bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional profile and immune infiltration in colorectal cancer reveal the significance of inducible T‐cell costimulator as a crucial immune checkpoint molecule
Authors: Chu Jian , Wu Yinghang , Qu Zhanbo , Zhuang Jing , Liu Jiang , Han Shugao , Wu Wei , Han Shuwen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundEmergence of novel immuno‐therapeutics has shown promising improvement in the clinical outcome of colorectal cancer (CRC).ObjectiveTo identify robust immune checkpoints based on expression and immune infiltration profiles of clinical CRC samples.MethodsOne dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and two from Gene Expression Omnibus were independently employed for the analysis. Genes associated with overall survival were identified, and distribution of each immune checkpoint with respect to different clinical features was determined to explore key immune checkpoints. Multiple staining methods were used to verify the correlation between key immune checkpoint ICOS and clinical pathological features. Differentially expressed mRNA and long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) were then detected for gene set enrichment analysis and gene set variation analysis to investigate the differentially enriched biological processes between low‐ and high‐expression groups. Significant immune‐related mRNAs and lncRNA were subjected to competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network analysis. Correlation of inducible T‐cell costimulator (ICOS) and top 10 genes in ceRNA network were further considered for validation.ResultsICOS was identified from 14 immune checkpoints as the most highly correlated gene with survival and clinical features in CRC. The expression of ICOS protein in the poorly differentiated group was lower than that in the moderately differentiated group, and the expression in different pathological stages was significant. In addition, the expressions of ICOS were negatively correlated with Ki67. A conspicuous number of immune‐related pathways were enriched in differentially expressed genes in the ICOS high‐ and low‐expression groups. Integration with immune infiltration data revealed a multitude of differentially expressed immune‐related genes enriched for ceRNA network. Furthermore, expression of top 10 genes investigated from ceRNA network showed high correlation with ICOS.ConclusionICOS might serve as a robust immune checkpoint for prognosis with several genes being potential targets of ICOS‐directed immunotherapy in CRC.
“Better at home”: Mixed methods report of intricacies in pediatric febrile neutropenia management
Authors: Smeallie Eleanor T. , Choi Sung W. , Mody Rajen , Guetterman Timothy C. , Nessle Charles N. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionMany febrile neutropenia (FN) episodes are low risk (LR) for severe outcomes and can safely receive less aggressive management and early hospital discharge. Validated risk tools are recommended by the Children's Oncology Group to identify LR FN episodes. However, the complex dynamics of early hospital discharge and burdens faced by caregivers associated with the FN episode have been inadequately described.MethodsAn adapted quality‐of‐life (QoL) survey instrument was administered by a convergent mixed methods design; qualitative and quantitative data from two sources, the medical record and the mixed methods survey instrument, were independently analyzed prior to linkage and integration. Code book was informed by conceptual framework; open coding was used. Mixed methods analysis used joint display of results to determine meta‐inferences.ResultsTwenty‐eight patient–caregiver dyads participated with a response rate of 87%. Of the 27 FN episodes, 51.8% (14/27) were LR and 40.7% (11/27) had an early hospital discharge. The LR and early hospital discharge groups had higher mean QoL scores comparatively. Meta‐inferences are reciprocal influencers and expand the complex situation; FN negatively affects the entire family, and the benefits of hospital management were outweighed by risks and worsened symptoms, so an individualized approach to management and care at home was preferred.ConclusionEarly discharge of LR FN episodes positively impacts QoL, yet risk‐stratified management for FN is intricately complex. Optimal FN management should prioritize the patient's overall health; shared decision‐making is recommended and can improve care delivery. These results should be confirmed in a larger, more heterogeneous population.
