bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does diabetes affect breast cancer survival?
Authors: Lawrenson Ross , Lao Chunhuan , Stanley James , Teng Andrea , Kuper‐Hommel Marion , Campbell Ian , Krebs Jeremy , Sika‐Paotonu Dianne , Koea Jonathan , Meredith Ineke , Gurney Jason 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this study is to investigate the influence of diabetes on breast cancer‐specific survival among women with breast cancer in Aotearoa/New Zealand.MethodsThis study included women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 2005 and 2020, with their information documented in the Te Rēhita Mate Ūtaetae—Breast Cancer Foundation National Register. Breast cancer survival curves for women with diabetes and those without diabetes were generated using the Kaplan–Meier method. The hazard ratio (HR) of breast cancer‐specific mortality for women with diabetes compared to women without diabetes was estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsFor women with diabetes, the 5‐year and 10‐year of cancer‐specific survival were 87% (95% CI: 85%–88%) and 79% (95% CI: 76%–81%) compared to 89% (95% CI: 89%–90%) and 84% (95% CI: 83%–85%) for women without diabetes. The HR of cancer‐specific mortality for patients with diabetes compared to those without diabetes was 0.99 (95% CI: 0.89–1.11) after adjustment for patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatments. Age at cancer diagnosis and cancer stage had the biggest impact on the survival difference between the two groups. When stratified by cancer stage, the cancer‐specific mortality between the two groups was similar.ConclusionsWhile differences in survival have been identified for women with diabetes when compared to women without diabetes, these are attributable to age and the finding that women with diabetes tend to present with more advanced disease at diagnosis. We did not find any difference in survival between the two groups due to differences in treatment.
The complex circuitry of interactions determining coexistence among plants and mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: McPeek Mark A. , Hicks Pries Caitlin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe present a mechanistic model of coexistence among a mycorrhizal fungus and one or two plant species that compete for a single nutrient. Plant–fungal coexistence is more likely if the fungus is better at extracting the environmental nutrient than the plant and the fungus acquires carbon from the plant above a minimum rate. When they coexist, their interaction can shift from mutualistic to parasitic at high nutrient availability. The fungus is a second nutrient source for plants and can promote the coexistence of two plant competitors if one is better at environmental nutrient extraction and the other is better at acquiring the nutrient from the fungus. Because it extracts carbon from both plants, the fungus also serves as a conduit of apparent competition between the plants. Consequently, the plant with the lower environmental nutrient extraction rate can drive the plant with the higher environmental nutrient extraction rate extinct at high carbon supply rates. This model illustrates mechanisms to explain several observed patterns, including shifts in plant–mycorrhizal growth responses and coexistence along nutrient gradients, equivocal results among experiments testing the effect of mycorrhizal fungi on plant diversity, and differences in plant diversity among ecosystems dominated by different mycorrhizal groups.
Decoding the regulatory role of ATP synthase inhibitory factor 1 (ATPIF1) in Wallerian degeneration and peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Qian Yun , Yan Zhiwen , Ye Tianbao , Shahin Victor , Jiang Jia , Fan Cunyi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractATP synthase inhibitory factor 1 (ATPIF1), a key modulator of ATP synthase complex activity, has been implicated in various physiological and pathological processes. While its role is established in conditions such as hypoxia, ischemia‐reperfusion injury, apoptosis, and cancer, its involvement remains elusive in peripheral nerve regeneration. Leveraging ATPIF1 knockout transgenic mice, this study reveals that the absence of ATPIF1 impedes neural structural reconstruction, leading to delayed sensory and functional recovery. RNA‐sequencing unveils a significant attenuation in immune responses following peripheral nerve injury, which attributes to the CCR2/CCL2 signaling axis and results in decreased macrophage infiltration and activation. Importantly, macrophages, not Schwann cells, are identified as key contributors to the delayed Wallerian degeneration in ATPIF1 knockout mice, and affect the overall outcome of peripheral nerve regeneration. These results shed light on the translational potential of ATPIF1 for improving peripheral nerve regeneration.
