bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foreland basin development in response to Proto-Tethyan Ocean closure, western North China Block
Authors: Sun Jiaopeng , Dong Yunpeng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Closure timing of the northeastern Proto-Tethyan Ocean between the Qilian-Qinling Terranes and the North China Block remains unsolved, with assumptions ranging from end-Ordovician to the Devonian. To address this issue, integrated studies of stratigraphy and geochronology were conducted on Late Ordovician strata in the southwestern Ordos, which recorded the earliest tectonic transition from passive margin to foreland basin in the westernmost North China Block. Stratigraphic and paleontologic syntheses demonstrate that pre-Katian strata are shallow-marine deposits dominated by benthonic faunas. Meanwhile, Katian successions above a paraconformity are characterized by deep-water debrites and turbidites containing abundant planktonic graptolites. Provenance analysis reveals an evolving source from the North China Block basement to the Qilian-Qinling arc terranes at the beginning of Katian (ca. 450 Ma). Detrital zircons from pre-Katian quartz arenites yield ages of ca. 1600–2800 Ma, significantly older than their depositional timing. In contrast, Katian turbidites in the southwestern Ordos and the North Qilian Orogen display similar age patterns dominated by ca. 450–900 Ma ages. These clues imply a basin-filling shift from passive margin to underfilled foreland, separated by forebulge unconformity formation at Sandbian-Katian boundary. Stratigraphic correlation further suggests that sequence of foreland basin-infill transitions was broadly simultaneous along strike more than ~1200 km across the southwestern North China Block, including forebulge flexural uplift, followed by rapid shallow shelf drowning to abyssal plain, until arrival and superimposition of arc-derived turbidites. Along-strike synchronicity of orogenic activities implies that closure of the northeastern Proto-Tethys was nearly synchronous. The L-shaped orogen-parallel foreland encompassing the southwestern North China Block unveils oroclinal bending of the Qilian-Qinling collision belt, which still dominates the geology of present northeastern Tibet. Our new insights provide a stratigraphic constraint for the timing and mode of the initial elimination of the northeastern Proto-Tethys.
Demographics of focused ultrasound thalamotomy for essential tremor and trends in deep brain stimulation surgery after its introduction in the USA
Authors: Gautam Diwas , Venkatraman Vishal , Horns Joshua , Yang Lexie Zidanyue , Lee Hui-Jie , Kassavetis Panagiotis , Alshaikh Jumana , Moretti Paolo , Shofty Ben , Rahimpour Shervin 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundEssential tremor (ET) is a movement disorder that affects 4%–5% of adults >65 years. For patients with medically refractory ET, neurosurgical interventions such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) and unilateral MR-guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy (MRgFUS) are available. In this retrospective cohort study, we examined the demographics of patients with ET who have received MRgFUS and evaluated trends in DBS usage in the USA after the introduction of MRgFUS in 2016.MethodsWe used multiple databases to examine the demographics of patients who received DBS and MRgFUS, and trends in DBS. To assess the demographics, we queried the TriNetX database from 2003 to 2022 to identify patients diagnosed with ET and stratify them by DBS or MRgFUS treatment by using Current Procedural Terminology codes. Patient demographics were reported as frequencies and percentages. To examine the trends in DBS for ET, the yearly frequency of DBS procedures done for ET between 2012 and 2019 was extracted from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, and breakpoint analysis was performed. Additionally, the yearly frequency of MRgFUS procedures for ET was obtained from Insightec Exlabate.ResultsMost of the patients (88.69%) in the cohort extracted from TriNetX database self-identified as white, followed by black or African American (2.40%) and Asian (0.52%). A higher percentage of black patients received MRgFUS treatment than DBS (4.10% vs 1.88%). According to the NIS database, from 2012 to 2020, 13 525 patients received DBS for ET.ConclusionThis study provides an overview of the characteristics of patients who undergo DBS or MRgFUS. We found notable differences in sex and race among patients who underwent each treatment type. Additionally, until at least the beginning of 2020, the number of DBS procedures for ET was not negatively affected after the introduction of MRgFUS.
Effectiveness of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir versus azvudine for adult inpatients with severe or critical COVID-19
Authors: Zhang Huan , Xiaojiao Tan , Chen Junjun , Zhang Zheng , Wang Chenxi , Shi Haiqing , Li Yao , Li Jianbo , Kang Yan , Jin Xiaodong , Liao Xuelian 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundIn China, both nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid) and azvudine have been granted approval to treat adult SARS-CoV-2-infected patients with moderate symptoms. Information about the clinical effect of the two available agents among inpatients with severe or critical COVID-19 is scarce.PurposeTo compare the clinical outcomes of Paxlovid and azvudine among adult inpatients with severe or critical COVID-19.MethodWe conducted a retrospective cohort study in two large medical centres after the epidemic control measures were lifted in China. A new propensity score matched-inverse probability of treatment weighting cohort was constructed to evaluate the in-hospital all-cause mortality, hospital length of stay, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and safety.ResultsA total of 955 individuals were in the cohort. The antiviral therapy strategies were decided by the senior physician and the supplies of the pharmacy. A total of 451 patients were in the Paxlovid group, and 504 patients were in the azvudine group. Compared with Paxlovid, the effects of azvudine on in-hospital all-cause mortality were not significantly different, and the OR (95% CI) was 1.084 (0.822 to 1.430), and the average hospital length of stay of patients discharged alive was also similar in the azvudine group, and the difference (day) and (95% CI) was 0.530 (−0.334 to 1.393). After 7 days of therapy, the degree of decline in the SOFA score was greater in the Paxlovid group than in the azvudine group (p<0.001). The change in glomerular filtration rate was not significantly different (p=0.824).ConclusionPaxlovid and azvudine had similar effectiveness on in-hospital all-cause mortality and hospital length of stay. Compared with the azvudine group, after 7 days of therapy, the degree of decline in SOFA score was significantly higher in the Paxlovid group. These findings need to be verified in larger prospective studies or randomised controlled trials.
