bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental quality of Xuanwu Lake, China, after restoration
Authors: Wang Jinqi , Song Yuzhi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Some restoration measures were implemented in Xuanwu Lake to control water eutrophication, including sediment dredging, algal bloom control through clay flocculation, and the growth of aquatic macrophytes. The water quality of Xuanwu Lake was monitored before and after the restoration. The results showed that the sediment was not the primary pollution source of the water body, the dredging did not change the nutrient contents in the lake significantly, and the heavy metal content in the sediment also did not decrease significantly. Therefore, sediment dredging should be carefully selected; otherwise, aquatic ecosystems may be damaged, and exogenous pollution will become severe. It is necessary to restore aquatic plants after dredging. The water quality improved with increased water diversion and improved less when it exceeded a certain level. The volume of water diversion should be controlled at an appropriate level. Clay flocculation effectively inhibited cyanobacterial blooms within a short time, improved water quality, and promoted the restoration of the Potamogeton crispus population. Clay flocculation is an effective way to control water eutrophication under emergent conditions. In addition, water quality was improved distinctly during the growing period of the P. crispus population, compared to when aquatic vegetation was minimal. Aquatic population restoration is a sustainable and effective approach for managing Xuanwu Lake and controlling water eutrophication.
Omniview of Three-Dimensional Ultrasound for Prospective Evaluation of Extrathyroidal Extension of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Liu Ruyu , Jiang Yuxin , Lai Xingjian , Wang Ying , Gao Luying , Zhu Shenling , Yang Xiao , Zhao Ruina , Zhang Xiaoyan , Xi Xuehua , Zhang Bo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) accounts for the majority of thyroid cancers. The preoperative diagnosis of extrathyroidal extension (ETE) in DTC patients is highly important. However, two-dimensional ultrasound (2D-US) has several limitations in diagnosing ETE. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of OmniView of three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-OmniView) in assessing the ETE of DTC patients compared with that of 2D-US.
Methods
Patients who underwent thyroid surgery for nodules adjacent to the thyroid capsule between February 2016 and January 2018 were prospectively enrolled in this study. Both 2D-US and 3D-OmniView were used to evaluate ETE of thyroid nodules. The definition for ETE in ultrasound images was capsule disruption, or capsule disruption and surrounding tissue invasion. Intraoperative and pathological findings of ETE were considered positive. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), accuracy, and area under the ROC curve (AUC) were calculated.
Results
A total of 176 DTC nodules from 137 patients were included in this study. ETE was identified in 67.0% of the nodules. The sensitivity, accuracy, NPV and AUC of 3D-OmniView for predicting ETE were significantly greater than those of 2D-US. The sensitivity and specificity of 2D-US and 3D-OmniView were 79.7% and 51.7%, respectively (P < 0.001), and 81.0% and 82.8%, respectively (P = 0.776). Both 2D-US and 3D-OmniView showed better efficacy in evaluating ETE in nodules > 1 cm than in evaluating ETE in nodules ≤ 1 cm.
Conclusion
3D-OmniView was more precise in predicting ETE of DTC nodules than 2D-US. 3D-OmniView is recommended for further evaluation of suspicious ETE. ETE was easier to detect by ultrasound for nodules > 1 cm than for nodules ≤ 1 cm.
