bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Case report: Prone positioning contributes to dose restriction of risk organs in a patient with an an extramedullary manifestation of myeloma in the breast
Authors: Sonnhoff Mathias , Blach Robert Maximilian , Nitsche Mirko 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Introduction
With regards to the deterministic and stochastic mutation risk, the protection of organs at risk plays a critical key role in radiotherapy, particularly in curative intention in the treatment of young patients. In this context, correct positioning of the patient can make an important contribution to reduce the radiation dose applied to critical tissues and organs at risk. In this clinical case, we would like to demonstrate how correct and advanced positioning in modern radiotherapy significantly reduces the dose applied to surrounding tissues and organs at risk in a patient with extramedullary myeloma.
Method
A 42-year-old female patient presented with a sole extramedullary involvement of a myeloma in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast. There was no evidence of serological or medullary disease activity.
Radiotherapy was applied to the left breast in the prone position with a cumulative dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions.
Results
By positioning the patient in prone position, radiotherapy was planned without exposing the organs at risk to relevant doses. Moreover, there was no indication of increased toxicity of the skin or mammary gland tissue Grade II° (CTCAE) or higher.
Discussion
This case report demonstrates how positioning can influence the protection of surrounding normal tissue and organs at risk.
Facile encapsulation of glabridin in Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF- 8): Characterization, antibacterial activity and in-vitro drug release
Authors: Amur Safdar Ali , Soomro Najaf Ali , Khuhro Quratulain , Wang Mingxia , Tariq Muhammad , Munwar Junaid , Karim Naveed , Liang Hao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this research, a natural bioactive glabridin (Glab) flavonoid compound was encapsulated in zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) via one-pot technique at room temperature. Herein, ~98.7% of drug was encapsulated into ZIF-8 coreshell, which depicted 28.44% drug encapsulation productivity of ZIF-8. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV‒Vis spectroscopy and X‑ray crystallography (XRD) confirmed the drug encapsulation. Next, the newly constructed nanomaterials were greatly studied with, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) technologies. SEM and TEM showed hexagonal morphology of Glab@ZIF-8 and an increased particle size to that of ZIF-8 i.e., 138.62±5.4 nm and 91.69±6.2 nm, respectively. TGA depicted 32.14% Glab@ZIF-8 material’s decomposition at 644 °C. The antibacterial efficacy of Glab@ZIF-8 was found superior against S. aureus than E. coli and Bacillus subtilis, resulting 26±0.01 mm, 23±0.02 mm and 11±0.01 mm inhibition zones and MIC values 31.2 µg, 62.5 µg and 125 µg, separately. Though, the Glab@ZIF-8 kept in an acidic medium (pH 5) for 72 h showed highest drug release 89.76% as compared to the pH 5.5 (81.23%) and pH 7.4 (24.78%). In conclusion, ZIF-8 remained a potential drug delivery system and Glab@ZIF-8 nanocomposite can be accredited for broader biomedical applications to cure infection diseases and malignant cells.
Uterocervical angle and cervical length measurements for preterm birth prediction in low-risk singleton pregnant women: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Hoang Trang Nguyen Nguyen Thi , Van Tam Vu , Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose Preterm birth is the leading cause of early neonatal morbidity and mortality. Strategies to predict preterm birth risk can help improve pregnancy outcomes. Even pregnant women without known risk factors for preterm birth can also experience it. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of the uterocervical angle and cervical length to predict preterm birth in low-risk singleton pregnant women. Methods A prospective study of 1,107 singleton pregnant women between 16+ 0 and 23+ 6 weeks gestation at low risk for preterm birth who were treated at the Haiphong Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vietnam, between September 2020 and September 2021 was conducted. A single sonographer assessed the cervical length and the uterocervical angle using transvaginal ultrasonography. The patients were followed up until delivery to determine the main pregnancy outcome (preterm birth before 37 weeks gestation). The cut-off points for the uterocervical angle and cervical length were established by analysing the receiver operating characteristic curve. The sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, and positive and negative predictive values of the uterocervical angle and cervical length for predicting preterm birth were determined. Results A uterocervical angle ≥ 98.86° predicted preterm birth at < 37 weeks, with a sensitivity and specificity of 91% and 75.5%, respectively. A cervical length ≤ 33.8 mm predicted preterm birth at < 37 weeks with a sensitivity and specificity of 25% and 66%, respectively. A uterocervical angle ≥ 98.96° combined with a cervical length ≤ 33.8 mm increased the positive predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, and accuracy of preterm birth prediction to 36%, 8.87, and 91%, respectively. Conclusion Compared to the cervical length, the uterocervical angle can be considered a valuable ultrasound parameter for predicting preterm birth in low-risk singleton pregnant women. Combining both the uterocervical angle and cervical length yielded stronger preterm birth prediction values.