Exacerbating effects of circadian rhythm disruption on the systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Shen Luping , Han Mo , Luo Xuan , Zhang Qixiang , Xu Huanke , Wang Jing , Wei Ning , Liu Qing , Wang Guangji , Zhou Fang 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveCircadian rhythm disruption (CRD) has been associated with inflammation and immune disorders, but its role in SLE progression is unclear. We aimed to investigate the impact of circadian rhythms on immune function and inflammation and their contribution to SLE progression to lupus nephritis (LN).MethodsThis study retrospectively analysed the clinical characteristics and transcriptional profiles of 373 samples using bioinformatics and machine-learning methods. A flare risk score (FRS) was established to predict overall disease progression for patients with lupus. Mendelian randomisation was used to analyse the causal relationship between CRD and SLE progression.ResultsAbnormalities in the circadian pathway were detected in patients with SLE, and lower enrichment levels suggested a disease state (normalised enrichment score=0.6714, p=0.0062). The disruption of circadian rhythms was found to be closely linked to lupus flares, with the FRS showing a strong ability to predict disease progression (area under the curve (AUC) of 5-year prediction: 0.76). The accuracy of disease prediction was improved by using a prognostic nomogram based on FRS (AUC=0.77). Additionally, Mendelian randomisation analysis revealed an inverse causal relationship between CRD and SLE (OR 0.6284 (95% CI 0.3630 to 1.0881), p=0.0485) and a positive causal relationship with glomerular disorders (OR 0.0337 (95% CI 1.634e-3 to 6.934e-1), p=0.0280).ConclusionOur study reveals that genetic characteristics arising from CRD can serve as biomarkers for predicting the exacerbation of SLE. This highlights the crucial impact of CRD on the progression of lupus.
Anti-KIF20B autoantibodies are associated with cranial neuropathy in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Krustev Eugene , Hanly John G , Chin Ricky , Buhler Katherine A , Urowitz Murray B , Gordon Caroline , Bae Sang-Cheol , Romero-Diaz Juanita , Sánchez-Guerrero Jorge , Bernatsky Sasha , Wallace Daniel J , Isenberg David , Rahman Anisur , Merrill Joan T , Fortin Paul R , Gladman Dafna D , Bruce Ian N , Petri Michelle A , Ginzler Ellen M , Dooley Mary Anne , Ramsey-Goldman Rosalind , Manzi Susan , Jönsen Andreas , Alarcón Graciela S , van Vollenhoven Ronald F , Aranow Cynthia , Mackay Meggan , Ruiz-Irastorza Guillermo , Lim Sam , Inanc Murat , Kalunian Kenneth C , Jacobsen Søren , Peschken Christine A , Kamen Diane L , Askenase Anca , Buyon Jill , Fritzler Marvin J , Clarke Ann E , Choi May Y 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundCranial neuropathies (CN) are a rare neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) manifestation. Previous studies reported that antibodies to the kinesin family member 20B (KIF20B) (anti-KIF20B) protein were associated with idiopathic ataxia and CN. We assessed anti-KIF20B as a potential biomarker for NPSLE in an international SLE inception cohort.MethodsIndividuals fulfilling the revised 1997 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) SLE classification criteria were enrolled from 31 centres from 1999 to 2011 and followed annually in the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus International Collaborating Clinics inception cohort. Anti-KIF20B testing was performed on baseline (within 15 months of diagnosis or first annual visit) samples using an addressable laser bead immunoassay. Logistic regression (penalised maximum likelihood and adjusting for confounding variables) examined the association between anti-KIF20B and NPSLE manifestations (1999 ACR case definitions), including CN, occurring over the first 5 years of follow-up.ResultsOf the 1827 enrolled cohort members, baseline serum and 5 years of follow-up data were available on 795 patients who were included in this study: 29.8% were anti-KIF20B-positive, 88.7% female, and 52.1% White. The frequency of anti-KIF20B positivity differed only for those with CN (n=10) versus without CN (n=785) (70.0% vs 29.3%; OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.4, 18.5). Compared with patients without CN, patients with CN were more likely to fulfil the ACR haematological (90.0% vs 66.1%; difference 23.9%, 95% CI 5.0%, 42.8%) and ANA (100% vs 95.7%; difference 4.3%, 95% CI 2.9%, 5.8%) criteria. In the multivariate analysis adjusting for age at baseline, female, White race and ethnicity, and ACR haematological and ANA criteria, anti-KIF20B positivity remained associated with CN (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.4, 19.1).ConclusionAnti-KIF20B is a potential biomarker for SLE-related CN. Further studies are needed to examine how autoantibodies against KIF20B, which is variably expressed in a variety of neurological cells, contribute to disease pathogenesis.
The impact of noise on the stress response of Portunus trituberculatus in a land-based monoculture system
Authors: Imtiaz Nida , Wang Jiechi , Shi Ce , Waiho Khor , Ronghua Li , Changkao Mu , Chunlin Wang , Qingyang Wu 
Published: April 2024