Scaffold‐Oriented Asymmetric Catalysis: Conformational Modulation of Transition State Multivalency during a Catalyst‐Controlled Assembly of a Pharmaceutically Relevant Atropisomer
Authors: Tampellini Nicolò , Mercado Brandon Q. , Miller Scott J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA new class of superbasic, bifunctional peptidyl guanidine catalysts is presented, which enables the organocatalytic, atroposelective synthesis of axially chiral quinazolinediones. Computational modeling unveiled the conformational modulation of the catalyst by a novel phenyl urea N‐cap, that preorganizes the structure into the active, folded state. A previously unanticipated noncovalent interaction involving a difluoroacetamide acting as a hybrid mono‐ or bidentate hydrogen bond donor emerged as a decisive control element inducing atroposelectivity. These discoveries spurred from a scaffold‐oriented project inspired from a fascinating investigational BTK inhibitor featuring two stable chiral axes and relies on a mechanistic framework that was foreign to the extant lexicon of asymmetric catalysis.
Health‐related quality of life among patients with esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancer at Kenyatta National Hospital
Authors: Degu Amsalu , Karimi Peter N. , Opanga Sylvia A. , Nyamu David G. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundDespite the advancement of modern treatment approaches, several studies indicated a diminished health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. However, there is insufficient data about the HRQoL of gastrointestinal cancer patients in Kenya.AimsThe study aimed to investigate HRQoL and its determinants in gastrointestinal cancer patients at Kenyatta National Hospital.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was employed among 160 esophageal, 103 gastric, and 96 colorectal cancer patients. The patient list, identified by unique hospital identification numbers, was obtained from records. Eligibility was assessed based on predetermined criteria, and the hospital identification numbers were reshuffled. Study participants were then randomly selected daily during the data collection period. Data were collected using a researcher‐administered European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire. The data entry and analysis were carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 26.0 statistical software. A bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate determinants of HRQoL at a 0.05 level of significance.ResultsMost esophageal (N = 118, 73.7%), gastric (N = 75, 72.8%), and colorectal (N = 72, 75%) cancer patients had poor overall HRQoL. In the social (p = .04) and cognitive (p = .02) domain of HRQoL, esophageal cancer patients had a significantly lower mean score as compared to gastric cancer patients. Colorectal cancer patients had the highest mean score in physical functioning (p = .01) as compared with gastric cancer patients. Nonetheless, gastric cancer patients had the highest mean score in emotional functioning domains of quality of life as compared to esophageal (p = .04) and colorectal (p < .001) cancer patients The study revealed a low mean HRQoL score in the majority of the symptom domains of quality of life. A statistically significant difference in all domains of HRQoL was not observed in various treatment modalities of gastrointestinal cancer. Advanced‐stage (stages III and IV) and co‐morbidities were significant determinants of poor HRQoL.ConclusionsThe overall HRQoL of gastrointestinal cancer patients was poor. Advanced‐stage cancer and co‐morbidities were significant determinants of poor HRQoL. Therefore, intensification of routine monitoring of the disease and the treatments should be actively implemented to improve the HRQoL.
Laser‐Induced Preparation of Anderson‐Type Polyoxometalate‐Derived Sulfide/Oxide Electrocatalysts for Electrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Jin Man , Zou Yan , Shi Bo‐Cong , Liu Ting‐Ting , Tang Yu‐Jia 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDeveloping cost‐effective and high‐active electrocatalysts is vital to enhance the electrocatalytic performance for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, traditional pyrolysis methods require complicated procedures, exact temperatures, and long reaction times, leading to high costs and low yields of electrocatalysts in potential industrial applications. Herein, a rapid and economic laser‐induced preparation strategy is proposed to synthesize three bimetallic sulfide/oxide composites (MMoOS, M=Fe, Co, and Ni) on a nickel foam (NF) substrate. A focused CO2 laser with high energy is applied to decompose Anderson‐type polyoxometalate (POM)‐based precursors, enabling the creation of abundant heteropore and defective structures in the MMoOS composites that have multi‐components of MS/Mo4O11/MoS2. Remarkably, owing to the structural interactions between the active species, FeMoOS shows superior electrocatalytic performance for OER in an alkaline medium, exhibiting a low overpotential of 240 mV at 50 mA cm−2, a small Tafel slope of 79 mV dec−1, and good durability for 80 h. Physical characterizations after OER imply that partially dissolved Mo‐based species and new‐formed NiO/NiOOH can effectively uncover abundant active sites, fasten charge transfer, and modify defective structures. This work provides a rapid laser‐induced irradiation method for the synthesis of POM‐derived nanocomposites as promoted electrocatalysts.
