bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging assessment of residual tumor angiogenesis after insufficient microwave ablation and donafenib adjuvant therapy
Authors: Ren Ziwang , Feng Guiling , Li Bing , Zhang Chuan , Du Yong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTo analyze the correlation between dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) permeability parameters and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in a rabbit VX2 liver cancer model with insufficient microwave ablation (MWA), to observe the dynamic changes in residual tumor angiogenesis in the short term after MWA, and to assess the effectiveness of donafenib as adjuvant therapy. Forty rabbits with VX2 liver tumors were randomly divided into three groups: an insufficient MWA group (n = 15), a combined treatment group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 10). The dynamic changes in VEGF expression after MWA and the effectiveness of donafenib as adjuvant therapy were evaluated by DCE-MRI and serum VEGF levels before surgery and 1, 3, 7, and 14 days after surgery. The correlation between the volume translate constant (Ktrans) of DCE-MRI parameters and serum VEGF levels fluctuated after ablation, but the coefficient was always positive (all p < 0.001). Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant changes in the serum VEGF concentration (F = 40.905, p < 0.001; partial η2 = 0.689), Ktrans (F = 13.388, p < 0.001; partial η2 = 0.420), and tumor diameter in each group (F = 34.065, p < 0.001; partial η2 = 0.648) at all five time points. Pairwise comparisons showed that the serum VEGF level, Ktrans value and tumor diameter in the insufficient MWA group and combined treatment group were significantly lower at 1 d than in the control group, but these values gradually increased over time (all p < 0.05). Ktrans and tumor diameter were significantly greater in the insufficient MWA group than in the control group at 14 days (all p < 0.05). The serum VEGF concentration, Ktrans, and tumor diameter were significantly lower in the combined treatment group than in the other two groups at 3, 7, and 14 days (all p < 0.05). Ktrans is positively correlated with the serum VEGF concentration. Ktrans and the serum VEGF concentration changed significantly after treatment with insufficient ablation or in combination with donafenib, and Ktrans may change faster. Insufficient MWA promotes the progression of residual tumors. Adjuvant treatment with donafenib is effective.
Enhancing high-performance concrete sustainability: integration of waste tire rubber for innovation
Authors: Singaravel Dhipan Aravind , Veerapandian Pavalan , Rajendran Silambarasan , Dhairiyasamy Ratchagaraja 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study extensively explored the impact of integrating waste tire rubber into high-performance concrete (HPC) by substituting natural sand. Different fractions of rubber particles—5%, 10%, and 15% replacements of the fine aggregate—were rigorously investigated. Properties from fresh to hardened concrete were assessed, including compressive and tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, workability, and damping coefficient. Replacing up to 10% of sand with 0.6 mm rubber particles showed minimal strength compromise compared to standard HPC. However, at a 15% replacement rate, a noticeable decline in strength became evident, highlighting an optimal threshold for inclusion. Additionally, rubber incorporation notably enhanced concrete ductility and damping, marking a substantial improvement in dynamic properties. Efforts to offset strength reduction through increased fines content and mineral admixture could not counteract the decline at the 15% replacement level, suggesting limitations in compensatory measures. Methodological refinements enhanced data accuracy, including capping and surface treatments during compression testing. The study underlined the viability of controlled rubber substitution for bolstering HPC's dynamic attributes. Despite strength reductions at higher replacement rates, controlled waste tire rubber integration proves promising for enhancing HPC's dynamics without compromising structural integrity, advocating its suitability across diverse construction applications.
Global epistasis in plasmid-mediated antimicrobial resistance
Authors: DelaFuente Javier , Diaz-Colunga Juan , Sanchez Alvaro , San Millan Alvaro 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria is a major public health threat and conjugative plasmids play a key role in the dissemination of AMR genes among bacterial pathogens. Interestingly, the association between AMR plasmids and pathogens is not random and certain associations spread successfully at a global scale. The burst of genome sequencing has increased the resolution of epidemiological programs, broadening our understanding of plasmid distribution in bacterial populations. Despite the immense value of these studies, our ability to predict future plasmid-bacteria associations remains limited. Numerous empirical studies have recently reported systematic patterns in genetic interactions that enable predictability, in a phenomenon known as global epistasis. In this perspective, we argue that global epistasis patterns hold the potential to predict interactions between plasmids and bacterial genomes, thereby facilitating the prediction of future successful associations. To assess the validity of this idea, we use previously published data to identify global epistasis patterns in clinically relevant plasmid-bacteria associations. Furthermore, using simple mechanistic models of antibiotic resistance, we illustrate how global epistasis patterns may allow us to generate new hypotheses on the mechanisms associated with successful plasmid-bacteria associations. Collectively, we aim at illustrating the relevance of exploring global epistasis in the context of plasmid biology.
B cell lineage reconstitution underlies CAR-T cell therapeutic efficacy in patients with refractory myasthenia gravis
Authors: Tian Dai-Shi , Qin Chuan , Dong Ming-Hao , Heming Michael , Zhou Luo-Qi , Wang Wen , Cai Song-Bai , You Yun-Fan , Shang Ke , Xiao Jun , Wang Di , Li Chun-Rui , Zhang Min , Bu Bi-Tao , Meyer zu Hörste Gerd , Wang Wei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractB-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), expressed in plasmablasts and plasma cells, could serve as a promising therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases. We reported here chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting BCMA in two patients with highly relapsed and refractory myasthenia gravis (one with AChR-IgG, and one with MuSk-IgG). Both patients exhibited favorable safety profiles and persistent clinical improvements over 18 months. Reconstitution of B-cell lineages with sustained reduced pathogenic autoantibodies might underlie the therapeutic efficacy. To identify the possible mechanisms underlying the therapeutic efficacy of CAR-T cells in these patients, longitudinal single-cell RNA and TCR sequencing was conducted on serial blood samples post infusion as well as their matching infusion products. By tracking the temporal evolution of CAR-T phenotypes, we demonstrated that proliferating cytotoxic-like CD8 clones were the main effectors in autoimmunity, whereas compromised cytotoxic and proliferation signature and profound mitochondrial dysfunction in CD8+ Te cells before infusion and subsequently defect CAR-T cells after manufacture might explain their characteristics in these patients. Our findings may guide future studies to improve CAR T-cell immunotherapy in autoimmune diseases.
Parental Responsivity and Child Communication During Mother–Child and Father–Child Interactions in Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Potter Sarah Nelson , Harvey Danielle , Sterling Audra , Abbeduto Leonard 
Published: February 2024