Human-induced noise, particularly from shipping and construction, significantly affects the stress responses of swimming crabs ( Portunus trituberculatus (Miers, 1876)). Prolonged exposure can lead to stress responses, impacting the overall health of the crabs. This study aimed to assess how noise affects stress responses in P. trituberculatus. The sound had an intensity of 163 dB 1 µPa for the noise condition and 114 dB 1 µPa for ambient sound. Portunus trituberculatus was continuously exposed to the noise stimulus for 6 h. Samples of serum, muscle tissue, gills, and hepatopancreas were collected at multiple time points: 0 min, 10 min, 30 min, 1 h, 3 h, 6 h, and 7 h. The serum cortisol levels in the noise-exposed group were significantly higher than those in the control group at 30 min and 6 h. The two groups had no significant differences regarding serum glucose and muscle lactic acid content. In the noise-exposed group, the gills exhibited significantly lower superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Conversely, for the hepatopancreas, the SOD levels in the noise-exposed group were notably lower than those in the control group at 10 min but significantly higher at 6 and 7 h. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were substantially higher in the noise-exposed group than in the control group at 30 min and 6 h. This study demonstrates that P. trituberculatus experiences a physiological stress response to acoustic sounds.
Impact of Surgery-Induced Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells and the NOX2/ROS Axis on Postoperative Survival in Human Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Grauers Wiktorin Hanna , Aydin Ebru , Kiffin Roberta , Vilhav Caroline , Bourghardt Fagman Johan , Kaya Mustafa , Paul Sanchari , Westman Beatrice , Bratlie Svein Olav , Naredi Peter , Hellstrand Kristoffer , Martner Anna 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Preclinical studies imply that surgery triggers inflammation that may entail tumor outgrowth and metastasis. The potential impact of surgery-induced inflammation in human pancreatic cancer is insufficiently explored. This study included 17 patients with periampullary cancer [pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) n = 14, ampullary carcinoma n = 2, cholangiocarcinoma n = 1] undergoing major pancreatic cancer surgery with curative intent. We analyzed the potential impact of preoperative and postoperative immune phenotypes and function on postoperative survival with &gt;30 months follow-up. The surgery entailed prompt expansion of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSC) that generated NOX2-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS). Strong induction of immunosuppressive M-MDSC after surgery predicted poor postoperative survival and coincided with reduced functionality of circulating natural killer (NK) cells. The negative impact of surgery-induced M-MDSC on survival remained significant in separate analysis of patients with PDAC. M-MDSC–like cells isolated from patients after surgery significantly suppressed NK cell function ex vivo, which was reversed by inhibition of NOX2-derived ROS. High NOX2 subunit expression within resected tumors from patients with PDAC correlated with poor survival whereas high expression of markers of cytotoxic cells associated with longer survival. The surgery-induced myeloid inflammation was recapitulated in vivo in a murine model of NK cell–dependent metastasis. Surgical stress thus induced systemic accumulation of M-MDSC–like cells and promoted metastasis of NK cell–sensitive tumor cells. Genetic or pharmacologic suppression of NOX2 reduced surgery-induced inflammation and distant metastasis in this model. We propose that NOX2-derived ROS generated by surgery-induced M-MDSC may be targeted for improved outcome after pancreatic cancer surgery.