Haemoglobin types and variant interference with HbA1c and its association with uncontrolled HbA1c in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Malaba Joseph , Kosiyo Paul , Guyah Bernard 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is among the leading global health concerns, causing over 1.5 million deaths alongside other significant comorbidities and complications. Conventional diagnosis involves estimating fasting, random blood glucose levels and glucose tolerance test. For monitoring purposes, long-term glycaemic control has been achieved through the measurement of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) which is considered reliable and preferred tool. However, its estimation could be affected by haemoglobin types like HbA0, HbA2, and HbF concentrations whose magnitude remains unclear as well as other haematological parameters. As such, the current study determined the association between HbA1c and haemoglobin types and determined correlation between haemoglobin types and haematological parameters among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compared to healthy non-diabetic participants. In this cross-sectional study, participants [n = 144 (72 per group), ages 23-80 years] at the Bungoma County Referral Hospital were recruited using simple random sampling. HbA1c and other Haemoglobin variants were measured using ion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) by the Bio-Rad D-10 machine (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc). Haematological parameters were measured using the Celtac G MEK-9100K machine (Nihon Kohden Europe). Chi-square (c2) analysis was used to determine the differences between proportions. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare laboratory characteristics between (T2DM) patients and non-diabetics. With HbA0 as the reference group, association between HbA1c and haemoglobin types was determined using multivariate logistic regression. Correlation between haemoglobin types and haematological parameters was determined using Pearson correlation. HbA1c is associated with reduced HbA0 [OR=0.949, 95% CI=0.914-0.986, p=0.007], reduced HbA2 [OR=0.275, 95% CI=0.146-0.489, p=0.001] and reduced HbF [OR=0.322, 95% CI=0.140-0.745, p=0.008]. Further, HCT had a negative correlation with HbAO and a positive correlation with HbAS in participants with controlled diabetes. MCV and MCH had a negative correlation with HbF. The MCH had a negative correlation with HbA2 in participant with uncontrolled diabetes. The study concluded that HbA1c is significantly associated with reduced haemoglobin types (HbA0, HbA2, HbSS, and HbF) in type 2 diabetes mellitus hence levels of various haemobglobin types should be considered in monitoring glycaemic control.
Cell Viability or Image-based Analysis: Evaluation of Dose Response of Patient-derived Cancer Organoids to Irradiation
Authors: Yu Haina , Lin Canfeng , Li Jing , Chen LiFeng , Liu Weizhen , Liu Hualong , Yao Ye 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Patient-derived cancer organoids emerged as an innovative model in basic and translational medicine research, as well as precision medicine. However, most radiation oncologists are still unaware of the value of organoids in radiation oncology research, especially in precision radiation oncology. The methods for assessment of organoids cell death after irradiation was also undefined. In this study, three organoid lines were successfully established from the surgical specimens of rectal cancer patients. These organoid lines displayed diverse architecture and captured heterogeneity of the tumors. Genetic characterization of rectal cancer organoids showed that the most frequently mutated genes and pathways among rectal cancer tumors also presented in rectal cancer organoids. Our results also revealed that cancer organoids were easy to use for the research of radiobiology of cancer. The survival of rectal cancer organoids after X rays irradiation could be validated by image-based analysis, while the cell viability tested by cell counting kit-8 failed. The survival curves generated from imaging analysis were more representative, which had an initial linear slope, followed by a shoulder, and tended to become straight again. As far as we know, this was the first study to investigate the appropriate testing method of using organoids to study cancer radiosensitivity, suggesting that image-based analysis is more accurate than cell viability.