Optimal timing of ultra-early diffusion-weighted MRI in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors: A retrospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Park Jung Soo , Kang Changshin , Min Jin Hong , You Yeonho , Jeong Wonjoon , Ahn Hong Joon , In Yong Nam , Kim Young Min , Oh Se Kwang , Jeon So Young , Lee In Ho , Jeong Hye Seon , Lee Byung Kook 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) performed before target temperature management (TTM), within 6 h of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), is defined as ultra-early DW-MRI. In previous studies, high-signal intensity (HSI) on ultra-early DW-MRI can predict poor neurological outcomes. We evaluated the optimal timing for ultra-early DW-MRI to avoid false-negative findings in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), considering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) factors. The primary outcomes were HSI in the cerebral cortex or deep gray matter on ultra-early DW-MRI. The impact of CPR factors and ROSC to DW-MRI scan-interval on HSI-presence was assessed. Of 206 included patients, 108 exhibited HSI-presence, exclusively associated with poor neurological outcomes. In multivariate regression analysis, ROSC to DW-MRI scan-interval (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.509; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.113–2.046; P = 0.008), low-flow time (aOR, 1.176; 95%CI: 1.121–1.233; P < 0.001), and non-shockable rhythm (aOR, 9.974; 95%CI: 3.363–29.578; P < 0.001) were independently associated with HSI-presence. ROSC to DW-MRI scan-interval cutoff of ≥ 2.2 h was particularly significant in low-flow time ≤ 21 min or shockable rhythm group. Short low-flow time and shockable rhythm require a longer ROSC to DW-MRI scan-interval. Prolonged low-flow time and non-shockable rhythm reduce the need to consider scan-interval.
TLR3 activation enhances sorafenib-antitumor effect in hepatocellular carcinoma by activating NK cell functions through ERK and NF-κB pathways
Authors: Zhang Qiang-bo , Wang Hong , Xu Fei , Song Yan , Jiang Run-de , Li Ran , Liu En-yu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Sorafenib is a standard therapeutic agent for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). But its efficacy is moderate because the survival of patients is only extended by a few months, and the response rate is low and the mechanism of low efficacy is unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of TLR3 on sorafenib against HCC.
Methods: Polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid [Poly(I:C)] functioned as a dsRNA analog and TLR3 agonist, which was employed in following experiments. The HCC tumor was orthotopically implanted into in BALBc nu/nu or C57BL/6 mice. We analyzed survival times of mice, along with tumor growth, metastasis within abdoman and to lung. Flow cytometry and cytotoxicity assay were used to analyze the NK cells which was isolated from spleen or peripheral blood. ELISA assay was used to detect the expression of plasma interferon (IFN)-γ and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1. Furthermore, the expression of pERK1/2, pAKT, ERK1/2 and AKT was analyzed by Western blot.
Results: Sorafenib reduced the number and activities of NK cells in tumor-bearing mice concomitant with decreased plasma levels of MCP-1 and IFN-γ. The combination of sorafenib and Poly(I:C) synergistically inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in tumor xenograft mouse, and thus prolonged mice survival. Poly(I:C) not only exerted a direct inhibitory effect on tumor growth and metastasis by targeting the TLR3 receptor on tumor cells but also facilitated NK cell proliferation and activation, indirectly impeding tumor progression. Mechanistically, Poly(I:C) decreased sorafenib-induced inhibition of ERK phosphorylation, increased IκB phosphorylation in NK cells, and enhanced NK cell function.
Conclusion: Activation of TLR3 could enhance sorafenib-antitumor effect in HCC. The combination of TLR3 activator and sorafenib could be a new strategy for HCC treatment.
BMFS: Bidirectional weighted approach for multi-label feature selection algorithm
Authors: Yi Weiguo , Ma Bin , Yan LingWei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Shortcomings of the existing multi-label feature selection algorithms, such as non-considering the correlation of label space, ignoring the possible difference of label importance in feature space, cause the selected features to not accurately and comprehensively describe the sample, and make the calculation process complex. To solve these problems, this paper proposes an improved affinity propagation (AP) clustering method. Primarily in this method, the label space is divided according to the label correlation, and the label importance measurement and feature weight are also introduced to simplify the calculation. A multi-label rough membership function is proposed based on the definitions of the multi-label classification margin and the adaptive neighborhood radius and the neighborhood class , and then the multi-label fuzzy neighborhood rough set model is constructed by mapping the rough set to the fuzzy set, in which the fuzzy neighborhood entropy and multi-label fuzzy neighborhood entropy are defined. Finally, the bidirectional weighted multi-label feature selection algorithm is proposed based on fuzzy neighborhood entropy(BMFS). The experimental results on 10 multi-label datasets under Multi-label K-Nearest Neighbor (MLKNN) classifier show effectiveness and feasibility of this algorithm.