Facile Synthesis of Dithienobenzothiadiazoles and D18−Cl Polymer via Na2S‐Mediated Rapid Thiophene‐Annulations for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Kang Junmo , Kim Shin Yeong , Zong Kyukwan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe present a novel synthetic route for the rapid construction of dithieno[3′,2′:3,4;2′′,3′′:5,6]benzo[1,2‐c][1,2,5]thiadiazoles via Na2S‐promoted thiophene annulation. This method facilitated the synthesis of D18−Cl polymer, known for its efficacy as a polymer donor in bulk‐heterojunction polymer solar cells. Starting from commercially available 4,7‐dihalo‐5,6‐difluorobenzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole, various 4,7‐dialkynylated compounds were obtained through Sonogashira reaction conditions. Subsequent Na2S‐promoted thiophene annulations yielded DTBT and its derivatives in excellent yields within 10 minutes. DTBT was then utilized as a precursor for the concise synthesis of D18−Cl, benefiting from reduced synthetic steps, mild reaction conditions, decreased complexity, and high overall yields. In another route, a space group‐bridged DTBT was directly constructed via Na2S‐promoted thiophene annulations and converted into D18−Cl through a couple of steps. This developed protocol offers a straightforward and reliable synthetic tool, conducive to reducing complexities in the production of DTBT‐based organic electronic materials, thereby advancing the potential commercialization of organic solar cells.
Interleukin‐2/anti‐interleukin‐2 immune complex attenuates cold ischemia‐reperfusion injury after kidney transplantation by increasing renal regulatory T cells
Authors: Jang Joon Young , Kim Hyung Woo , Yan Ji‐Jing , Kang Tae Kyeom , Lee Wook‐Bin , Kim Beom Seok , Yang Jaeseok 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundCold ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) is an unavoidable complication of kidney transplantation. We investigated the role of regulatory T cells (Treg) in cold IRI and whether the interleukin (IL)‐2/anti‐IL‐2 antibody complex (IL‐2C) can ameliorate cold IRI.MethodsWe developed a cold IRI mouse model using kidney transplantation and analyzed the IL‐2C impact on cold IRI in acute, subacute and chronic phases.ResultsTreg transfer attenuated cold IRI, while Treg depletion aggravated cold IRI. Next, IL‐2C administration prior to IRI mitigated acute renal function decline, renal tissue damage and apoptosis and inhibited infiltration of effector cells into kidneys and pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression on day 1 after IRI. On day 7 after IRI, IL‐2C promoted renal regeneration and reduced subacute renal damage. Furthermore, on day 28 following IRI, IL‐2C inhibited chronic fibrosis. IL‐2C decreased reactive oxygen species‐mediated injury and improved antioxidant function. When IL‐2C was administered following IRI, it also increased renal regeneration with Treg infiltration and suppressed renal fibrosis. In contrast, Treg depletion in the presence of IL‐2C eliminated the positive effects of IL‐2C on IRI.ConclusionTregs protect kidneys from cold IRI and IL‐2C inhibited cold IRI by increasing the renal Tregs, suggesting a potential of IL‐2C in treating cold IRI.Key Points
Interleukin (IL)‐2/anti‐IL‐2 antibody complex attenuated acute renal injury, facilitated subacute renal regeneration and suppressed chronic renal fibrosis after cold ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) by increasing the renal Tregs.
IL‐2/anti‐IL‐2 antibody complex decreased reactive oxygen species‐mediated injury and improved antioxidant function.
This study suggests the therapeutic potential of the IL‐2/anti‐IL‐2 antibody complex in kidney transplantation‐associated cold IR.