Cathepsin causal association with pulmonary embolism: a Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Deng Weiping , Gao Wei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Pulmonary embolism manifests with distinct clinical features, resulting from the obstruction of arteries due to the retention of blood clots in the pulmonary artery. This condition exhibits a significant association with cardiovascular diseases. Cathepsin, a protein intricately linked to cardiovascular disorders, plays a crucial role in the degradation of proteins within cells and tissues. Its involvement spans various physiological and pathological processes, including cell signaling, immune responses, tissue repair, and inflammation. Functioning as a protease, cathepsin possesses the ability to cleave protein molecules, influencing protein levels both inside and outside the cell. This regulatory capacity impacts cell function and tissue structure.
Methods
We employed single nucleotide polymorphisms of four cathepsins (cathepsin L1, cathepsin B, and cathepsin D) as instrumental variables, obtained from a comprehensive genome-wide database. Our investigation covered pulmonary embolism. We employed traditional inverse variance weighting (IVW) and other established methods to assess causality while conducting tests for heterogeneity and sensitivity. Furthermore, we conducted a reverse causality analysis using Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the inverse relationship between exposure factors and the outcomes.
Results
The IVW analysis demonstrated that cathepsin L1 was associated with pulmonary embolism with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.179 (95% CI, 1.017-1.367) and a P-value of 0.0028, cathepsin B ,as evidenced by an odds ratio (OR) of 0.972 (95% CI, 0.871-1.084) with a P-value of 0.61 (>0.05), and cathepsin D as indicated by an odds ratio (OR) of 0.990 (95% CI, 0.815-1.202) with a P-value of 0.922 (>0.05), leading to an increased risk in these conditions. Furthermore, there was no correlation found between cathepsin D、cathepsin B and pulmonary embolism.
Conclusions
Our study marks the pioneering application of Mendelian randomization to authenticate the causal links between three cathepsins and the susceptibility to pulmonary embolism. The results indicate a noteworthy protective effect of cathepsin L1 against the risk of pulmonary embolism, positioning it as a promising new biological target for addressing this condition. Importantly, no causal relationship was discerned between cathepsin B and cathepsin D and pulmonary embolism. These findings hold the potential to offer valuable clinical insights and recommendations, shaping the landscape for the development of novel treatments for pulmonary embolic disease.
Efficiency of radiotherapy plus Anlotinib in alleviating edema and increasing radiosensitivity in symptomatic brain metastasis patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Chen Jinmei , Huang Shiqi , Wang Xuezhen , Lan Linzhen , Ma Shuqing , Shao Linglong , Lin Qiaojing , Zou Xi , Zhang Weijian , Hong Jinsheng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:Patients with brain metastases (BM) often suffer from peritumoral edema. The purpose of study was to assess the effect of anlotinib in alleviating peritumoral edema and increasing tumour regression in symptomatic BM patients during radiotherapy.Methods:The volumes of the tumour (Vt), peritumoral edema (Ve) and whole brain (Vb) were delineated based on brain MRI acquired before and after radiotherapy. The regression rates of Vt, Ve and lesion volume (Vl =Vt + Ve) and the regression percentage of Vl in Vb were assessed 1 month after radiotherapy compared with pre-radiotherapy. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the factors related to the regression rates of Vt, Ve and Vl and the regression percentage of Vl in Vb after radiotherapy.Results:A total of 60 BM patients were included, with 14 in the radiotherapy plus anlotinib group and 46 in the radiotherapy alone group. Compared with the radiotherapy alone group, the combined therapy group had a larger regression rate of Vt (75.8% vs. 60.2%,P=0.043), Ve (88.0% vs. 48.0%,P=0.003) and Vl (79.8% vs. 50.5%,P=0.003) and a better regression percentage of Vl in Vb (9.18% vs. 1.57%,P<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that radiotherapy plus anlotinib could promote the reduction of Ve (OR=0.104, 95% CI: 0.020-0.544), Vl (OR=0.220, 95% CI: 0.002-0.238), and regression percentage of Vl in Vb (OR=0.030, 95% CI: 0.004-0.256).Conclusion:Concurrent treatment with anlotinib can further reduce peritumoral edema in the early postradiotherapy period for symptomatic BM patients undergoing radiotherapy.