HLA-DQA1*05 Carriage is Associated with treatment failure and the induction of anti-IFX antibodies in IBD patients
Authors: Talon C , Tournier Q , François F , Berger A. E. , Waeckel L , Flourie B , Nancey S , Kennel A , Roblin X , Paul Stéphane 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Repeated injections of anti-TNF may induce immunogenicity and loss of response to treatment in IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). An increased risk of immunogenicity in patients with the HLA-DQA1*05 phenotype has been already described. Here we selected 36 patients with IBD and follow the induction of anti-drug antibody according to their HLA phenotyping to individualize patients carrying one or two HLA-DQA1*05 alleles. In our study, IFX (infliximab, anti-TNF) treatment failure was significantly associated with HLA-DQA1*05 status in patient’s survival analysis. However, we show the absence of a clear association between HLA-DQA1*05 and the induction of anti-drug antibody. Our results confirm the importance of HLA-DQ1*05 testing before anti-TNF treatment for a personalized medicine.
Use of micro-computed tomography to monitor damage caused by three insect pests to olive fruit
Authors: Alba-Tercedor Javier , Francisca Ruano 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

A complete three-dimensional reconstruction of the internal damage (oviposition holes, entry and exit galleries, cavities caused by fungal infection) of three destructive pests of olive fruit was obtained by micro-computed tomography. In the case of the olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae), a complete reconstruction of the galleries was obtained. The galleries were colour-coded according to the internal lumen, corresponding to the size of the larval instars. In the case of the olive moth (Prays oleae), it was confirmed that the larvae only consume olive stones, leaving the pulp tissue intact. This study revealed the evolutionary defensive adaptation that the larva has developed by making the entrance/exit gallery in the form of a zigzag with alternating angles to avoid the action of possible parasitoids. In the case of olive fruit rot, caused by a fungal infection transmitted by the midge (Lasioptera berlesiana), microtomography revealed the infection cavity, delimited by a protective layer of tissue produced by the plant to isolate the infection zone, full of fungal hyphae and the reproductive organs of the fungus. Below and near the single external orifice present in the concave necrotic depression, two ovoid cavities were observed. These results were interpreted as successive ovipositions of B. oleae and its parasitoid L. berlesiana. High-resolution 3D rendered images are included as well as supplementary videos that could be a useful tool for future research and a valuable teaching aid.
Mazor X robot-assisted upper and lower cervical pedicle screw fixation: a case report and literature review
Authors: Gao Zilin , Zhang Xiaobo , Xu Zhengwei , Zhang Haiping , Hao Dingjun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Manual placement of cervical pedicle screws is risky, and robot-assisted placement of atlantoaxial pedicle screws has not been reported.
Case report: We describe a 74-year-old female patient with atlantoaxial fracture and dislocation combined with spinal cord injury caused by a car accident. The left lower limb muscle strength was grade 0, the right upper limb muscle strength was grade 1, and the right lower limb muscle strength was grade 2. Loss of sensation below the clavicle level, decreased superficial sensation in the extremities, loss of deep sensation in the left lower extremity, and incontinence were observed. We successfully placed atlas pedicle screws with the assistance of the Mazor X robot. One week after the operation, radiological imaging revealed that the reduction effect was good, the placement of the pedicle screws was satisfactory, the left upper limb and left lower limb muscle strength was level 2, the right upper limb and the muscle strength of the right lower limb were grade 3, and the sensory function was partially restored. No complications related to screw placement were found at the 3-month postoperative follow-up.
Conclusions: Mazor X robot-assisted descending pedicle screw fixation of the atlas is feasible and safe.
