bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scientific Temporalities in We Have Been Warned and ‘Beyond This Limit’
Authors: Livingstone Catriona 
Published: January 2024

Naomi Mitchison’s interwar writing explores the potential for scientific developments – especially the theory of relativity and the inception of broadcast radio – to produce a new understanding of temporality. In We Have Been Warned, relativity and radio are both initially associated with a masculine scientific realm, but are increasingly important to the imaginative life of the women characters. They thus provide a potential means of connecting dichotomies important to Mitchison’s writing (the masculine and the feminine; the material and the imaginative), while also mapping together the various temporalities of the novel: the present; Scottish history and myth; the possible future represented by the USSR. This chapter ultimately argues that science is crucial to Mitchison’s attempt to imagine a future based on rationalism which also takes into account imaginative and emotional life (especially that of women). It also examines Mitchison’s anomalous position in relation to institutional science, and her involvement in early BBC radio.
The primary controlling factors of the occurrence state of deep high-rank coalbed methane in eastern Ordos Basin
Authors: Shi Yujiang , He Yufei , Wan Jinbin , Sun Jianmeng , Zeng Jingbo , Cui Ruikang 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: This study investigates the key controlling factors of the occurrence state of deep coalbed methane (CBM). CBM is an abundant energy resource in China, particularly in deep coal seams. However, the exploration and development of deep CBM face numerous challenges, and the understanding of the controlling factors of its occurrence state is still limited.Methods: The study reveals that deep CBM primarily exists in the form of adsorbed gas and free gas within the pore-fracture system of coal. Factors such as formation temperature, formation pressure, pore structure, and water saturation collectively influence the occurrence state of deep CBM. By employing the Simplified Local Density (SLD) model and molecular simulation methods.Results and discussion: This study examines the impact of two external geological control factors (formation temperature, formation pressure) and three internal geological control factors (pore size, water saturation, Specific surface area) on deep CBM and establishes a theoretical model for gas content. Finally, the relationship between the adsorbed gas, free gas, total gas content, and burial depth is calculated using the model, uncovering the primary factors controlling the occurrence state of deep CBM. This research is of significant importance in providing key parameters for gas content in deep coal and optimizing deep CBM exploration.
Associations between maternal urinary kisspeptin in late pregnancy and decreased fetal growth: a pregnancy-birth cohort study
Authors: Chen Jiaxian , Yang Lan , Chen Yafei , Yuan Wei , Chen Yao , Liang Hong , Miao Maohua , He Gengsheng , Wang Ziliang 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundKisspeptin has been indicated to be a biomarker of fetal growth. Although some evidence suggested that maternal kisspeptin concentrations in early pregnancy were associated with increased fetal growth, studies are still limited and the effect of kisspeptin in late pregnancy remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the associations between maternal kisspeptin in late pregnancy and fetal growth.MethodsBased on the Shanghai-Minhang Birth Cohort study, 724 mother-neonate pairs were included in this study. We measured maternal kisspeptin concentrations in the urine samples collected in late pregnancy and neonatal anthropometric indices at birth. The associations between maternal kisspeptin and neonatal anthropometry were investigated using multiple linear regression models.ResultsHigher maternal urinary kisspeptin concentrations were associated with lower neonatal birth weight, head circumference, upper arm circumference, abdominal skinfold thickness, triceps skinfold thickness, and back skinfold thickness. The inverse associations were more pronounced for the highest kisspeptin levels versus the lowest. These patterns were consistent in analyses stratified by neonatal sex, with notably stable associations between maternal kisspeptin concentrations and skinfold thickness.ConclusionThe present study suggested that maternal kisspeptin concentrations in late pregnancy might be inversely associated with fetal growth. The physiological mechanisms of maternal kisspeptin might differ from those in early pregnancy. Further studies are required to assess associations between maternal kisspeptin and energy homeostasis and explore the physiological roles of kisspeptin in late pregnancy.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency: a systematic review
