bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the histologic and immunohistochemical (CD34, glutamine synthetase) findings in idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH)
Authors: Büyük Melek , Berker Neslihan , Bakkaloğlu Doğu Vurallı , Şenkal İbrahim Volkan , Önal Zerrin , Güllüoğlu Mine 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Aim
Idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH) is a vascular disorder of uncertain origin. Diagnosis can be challenging on liver biopsy. Despite diverse histomorphologic findings documented in literature, studies on the frequency of these findings are lacking. This study aims to assess both the histomorphologic features and the immunoexpression patterns of CD34 and glutamine synthetase (GS) in liver biopsies and searched for their contribution to the pathologic diagnosis of INCPH.

Materials and methods
Hematoxylin–eosin, CD34, and GS-stained liver needle biopsy sections of 16 patients clinically diagnosed with INCPH were retrospectively analyzed. Histologic findings such as portal vein narrowing, obliteration, or loss were grouped as major findings, while portal vein herniation, hypervascularized portal tracts, and periportal abnormal vessels were grouped as minor findings, and their frequency were evaluated. Periportal endothelial CD34 stained areas were measured via ocular micrometer. The distribution of GS immunoexpression was evaluated. Eighteen healthy liver donor biopsies were evaluated as controls.

Results
In INCPH cases, 58% of portal tracts showed major findings, compared to 15% in the control group (p < 0.001). Minor findings were observed in 16% of INCPH cases and 7% of controls (p = 0.014). The number of portal tracts with histologic findings is significantly higher in INCPH than in control liver biopsies. Abnormal portal tract distribution, like being close to each other, was seen in 75% of INCPH cases but not in controls (p < 0.001). Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) was present in 31% of cases. Periportal CD34 expression was higher in INCPH, and affected areas were larger than in controls (p < 0.001). Irregular GS staining, i.e. GS staining with patchy distribution in zone 3, and/or periportal and zone 2 hepatocytes, was found in 62% of INCPH cases, while controls showed the usual pattern (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
In the biopsy diagnosis of INCPH, in addition to the presence of major histologic findings and the amount of portal tracts displaying these features, the expression of endothelial CD34 in periportal areas, and irregular hepatocellular GS expression can also be considered as supporting feature.
Potential Cause-and-Effect Relationship between Gut Microbiota and Childhood Neuroblastoma: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Chu Jing 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objectives
To analyze the potential causal-effect of gut microbiota (GM) on neuroblastoma (NB) risk using a Mendelian randomization (MR) study.

Methods
A two-sample MR study was conducted using summary statistics of the GM from the largest available meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies conducted by the MiBioGen consortium. Pooled statistics for childhood NB were obtained from the IEU Consortium release data (1627 cases and 3254 controls). Inverse variance-weighted, weighted median, MR-Egger, and weighted mod were used to examine the causal relationship between GM and childhood NB. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genes of positive GM were extracted using the PLINK program, and correlations between key SNP genes and tumor-regulated genes were analyzed. Functional enrichment analysis and transcription factor prediction were performed.

Results
Inverse variance weighted (IVW) results indicated that Erysipelotrichia exerted a protective effect against childhood NB (odds ratio = 0.371, 95% Confidence interval: 0.173 - 0.795, P = 0.011) and that Oscillospira exerted a risk effect against childhood NB (odds ratio = 2.378, 95% Confidence interval: 1.121 - 5.043, P = 0.024), indicating the association of GM with childhood NB. Further screening analysis using the IVW test revealed a reliable causal relationship between Erysipelotrichia and NB. Two SNP genes (MUC4 and PELI2) of Erysipelotrichia were extracted and analyzed. Both key genes were significantly associated with tumor-regulated genes, enriched in several pathways associated with tumor progression, and correlated with several upstream transcription factors.

Conclusions
It was observed that Erysipelotrichia is causally associated with NB using a two-sample MR study. Furthermore, the discovery of two SNP genes, MUC4 and PELI2, provides potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of NB.
18F-FDG PET/CT metabolism multi-parameter prediction of chemotherapy efficacy in locally progressive gastric cancer
Authors: Jin Luqiang , Zhang Linghe , Fu Liping , Song Fahuan , Cheng Aiping 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to use an 18F-FDG PET/CT multiparametric quantitative analysis to determine the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally progressive gastric cancer.

Materials and methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of 34 patients with pathologically identified gastric cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery. Chemotherapy regimens were followed and 18F-FDG PET/CT was conducted. We ascertained multiparamaters of the target lesions pre- and post-treatment and determined the ideal cutoff values for the percentage change in biomarkers. Independent factors were evaluated using binary logistic regression. A response classification system was used to explore the association between metabolic and anatomical responses and the degree of pathological remission.