Multiple pro-viral effects of the host protein G3BP in SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: McInerney Gerald , Long Siwen , Vidakovics Laura Perez , Han Xiao , Sun Renhua , Wang Megan , Panas Marc , Urgard Egon , Merits Andres , Achour Adnane , Guzyk Mykhailo , Coquet Jonathan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Ras-GTPase-activating protein SH3-domain-binding proteins (G3BP) are multifunctional RNA-binding proteins, pivotal in the initiation of stress granules (SGs). SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein exhibits strong binding affinity for G3BP and inhibition of SG formation. However, pro-viral role(s) of the G3BP-N interaction have remained unclear. Here, we have comprehensively examined the importance of G3BP for SARS-CoV-2 infection both in vitro and in vivo. Using reverse genetics, we constructed a viral mutant, SARS-CoV-2 RATA, which exhibits stronger and more persistent SG response in infected cells. We also show that in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells, G3BP-N complexes are targeted to the pore complex of double membrane vesicles (DMV) from which nascent viral RNA emerges. Furthermore, through interaction with 40S ribosomal subunits, G3BP-N complexes promote highly localized translation of viral mRNAs at the viral factories and thus facilitate viral gene expression and replication. This work provides a mechanistic understanding of the roles of G3BP in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Association between living arrangements and time to drop out in patients between 18 and 29 years of age, under treatment for substance abuse disorders in Chile, 2010-2019.
Authors: Castellano Joel , González Andrés , Castillo-Carniglia Álvaro , Gaete Jorge 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are the leading cause of premature death and disability in the Americas, causing approximately 47% of deaths in the world's adult population, posing an enormous public health challenge. One of these challenges is the treatment drop-out, which significantly compromises the efficacy of SUD interventions. Despite the implementation of advanced monitoring programs in Chile, evidence concerning the medium- and long-term effects of SUD treatment remains limited. This study explores the correlation between living arrangements (alone, with the family of origin, or with a partner with or without children [partner/children]) at the onset of initial treatment and the time until treatment drop-out among emerging adults (18–29 years) in public SUD programs in Chile from 2010 to 2019. Employing a retrospective cohort design, health records of adult patients aged 18 to 29 who underwent public SUD treatment between 2010 and 2019 in general population programs were analyzed. Using survival analysis and inverse probability-weighted multinomial logistic regression models, the findings reveal consistent patterns: individuals living with family of origin had the highest survival rates and prolonged treatment retention, followed by those living with partner/children, and those living alone had the lowest survival rates (Restricted mean survival times (year) were 0.60, 0.57, and 0.55 to at one year, respectively). The study emphasizes the crucial role of social bonds, particularly familial and relational ties, in influencing treatment outcomes. In conclusion, this study underscores the necessity to consider social support when formulating effective SUD treatment strategies and the potential positive impact of familial and relational bonds, especially during the critical phase of emerging adulthood.
Validation of a Novel Dust Generator using Respirable Crystalline Silica
Authors: Noi David Dennis Tettey , Davies Brian , Apthorpe Linda , Gopaldasani Vinod 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The inability to measure occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in real-time is a concern for occupational hygienists and other allied professionals. Workplace exposure samples are usually collected and transported from the work environment to an accredited laboratory for analysis which can take many weeks. Overcoming such difficulty will save analyses time and enable occupational hygienists and organizations to make timely interventions in work areas where there is exposure to high levels of RCS. A portable dust generator has been developed for in-field use to enable the quantification of RCS in various dust clouds. The Rota-Dust dust generator has been successfully developed and validated to produce dust clouds for up to two hours and subsequently prepare calibration curves using a quartz reference standard for FTIR. The portable dust generator can generate dust clouds of host materials in varying to determine when control strategies are required to be employed. It also provides a means to generate samples of host material for identification of analytical interferences of portable instruments.
