bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Causality between cathepsins and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhong Zhuen , Xu Ruochen , Xu Changhao , Zhu Yanlin , Xu Qian , Hua Yan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
The pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is complex and difficult to diagnose and treat clinically. Cathepsins are involved in various physiological and pathological processes, and observational studies have shown an association between cathepsins and IPF. However, the causal relationship between them remains uncertain. Our aim was to assess the causal relationship between various cathepsins and IPF.
Methods
Protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) data for cathepsins were obtained from INTERVAL studies, and summary statistics for IPF genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were obtained from the FinnGen R10 study. Univariable Mendelian randomization (UVMR), multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR), summary data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) and Bayesian colocalization analysis were conducted in this study.
Results
UVMR analysis indicated that elevated cathepsin H levels reduced the overall risk of IPF (OR = 0.885,95%CI = 0.827 ~ 0.947, P = 3.86×10 − 4). MVMR showed that the effect of cathepsin H on IPF was still present after adjusting the interaction of cathepsins (OR = 0.895,95%CI = 0.834 ~ 0.961, P = 0.002). In addition, SMR analysis also suggested a causal association between cathepsin H and IPF (OR = 0.800,95%CI = 0.699 ~ 0.916, P = 0.001). Finally, we validated the results using the UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics Project (UKB-PPP) dataset (OR = 0.897,95%CI = 0.836 ~ 0.963, P = 0.003).
Conclusions
This study suggests that cathepsin H has a protective effect on IPF and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for IPF, providing inspiration and guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of IPF.
Synergistic Breakthroughs in Seawater Desalination: Zirconium-Based MOF/PVC-PVA Composite Membranes for Unprecedented Performance
Authors: El-Sawaf Ayman , Ahmed Sama , Nassar Amal , Mubarak Mahmoud 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In this study, we employed the electrospinning technique to fabricate advanced composite membranes comprised of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) enriched with post-metallated metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), specifically UiO-66(COOH)2-Ag and ZIF-8-Ag. The innovative utilization of electrospinning resulted in the formation of highly stable PVC/MOFs-Ag membrane composites, which were systematically characterized through various analytical methods, including scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, porosity analysis, and water contact angle measurement. The outcomes affirmed the successful incorporation of MOF crystals within the nanofibrous PVC membranes. Distinct morphological features were observed in the obtained composites, with larger fiber diameters noted for 5% and 10% MOF loadings and a reduced diameter for 20% loading. Moreover, the composites exhibited increased average pore sizes compared to traditional PVC membranes across the majority of MOF loading percentages. Antibacterial properties of the fabricated membranes were systematically investigated at varying MOFs-Ag loadings. The results demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, reaching up to 95%, against both Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria as the MOFs-Ag loading increased, maintaining a consistent silver concentration. This suggests a contact-based inhibition mechanism. The findings of this research hold paramount importance for the development of novel, stable, and highly effective antibacterial materials. These materials could serve as superior alternatives for face masks and be integrated into various applications requiring regular decontamination, including potential deployment in advanced water filtration systems.
Ferrofluid Reaction Wheel Development and in-orbit Verification
Authors: Ehresmann Manfred , Zajonz Sebastian , Korn Christian , Großmann Steffen , Dietrich Janoah , Kob Maximilian , Philipp Daniel , Turco Fabrizio , Steinert Michael , O'Donohue Michael , Heinz Nicolas , Gutierrez Elizabeth , Wagner Alexander , Bölke Daniel , Sütterlin Saskia , Schneider Maximilian , Remane Yolantha , Kreul Phil , Wank Bianca , Buchfink Manuel , Acker Denis , Hofmann Sonja , Karahan Bahar , Ruffner Silas , Schäfer Felix , Herdrich Georg Heinrich 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In contemporary satellite systems, Reaction Control Systems (RCS) serve as one of the primary means for generating internal torques within the Attitude and Orbit Control System (AOCS). Notably, these systems encompass Reaction Wheels (RW) and Control Moment Gyros (CMG), both characterized by mechanically-mounted rotating disks engineered for maximized moment of inertia. However, this design inherently introduces challenges common to movingmechanical systems, including wear, (non-linear) friction effects, and potential degradation. For in space applications these challenges are more severe, as repairs are usually not possible or would entail significant resource allocation. An alternative to this is provided by fluid-based systems, which can prevent wear and tear of mechanical systems by completely replacing the mechanical interfaces in conventional system with a design based on a ferrofluid mechanism. Ferrofluid-based system concepts offer longer life due to reduced wear and tear as well as potentially lower production costs and overall increased durability and reliability. This paper aims to describe the development of a potential replacment of a reaction wheel by a fluid-based concept from the basic idea and proof of concept up to the data evaluation of the in-space verification of the system in the zero-gravity environment on the ISS (International Space Station). This ACS (Attitude Control System) experiment is called Ferrowheel as it is based on a stator of a brushless DC motor in combination with a rotor on a ferrofluidic bearing. This research was completed as part of the student project FARGO (Ferrofluid Application Research Goes Orbital).