Purpose:
Past research shows that parentally responsive behavior toward the child positively influences language development in both neurotypical children and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with fragile X syndrome (FXS); however, most studies have focused exclusively on the mother–child relationship. The current study examined relationships between parent behavior (i.e., responsivity and behavior management) and child language performance in both mother–child and father–child interactions, as well as relationships between child characteristics and both parent behavior and child language.

Method:
Participants were 23 families of young boys with FXS between 3 and 7 years of age. Mothers and fathers independently completed questionnaires assessing child characteristics and separately engaged in 12-min play-based interactions with their child via telehealth. One parent also completed a comprehensive interview assessing child adaptive behavior. Video recordings of the parent–child interactions were transcribed and coded for parent and child behavior, and measures of parent and child language were obtained from the transcripts.

Results:
Mothers and fathers used similar rates of responsive behaviors during parent–child interactions, and parental responsivity was positively associated with some aspects of child language performance (i.e., talkativeness and lexical diversity). Parental behavior, however, was not associated with syntactic complexity. Older children and children with higher levels of adaptive behavior had parents who used higher rates of responsive behaviors. Fathers used higher rates of behavior management strategies compared to mothers, and this type of parent behavior was not associated with child language.

Conclusion:
Overall, this study provides evidence that interventions focused on increasing parental responsiveness would be beneficial for families of children with FXS and that these interventions should be delivered early given the association between responsivity and child age.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25229939
Adults With Cochlear Implants: Residual Hearing, Musical Perception, and Temporal Skills
Authors: Yıldırım Gökay Nuriye , Orhan Emre , Tutar Volkan , Tutar Hakan , Karamert Recep , Gündüz Bülent 
Published: February 2024

Purpose:
The main purpose of the study is to investigate whether the presence of residual hearing before cochlear implantation has an effect on temporal pattern recognition skills and musical perception in adults.