Significance:
Pancreatic cancer surgery triggered pronounced accumulation of NOX2+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells that inhibited NK cell function and negatively prognosticated postoperative patient survival. We propose the targeting of M-MDSC as a conceivable strategy to reduce postoperative immunosuppression in pancreatic cancer.
Periodontal Treatment During the Blanking Period Improves the Outcome of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Authors: Miyauchi Shunsuke , Ouhara Kazuhisa , Shintani Tomoaki , Tokuyama Takehito , Okubo Yousaku , Okamura Sho , Miyamoto Shogo , Oguri Naoto , Uotani Yukimi , Takemura Tasuku , Tari Misako , Hiyama Toru , Miyauchi Mutsumi , Kajiya Mikihito , Mizuno Noriyoshi , Nakano Yukiko 
Published: April 2024

Background
Periodontitis has not been recognized as a modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). This prospective nonrandomized study investigated whether periodontal treatment improves the AF ablation outcome.

Methods and Results

We prospectively enrolled 288 AF patients scheduled to undergo initial radiofrequency catheter ablation. Each patient underwent periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA; a quantitative index of periodontal inflammation) measurement. All eligible patients were recommended to receive periodontal treatment within the blanking period, and 97 consented. During the mean follow‐up period of 507±256 days, 70 (24%) AF recurrences were documented. Patients who exhibited AF recurrences had a higher PISA than those who did not (456.8±403.5 versus 277.7±259.0 mm
2
,
P
=0.001). These patients were categorized into high‐PISA (>615 mm
2
) and low‐PISA (<615 mm
2
) groups according to the receiver operating characteristic analysis for AF recurrence (area under the curve, 0.611; sensitivity, 39%; specificity, 89%). A high PISA, as well as female sex, AF duration, and left atrial volume, were the statistically significant predicter for AF recurrence (hazard ratio [HR], 2.308 [95% CI, 1.234–4.315];
P
=0.009). In patients with a high PISA, those who underwent periodontal treatment showed significantly fewer AF recurrences (
P
=0.01, log‐rank test). The adjusted HR of periodontal treatment for AF recurrence was 0.393 (95% CI, 0.215–0.719;
P
=0.002).

Conclusions
Periodontitis may serve as a modifiable risk factor for AF. PISA is a hallmark of AF recurrence, and periodontal treatment improves the AF ablation outcome, especially for those with poor periodontal condition.
Evaluating the WISE (Women in the South-East) Telehealth Network: A Model of Healthcare and Health Promotion at Rural Libraries
Authors: Sundstrom Beth , Hayes Natalia , DuBose-Morris Ragan , Dempsey Angela , Guille Constance , Montgomery Kathleen , Richardson Katherine , Lazenby Gweneth B. 
Published: April 2024