Sex‐ and age‐related differences in kinetics and tibial accelerations during military‐relevant movement tasks in U.S. Army trainees
Authors: Johnson Caleb D. , Sara Lauren K. , Bradach Molly M. , Zeppetelli David J. , Dæhlin Torstein E. , Mullineaux David R. , Foulis Stephen A. , Hughes Julie M. , Davis Irene S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractLower extremity injuries are prevalent in military trainees, especially in female and older trainees. Modifiable factors that lead to higher injury risk in these subgroups are not clear. The purpose of this study was to identify whether external loading variables during military‐relevant tasks differ by age and sex in U.S. Army trainees. Data was collected on 915 trainees in the first week of Basic Combat Training. Participants performed running and ruck marching (walking with 18.1 kg pack) on a treadmill, as well as double‐/single‐leg drop landings. Variables included: vertical force loading rates, vertical stiffness, first peak vertical forces, peak vertical and resultant tibial accelerations. Comparisons were made between sexes and age groups (young, ≤19 years; middle, 20–24 years; older, ≥25 years). Significant main effects of sex were found, with females showing higher vertical loading rates during ruck marching, and peak tibial accelerations during running and ruck marching (p ≤ 0.03). Males showed higher vertical stiffness during running and peak vertical tibial accelerations during drop landings (p < 0.01). A main effect of age was found for vertical loading rates during running (p = 0.03), however no significant pairwise differences were found between age groups. These findings suggest that higher external loading may contribute to higher overall injury rates in female trainees. Further, higher stiffness during running may contribute to specific injuries, such as Achilles Tendinopathy, that are more prevalent in males. The lack of differences between age groups suggests that other factors contribute more to higher injury rates in older trainees.
A review of SDN‐enabled routing protocols for Named Data Networking
Authors: Yassine Sembati , Najib Naja , Abdellah Jamali 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNamed Data Networking is a novel network architecture for the future internet in which data is named rather than addressed. This enables routers to forward data more efficiently based on its name, outperforming IP‐based routing. Another networking architecture that divides the control plane and the data plane is software‐defined networking (SDN). In an SDN network, the control plane decides on routing while the data plane forwards data packets. This separation increases routing flexibility and scalability. Numerous techniques to improve routing can be achieved with NDN and SDN integration. This paper provides an in‐depth examination of routing approaches in NDN based on SDN, emphasizing design principles, algorithms, and performance measures. We begin by summarizing the NDN architecture and delving into its essential components. We next go into the core routing ideas in NDN and categorize and study several routing solutions based on Software Defined Networks. Finally, we highlight the need for scalable, effective, and secure routing systems that may satisfy the expanding requirements of the contemporary internet. We also suggest open research topics in NDN routing based on SDN. This review provides an extensive overview of current centralized routing approaches in NDN, including their limitations and future possibilities.
Brain network entropy, depression, and quality of life in people with traumatic brain injury and seizure disorders
Authors: Allendorfer Jane B. , Nenert Rodolphe , Goodman Adam M. , Kakulamarri Pranav , Correia Stephen , Philip Noah S. , LaFrance W. Curt , Szaflarski Jerzy P. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveTraumatic brain injury (TBI) often precedes the onset of epileptic (ES) or psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) with depression being a common comorbidity. The relationship between depression severity and quality of life (QOL) may be related to resting‐state network complexity. We investigated these relationships in adults with TBI‐only, TBI + ES, or TBI + PNES using Sample Entropy (SampEn), a measure of physiologic signals complexity.MethodsAdults with TBI‐only (n = 60), TBI + ES (n = 21), or TBI + PNES (n = 56) completed the Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II; depression symptom severity) and QOL in Epilepsy (QOLIE‐31) assessments and underwent resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI). SampEn values derived from six resting state functional networks were calculated per participant. Effects of group, network, and group‐by‐network‐interactions for SampEn were investigated with a mixed‐effects model. We examined relationships between BDI‐II, QOL, and SampEn of each of the networks.ResultsGroups did not differ in age, but there was a higher proportion of women with TBI + PNES (p = 0.040). TBI + ES and TBI‐only groups did not differ in BDI‐II or QOLIE‐31 scores, while the TBI + PNES group scored worse on both measures. The fixed effects of the model revealed significant differences in SampEn values across networks (lower SampEn for the frontoparietal network compared to other networks). The likelihood ratio test for group‐by‐network‐interactions was significant (p = 0.033). BDI‐II was significantly negatively associated with Overall QOL scale scores in all groups, and significantly negatively associated with network SampEn values only in the TBI + PNES group.SignificanceOnly TBI + PNES had significant relationships between depression symptom severity and network SampEn values indicating that the resting state network complexity is related to depression severity in this group but not in TBI + ES or TBI‐only.Plain Language SummaryThe brain has a complex network of internal connections. How well these connections work may be affected by TBI and seizures and may underlie mental health symptoms including depression; the worse the depression, the worse the quality of life. Our study compared brain organization in people with TBI, people with epilepsy after TBI, and people with nonepileptic seizures after TBI. Only people with nonepileptic seizures after TBI showed a relationship between how organized their brain connections were and how bad was their depression. We need to better understand these relationships to develop more impactful, effective treatments.