Method:

The study included adults with cochlear implants who were between the ages of 20 and 45 years. Adults with cochlear implants were divided into two groups: absent (
n
= 20) and available (
n
= 20) groups according to residual hearing before implantation. Frequency Pattern and Duration Pattern tests were applied to evaluate temporal pattern recognition, and the “Music-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire” was applied to evaluate musical perceptions.

Results:
There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of cochlear-implanted hearing thresholds and speech recognition scores, musical perception, and musical activities, according to their residual hearing. On the other hand, the frequency and duration pattern recognition skills were statistically significantly better in adults with residual hearing. Also, statistically significant correlations were obtained in terms of temporal skills and musical perception subskills.

Conclusions:
The presence of residual hearing before cochlear implantation may affect temporal auditory processing skills. It is concluded that the integration of cochlear implants may affect temporal processing skills in adults as well as quality of life. It is recommended that experts be aware of this issue and pay attention to residual hearing.
Accretion discs onto supermassive compact objects: A portal to dark matter physics in active galaxies
Authors: Millauro C. , Argüelles C. R. , Vieyro F. L. , Crespi V. , Mestre M. F. 
Published: February 2024

Context. The study of the physics of the accretion discs that develop around supermassive black hole (BH) candidates provides essential theoretical tools to test their nature.
Aims. Here, we study the accretion flow and associated emission using generalised α-discs accreting onto horizonless dark compact objects in order to make comparisons with the traditional BH scenario. The BH alternative proposed here consists in a dense and highly degenerate core made of fermionic dark matter (DM) and surrounded by a more diluted DM halo. This dense core–diluted halo DM configuration is a solution of Einstein’s equation of general relativity (GR) in spherical symmetry, which naturally arises once the quantum nature of the DM fermions is duly accounted for.
Methods. The methodology followed in this work consists in first generalising the theory of α-discs to work in the presence of regular and horizonless compact objects, and then applying it to the case of core–halo DM profiles typical of active-like galaxies.
Results. The fact that the compactness of the dense and transparent DM core scales with particle mass allows the following key findings of this work: (i) There is always a given core compacity – corresponding particle mass – that produces a luminosity spectrum that is almost indistinguishable from that of a Schwarzschild BH of the same mass as the DM core. (ii) The disc can enter deep inside the non-rotating DM core, allowing accretion-powered efficiencies of as high as 28%, which is comparable to that of a highly rotating Kerr BH.
Conclusions. These results, together with the existence of a critical DM core mass of collapse into a supermassive BH, open new avenues of research for two seemingly unrelated topics: AGN phenomenology and dark matter physics.
Rauchen in Netflix-Spielfilmen und Jugendschutz
Authors: Hanewinkel Reiner , Neumann Clemens , Morgenstern Matthis 
Published: February 2024

