, respectively. The Log_rank test results of the combination model were as follows: training set: p < 0.0001, validation set: p = 0.00042. Conclusion In this study, a combined model based on radiomics and clinical features could predict OS in patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer after chemotherapy with immunotherapy, which could help guide clinical treatment strategies.
Mpox infection of stromal cells and macrophages of macaque with endometriosis
Authors: Martinot Amanda , Hall Joshua , Lyons Claire , Li Jingyi , Martinez-Romero Gisela , Hayes Tammy , Cook Anthony , Barouch Dan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The mpox outbreak of 2022-2023 represented a new global health challenge and recognition of mpox as a sexually transmitted disease. The majority of cases were reported in men who have sex with men (MSM), but women are also susceptible, especially during pregnancy. We evaluated the reproductive tracts of a subset macaques from a large rechallenge study of mpox infection with virus from the 2022 outbreak and identified intraabdominal mpox replication associated with endometriosis. Mpox virus (MPXV) was found not only in skin, but in the cervix, the uterus, and periovarian endometriotic lesions of the affected macaque. Mpox replication preferentially targeted vimentin-positive poorly differentiated endometriotic stromal tissue and infiltrating macrophages in the reproductive tract. Mpox tropism for stromal cells and macrophages has broad implications for mpox pathogenesis and associated clinical syndromes. In addition, women with endometriosis may be at heightened risk for adverse outcomes associated with mpox infection. The rhesus macaque provides rare insight into this disease and the potential complications of mpox infection in the context of genitourinary tract disease.
Characteristics and Risk Assessment of Soil Available Heavy Metal Pollution in Guangzhou Based on Multi Method Fusion
Authors: Zou Zihang , Chen Lian , Zhang Peizhen , Wang Zhenjiang , Lin Sen , Wang Dan , Tang Cuiming , Luo Guoqing , Zhong Jianwu , Li Zhiyi , Wang Yuan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Assessment of the effective state concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cu, Ni, Cr, Cd, and As in 210 soil samples across the Guangzhou region in South China. The study also explores the pollution status, potential risks, and identifies the main hazard factors associated with these elements. The analysis of effective concentrations indicates average values of 13.66 mg/kg for Pb, 3.64 mg/kg for Ni, 17.92 mg/kg for Cu, 1.74 mg/kg for Cr, 51.77 mg/kg for Zn, 0.22 mg/kg for Cd, and 0.38 mg/kg for As. Notably, all heavy metals exhibited considerable variability. The single pollution index method and Nemerow index method both suggest that, with the exception of Cd, all heavy metals exhibit relatively low levels of contamination, indicating a slight overall pollution in the studied samples. The potential ecological risk index identifies Cd as the primary ecological risk factor among the available heavy metals in the soil of Guangzhou. The analysis using the potential health risk model suggests that the available forms of each heavy metal do not pose substantial health risks to both children and adults. The principal non-carcinogenic factors identified are Cu and Pb, whereas Cd and Cr emerge as the primary carcinogenic factors. The collaborative risk assessment analysis revealed that 79% of the samples in Guangzhou exhibited low potential risks, 20% showed potential risks, and only one sample indicated serious risks.
Design of a new nanocomposite based on Keggin-type [ZnW 12 O 40 ] 6– anionic cluster anchored on NiZn 2 O 4 ceramics as a promising material towards the electrocatalytic hydrogen storage
Authors: Rezvani Mohammad Ali , Ardeshiri Hadi Hassani , Gholami Alireza , Aghmasheh Masomeh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
While hydrogen is considered as a highly promising alternative fuel for energy production and consumption systems due to its clean-burning properties, its relatively low volumetric energy density has hindered its sorption abilities under ambient conditions. As a result, extensive research efforts have been dedicated to developing electrode materials with high capacity in order to address the increasing complexities arising from the energy crisis. Herein, a new nanocomposite was synthesized via the sol-gel method by immobilizing potassium salt of Keggin-type polyoxometalate ([ZnW12O40]6–) within the surface of NiZn2O4 ceramics. The assembled nanocomposite (ZnW12O40/NiZn2O4) was characterized by FT-IR, UV-vis, XRD, SEM, EDX, BET, and TGA-DTG methods. Furthermore, the electrochemical characteristics of the materials were examined using cyclic voltammogram (CV) and charge-discharge chronopotentiometry (CHP) techniques. Multiple factors affecting the hydrogen storage capacity, including current density (j), surface area of the copper foam, and the consequences of repeated cycles of hydrogen adsorption-desorption were evaluated. The initial cycle led to an impressive hydrogen discharge capability of 340 mAh/g, which subsequently increased to 900 mAh/g after 20 runs with a current density of 2 mA in 6.0 M KOH medium. The surface area and the electrocatalytic characteristics of the nanoparticles contribute to facilitate the formation of electrons and provide good diffusion channels for the movement of electrolyte ions throughout the charge-discharge procedure.