Breast and bowel cancers diagnosed in people ‘too young to have cancer’: A blueprint for research using family and twin studies
Authors: Hopper John L. , Li Shuai , MacInnis Robert J. , Dowty James G. , Nguyen Tuong L. , Bui Minh , Dite Gillian S. , Esser Vivienne F. C. , Ye Zhoufeng , Makalic Enes , Schmidt Daniel F. , Goudey Benjamin , Alpen Karen , Kapuscinski Miroslaw , Win Aung Ko , Dugué Pierre‐Antoine , Milne Roger L. , Jayasekara Harindra , Brooks Jennifer D. , Malta Sue , Calais‐Ferreira Lucas , Campbell Alexander C. , Young Jesse T. , Nguyen‐Dumont Tu , Sung Joohon , Giles Graham G. , Buchanan Daniel , Winship Ingrid , Terry Mary Beth , Southey Melissa C. , Jenkins Mark A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractYoung breast and bowel cancers (e.g., those diagnosed before age 40 or 50 years) have far greater morbidity and mortality in terms of years of life lost, and are increasing in incidence, but have been less studied. For breast and bowel cancers, the familial relative risks, and therefore the familial variances in age‐specific log(incidence), are much greater at younger ages, but little of these familial variances has been explained. Studies of families and twins can address questions not easily answered by studies of unrelated individuals alone. We describe existing and emerging family and twin data that can provide special opportunities for discovery. We present designs and statistical analyses, including novel ideas such as the VALID (Variance in Age‐specific Log Incidence Decomposition) model for causes of variation in risk, the DEPTH (DEPendency of association on the number of Top Hits) and other approaches to analyse genome‐wide association study data, and the within‐pair, ICE FALCON (Inference about Causation from Examining FAmiliaL CONfounding) and ICE CRISTAL (Inference about Causation from Examining Changes in Regression coefficients and Innovative STatistical AnaLysis) approaches to causation and familial confounding. Example applications to breast and colorectal cancer are presented. Motivated by the availability of the resources of the Breast and Colon Cancer Family Registries, we also present some ideas for future studies that could be applied to, and compared with, cancers diagnosed at older ages and address the challenges posed by young breast and bowel cancers.
Full‐thickness nasolabial facial artery flap: A modified surgical approach for reconstruction of lower lip defects
Authors: Kang Jia , Ma Ping , Xu Hanbing , Mao Minghui , Han Zhengxue 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectivesReconstruction of large lower lip defects remains challenging in terms of aesthetics, function and safety. The aim of this study is to explore a modified nasolabial flap to repair large lower lip defects.MethodsThe full‐thickness nasolabial facial artery flap was used for reconstruction of defects in lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) patients after tumor ablation. The postoperative recovery of patients was obtained through clinical review and follow‐up in the first and sixth month.ResultsThere were four LSCC patients who received tumor ablation at the Beijing Stomatological Hospital of Capital Medical University from November 2022 to March 2023, were included in our study. All patients did not suffer from postoperative infection, orocutaneous fistula, flap necrosis, and flap loss. One patient had the trapdoor deformity. These patients achieved better lip closure function. One patient developed cervical lymph node metastasis 2 months after surgery.ConclusionsThe modified nasolabial flap could achieve good outcomes in terms of aesthetics, function, and safety. It provided a supplementary strategy for the using of nasolabial flap in larger defects of lower lip.