FARGO is part of the Überflieger 2 student competition hosted by the space agency within DLR (German Aerospace Center). The experiment was operated on the ISS in March and April 2023. The project objective was to test and analyze three separate ferrofluid applications in the ISS micro-gravity environment.
Regulation of Pro-apoptotic and Anti-apoptotic Factors in Obesity-Related Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Agrawal Swati , Podber Anna , Gillespie Megan , Dietz Nick , Hansen Laura A. , Nandipati Kalyana C. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). It is associated with increased levels of free fatty acids (FFA), leading to insulin resistance and increased expression of insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and diacylglycerol (DAG). The objective of the study is to investigate the role of apoptotic factors in control and EAC tissues in both relation to this signaling pathway in obese and non-obese patients.
Methods: We included 23 obese and nonobese patients with EAC or with or without Barrett’s esophagus (BE) after IRB approval. We collected 23 normal, 10 BE, and 19 EAC tissue samples from endoscopy or esophagectomy. The samples were analyzed for the expression levels of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic factors, PKC-d, cIAP2, FLIP, IGF-1, Akt, NF-kB and Ki67 by immunofluorescence and RT-PCR. We compared the expression levels between normal, BE, and EAC tissue using Students’ t-test between two groups.
Results: Our results showed decreased gene and protein expression of pro-apoptotic factors (bad, bak and bax) and increased expression of anti-apoptotic factors (bcl-2, Bcl-xL) in BE and EAC compared to normal tissues. There was increased gene and protein expression of PKC-d, cIAP2, FLIP, NF-kB, IGF-1, Akt, and Ki67 in BE and EAC samples compared to normal esophagus. Further, an increased folds changes in mRNA expression of proapoptotic factors, antiapoptotic factors, PKC-δ, IGF-1, Akt, and Ki-67 was associated with obesity.
Conclusion: Patients with EAC had increased expression of cIAP2 and FLIP, and PKC-d which is associated with inhibition of apoptosis and possible progression of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Navigating Drought: Analyzing Panama Canal Transit Disruptions Using AIS Big Data
Authors: Chico Cherryl , Wang Zhaowen , Reyes Ed Kieran C. , Mariasingham Mahinthan J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The Panama Canal experienced historically low water levels due to a severe drought in 2023. In response, the Panama Canal Authority has imposed restrictions on daily transits since July 2023, causing significant backlogs of vessels awaiting passage. This study leverages big data from Automatic Identification System (AIS) to comprehen- sively analyze the impact of the drought on transit activities through the Panama Canal. We develops new methods for deriving indicators for passageways, including count of transits, waiting time, count of voyages from top economy pairs visited before and after transit, and count of vessels with rerouted voyages. Statistical analysis is carried out to recognize the evolving trend in the time series to quantify the drought’s impact on transit activities. The Mann-Kendall and Sen’s estimator are applied to identify and determine the magnitude of the trend. Furthermore, as a critical conduit connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Panama Canal holds immense impor- tance in regional and global trade. By utilizing AIS data, this study identifies the top 10 economy pairs that transit through the Panama Canal and investigates the monthly counts of transit activities between these economies during the drought. The number of vessels with rerouted voyages is also computed, shedding light on how the drought in Panama has impacted maritime transportation and the global supply chain. The ongoing water scarcity crisis in Panama serves as a reminder that climate change is fundamentally reshaping economic and trade landscapes, posing a significant threat to future growth and prosperity. Harnessing the potential of AIS data provides a pro- found and immediate understanding of the drought’s impact on the Panama Canal, empowering stakeholders to effectively mitigate economic vulnerabilities and ensure sustainable development amidst evolving climate patterns.
Immunoediting on the Brink: Dynamic Relationship Between Tumor Genotype and Microenvironment as Determinant of Immunotherapy Effectiveness in an informative case report of Lynch Syndrome
Authors: Zen Valentina , Cingarlini Sara , Mafficini Andrea , Luchini Claudio , Mattiolo Paola , Ciulla Calogero , Pavarana Michele , Conciatori Fabiana , Bazzichetto Chiara , Cucca Marina , Scarpa Aldo , Milella Michele 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background: Lynch syndrome is an autosomal-dominant inherited condition that significantly increases the risk of developing cancer; within the Lynch syndrome spectrum, Muir-Torre syndrome is an autosomal-dominant genodermatosis, associated with keratoacanthomas and sebaceous neoplasms (adenoma, carcinoma or epithelioma). Both are characterized by the presence of defects in mismatch repair genes resulting in the high mutational rate that accounts for elective sensitivity to immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors. However, up to 30% of patients experience refractoriness to treatment.