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the WISE (Women in the South-East) Telehealth Network. Design A follow-up survey design was used to determine the impact of the program on access to healthcare. Setting WISE provided preventive care to women and gender expansive people at local libraries and the Mobile Library in the rural South Carolina Lowcountry. Subjects In 1 year (February 2021-2022), WISE reached 523 individuals with 151 agreeing to participate in the study. Most participants identified as white (66%) or Black (22%). Intervention A Community Health Worker provided health education, connection to telehealth services, referrals, and connected individuals with community and social services. Measures The Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ), changes in knowledge, satisfaction with WISE, Acceptability of Intervention measure (AIM), and sociodemographic characteristics. Results Participants with a high telehealth usability score were significantly more likely to be under the age of 35 (OR 4.60 [95% CI 1.21-17.52]), married (OR 10.00 [95% CI 2.19-45.64]), or white (OR 4.00 [95% CI 1.06-15.08]). The intervention earned a high acceptability score 4.46 (± .61)/5.0 by helping participants obtain necessary medical care and resources, as well as meeting their educational needs. Conclusion This study offers practical suggestions to expand the use of telehealth initiatives to improve health outcomes by engaging libraries in rural communities.
Maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancy complicated by pre-existing lupus nephritis: Insights from a developing country Pakistan
Authors: Elahi Tabassum , Ahmed Saima , Mubarak Muhammed , Ahmed Ejaz 
Published: April 2024

Background Pregnancy in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has remained a great challenge for clinicians in terms of maternal and fetal outcomes. The outcomes in women with pre-existing lupus nephritis (LN) are variable. The impact of different classes of LN on maternal and fetal outcomes during pregnancy is not well defined, as data is very scarce, especially from the developing countries. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 52 women with 89 pregnancies. All had biopsy-proven LN. Those women who conceived at least 6 months after the diagnosis were included. The analysis was conducted between July 1998 and June 2018 at Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT), evaluating the outcomes for both the mother and the fetus with a minimum follow-up of 12 months after child birth. Results The mean maternal age at SLE diagnosis was 21.45 ± 6 years and at first pregnancy was 26.49 ± 5.63 years. The mean disease duration was 14.02 ± 19.8 months. At conception, 47 (52.8%) women were hypertensive, 9 (10%) had active disease while 38 (42.7%) and 42 (47.2%) were in complete and partial remission, respectively. A total of 17 (19.1%) were on mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), which was switched to azathioprine (AZA). Out of 89 pregnancies, 56 (62.9%) were successful, while 33 (37.07%) had fetal complications like spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, perinatal death, and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). There were more vaginal deliveries (33 [58.92%]) than caesarean sections (23 [41.07%]). Renal flare was observed in 33 (37.1%) women while 15 (16.9%) developed pre-eclampsia. Proliferative LN was found in 56 (62.9%) cases, but no significant differences were found in maternal and fetal outcomes in relation to LN classes ( p = .58). However, disease outcomes at 12 months were significantly poor in those with active disease at the time of conception ( p < .05). There was only one maternal death. A total of 10 (11.2%) women showed deterioration in renal function and 5 (5.6%) were dialysis-dependent at 12 months. Conclusion The maternal and fetal outcomes in pre-existing LN depend on the disease activity at the time of conception. No correlation was found between International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society (ISN/RPS) classes of LN and adverse disease and pregnancy outcomes.
The ballistic performance of plain-weave multi-ply systems: An experimental investigation
Authors: Xu Lizhi , Zhou Xuan , Ren Wenke , Zhang Rui , Zhou Yi , Gao Guangfa 
Published: April 2024

This paper studies the influence of the weave parameter on the ballistic performance of multi-ply systems. Three types of plain weaves were put into investigation, namely, A090, A200, and A400. Tensile and yarn pull-out tests were performed to investigate the responses of fabric upon quasi-static loading. Penetration tests were performed to characterize the energy absorption capability of different multi-ply systems at impacting velocities ranging from 250 m/s to 460 m/s. It was found that the strength of the fabric sample increased almost linearly with fabric areal density, and the coarser weaves exhibited a greater resistance against yarn pull-out. The ballistic limit ( V50) of finer weave 13A9, is around than 42.5% higher than coarser weave 3A4. In terms of hybrid systems, placing finer fabrics in front and coarser fabrics in the rear exhibits higher ballistic limits than the reversed sequence (8–20 m/s differences), while placing coarser fabrics in front exhibited greater energy absorption capability when the impact velocity is sufficient to cause instant and localized failure. It was also found that the ballistic performance of the hybrid systems does not alter significantly with the mass percentage of the coarser weaves at high impact velocities (greater than 400 m/s). The results indicate that replacing the expensive ballistic weaves with cheap materials in a hybrid system is a reasonable alternative to achieve cost reduction without significant performance degradation.