Reciprocal longitudinal relations between self‐efficacy and coping style: The explanatory mechanism of future self‐continuity
Authors: Pi Yu , Wang Yuyang , Li Xiaobao , Zhang Feng 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundIt has been demonstrated that self‐efficacy and coping styles are related. However, whether there is a reciprocal longitudinal relation between self‐efficacy and coping styles needs to be examined. In this longitudinal study, we tested the reciprocal impacts of self‐efficacy and coping styles, taking into account the role of future self‐continuity (FSC) in these effects.MethodsThe sample included 346 university students in central and southwestern China (48.3% female; Mage = 21.20). Three waves of questionnaire data were collected at half‐year intervals. Cross‐lagged models were adopted for data analysis.ResultsSelf‐efficacy at Waves 1 and 2 positively predicted positive coping style at Waves 2 and 3, and positive coping style at Waves 1 and 2 positively predicted self‐efficacy at Waves 2 and 3. Self‐efficacy at Waves 1 and 2 negatively predicted negative coping style at Waves 2 and 3, while negative coping style at Waves 1 and 2 did not significantly predict self‐efficacy at Waves 2 and 3. These results indicated the reciprocal causation of self‐efficacy and coping styles. Additionally, the mediation analysis revealed that FSC at Wave 2 played a mediating role in the unidirectional association between self‐efficacy at Wave 1 and negative coping style at Wave 3.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that self‐efficacy and coping style have mutual influences over time partly explained by university students' FSC. Consequently, the results offer potential applied value for promoting positive coping strategies among university students.
Mucin and salt combination simulate typical fern‐like pattern of buffalo saliva smear at estrus
Authors: Kumar Varun , Joshi Mansi , Vats Ashutosh , Kumar Lal Krishan , Verma Surya Kant , Neeraj  , Baithalu Rubina Kumari , Veerappa Vedamurthy Gowdar , Singh Dheer , Onteru Suneel Kumar 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEstrus detection in buffaloes primarily relies on behavioral and physiological signs. Especially during summer, these signs are less prominent to recognize. Thus, estrus detection is a pronounced challenge within the realm of buffalo husbandry, particularly in the summer. Therefore, a simple and accurate estrus detection method is required for buffalo farmers. The observation of fern‐like salivary crystallization patterns is one such simple method to detect estrus in buffaloes, bactrian camels, beagle bitches, and cows. However, the exact mechanism for the formation of typical fern‐like is not known. We hypothesized that it might be because of the estrus‐specific mucins and salts. To test this hypothesis, we prepared the smears by combining different concentrations of mucin type ‐2 (MUC2) and ‐3 (MUC3) with sodium chloride (NaCl). Microscopic examination confirmed that fern‐like patterns resulted from a combination of the MUC3 and NaCl produced more realistic fern patterns than that of MUC2 or BSA with salt. To predict possible mucin and salt concentration showing natural fern‐like patterns at the estrus stage in buffalo saliva, we constructed a guide tree of artificially generated fern‐like patterns using an image analysis online tool. This computation analysis revealed that most of the natural buffalo estrus saliva samples showing typical fern‐like patterns clustered in the cluster 2 of the guide tree comprising of 13 clusters. In the cluster 2, MUC3 in combination with the salt concentrations of 100, 150, and 250 mM was commonly found in a close proximity to the natural typical fern‐like patterns of saliva smear of buffaloes at estrus. Conclusively, the buffalo saliva at estrus is predicted to have a gel‐forming heavily glycosylated protein such as mucin along with at least 100 mM of NaCl.Research Highlights
Glycoprotein and salts combination replicates fern‐like pattern of buffalo saliva at estrus.
MUC3 and NaCl salt combination produces more realistic fern‐like patterns compared with MUC2 or BSA and salt combination.
MUC3 with NaCl at 100, 150, and 250 mM consistently resembled natural estrus saliva fern‐like patterns.
During estrus, buffalo saliva is expected to contain heavily glycosylated mucin and at least of 100 mM NaCl.