Authors: Wang Fen , Shi Xiaoli , Yu Xuefeng , Yang Yan 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitor-induced isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency (IAD) is a rare but potentially fatal disease.MethodsWe comprehensively searched the PubMed database and made a systematic review of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency. If the status of other anterior pituitary hormones was not mentioned, the case was excluded.ResultsWe identified 123 cases diagnosed as immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced IAD, consisting of 44 female and 79 male patients. The average age of these patients was 64.3 ± 12.6 years old, and 67.5% were 60 years old or above. The majority (78.9%) of these patients received anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (anti-PD-1) antibodies or anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1) antibodies or both, and 19.5% received combined therapy, sequential therapy, or both. A total of 26 patients received anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 antibodies (anti-CTLA-4). The median ICI treatment cycle before the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency was 8 (6, 12), and the median ICI treatment duration before the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency was 6 (4, 8) months. Eleven cases developed IAD 1 to 11 months after discontinuation of ICIs. Fatigue and appetite loss were the most common symptoms, and surprisingly, there were two asymptomatic cases of IAD. Most patients (88 cases) had normal pituitary magnetic resonance imaging, only 14 cases reported mild atrophy or swelling pituitary gland, and 21 cases reported no imaging results. Most diagnoses were made by basal hormone levels, and pituitary stimulation tests were performed in only a part of the cases. No cases had been reported of discontinuation of ICI use due to IAD nor had there been any deaths due to IAD.ConclusionIAD was predominant in elderly male patients mainly receiving anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibodies. It was sometimes difficult to recognize IAD at first glance since non-specific symptoms were common and asymptomatic cases of IAD were also reported. Although IAD can be deadly, it usually does not affect the continued use of ICIs.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the C2H2-zinc finger transcription factor gene family and screening of candidate genes involved in floral development in Coptis teeta Wall. (Ranunculaceae)
Authors: Duan Shao-Feng , Zhao Yan , Yu Ji-Chen , Xiang Gui-Sheng , Xiao Lin , Cui Rui , Hu Qian-Qian , Baldwin Timothy Charles , Lu Ying-Chun , Liang Yan-Li 
Published: January 2024

Background: C2H2-zinc finger transcription factors comprise one of the largest and most diverse gene superfamilies and are involved in the transcriptional regulation of flowering. Although a large number of C2H2 zinc-finger proteins (C2H2-ZFPs) have been well characterized in a number of model plant species, little is known about their expression and function in Coptis teeta. C. teeta displays two floral phenotypes (herkogamy phenotypes). It has been proposed that the C2H2-zinc finger transcription factor family may play a crucial role in the formation of floral development and herkogamy observed in C. teeta. As such, we performed a genome-wide analysis of the C2H2-ZFP gene family in C. teeta.Results: The complexity and diversity of C. teeta C2H2 zinc finger proteins were established by evaluation of their physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationships, exon-intron structure, and conserved motifs. Chromosome localization showed that 95 members of the C2H2 zinc-finger genes were unevenly distributed across the nine chromosomes of C. teeta, and that these genes were replicated in tandem and segmentally and had undergone purifying selection. Analysis of cis-acting regulatory elements revealed a possible involvement of C2H2 zinc-finger proteins in the regulation of phytohormones. Transcriptome data was then used to compare the expression levels of these genes during the growth and development of the two floral phenotypes (F-type and M-type). These data demonstrate that in groups A and B, the expression levels of 23 genes were higher in F-type flowers, while 15 genes showed higher expressions in M-type flowers. qRT-PCR analysis further revealed that the relative expression was highly consistent with the transcriptome data.Conclusion: These data provide a solid basis for further in-depth studies of the C2H2 zinc finger transcription factor gene family in this species and provide preliminary information on which to base further research into the role of the C2H2 ZFPs gene family in floral development in C. teeta.