Exploring the capability of Carbon Sequestration and Biomass generation in diverse Silvipastoral systems across Sindh range of forest division Ganderbal, India
Authors: Rather Tanveer Ahmad , Singh Amerjeet , Mir Arsheed Ahmad , Mughal A. H. , Wagay Oyais Ahmad , Rafeeq Jauhar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The present investigation was carried out in Sindh range, Ganderbal forest division in of Kashmir Province to identify variation in different silvopastoral systems (T1-Cedrus deodara, T2- Robinia pseudoacacia, T3- Cupressus torulosa, T4- Prunus arminiaca , T5- Ailanthus altissima, T6- mixed plantations and T7- grassland) in terms of biomass production and carbon stock potential. The maximum value of above ground tree biomass (80.57 t ha-1), belowground tree biomass (20.14 t ha-1) and total tree biomass (100.70 t ha-1) was recorded in Ailanthus altissima stand and follows the trend T5>T1>T3>T2>T6>T4. In case of shrubs, the maximum value of aboveground, belowground and total shrub biomass (4.17 t ha-1, 1.75 t ha-1 and 5.92 t ha-1respectivey) was found in grassland and minimum values were found under cedrus deodara stand, as it contains only one shrub i.e. Berberis lycium. The highest aboveground herb biomass production (13.58 t ha-1) was recorded under T4- Prunus arminiaca, below ground biomass was recorded under grassland with a value of 3.24 t ha-1 and the total herb biomass production follows the trend T4>T7>T5>T2>T3>T6>T1. The total vegetational carbon stock in terms of tons per hectare varied between 8.18 t ha-1 to 52.39 t ha-1 and follows trend: Ailanthus altissima (52.39 t ha-1) > Cedrus deodara (45.13 t ha-1) > Cupressus torulosa (30.44 t ha-1) > Robinia pseudoacacia (22.77 t ha-1) > Prunus arminiaca (13.90 t ha-1) > T7- grassland (9.68 t ha-1) > mixed stand (8.18 t ha-1).
A Single-Center, open label, Randomized, Controlled Study of Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate in the Treatment of Low Risk PLA 2 R-Associated Membranous Nephropathy
Authors: Mei Mei , Zeng Jun , Liu Zhengyang , Gong Li , Fang Li , Hu Quan , Huang Shaofen , Chai Liyin , Chen Xinqing , Sun Haili , Xiang Sha , Wen Chaolin , Shen Bingbing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine sulfate (HCQ) in the treatment of low risk phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R)-associated membranous nephropathy (MN).
Methods: A total of 110 patients with low risk PLA2R-associated MN were included in the study. Patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were assigned randomly to two groups: the HCQ treatment group and the control group. The control group was given adequate support treatment according to the guidelines, while the HCQ treatment group was given HCQ on the basis of support treatment. The clinical data of the patients were analyzed, with comparisons made at baseline and during the six-month follow-up period. Any adverse reactions were recorded.
Results: The baseline data were comparable between the HCQ treatment group and the control group. At the end of the six-month follow-up period, the reductions in urine protein excretion and serum PLA2R antibody titer were more notable in the HCQ treatment group than those in the control group, with these differences being statistically significant (p<0.05). Compared to the control group, the HCQ treatment group had fewer patients who were converted from low risk to moderate-to-high risk (p=0.084). There were also no severe adverse reactions in the HCQ treatment group.
Conclusion: In patients with low risk PLA2R-associated MN, adequate supportive therapy combined with HCQ is superior to supportive therapy alone in terms of controlling proteinuria, reducing serum PLA2R antibody titers, and lowering the probability of conversion from low risk to moderate-to-high risk. In addition, our study demonstrated that the incidence of adverse reactions did not increase.
Trial registration: This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration No.: ChiCTR1900021757，Date of registration: 2019-03-08).