Exploring Bacillus subtilis: Ecology, biotechnological applications, and future prospects
Authors: Akinsemolu Adenike A. , Onyeaka Helen , Odion Samuel , Adebanjo Idris 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFrom its early identification by Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg to its current prominence in scientific research, Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) has emerged as a foundational model organism in microbiology. This comprehensive review delves deep into its genetic, physiological, and biochemical intricacies, revealing a sophisticated cellular blueprint. With the incorporation of advanced techniques such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR‐associated protein 9 and integrative computational methodologies, the potential applications of B. subtilis span diverse sectors. These encompass its significant contributions to biotechnology, agriculture, and medical fields and its potential for aiding environmental cleanup efforts. Yet, as we move forward, we must grapple with concerns related to safety, ethics, and the practical implementation of our lab findings in everyday scenarios. As our understanding of B. subtilis deepens, it is evident that its contributions will be central to pioneering sustainable solutions for global challenges in the years to come.
Increased tibial tuberosity torsion has the greatest predictive value in patients with patellofemoral instability compared to other commonly assessed parameters
Authors: Jud Lukas , Hartmann Martin , Vlachopoulos Lazaros , Zimmermann Stefan M. , Ackermann Jakob , Fucentese Sandro F. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeThe multifactorial nature of patellofemoral instability requires a comprehensive assessment of the affected patients. While an association between tibial tuberosity (TT) torsion and patellofemoral instability is known, its specific effect has not yet been investigated. This study investigated the effect of TT torsion on patellofemoral instability.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study compared patients who underwent surgical intervention for patellofemoral instability and asymptomatic controls. TT torsion was measured in addition to other commonly assessed risk factors for patellofemoral instability using standardised computed tomography (CT) data of the lower extremities. The diagnostic performances of the assessed parameters were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated.ResultsThe patellofemoral instability group consisted of 79 knees, compared to 72 knees in the asymptomatic control group. Both groups differed significantly in all assessed parameters (p < 0.001), except for tibial torsion (n.s.). Among all parameters, TT torsion presented the best diagnostic performance for predicting patellar instability with an area under the curve of 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91–0.98; p < 0.001). A cut‐off value of 17.7° yielded a 0.87 sensitivity and 0.89 specificity to predict patellar instability (OR, 55.2; 95% CI, 20.5–148.6; p < 0.001).ConclusionAmong the evaluated risk factors, TT torsion had the highest predictive value for patellofemoral instability. Patients with TT torsions ≥ 17.7° showed a 55‐fold increased probability of patellofemoral instability. Therefore, TT torsion should be included in the assessment of patients with patellofemoral instability.Level of EvidenceLevel III.
Coupling strength comparison in optical fiber with multiple sector shape stress elements
Authors: Gao Jiamin , Su Xingyi , Ji Minning 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe maximum stress oscillation amplitude and maximum coupling strength of the optical fiber with multiple sector stress elements are studied. Optimized fiber structure with craft feasible is designed and the related structural parameters are given. Comparing the research results, it is found that the optical fiber with triple sector stress elements can achieve the strongest coupling strength to realize the single circular polarization state conversion by the shortest coupling distance. In addition, though the maximum coupling strength is decreased as the number of stress elements increases, it remains the same order of magnitude as the triple sector's. So from the craft perspective, whether it is an optical fiber with triple sector stress elements or the other optical fiber with more sector stress elements, the optical fiber with the property of single circular polarization transmission can be achieved if the spinning rate satisfies the phase matching condition.
Set‐membership state estimation for delayed switched systems with fading measurement and interval uncertainty
Authors: Chen Dongyan , Zhou Zhizhen , Hu Jun , Liu Junting 
Published: March 2024

AbstractConsidering the influence of interval uncertainty, a set‐membership state estimation algorithm based on zonotope is proposed for discrete‐time delayed switched systems subject to unknown but bounded noises. To economize on communication resources, an event‐triggered mechanism is introduced to ensure the efficient transmission of the required observation information. For the channel fading phenomenon during data transmission, an interval channel fading model applicable to the zonotope set‐emmbership state estimation is proposed. The asynchronous state observer is constructed by considering the inconsistency between event‐triggered instant and subsystem switched instant. The sufficient conditions for the existence of the state observer are given using the average dwell time method. The optimal observer gain matrix is derived by solving convex optimization. On this basis, the zonotope and the state estimation interval containing states are given by the zonotopic method. Finally, the validity and feasibility of the proposed algorithm are demonstrated by a numerical example with the comparison result.