Improved overall survival in patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer is associated with CD16a+ immunologic neighborhoods containing NK cells, T cells and macrophages
Authors: Nersesian Sarah , Arseneau Riley J. , Mejia Jorge P. , Lee Stacey N. , Westhaver Lauren P. , Griffiths Nigel W. , Grantham Stephanie R. , Meunier Liliane , Communal Laudine , Mukherjee Avik , Mes-Masson Anne-Marie , Arnason Thomas , Nelson Brad H. , Boudreau Jeanette E. 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundFor patients with high grade serous carcinoma of the ovary (HGSC), survival rates have remained static for the last half century. Despite the presence of tumor mutations and infiltration of immune cells, existing immunotherapies have achieved little success against HGSC. These observations highlight a gap in the understanding of how the immune system functions and interacts within HGSC tumors.MethodsWe analyzed duplicate core samples from 939 patients with HGSC to understand patterns of immune cell infiltration, localization, and associations with clinical features. We used high-parameter immunohistochemical/Opal multiplex, digital pathology, computational biology, and multivariate analysis to identify immune cell subsets and their associations with HGSC tumors.ResultsWe defined six patterns of cellular infiltration by spatially restricted unsupervised clustering of cell subsets. Each pattern was represented to some extent in most patient samples, but their specific distributions differed. Overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) corresponded with higher infiltration of CD16a+ cells, and their co-localization with macrophages, T cells, NK cells, in one of six cellular neighborhoods that we defined with our spatial assessment.ConclusionsImmune cell neighborhoods containing CD16a+ cells are associated with improved OS and PFS for patients with HGSC. Patterns of immunologic neighborhoods differentiate patient outcomes, and could inform future, more precise approaches to treatment.
Hepatitis B surface antigen positivity is associated with poor short- and long-term outcomes in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who received CHOP or R-CHOP
Authors: Zhan Zhumei , Guo Wei , Wan Xin , Wang Bowen , Li Jia , Wang Haotian , Li Zhe , Huang Yuhua , Young Ken H. , Bai Ou 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveThe development of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is closely related to the host infection status. China is a highly endemic area for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It is not clear whether HBV infection has a consistent effect on the prognostic implications of patients with DLBCL in different treatment settings.Materials and methodsWe conducted a cohort study of 692 patients with DLBCL receiving three or more cycles of treatment with a CHOP or R-CHOP regimen from the First Hospital of Jilin University between July 2011 and July 2022. The patients were divided into two groups based on their hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) status: HBsAg-positive (n = 84, 12.1%) and HBsAg-negative (n = 608, 87.9%) groups. Tumor specimens from 180 patients with primary DLBCL were collected for next-generation sequencing (NGS).ResultsThe HBsAg-positive group had more frequent abnormal liver function (P = 0.003), hypoalbuminemia (P &lt; 0.001), incidence of &gt; 2 extranodal organs (P = 0.011), and spleen involvement (P &lt; 0.001) than the HBsAg-negative group. HBsAg-positive patients had lower complete response (CR) and overall response rates (ORR) rates (all the p values &lt; 0.05), in either the CHOP group or R-CHOP group. Among patients receiving R-CHOP, the rates of disease progression within 12 and 24 months were higher in the HBsAg-positive group than in the HBsAg-negative group (P=0.018, P=0.029). However, no significant difference in disease progression was observed between HBsAg-positive and HBsAg-negative patients in the CHOP group(P &gt; 0.05). HBsAg positivity (OS: HR [95% CI] = 2.511 [1.214-5.192], P = 0.013) was only associated with poorer OS in the CHOP group. Whereas in the R-CHOP group, HBsAg positivity was associated with both poorer OS and PFS (OS: HR [95% CI] = 1.672 [1.050-2.665], P = 0.030; PFS: HR [95% CI] = 1.536 [1.013-2.331], P = 0.043). Additionally, HBsAg-positive patients with DLBCL also had a higher prevalence of mutations in MYC, ATM, PTPN6, and epigenetically regulated genes.ConclusionThese findings suggest that HBsAg-positive DLBCL patients may represent a distinct subgroup with a poorer prognosis. The standard therapies may be insufficient and new therapeutic strategies should be developed based on a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of chemoresistance.