Results
Binary logistic regression analysis showed that Lauren bowel type and change in total lesion glycolysis >45.2% were risk predictors for the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy; total lesion glycolysis demonstrated the best predictive efficacy. The categorical variable system of the two-module response (metabolic and anatomical response) group had a higher predictive accuracy than that of the single-module response (metabolic or anatomical response) group.

Conclusions
Using 18F-FDG PET/CT multiparametric quantitative analysis, Lauren bowel type and change in total lesion glycolysis >45.2% were independent predictors of the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. Additionally, the dual-module assessment demonstrated high predictive efficacy.
Tensor Tomography on Negatively Curved Manifolds of Low Regularity
Authors: Ilmavirta Joonas , Kykkänen Antti 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe prove solenoidal injectivity for the geodesic X-ray transform of tensor fields on simple Riemannian manifolds with $$C^{1,1}$$

C

1
,
1

metrics and non-positive sectional curvature. The proof of the result rests on Pestov energy estimates for a transport equation on the non-smooth unit sphere bundle of the manifold. Our low regularity setting requires keeping track of regularity and making use of many functions on the sphere bundle having more vertical than horizontal regularity. Some of the methods, such as boundary determination up to gauge and regularity estimates for the integral function, have to be changed substantially from the smooth proof. The natural differential operators such as covariant derivatives are not smooth.
Covariant Derivatives on Homogeneous Spaces: Horizontal Lifts and Parallel Transport
Authors: Schlarb Markus 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe consider invariant covariant derivatives on reductive homogeneous spaces corresponding to the well-known invariant affine connections. These invariant covariant derivatives are expressed in terms of horizontally lifted vector fields on the Lie group. This point of view allows for a characterization of parallel vector fields along curves. Moreover, metric invariant covariant derivatives on a reductive homogeneous space equipped with an invariant pseudo-Riemannian metric are characterized. As a by-product, a new proof for the existence of invariant covariant derivatives on reductive homogeneous spaces and their the one-to-one correspondence to certain bilinear maps is obtained.
Mixed signals of environmental change and a trend towards ecological homogenization in ground vegetation across different forest types
Authors: Kermavnar Janez , Kutnar Lado 
Published: March 2024

AbstractForest ground vegetation may serve as an early warning system for monitoring anthropogenic global-change impacts on temperate forests. Climate warming may induce a decline of cool-adapted species to the benefit of more thermophilous plants. Nitrogen deposition has been documented to potentially result in soil eutrophication or acidification, which can increase the proportion of species with higher nutrient requirements and species impoverishment caused by competitive exclusion. Abiotic forest disturbances are changing the light conditions in the forest understorey environment. In this resurvey study, we tested the magnitude and direction of change in alpha (species richness) and beta (within-site dissimilarity) diversity and composition of forest ground vegetation in forests of different types in Slovenia over fifteen years. Using plant-derived characteristics (Ellenberg-type indicator values) and by testing a priori predictions concerning expected effects of environmental drivers, we show that the magnitude and direction of forest ground vegetation diversity and floristic changes varies greatly between forest sites. Divergent responses at different sites resulted in low net change of alpha and beta diversity and a weak overall environmental signal. The largest decrease in species number was observed in lowland oak-hornbeam forests, which were also among the sites with the greatest compositional shifts. Changes in beta diversity did not show any consistent trend, and anticipated floristic convergence was not confirmed when all sites were considered. Thermophilization was mainly detected in montane beech sites and alpine spruce forests whereas eutrophication signal was most significant on nutrient-poor sites. Vegetation responses were strongly dependent on initial site conditions. Shrinkage of ecological gradients (process of ecological homogenization) suggests that sites positioned at the ends of the gradients are losing their original ecological character and are becoming more similar to mid-gradient sites that generally exhibit smaller changes. Our results point to the importance of local stand dynamics and overstorey disturbances in explaining the temporal trends in forest ground vegetation. Ground vegetation in Slovenian forests is changing in directions also dictated by multiple regional and global change drivers.
A case of young male with recurrent acute pancreatitis caused by an intrapancreatic gastric duplication cyst
Authors: Miyamoto Sayaka , Ishii Yasutaka , Serikawa Masahiro , Tatsukawa Yumiko , Nakamura Shinya , Ikemoto Juri , Tamura Yosuke , Uemura Kenichiro , Arihiro Koji , Oka Shiro 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGastric duplication cyst (GDC) is a rare gastrointestinal malformation that frequently occurs in the greater curvature of the gastric antrum or corpus. Herein, we reported a case of intrapancreatic GDC found as a result of recurring pancreatitis. A 15-year-old man experienced repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis and was found to have a cystic lesion in the pancreatic tail. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a 20-mm cystic lesion with an enhanced thick wall. Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed an anechoic cyst with a three-layered wall. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) revealed a connection between the cyst and the main pancreatic duct (MPD), and the duplication of the MPD. ERP showed the pancreatic duct stenosis downstream of the cyst. Although preoperative diagnosis was difficult, distal pancreatectomy was performed to prevent recurrence of pancreatitis. Pathological examination revealed that the cystic lesion was circumferentially surrounded by the pancreatic parenchyma. The epithelial lining of the cyst was crypt epithelium containing the fundic or pyloric glands and surrounded by a smooth muscle layer. The final diagnosis was intrapancreatic GDC.
Identification of Neolithic diet by the morphology of the starch grains of dental calculus found in the Dehesilla Cave (Cadiz – South of the Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: Coutinho António Pereira , Moreira Margarida , Silva Eduarda , García-Rivero Daniel , Umbelino Cláudia 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe starch grains present in the dental calculus of four Neolithic individuals of the Dehesilla Cave (Cadiz, South of Spain) were extracted and observed with light microscopy. The variant of the extraction technique used proved to be very effective. A number of Poaceae-Triticeae taxa [wheat (Triticum sp., the main crop, including Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum sp.)], Fabaceae-Fabeae-Cicereae and Fagaceae (oaks = Quercus sp., which constitute new data for the area in question) were identified. Some pollen grains and fungal spores were also identified, which helped to provide information on the ecological framework of the crops associated with the archaeological site.
Innovative approaches to enhance high-LETd tumor targeting in carbon ion radiotherapy
Authors: Mairani Andrea 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To present novel approaches in particle therapy that could result in an improvement of patient outcome.