Case presentation: This report describes a potentially informative case of a Lynch/Muir-Torre syndrome patient, who developed gastric cancer while in complete metabolic response to immunotherapy for metastatic duodenal carcinoma and cutaneous epithelioma. Both tumors exhibited high mutational rates and microsatellite instability. Deregulation of the TGF-β2 axis and absence of CD11c-positive dendritic cells in tumor microenvironment together with the loss of IL-8 expression on tumor-associated macrophages represent intriguing findings in this Lynch Syndrome-related immuno-refractory neoplasia.
Conclusions: A comprehensive evaluation of the genetic features of tumor cells together with the assessment of intratumoral immune infiltrate may provide insights into the heterogeneous mechanisms of resistance to checkpoint inhibitors.
Integrated Pan-Cancer Profiling of RAC1: Prognostic, Immunomodulatory, and Therapeutic Resistance Insights
Authors: Shao Zhibo , Ren Hengyu , Wang Xuliren , Zhang Qi , Xue Jingyan , Chi Yayun , Xiu Bingqiu , Wu Jiong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
RAC1, a member of the Rho family GTPases, has been implicated in various cancer types, but its pan-cancer landscape and clinical significance remain underexplored. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of RAC1 expression, its correlation with clinical outcomes, and its role in the tumour microenvironment across 33 cancer types. Our findings revealed that RAC1 is highly expressed in a broad range of cancers and is associated with poor prognosis. RAC1 expression was found to be significantly linked to genomic alterations, including copy number variations (CNVs), tumour mutational burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI). Moreover, RAC1 was negatively correlated with B cell infiltration, suggesting its potential role in shaping a "cold" tumour microenvironment. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that RAC1 is involved in pathways related to B cell activation and immune response. Loss-of-function experiments demonstrated that RAC1 knockdown reduces cell proliferation in breast and lung cancer cells, in vivo and in vitro, suggesting its oncogenic potential. Single-cell analysis uncovered that RAC1 predominantly exerts its influence within epithelial cells. This pan-cancer analysis provides a detailed understanding of RAC1's role in cancer progression and its potential as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for immunotherapy.
Port Performance Indicators Construction based on the AIS-generated Trajectory Segmentation and Classification
Authors: Wijaya Wayan Mahardhika , Nakamura Yasuhiro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

With coverage of worldwide shipping routes and straightforward accessibility, vessels' navigational data from AIS have emerged as a potential leading source of knowledge for maritime stakeholders. However, transforming the raw AIS messages into meaningful indicators requires comprehensive work that involves enrichment with multiple relevant data sources. In this study, a fain-grained technique to process AIS tracks for the purpose of constructing port performance indicators is proposed. The technique involves trajectory segmentation to separate the stopping and underway segments of AIS-generated trajectories and trajectory classification to identify moored and at-anchor vessels from the stopping segments. With the fusion of relevant information, the method estimates the port boundary and identifies the associated berthing and anchorage locations to estimate turnaround time and construct port connectivity indicators. AIS datasets recorded over eight months covering the waters of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, known as one of the world's busiest shipping routes, are selected to evaluate the proposed method. The trajectory segmentation demonstrated 98 - 99% accuracy, while the classification achieved 95 - 97%. The estimation of the vessel turnaround time closely matched the UNCTAD data with an error rate of 2.9%. These results prove the proposed approach's practicality in contributing to the real-world scenario.
Unveiling the Mechanisms of Action: Investigating the Impact of Deep Eutectic Oil-in Water Nanoemulsion on Cell Membrane Integrity and Morphology of C. gloeosporioides in Fruit Postharvest
Authors: Gidado M. J. , Gunny Ahmad Anas Nagoor , Gopinath Subash C.B. , Salleh Noor Hasyierah Mohd , Pareek Sunil , Balakrishnan Kunasundari 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This study investigates the impact of HyDEN on cell membrane degradation and disruption of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Analysis of C. gloeosporioides cell membrane morphology post-antifungal treatment provides insights into treatment efficacy and mechanisms of action. Physical changes in membrane structure, including disruption, collapse, wrinkling, or lysis, offer understanding of antifungal agents' impact. In this study, the comparison between control and treatment groups, particularly HyDEN and Globus 5.5, reveals significant differences in membrane integrity, with HyDEN inducing pronounced disruption and greater mycelial growth inhibition. Spore germination analysis underscores intact membrane importance in viability and metabolic processes, with HyDEN inhibiting germination pathways effectively compared to Globus 5.5. Intracellular ion leakage tests confirm antifungal treatment disruptive effects on membrane integrity, with HyDEN exhibiting higher conductivity over time. Soluble sugar content analysis reveals sugar release due to membrane disruption, with HyDEN inducing greater release than Globus 5.5. These findings demonstrate HyDEN's potential as an effective antifungal strategy, offering membrane disruption and inhibition of fungal growth.