Seasonal water sources and response to precipitation events of Calligonum mongolicum at the oasis margin in the Hexi River Corridor
Authors: Chen Weiwei , Chen Guopeng , Feng Xiangyan , Zhou Hai , Yang Qiyue 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCalligonum mongolicum is often planted as a windbreak and for sand stabilization on mobile and semi‐mobile sand dunes in extremely arid regions. However, water availability remains a key limiting factor for its survival and population expansion, and water use strategies and responses to precipitation events of this species are unknown. Here, we determined water use strategy of C. mongolicum under extreme arid conditions by measuring the oxygen stable isotopes (δD and δ18O) in xylem water and in potential water sources (precipitation, soil water, and groundwater). We used the IsoSource model to determine the relative contributions of different water sources to water utilization by C. mongolicum. Our results showed that: (1) water sources used by C. mongolicum exhibited seasonal variability, with shallow soil water accounting for 42% of utilization during early spring (April), and deep soil water and groundwater being predominantly used during the summer and autumn and accounting for 61%–84% of utilization, (2) C. mongolicum did not respond to small precipitation events, but responded significantly to large precipitation events. C. mongolicum maintained the utilization of soil water in all layers at 74%–81% of deep soil water and groundwater before a 5.8 mm precipitation event. A precipitation event of 18.8 mm increased the contribution of surface water from 4% before to 17% after precipitation, indicating that C. mongolicum has a strong capacity for self‐regulation and adaptation; namely, C. mongolicum is capable of developing an optimal phenotype through self‐regulation, thereby maximizing water acquisition.
Effects of therapeutic hypercapnia on the expression and function of γδT cells in transplanted lungs in rats
Authors: Xie Qing , Lu Jia , Cui XiaoGuang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the effect of therapeutic hypercapnia on the expression and function of gamma delta T (γδ T) cells during ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) after lung transplantation.MethodsWe randomly divided male Wistar rats into three groups (n = 6 in each group), the control group (group N), the IRI group (group I), and the therapeutic hypercapnia group (group H). We then assessed pulmonary edema, neutrophil infiltration, wet‐to‐dry (W/D) weight ratio, and microscopic histopathology and separately measured the levels of γδT cell surface antigen (TCR) and Interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) using flow cytometry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).ResultsThe infiltration of neutrophils and the expression of TCR and IL‐17 were significantly increased in the I group compared to the control, and the biopsy edema in group I was more severe. Arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) was decreased after reperfusion in group I compared with the control group. W/D weight ratio, neutrophil infiltration, and the expression of TCR and IL‐17 decreased drastically in the H group compared to the I group.ConclusionOur findings suggest that γδ T lymphocytes were directly involved in lung injury. In addition, therapeutic hypercapnia effectively reduced the expression of γδ T cells and IL‐17, and this has the potential to become a treatment strategy for IRI and an intervention to improve lung function.