Methods
Technological/planning and biological innovations could bring particle therapy into a new area of precision medicine. However, several hurdles have to be overcome in order to transform these R&D opportunities into clinical advantages. In this contribution, we summarize the potential advantages of novel tumor targeting, through high-LETd boosting strategies with carbon ions, over standard IMPT: LETd-optimization for IMPT plan, IMPTLET, and spot-scanning hadron arc (SHArc) therapy. Two patient cases are presented to showcase the benefit: a pancreatic cancer patient (PATA) and a recurrent glioblastoma patient (PATB).

Results
For both patients, the prescription dose and target/organs at risk (OARs) optimization goals were reached for the three techniques. In standard IMPT, the maximum LETd is placed outside of the target volume and extends into normal tissues. For the gross target volume (GTV), mean LETd values were, on average, around ∼40–60 keV/µm. IMPTLET allowed an increase in the GTV minimum LETd from 38.4 keV/µm to 48.6 keV/µm, and from 55.1 to 87.1 keV/µm, for PATA and PATB, respectively. SHArc led to an enhancement of the maximum LETd in the GTV up to at least 125 keV/µm, while the minimum GTV LETd were 47.2 keV/µm and 46.1 keV/µm, respectively. For PATA, SHArc lowers the maximum LETd in the gastrointestinal tract to 47.5 keV/µm compared to 88.0 keV/µm and 83.0 keV/µm found for the IMPT and IMPTLET plans, respectively.

Conclusions
Many technological and biological innovations could enhance our current clinical approach. Following the current success of the IMPTLET introduction in clinic, SHARc will represent an interesting clinical option in carbon ion therapy.
Food security and nutrition in refugee camps in the European Union: Development of a framework of analysis linking causes and effects
Authors: Abdalla Liliane , Goulao Luis F. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe literature on food security and nutrition -FSN among refugees found high rates of food insecurity- FI among refugees in both, low- and middle-income - LMIC countries and high-income countries- HIC. Despite high rates of FI among refugees in HIC, little is known about FSN status of refugees and asylum-seekers living in refugee camps in the European Union- EU. This paper addresses this knowledge gap by reviewing issues related to the Food Security and Nutrition-FSN of refugees in the EU and worldwide and provides three main contributions to the existing knowledge. Firstly, it identifies the main drivers of FSN in a refugee context and offer a causal framework describing the main causes and effects of FNI in refugee camps. The immediate causes of FNI are poor Shelter and Settlement, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene and Healthcare. Moreover, secondary causes of FNI are the lack of adaptation to a new environment; Lack of culturally adapted food; Inadequate FSN interventions; Poor livelihood strategies. Secondly, it demonstrates that FNI exists in European refugee camps underscoring that EU member states have been unable to deliver sustainable solutions towards the realization of FSN in the E.U. Finally, the paper calls for a multisectoral and non-discriminatory European common policy targeting refugees’ FSN.
Cosmic topology, underdetermination, and spatial infinity
Authors: Ryan Patrick James 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIt is well-known that the global structure of every space-time model for relativistic cosmology is observationally underdetermined. In order to alleviate the severity of this underdetermination, it has been proposed that we adopt the Cosmological Principle because the Principle restricts our attention to a distinguished class of space-time models (spatially homogeneous and isotropic models). I argue that, even assuming the Cosmological Principle, the topology of space remains observationally underdetermined. Nonetheless, I argue that we can muster reasons to prefer various topological properties over others. In particular, I favor the adoption of multiply connected universe models on grounds of (i) simplicity, (ii) Machian considerations, and (iii) explanatory power. We are able to appeal to such grounds because multiply connected topologies open up the possibility of finite universe models (consistent with our best data), which in turn avoid thorny issues concerning the postulation of an actually infinite universe.
Monitoring of Älvkarleby test embankment dam using 3D electrical resistivity tomography for detection of internal defects
Authors: Norooz Reyhaneh , Nivorlis Aristeidis , Olsson Per-Ivar , Günther Thomas , Bernstone Christian , Dahlin Torleif 
Published: March 2024

AbstractElectrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is a potential-based method for detecting internal erosion in the core of embankment dams using the electrodes installed outside. This study aims at evaluating the practical capability of ERT monitoring for detecting internal defects in embankment dams. A test embankment dam with in-built well-defined defects was built in Älvkarleby, Sweden, to assess different monitoring systems including ERT and the defect locations were unknown to the monitoring teams. Between 7500 and 14,000 ERT data points were acquired daily, which were used to create the distribution of electrical resistivity models of the dam using 3D time-lapse inversion. The inversion models revealed a layered resistivity structure in the core that might be related to variations in water content or unintentional variations in material properties. Several anomalous zones that were not associated with the defects were detected, which might be caused by unintentional variations in material properties, temperature, water content, or other installations. The results located two out of five defects in the core, horizontal and vertical crushed rock zones, with a slight location shift for the horizontal zone. The concrete block defect in the core was indicated, although not as distinctly and with a lateral shift. The two remaining defects in the core, a crushed rock zone at the abutment and a wooden block and a crushed rock zone in the filter, were not discovered. The results cannot be used to fully evaluate the capability of ERT in detecting internal erosion under typical Swedish conditions due to limited seepage associated with the defects. Furthermore, scale effects need to be considered for larger dams.
Techno-economic analysis of a mini biogas electricity plant (MBEP) for a typical farm in the Zimbabwean off-grid areas
Authors: Shonhiwa Chipo , Mukumba Patrick , Makaka Golden 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In response to declining electricity production in Zimbabwe, the energy regulator engaged various stakeholders to work together to solve the energy shortage problem. Biomass waste, abundant in the country, can contribute to electricity generation for consumption and export to the grid. Compared to other renewable energy resources such as wind and solar, biomass has lower investment and per unit operational costs, making it more affordable. Although farmers in the remote off-grid areas produce large amounts of waste, which can be used for biogas production via anaerobic digestion (AD), the farmers are still ‘energy-poor’. There is insufficient information to enable farmers to make informed decisions on AD technology uptake. This study conducted a techno-economic assessment for a mini biogas electric plant (MBEP) for a typical farm in Zimbabwe’s off-grid areas. The sustainably available biomass for biogas production was determined, followed by quantifying the biogas produced, sizing and selecting the digester type, and sizing the generator. The MBEP produces 435,350.7 kWh of heat and electrical energy from 452 t of biowaste. The first biodigester-type option, the garage-shaped, has a negative net present value (

$$NPV$$

NPV

) of − US$416.4. The Carmatec biodigester, the most popular AD technology in the country, has a positive

$$NPV$$

NPV

(US$216,447.7), but its economics needs improvement. Adopting AD technology allows farmers to mitigate environmental pollution and improve soil fertility by converting organic waste into biogas and biofertilisers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Research was recommended to investigate supportive policies, incentives, and regulatory frameworks to promote the widespread adoption of AD technology in agricultural settings.
Laughing Is Not an Exception! An Italian Perspective on the Autonomous Protection of Parodies Beyond Elaboration
Authors: Fabris Daniele 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper analyses the legal regime of parodistic work from an Italian and European copyright law perspective. Taking into consideration that the Italian Copyright Act does not contain any specific parody exception, the author maintains that parodistic works cannot fall within the scope of the quotation and criticism exception. Based on the fact that, as is well known, EU copyright law does not allow Member States and national courts to apply a general “fair use” doctrine to support the lawfulness of using another’s work for parodistic purposes, it is argued that the use of a previous work to create a new parodistic work falls beyond the scope of copyright protection, and that the creation and commercialisation of a parodistic work cannot be prohibited by the author of the parodied work, since the former does not amount to an elaboration of the latter.