Autolyzed yeast and sodium butyrate supplemented alone to diets promoted improvements in performance, intestinal health and nutrient transporter in weaned piglets
Authors: Correia¹ Amanda Medeiros , Genova¹ Jansller Luiz , Kim Sung Woo , Abranches Fernanda Fialho , Rocha Gabriel Cipriano 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of supplemental nucleotides, autolyzed yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and sodium butyrate in diets for nursery pigs on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, blood profile, intestinal morphology, mRNA expression of nutrient transporters, inflammatory markers, antioxidant profile, and tight junction proteins in the small intestine. One hundred eighty 21-d-old pigs (5.17 ± 0.57 kg) were assigned in a randomized block design to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: (1) CON: control, basal diet, (2) NUC: CON + nucleotides, (3) YSC: CON + lysed yeast S. cerevisiae, (4) ASB: CON + acidifier sodium butyrate. Pigs were fed for 24 d, phase 1 (21 to 32 d) and 2 (32 to 45 d). During phase 1, YSC and ASB improved average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion (FC) compared with CON. At the overall period, ASB improved ADG and YSC improved FC compared with CON. The NUC diet did not affect growth performance. The ASB increased ileal villus height compared to CON. The YSC and ASB reduced the number of Peyer’s patches in the ileum compared with CON. The YSC increased mRNA expression of nutrient transporters (SMCT2, MCT1, and PepT1), tight junction proteins (OCL and ZO-1), antioxidants (GPX), and IL1-β in the jejunum compared with CON. The ASB increased mRNA expression of nutrient transporters (SGLT1 and MCT1), tight junction proteins (OCL and ZO-1), and antioxidants (GPX and SOD) compared with CON. In conclusion, autolyzed yeast and sodium butyrate promoted growth performance by improving the integrity of the intestinal barrier, the mRNA expression of nutrient transporters, and antioxidant enzymes in the jejunum of nursery pigs whereas supplementation of nucleotides did not show such effects.
Novel miniature valve-based piezoelectric liquid pump
Authors: liu runyu , liu guojun , wang meng , li xinbo , sun xiaodong , liu xiaopeng , wang conghui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Piezoelectric pumps are an important aspect of microfluidics due to their small size, low noise, and lack of electromagnetic interference, which makes them highly versatile. As technology advances, the field of microfluidics requires higher standards for miniaturization, flow rate, and pressure of piezoelectric pumps. This paper introduces two novel miniature valve-based piezoelectric liquid pump with distinct structures: the Mono-port valved piezoelectric micropump (MPVPM) and the Bi-port valved piezoelectric micropump (BPVPM). The primary distinguishing factor between the two is the number of cantilever beam valves at the outlet, with the former featuring one set and the latter featuring two sets. Firstly, simulation software is employed to analyze the inlet/outlet valves, the surrounding flow field, microchannels, and the overall operation process. Secondly, the key structural parameters of the piezoelectric pump are optimized through experiments. Finally, prototypes are fabricated, and the output performance indicators of the proposed two piezoelectric pumps are tested and compared. According to the simulation and experimental results, it appears that BPVPM is capable of discharging the fluid in the chamber at a faster rate than MPVPM; The arc-shaped channel in BPVPM, which has been found to have better energy transfer efficiency; it has been observed that the flow rate and pressure of the piezoelectric pump initially increase with the driving frequency, followed by a decrease, while they increase linearly with the voltage. Under the optimal operating conditions, the flow rate and pressure of MPVPM are 4.4 mL/min and 21 kPa, respectively, while those of BPVPM reach 5.1 mL/min and 25.7 kPa. This suggests that BPVPM has a superior output performance compared to MPVPM. Additionally, both proposed piezoelectric pumps have the same dimensions of 7mm x 7mm x 1.5mm, making them compact and efficient. This piezoelectric pump exhibits good comprehensive output performance in a small size and holds potential practical value in fields such as biomedical, cooling systems, fuel supply, and chemical engineering.