Dynamically vulcanized CNC‐reinforced thermoplastic elastomer based on PP/EPDM: Morphology and mechanical properties control via interfacial compatibilization
Authors: Oyarhoseini Hoda , Katbab Ali Asghar , Abdi Roxana 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this study, dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposites consisting of polypropylene (PP) as the thermoplastic matrix, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber as the dispersed phase, and needle‐like cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were investigated. The two polymers were melt blended in a ratio of 70/30 (PP/EPDM) and 60/40% w/w (PP/EPDM) together with CNC (2, 3, and 5 phr) and sulfur‐curing system. The potential of EPDM‐g‐MA and PP‐g‐MA's as interfacial compatibilizers for enhancing interfacial interactions between components and partitioning of CNC between the two polymer phases was examined by measuring the decrease in the size of EPDM particles. The resulting thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) were characterized using a melt rheometric mechanical spectrometer (RMS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and tensile tests. The inclusion of any type of interfacial compatibilizers led to enhanced tensile properties when compared to the samples lacking compatibilizers in both TPVs and TPEs in different ratios. EPDM‐g‐MA was found to be more effective for 60/40% w/w (PP/EPDM) TPVs, while PP‐g‐MA showed higher potential for 70/30% w/w TPVs. The CNC‐reinforced TPVs displayed higher melt elasticity than their unloaded counterparts. These nanocomposites also showed reduced EPDM particle size, enhanced Young modulus, and a higher degree of crystallinity.Highlights
Nanocomposite thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs): polypropylene (PP)/ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)/cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) with matrix‐dispersed morphology.
Interfacial enhancement: Compared EPDM grafted maleic anhydride (EPDM‐g‐MA) and PP‐g‐MA potentials.
Tensile properties: EPDM‐g‐MA is more effective in higher rubber content TPVs.
Mechanical enhancements: Improved properties and Young's modulus in CNC‐filled TPVs.
Diverse applications: PP/EPDM/CNC nanocomposites in auto, electrical, electronic, and packaging industries.
Special interface structure and properties for compatible packaging film from biodegradable poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/corn starch composite
Authors: Ren Mingtian , Liu Yunguo , Koranteng Ernest , Weng Fangqing , Wu Qiangxian 
Published: March 2024

AbstractStarch is an environmentally friendly, renewable, green resource and an ideal alternative to polymers from petroleum resources. The preparation of high‐performance poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT)/corn starch composite materials is of significant importance for saving production costs and expanding the application fields of PBAT plastics. This study employed novel processing techniques such as melt blending and injection molding to fabricate PBAT/corn starch composite materials with polyurethane prepolymer (PCLPU) as a compatibilizer. The impact of varying polyurethane prepolymer concentrations on the composite material's structure, mechanical properties, morphology, thermal behavior, and water absorption was scrutinized. Mechanical performance testing showed that compared to the composite material without PCLPU (P90CS10), adding 5% PCLPU can increase the material's elongation at break from 350.2% to 359.0% and the tensile strength from 12.9 to 19.8 MPa. Scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and water absorption results indicate that the composite material with the addition of the PCLPU compatibilizer has better compatibility, thermal stability, and water resistance than P90CS10. Additionally, the prepared composite material could be successfully blown into a thin film, further enriching the application of the composite material.Highlights
A special interface structure was prepared to increase the compatibility of the poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/corn starch composite.
Both the strength and the flexibility of the composite were successfully improved.
The processing method through which modification was conducted in the melt was convenient, green, and effective.
The prepared composite material has potential application value, and the processing method of the composite material is easy to transfer to industrial production.