Improved electrochemical performance of Li-excessive LiMn2O4 cathode for secondary batteries
Authors: Park Jongho , Kim Kwang Joo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Li-excessive Li1+xMn2-xO4-δ (x = 0, 0.05 and 0.1) thin films were prepared by a sol-gel method where the gel deposit on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrate was annealed at 700 ℃ for 6 h in air. The physical properties of the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The electrochemical properties of the thin-film Li1+xMn2-xO4-δ cathodes were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic cycling test. As a result of XRD analysis, all samples showed a spinel structure without any secondary phase, and the lattice parameter of the Li-excessive samples was reduced compared to the pristine LiMn2O4. The observed high-energy shift of the Raman-active A1g mode for the Li-excessive samples compared to the pristine LiMn2O4 supports the reduction of the lattice parameter. The electrochemical data revealed that the Li-excessive cathodes exhibited better cycling stability than the pristine LiMn2O4 in the 3.5 − 4.5 V range. The Li1.1Mn1.9O4-δ cathode showed a capacity retention about 51.1% after 700 cycles for secondary battery, which is about 26% higher than that of the pristine LiMn2O4.
Long-Read De Novo Genome Assembly of Gulf toadfish Opsanus beta.
Authors: Kron Nicholas , Young Benjamin , Drown Melissa , McDonald M. Danielle 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The Gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta, within the family Batrachoididae, plays an important role ecologically and as a comparative research model. Only 4 genome assemblies are available for Batrachoids, with three being highly fragmentary and not up to current assembly standards. Here we present a new, de novo genome and transcriptome assemblies for the Gulf toadfish using PacBio long read technology. The final assembly is among the largest teleost genomes at 2.1 gigabases. This new assembly improves significantly upon the currently available reference for Opsanus beta with a final scaffold count of 62, of which 23 are chromosome scale, an N50 of 98,402,768, and a BUSCO completeness score of 97.3%. Annotation with ab intio and transcriptome-based methods generated 41,076 gene models. Modeling of gene orthogroup change indicated expansion of many immune associated orthogroups and contraction of olfactory receptor orthogroups. The genome is highly repetitive, with ~ 70% of the genome composed of simple repeats and transposable elements. Satellite DNA analysis identified potential telomeric and centromeric regions. This improved assembly represents a valuable resource for future research using this important model organism and to teleost genomics more broadly.
Identification of MTHFD2 as a Prognostic Factor and Evaluation of its Role in Macrophage Polarization in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma by Pan-Cancer Analysis
Authors: Zhou Yang , Zheng Xinmin , Ye Penghui , Yang Hui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase-cyclohydrolase (MTHFD2) in the mitochondrial folate cycle plays oncogenic roles in different types of cancers; nonetheless, the function of MTHFD2 in tumor immunity and underlying mechanisms are unclear. A systematic bioinformatics analysis and lab experiments were conducted to explore the role in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Elevated levels of MTHFD2 expression were observed in most cancer types, correlating with a poor clinical prognosis. MTHFD2 was found to influence immune cell infiltration within the TME in diverse cancer types. Single-cell RNA sequencing data from the TISCH database revealed predominant expression of MTHFD2 in macrophages within KIRC tissues. Immunohistochemical staining analysis confirmed the upregulation of MTHFD2 in KIRC tissues, indicating an unfavorable clinical outcome. Multiplex immunohistochemistry staining demonstrated the concurrent presence of CD163 and CD68 in KIRC tissues exhibiting elevated levels of MTHFD2 expression. Co-culture experiments showed that inhibition of MTHFD2 reversed macrophage polarization induced by tumor-associated macrophages in 786-O renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells. Furthermore, MTHFD2 inhibition induced G2/M phase arrest in RCC cells. MTHFD2 serves as a prognostic factor and exerts significant influence on shaping an immunosuppressive microenvironment in different types of malignancies, particularly by influencing macrophage infiltration and polarization in KIRC tissues.
Electric Vehicles Limit Equitable Access to Essential Services During Blackouts
Authors: Essus Yamil , Rachunok Benjamin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Electric vehicles (EVs) link mobility and electric power availability, posing a risk of making transportation unavailable during blackouts. We develop a computational framework to quantify the impact of EVs on mobility and access to services and find that existing access issues are exacerbated by EVs. Our results demonstrate that larger batteries reduce mobility constraints but their effectiveness is dependent on the geographic distribution of services and households. We explore the trade-offs between mobility and quality-of-life improvements presented by Vehicle-to-Grid technologies and the feasibility and trade-offs of public charging infrastructure as a solution to access inequalities. Equitable access to essential services (e.g. supermarkets, schools, parks, etc.) is the most important aspect of community resilience and our results show vehicle electrification can hinder access to essential services unless properly incorporated into policy and city-scale decision-making.