Early allogeneic immune modulation after establishment of donor hematopoietic cell-induced mixed chimerism in a nonhuman primate kidney transplant model
Authors: Little Christopher J. , Kim Steven C. , Fechner John H. , Post Jen , Coonen Jennifer , Chlebeck Peter , Winslow Max , Kobuzi Dennis , Strober Samuel , Kaufman Dixon B. 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundMixed lymphohematopoietic chimerism is a proven strategy for achieving operational transplant tolerance, though the underlying immunologic mechanisms are incompletely understood.MethodsA post-transplant, non-myeloablative, tomotherapy-based total lymphoid (TLI) irradiation protocol combined with anti-thymocyte globulin and T cell co-stimulatory blockade (belatacept) induction was applied to a 3-5 MHC antigen mismatched rhesus macaque kidney and hematopoietic cell transplant model. Mechanistic investigations of early (60 days post-transplant) allogeneic immune modulation induced by mixed chimerism were conducted.ResultsChimeric animals demonstrated expansion of circulating and graft-infiltrating CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), as well as increased differentiation of allo-protective CD8+ T cell phenotypes compared to naïve and non-chimeric animals. In vitro mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) responses and donor-specific antibody production were suppressed in animals with mixed chimerism. PD-1 upregulation was observed among CD8+ T effector memory (CD28-CD95+) subsets in chimeric hosts only. PD-1 blockade in donor-specific functional assays augmented MLR and cytotoxic responses and was associated with increased intracellular granzyme B and extracellular IFN-γ production.ConclusionsThese studies demonstrated that donor immune cell engraftment was associated with early immunomodulation via mechanisms of homeostatic expansion of Tregs and early PD-1 upregulation among CD8+ T effector memory cells. These responses may contribute to TLI-based mixed chimerism-induced allogenic tolerance.
Local application of silver nitrate as an adjuvant treatment before deep lamellar keratoplasty for fungal keratitis poorly responsive to medical treatment
Authors: Ding Gang , Gao Xin , Tan Yue , Hao Zhongkai , Wang Ximing , Zhang Chenming , Deng Aijun 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the local application of silver nitrate (LASN) as an adjuvant treatment before deep lamellar keratoplasty (DLKP) for fungal keratitis responding poorly to medical treatment.MethodsA total of 12 patients (12 eyes) with fungal keratitis responding poorly to medical treatment (for at least 2 weeks) were included. LASN was performed using 2% silver nitrate, the ulcer was cleaned and debrided, and then, the silver nitrate cotton stick was applied to the surface of the ulcer for a few seconds. The effect of LASN was recorded. The number of hyphae before and after treatment was determined by confocal microscope. After the condition of the ulcer improved, DLKP was performed. Fungal recurrence, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), loose sutures, and endothelial cell density (ECD) were recorded in detail.ResultsClinical resolution of corneal infiltration and edema was observed, and the ulcer boundary became clear in all 12 patients after 7–9 days of LASN. Confocal microscopy showed that the number of hyphae was significantly reduced. Ocular pain peaked on days 1 and 2 after treatment, and 9 patients (75%, day 1) and 1 patient (8.3%, day 2) required oral pain medication. During the follow-up period after DLKP, no fungal recurrence and loose sutures were observed. After the operation, the BCVA of all patients improved. The mean corneal ECD was 2,166.83 ± 119.75 cells/mm2.ConclusionThe LASN was safe and effective and can be well tolerated by patients. Eye pain can be relieved quickly. LASN as an adjuvant treatment before DLKP might be a promising therapeutic strategy.
Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis and prognosis of fetus with isolated filar cyst: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Chen Song , Tu Peng , Mu Lan 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis and prognosis of fetuses with isolated filar cysts (FCs).MethodsThe ultrasonographic features, reasons for missed diagnosis, and prognosis of eight isolated FCs diagnosed using ultrasound were analyzed retrospectively through follow-up.ResultsEight isolated FCs showed round or fusiform cystic anechoic areas at the end of the conus medullaris. Among them, six cases were prenatally diagnosed and the other two cases were diagnosed after birth. Of the six cases diagnosed prenatally, four (66.7%) disappeared during pregnancy, and the shortest time to disappearance was 1 month after the first diagnosis. All patients were followed up without any clinical symptoms or functional abnormalities.ConclusionIsolated FCs may exhibit physiological variations that disappear spontaneously during pregnancy and usually have no clinical symptoms. They are usually benign and have a good prognosis. Ultrasonography is helpful for the diagnosis and follow-up of FCs.