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Mit dem Ziel des Jugendschutzes fordert die Weltgesundheitsorganisation, Filme mit Rauchszenen als ungeeignet für Jugendliche einzustufen. Der Konsum von Filmen erfolgt in den letzten Jahren – noch einmal verstärkt durch die COVID-19-Pandemie – zunehmend über Videostreamingdienste, was den Jugendschutz vor neue Herausforderungen stellt.
Fragestellung Die Häufigkeit des Rauchens in Netflix-Spielfilmen sollte erhoben und die Altersempfehlungen für Netflix-Produktionen mit Rauchszenen untersucht werden.
Methode Insgesamt 235 Filme, die in den Jahren 2021 und 2022 exklusiv zum Streaming von der Plattform Netflix bereitgestellt wurden, wurden inhaltsanalysiert. Es wurde betrachtet, (1) wie hoch der Anteil an rauchfreien Filmen in dieser Filmstichprobe war, (2) wie häufig Rauchszenen in diesen Filmen auftraten und (3) wie hoch der Anteil der Filme mit Rauchszenen war, die in Deutschland sowie den USA als für Jugendliche geeignet eingestuft wurden. Als für Kinder und Jugendliche geeignet wurden alle Filme angesehen, deren Altersfreigabe unter 16 Jahren lag.
Ergebnisse In 113 von 235 analysierten Filmen wurde geraucht (48,1%). Von den 113 Filmen mit Rauchszenen wurden in Deutschland 57 (50,4%) und in den USA 26 Filme (23,0%) als jugendfrei eingestuft (p<0,001). 3310 Rauchszenen wurden insgesamt registriert. Davon waren in Deutschland 39,4% (N=1303) in Filmen mit Jugendfreigabe zu sehen, bei Netflix-USA lag dieser Anteil bei 15,8% (N=524).
Diskussion Rauchen tritt in Netflix-Filmen häufig auf. Weder in den USA noch in Deutschland hält sich Netflix an die Empfehlungen des WHO-Rahmenübereinkommens zur Eindämmung des Tabakkonsums, den Zugang von Jugendlichen zu Filmen, in denen das Rauchen dargestellt wird, zuverlässig zu beschränken. Allerdings gelingt der Jugendschutz in den USA im Vergleich zu Deutschland besser, da die Hälfte der Netflix-Filme mit Rauchszenen in Deutschland als jugendgeeignet eingestuft wurden, in den USA weniger als ein Viertel.
Artemisia annua und Artesunat in der Onkologie
Authors: Efferth Thomas 
Published: February 2024

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGArtesunat ist ein klinisch etabliertes Medikament zur Malariabehandlung.
Präklinische Daten weisen darauf hin, dass Artesunat und Artemisinin,
die Leitsubstanz aus der chinesischen Heilpflanze Artemisia annua L.,
auch gegen Krebs eingesetzt werden könnten.Im Allgemeinen wurden Artemisinin und Artesunat nach den bisher vorliegenden
klinischen Befunden gut vertragen, wobei vereinzelt immer wieder auch
signifikante Nebenwirkungen wie Hämatotoxizität,
Hepatotoxizität oder Neurotoxizität auftraten. Auf das Vorkommen
schwerer Nebenwirkungen muss auch weiterhin besonderes Augenmerk gelegt werden,
insbesondere wenn Artesunat zusammen mit anderen Medikamenten verabreicht
wird.Die veterinärmedizinischen Studien zeigen, dass spontane Tiertumoren
nicht nur ein interessantes Modell für die Translation
präklinischer Daten in die Klinik sind, sondern dass Artesunat- und
Artemisia-annua-Präparate eine neue Behandlungsoption
für Haustiere mit Tumorerkrankungen darstellen könnten.Die Wirksamkeit von Artesunat gegen verschiedene solide humane Tumoren ist bisher
als eher mäßig einzustufen, wobei das Zervixkarzinom
möglicherweise besser anzusprechen scheint. Insgesamt liegen noch zu
wenige Daten vor, um die klinischen Ansprechraten bei verschiedenen Tumortypen
zuverlässig beantworten zu können. Weitere
größere klinische Phase-II- und -III-Studien sind
nötig.
Infection and Sepsis Trends during United States' Delivery Hospitalizations from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Liu Lilly Y. , Friedman Alexander M. , Goffman Dena , Nathan Lisa , Sheen Jean-Ju , Reddy Uma M. , D'Alton Mary E. , Wen Timothy 
Published: February 2024