The Impact of Strict Shunt Protocol on Reducing the Infection Rate Following Shunt Placement: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Alojan Abdulrazaq , Alghamdi Majed , Ammar Ahmed , ElHajeri Haya , Boop Frederic , Alsamin Sarah I 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Shunt insertion is the treatment of choice in many hydrocephalus cases. However, one of its common complications that increases its mortality and morbidity rate is infection, as our center yielded 32% infection rate post-shunting. Thus, this paper aims to develop new shunt protocol to reduce the infection rate post-shunting.
Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted from 2017 to 2022 in a single institution in Saudi Arabia. Data from ninety-two hydrocephalus patients who required shunt insertion was collected and followed up for 6 months.
Result: Ninety-two procedures for a total number of sixty-five cases were analyzed. The age average was 141.4 months (SD=232.9), and 73.9% of the procedures were done on males. The average compliance to the new protocol was 90.9%. Culture results were missed in 8 cases, and positive in 4.8% only (4 cases) giving a ratio of 1 per 23 cases. All infected patients were males, 75% were aging less than a month when operated. Twenty-eight elements of the new protocol were analyzed by Fisher’s Exact Test. Multilayered wound closure with antibiotic was significantly associated with less infection rate (LR=7.5, Fisher’s Exact Test p-value=.024). Other elements were statistically insignificant.
Conclusion: Development and following new shunt protocols could reduce infection rate especially in areas where they have high post-shunting infection rate. Although, one element was statistically significant, other components were clinically or “financially” significant, particularly those which are technical, and must be considered.
Comparing Outcomes in Patients with Exsanguinating Injuries: An Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma, Multi-center, International Trial Evaluating Prioritization of Circulation over Intubation (CAB over ABC)
Authors: Ferrada Paula , García Alberto , Duchesne Juan , Brenner Megan , Liu Chang , Ordóñez Carlos , Menegozzo Carlos , Salamea Juan Carlos , Feliciano David 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Introduction:
Hemorrhage is a major cause of preventable trauma deaths, and the ABC approach is widely used during the primary survey. We hypothesize that prioritizing circulation over intubation (CAB) can improve outcomes in patients with exsanguinating injuries.
Methods
A prospective observational study involving international trauma centers was conducted. Patients with systolic blood pressure below 90 who were intubated within 30 minutes of arrival were included. Prioritizing circulation (CAB) was defined as delaying intubation until blood products were started, and/or bleeding control was performed before securing the airway. Demographics, clinical data, and outcomes were recorded.
Results
The study included 278 eligible patients, with 61.5% falling within the "CAB" cohort and 38.5% in the "ABC" cohort. Demographic and disease characteristics, including age, sex, ISS, use of blood products, and other relevant factors, exhibited comparable distributions between the two cohorts. The CAB group had a higher proportion of penetrating injuries and more patients receiving intubation in the operating room. Notably, patients in the CAB group demonstrated higher GCS scores, lower SBP values before intubation but higher after intubation, and a significantly lower incidence of cardiac arrest and post-intubation hypotension. Key outcomes revealed significantly lower 24-hour mortality in the CAB group (11.1% vs. 69.2%), a lower rate of renal failure, and a higher rate of ARDS. Multivariable logistic regression models showed a 91% reduction in the odds of mortality within 24 hours and an 89% reduction at 30 days for the CAB cohort compared to the ABC cohort. These findings suggest that prioritizing circulation before intubation is associated with improved outcomes in patients with exsanguinating injuries.
Conclusion
The consideration of prioritizing circulation over intubation in patients with exsanguinating injuries, allowing for resuscitation or bleeding control, appears to be associated with potential improvements in survival. Post-intubation hypotension is observed to be correlated with worse outcomes, and intubation may potentially disrupt compensatory mechanisms in bleeding patients. Emphasizing the importance of circulation and resuscitation is crucial, and this approach might offer benefits for various bleeding-related conditions. Adopting a CAB approach along with early blood product resuscitation may be a strategy to explore for optimizing outcomes.