Functional profile of perilesional gray matter in focal cortical dysplasia: an fMRI study
Authors: Jin Bo , Xu Jiahui , Wang Chao , Wang Shan , Li Hong , Chen Cong , Ye Linqi , He Chenmin , Cheng Hui , Zhang Lisan , Wang Shuang , Wang Jin , Aung Thandar 
Published: January 2024

ObjectivesWe aim to investigate the functional profiles of perilesional gray matter (GM) in epileptic patients with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) and to correlate these profiles with FCD II subtypes, surgical outcomes, and different antiseizure medications (ASMs) treatment response patterns.MethodsNine patients with drug-responsive epilepsy and 30 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (11 were histologically confirmed FCD type IIa, 19 were FCD type IIb) were included. Individual-specific perilesional GM and contralateral homotopic GM layer masks were generated. These masks underwent a two-voxel (2 mm) dilation from the FCD lesion and contralateral homotopic region, resulting in 10 GM layers (20 mm). Layer 1, the innermost, progressed to Layer 10, the outermost. Amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) analyses were conducted to assess the functional characteristics of ipsilateral perilesional GM and contralateral homotopic GM.ResultsCompared to the contralateral homotopic GM, a significant reduction of ALFF was detected at ipsilateral perilesional GM layer 1 to 6 in FCD type IIa (after Bonferroni correction p &lt; 0.005, paired t-test), whereas a significant decrease was observed at ipsilateral perilesional GM layer 1 to 2 in FCD type IIb (after Bonferroni correction p &lt; 0.005, paired t-test). Additionally, a significant decrease of the ReHo was detected at ipsilateral perilesional GM layer 1 compared to the CHRs in FCD type IIb. Notably, complete resection of functional perilesional GM alterations did not correlate with surgical outcomes. Compared to the contralateral homotopic GM, a decreased ALFF in the ipsilateral perilesional GM layer was detected in drug-responsive patients, whereas decreased ALFF in the ipsilateral perilesional GM layer 1–6 and decreased ReHo at ipsilateral perilesional GM layer 1 were observed in drug-resistant patients (after Bonferroni correction p &lt; 0.005, paired t-test).ConclusionOur findings indicate distinct functional profiles of perilesional GM based on FCD histological subtypes and ASMs’ response patterns. Importantly, our study illustrates that the identified functional alterations in perilesional GM may not provide sufficient evidence to determine the epileptogenic boundary required for surgical resection.
The safety and efficacy of TACE combined with HAIC, PD-1 inhibitors, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Huang Zhongjing , Wu Ziyi , Zhang Lidong , Yan Likun , Jiang Hai , Ai Junhua 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness and safety of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in combination with hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAIC)、PD-1 inhibitors, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKI) for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 158 unresectable HCC patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University between May 2019 and October 2022. The patients were split into two groups based on the type of treatment they received: TACE combined with HAIC,PD-1 and TKI group (THPK) and TACE combined with PD-1 and TKI group (TPK). The response was evaluated using modified solid tumor Efficacy Assessment Criteria (mRECIST). Kaplan-Meier curves were used to analyze the overall survival (OS). OS-influencing factors were identified using the Cox proportional risk regression model.ResultsFinally, 63 patients who received THPK treatment and 60 patients who had TPK treatment were included. The THPK group had higher DCR (77.78% vs. 55.00%, P=0.007) and ORR (20.63% vs. 13.34%, P=0.282) than the TPK group did. The survival analysis curve also showed that the median OS was substantially longer in the THPK group than in the TPK group (OS: 21 months vs. 14 months, P=0.039). After multivariate Cox regression-corrected analysis, extrahepatic metastases (P=0.002) and methemoglobin &gt;400 (P=0.041) were adverse influences on OS, but the THPK group (relative to the TPK group) was an independent favorable prognostic factor for OS (P=0.027). The results of the subgroup analysis showed that the addition of HAIC therapy to TPK treatment in patients with BCLC stage C, age ≦60 years, ECOG grade 0 and lobular distribution of tumors prolonged overall survival time and improved prognosis. Except for nausea, there was no difference in the adverse events between the two groups.ConclusionIn patients with unresectable HCC, the THPK group had a longer OS and similar adverse events compared to the TPK group. In the future, TACE-HAIC in combination with targeted and immunotherapy may be a more effective therapeutic option for hepatocellular carcinoma that cannot be surgically removed.