Objective This study aimed to evaluate trends, risk factors, and outcomes associated with infections and sepsis during delivery hospitalizations in the United States.
Study Design The 2000–2020 National Inpatient Sample was used for this repeated cross-sectional analysis. Delivery hospitalizations of patients aged 15 to 54 with and without infection and sepsis were identified. Common infection diagnoses during delivery hospitalizations analyzed included (i) pyelonephritis, (ii) pneumonia/influenza, (iii) endometritis, (iv) cholecystitis, (v) chorioamnionitis, and (vi) wound infection. Temporal trends in sepsis and infection during delivery hospitalizations were analyzed. The associations between sepsis and infection and common chronic health conditions including asthma, chronic hypertension, pregestational diabetes, and obesity were analyzed. The associations between clinical, demographic, and hospital characteristics, and infection and sepsis were determined with unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models with unadjusted odds ratio (OR) and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals as measures of association.
Results An estimated 80,158,622 delivery hospitalizations were identified and included in the analysis, of which 2,766,947 (3.5%) had an infection diagnosis and 32,614 had a sepsis diagnosis (4.1 per 10,000). The most common infection diagnosis was chorioamnionitis (2.7% of deliveries) followed by endometritis (0.4%), and wound infections (0.3%). Infection and sepsis were more common in the setting of chronic health conditions. Evaluating trends in individual infection diagnoses, endometritis and wound infection decreased over the study period both for patients with and without chronic conditions, while risk for pyelonephritis and pneumonia/influenza increased. Sepsis increased over the study period for deliveries with and without chronic condition diagnoses. Risks for adverse outcomes including mortality, severe maternal morbidity, the critical care composite, and acute renal failure were all significantly increased in the presence of sepsis and infection.
Conclusion Endometritis and wound infections decreased over the study period while risk for sepsis increased. Infection and sepsis were associated with chronic health conditions and accounted for a significant proportion of adverse obstetric outcomes including severe maternal morbidity.
Key Points
Adapting the Client Priority Rating Scale to better fit the sexual health counselling setting: a quality improvement study
Authors: Coote Katherine , O’Neill Fiona , Slavich Eve 
Published: February 2024

Background When demand for counselling in community-based clinics exceeds capacity, waiting lists are typically formed. Determining allocation priority solely on wait time can overlook client risk factors that can elevate priority. We undertook to rigorously adapt the only existing validated counselling triage tool, to better fit the sexual health setting. Methods Sexual health counsellors were surveyed about aspects of client presentations that flagged increased priority. The revised Client Priority Rating Scale (CPRS-R) was created through systematic analysis and decision making, informed by survey results and literature review. Four expert sexual health counsellors independently rated the priority of 14 hypothetical clinical vignettes using the CPRS and CPRS-R. Results Criterion (concurrent), content and face validity are evidenced in the revised scale. Average interrater agreement was higher on the CPRS-R (28%) than the CPRS (11%); however, this difference was marginal (P = 0.06). According to Gwet’s Agreement Coefficient (AC) and Krippendorff’s Alpha, both the CPRS and the CPRS-R demonstrate comparable interrater reliability, substantial and moderate, respectively. Kendall’s W indicates the CPRS yielded higher reliability. However, the difference is not substantial. Conclusions The CPRS-R is a triage tool designed for the sexual health counselling setting. This tool has demonstrated criterion, content and face validity, as well as moderate to substantial inter-rater reliability. It can be used in sexual health settings to inform assessments about client priority, along with clinical judgement and peer consultation.
Revisiting loop quantum gravity with selfdual variables: classical theory
Authors: Sahlmann Hanno , Seeger Robert 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We review the classical formulation of general relativity as an

S
L

(
2
,

C

)

gauge theory in terms of Ashtekar’s self-dual variables and reality conditions for the spatial metric (first reality condition) and its evolution (second reality condition), and we add some new observations and results. We first explain in detail how a connection taking values in the Lie algebra of the complex Lorentz group yields two spin(3,1) connections, one self-dual and one anti-self-dual, without the need for a spin structure. We then demonstrate that the self-dual part of the complexified Palatini action in Ashtekar variables requires a holomorphic phase space description in order to obtain a non-degenerate symplectic structure. The holomorphic phase space does not allow for the implementation of the reality conditions as additional constraints, so they have to be taken care of ‘by hand’ during the quantisation. We also observe that, due to the action being complex, there is an overall complex phase that can be chosen at will. We then review the canonical formulation and the consequences of the implementation of the reality conditions. We pay close attention to the transformation behaviour of the various fields under (complex) basis changes, as well as to complex analytic properties of the relevant functions on phase space.