The Potential of Human Defensin 5 (HD5) as a Novel Strategy for Malaria Control: Inhibition of Plasmodium Development in Anopheles
Authors: Liu Tingting , Wang Jing , Li Xin , Yu Shasha , Zheng Dan , Liu Zhilong , Hu Hui , Yang Xuesen , Wang Ying 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Malaria is a serious threat to human health. The existing vector-based interventions have shortcomings, such as the environmental pollution and strong resistance to chemical insecticides, the relatively slow effects of biological insecticides. It is urgent to look for novel strategies to control malaria such as by reducing mosquito vector competence. Human defensin 5 (HD5) has broad-spectrum and high antimicrobial activity. We are intrigued whether HD5 can block malaria transmission by inhibition of plasmodium development in mosquitoes. So, HD5 was injected intrathoracically into Anopheles stephensi at various time points, and it was found that the infection intensity of Plasmodium yoelii in An. stephensi was significantly reduced by HD5 treatment at 24 h prior to infection or 6 h, 12 h, 24 h post-infection, comparing with the control groups. Then, we found that HD5 treatment significantly up-regulated TEP1 expression at 24 h and 72 h post-infection (hpi), while the expression of MyD88 and Rel1 in the Toll pathway were up-regulated at 24 hpi. Furthermore, RNA interference of MyD88 which is the key upstream molecule of Toll signaling pathway abolished the HD5-induced resistance of mosquitoes against malaria parasites infection. These results indicated HD5 microinjection to mosquito could effectively inhibit the development of malaria parasites in An. stephensi via activating the Toll signaling pathway. This study provides theoretical reference for the application of HD5 in malaria transmission blocking strategies using genetic engineering or transfection methods.
Effects of selenium nanoparticles on the ROS levels, oxidative stress, and expression of Bax/Bcl-2 and P53 genes in SW-480 human colon cancer cell line
Authors: Ghasemi Parvin , Maddah Atefeh , Salehzadeh Alireza , Ziamajidi Nasrin , Kalantary-Charvadeh Ashkan , Abbasalipourkabir Roghayeh , Salehzadeh Maryam 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have special applications in biochemistry and physics that enable various effects, such as oxidative stress or antioxidant activity. In the present study, the effect of SeNPs on SW480 cell lines via MTT assay, determination of ROS and stress oxidative enzymes activities, and gene expression of Bax, Bcl2, and P53 were studied.
Results
The results showed that oxidative stress levels increased after 24 hours of treatment with selected SeNPs concentrations. Moreover, the activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx enzymes decreased significantly. The expression levels of pro-apoptotic genes Bax and p53 were elevated, whereas the expression of the Bcl2 gene was reduced.
Conclusion
Selenium nanoparticles significantly reduced the activity of SOD, GPx, and CAT enzymes and caused an increase in ROS and induction of apoptosis in the cells. Therefore, the induced apoptosis can be caused by the excessive increase of oxidative stress in SW480 cell line.
Lipolysis pathways modulate endocannabinoid biosynthesis and signaling networks in dairy cows’ adipocytes
Authors: Myers Madison N. , Chirivi Miguel , Gandy Jeff C. , Tam Joseph , Zachut Maya , Contreras G. Andres 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
As cows transition from pregnancy to lactation, free fatty acids (FFA) are mobilized from adipose tissues (AT) through lipolysis to counter energy deficits. In clinically healthy cows, lipolysis intensity is reduced throughout lactation; however, if FFA release exceeds tissue demands or the liver’s metabolic capacity, lipid byproducts accumulate, increasing cows’ risk of metabolic and infectious disease. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) and their congeners, N-acylethanolamines (NAEs), are lipid-based compounds that modulate metabolism and inflammation. Their synthesis and release depend upon the availability of FFA precursors and the abundance of synthesizing and degrading enzymes and transporters. Therefore, we hypothesized that eCB production and transcription of endocannabinoid system components are modulated by lipolysis pathways in adipocytes. To test this hypothesis, we stimulated canonical (isoproterenol, 1 µM; ISO) and inflammatory (lipopolysaccharide, 1 µg/mL; LPS) lipolysis pathways in adipocytes isolated from the AT of 5 Holstein dairy cows. Following, we assessed lipolysis intensity, adipocytes’ release of eCBs, and transcription of ECS components.