Ice XIX: Configurational Entropy, Disordering Kinetics, Phase Boundary and Isotope Effect
Authors: Gasser Tobias M. , Thoeny Alexander V. , Fortes A. Dominic , Loerting Thomas 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Ice XIX is a partly hydrogen-ordered polymorph related to disordered ice VI, similar to ice XV. We here investigate the order-order-disorder sequence ice XIX à ice XV à ice VI based on calorimetry at ambient pressure both for D2O and H2O-ice XIX. From these data we extract configurational entropy differences between ice XIX, ice XV and ice VI. This task is complex because, unlike for all other ices, the order-disorder transition from ice XIX to ice VI takes place in two steps via ice XV. Even more challenging, these two steps take place in an overlapping manner, so that careful separation of slow kinetics is necessary. This is evidenced best by changing the heating rate in calorimetry experiments: For fast heating experiments the second step, disordering of ice XV, is suppressed because the first step, formation of ice XV from ice XIX, is too slow. The transient state ice VI‡ that is initially produced upon ice XIX decay then does not have enough time to convert to ice XV, but remains disordered all along. In order to tackle the challenge to determine the entropy difference between ice XIX and VI as well as the entropy difference between ice XV and VI we employ two different approaches that allow assessing the impact of kinetics on the entropy change. “Single peak integration” defines a kinetically limited result, but “combined peak integration” allows estimation of the true thermodynamic values. Our best estimate for the true value shows ice XIX to be much more ordered than ice XV (25±3% vs. 9±4% of the Pauling entropy). For D2O XIX samples we obtain 28% of order, but only when a small number of fast H-isotope effects are used In the second part we use these results to estimate the location of the ice XIX phase boundary both for protiated and deuterated ice XIX. The initial Clapeyron slope at ambient pressure is determined from the combination of neutron powder diffraction volume differences and calorimetry entropy differences data to be 27 K GPa-1 with an order-disorder transition temperature To-d(0.0 GPa)=103±1 K. An in situ bracketing experiment at 1.8 GPa yields To-d(1.8 GPa)=116±3 K, i.e., the phase boundary slope flattens at higher pressures to 7 K GPa-1. These data allow us to determine the region of thermodynamic stability of ice XIX in the phase diagram and to explain the surprising isotope shift reversal at 1.6 GPa compared to 0.0 GPa, i.e., why D2O-ice XIX disorders at lower temperatures than H2O-ice XIX at 1.6 GPa, but at higher temperatures at ambient pressures.
Lower serum CTRP3 is related to more severe distal symmetric polyneuropathy in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Han Pingping , Hu Fan , Guo Jia , Xu Leirui , Zhang Junxia 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSPN) is one of the most common chronic complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our previous study found that serum C1q tumor necrosis factor-related protein 3 (CTRP3) levels were decreased in type 2 diabetic patients. Thus, this study was designed to reveal the relationship between lower serum CTRP3 and the prevalence and severity of DSPN.
Methods: A total of 178 cases of patients with T2DM were enrolled in the study. The subjects were divided into DSPN group (n=89) and non-DSPN group (n=89). Both the anthropometric parameters and neurologic symptoms were recorded. Also, neurologic signs, neuropathy symptom score (NSS) and neuropathy disability score (NDS) were measured. Biochemical indexes, fasting insulin, and C peptide were detected. Serum CTRP3 concentrations were assayed by ELISA method.
Results: Serum CTRP3 levels decreased significantly in DSPN group compared with non-DSPN group (P<0.05). CTRP3 was negatively associated with the number of positive signs, NSS score, and NDS score in patients with DSPN (all P<0.05). Interestingly, the higher the score of NSS or NDS, the lower the levels of serum CTRP3 (all P<0.05). Moreover, the patients with lower CTRP3 levels (<7.58ng/ml) had higher positive rate of neurologic signs (all P<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that CTRP3 independently predicted the occurrence of DSPN (β= -0.316, P<0.001). ROC curve analysis displayed that the best cut-off value of CTRP3 for the prediction of DSPN was 7.55ng/ml (sensitivity 78.7%, specificity 79.8%), and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.763 (95% CI 0.689-0.838, P<0.001).
Conclusion: Lower serum CTRP3 is a strong predictor for the occurrence and progression of DSPN in Chinese patients with T2DM.