Results
ISO and LPS stimulated lipolysis at comparable intensities. Exposure to ISO or LPS tended to elevate the release of eCBs and NAEs from adipocytes. ISO enhanced adipocytes’ release of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) but reduced NAE. Conversely, LPS enhanced the synthesis of N-arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) compared to ISO. Transcriptomic analyses revealed substantial changes in gene expression profiles amongst treatment groups. Notably, ISO enhanced the expression of 2-AG biosynthesizing genes, including INPP5F, GDPD5, and GPAT4. LPS augmented adipocytes’ transcription of NAE-biosynthesizing PTPN22. LPS heightened adipocytes’ transcription of 2-AG degrading COX-2, MGLL, and CYP27B1. Furthermore, LPS enhanced the transcription of HSPA1A and SCP2 whereas ISO increased CD36. ISO promoted the transcription of PPARG, while LPS enhanced expression of TRPV3 and CACNA1C.
Conclusions
Our data provide evidence for distinct modulatory roles of canonical and inflammatory lipolysis pathways over eCB release and transcriptional regulation of biosynthesis, degradation, transport, and ECS signaling in cows’ adipocytes. Based on our findings, we conclude that, within adipocytes, eCB production and ECS component expression are, at least in part, mediated by lipolysis in a pathway-dependent manner.These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic regulation in dairy cows’ AT, with potential implications for prevention and treatment of inflammatory and metabolic disorders.
Disparities in Sexual and Reproductive Health Service Utilization and Associated Factors among Agrarian and Pastoralist Adolescents in South Omo Zone, Ethiopia: A Community-Based Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wolde Belay , Dana Tadele , Kassa Yibeltal , Sahilu Tagay , Katiwaso Nigist 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Around1.2 billion of the world’s population is adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years. In Ethiopia, pastoralists are about 12% of total population. Studies on sexual and reproductive health service uptake in Ethiopia have been conducted, but they hadn’t shown the disparity in service utilization between agrarian and pastoralist settings.
Method: A community-based, comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2023. A multi-stage sampling technique was used, and 502 adolescents were randomly selected to participate in the study. The data were entered into Epi data 4.6 version and the analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Significance was considered at P-value <0.05, in the multivariate analysis.
Results: In total, 98.2% adolescents took part in the study. The overall utilization of SRH services was 27.4% (95%CI: 26.9, 27.8). There was a significant difference in SRH service utilization between agrarians 36% (95%CI: 35.5, 36.5) and pastoralists 18.7% (95%CI: 18.3, 19.1). Level of Education:-Uneducated Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR=0.187, 95%CI 0.065, 0.536), father/mother encouragement (AOR=2.817, 95% CI 1.120, 7.089), parent discussion (AOR=3.729, 95% CI 1.315, 10.574), and distance to SRH service (AOR=3.645, 95% CI 1.423, 9.337) were determinants of adolescent SRH service utilization.
Conclusion: Overall, ASRH service utilization in the study area was very low. Promoting father/mother encouragement and establishing SRH service centers at health institutions and school levels should be emphasized. The health sector and other stakeholders need to strengthen their efforts to establish SRH services near adolescents in places where they do not yet exist, in both agrarian and pastoralist areas.
Exploring the Associations between the Biomechanical and Psychological Mechanistic Pathways of Lower Back Pain Development amongst Persons with Lower-Limb Amputation
Authors: Withey Alexandra , Cazzola Dario , Tabor Abby , Seminati Elena 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The global rise in lower-limb amputations is mainly due to diabetes and vascular complications. Amputations cause serious physical and psycho-social disabilities which impair locomotion and compromise patients quality of life. Biopsychosocial factors such as altered gait parameters, poor prosthetic fit, depression, fear avoidance behaviours and stigma increase the risk of individuals incurring lower back pain; the leading cause of secondary disability amongst persons with lower-limb amputation. Exploring the potential mechanistic pathways of lower back pain development is important to inform timely patient-centred programmes of care. Currently, limited information exists to inform the design of such programmes. Thus, there is a pressing need to understand the bio-behavioural, psychological, and social features of individuals with lower-limb amputation in the presence of lower back pain.
Methods and analysis
This proposed protocol employs a prospective longitudinal study design that aims to explore the determinants of lower back pain amongst 30 adults with unilateral lower-limb amputation over 12-months. Biomechanical gait variables, trunk and lower-limb muscle activations, and objective pain measurements will be monitored every 3-months, and their relationship will be investigated. This information can be used to explore the characteristics of lower back pain and will inform future care management and rehabilitation processes. A data repository will be created and will be accessible through the University of Bath library website (https://library.bath.ac.uk/home).
Ethics and dissemination
This research has ethical approval from HRA ethics (REC reference: 23/EE/0090) agreed 28/04/23. The study results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed clinical biomechanics journal, and disseminated through conference presentations.
Trial reference number
The study is registered at IRAS ID: 321729 and at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06243549.