bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A low-cost microfluidic flow stabilizer for enhancing QCM measurement stability in in-liquid bio-applications
Authors: Adel Mohamed , Allam Ahmed , Sayour Ashraf E , Ragai Hani F , Umezu Shinjiro , Fath El-Bab Ahmed M R 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is a powerful sensing technique widely used in various applications, including biosensing, chemical analysis, and material science. In in-liquid applications, QCM measurements are susceptible to fluctuations in fluid flow rate, which can introduce unwanted noise and compromise the accuracy and reliability of the measurements. In this work, we present an approach to enhance the stability of QCM measurements by utilizing a microfluidic flow stabilizer. The flow stabilizer is designed to minimize flow rate fluctuations, thereby reducing the impact of hydrodynamic effects on the QCM frequency response. We employ a comprehensive methodology that combines computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using ANSYS Fluent software, microfabrication, and experimental testing to evaluate the effectiveness of the flow stabilizer in mitigating flow-induced fluctuations and improving the reliability of QCM measurements. For fabrication, we use direct engraving with a CO2 laser beam on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) material to drastically reduce the fabrication cost (to <40 cents) and fabrication time (to 35 min) of the microfluidic chip. Two different designs have been presented and tested: one with a single air reservoir and the other with two reservoirs. Two distinct setups employing a peristaltic pump and a micropump, along with a high fundamental frequency of 50 MHz QCM sensor, were utilized for comprehensive testing in this study. The experimental results demonstrated that the first and second designs of the microfluidic flow stabilizer effectively reduced the fluctuation amplitude in QCM measurements from 100% (input) to 23% and 19% (output), respectively.
SQUID noise thermometers with lithographically defined metal sensing elements
Authors: Beyer J , Kirste A , Assmann C , Krzysteczko P 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
We present SQUID noise thermometers for sub-kelvin thermometry that employ lithographically defined metal thin-film resistors as the temperature sensors. The resistors with values of about 1 milliohm are lithographically fabricated using Au, PdAu and superconducting Nb wiring. In order to ensure constant resistance values in the whole temperature range of operation, the resistive structures are designed to avoid superconducting proximity effects. The thin-film resistor circuits can be easily combined with different types of multi-purpose dc SQUID current sensors to adapt noise temperatures, uncertainties and measurement speeds as well as robustness against magnetic fields in different measurement setups.
Multi-criteria optimization on friction stir welding of aluminum composite (AA5052-H32/B4C) using titanium nitride coated tool
Authors: Paul Alias , Thilagham K T , K G Jaya Christiyan , Reddy PVR Ravindra , Ravishankar Sathyamurthy , Boopathi Sampath 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The boron carbide (B4C) reinforced AA5052-H32 aluminium composite has been initially fabricated by stir casting method. Friction stir welding (FSW) is used to join two similar AA5052-H32/B4C plates using a titanium nitride (TiN)-coated square tool. The tool wear loss, microhardness, and tensile strength of FSW joints have been investigated by the Taguchi technique. Welding parameters consist of TiN coating thickness, tool rotational speed, welding speed, and axial thrust. Taguchi analysis is used to determine the influences, contributions, and best values of welding parameters to meet optimal welding attributes. The maximum tensile strength (140.134 MPa) has been obtained by increasing the TiN coating thickness, tool’s rotational speed, axial thrust, and welding speed. At the highest tool speed and axial trust, the maximum microhardness (158.3 HV) has been attained. The minimum tool wear loss (9.023%) has been obtained by welding at a moderate speed with maximum rotational speed, axial thrust, and TiN coating thickness. Fractography and SEM analysis have been used to analyze the microstructural behaviour of welded aluminium composite materials and worn-out tool surfaces. The Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS) multi-criteria optimization technique has been applied to predict the best welding parameters to attain the optimal welding characteristics. The 40 μm TiN coating thickness, 1200 rpm tool rotation, 20 mm min−1 welding speed, and 6000N axial force are predicted to achieve 108.6 MPa tensile strength, 110 HV microhardness, and 9.37% tool wear loss.
MS2OD: outlier detection using minimum spanning tree and medoid selection
Authors: Li Jia , Li Jiangwei , Wang Chenxu , Verbeek Fons J , Schultz Tanja , Liu Hui 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
As an essential task in data mining, outlier detection identifies abnormal patterns in numerous applications, among which clustering-based outlier detection is one of the most popular methods for its effectiveness in detecting cluster-related outliers, especially in medical applications. This article presents an advanced method to extract cluster-based outliers by employing a scaled minimum spanning tree (MST) data structure and a new medoid selection method: 1. we compute a scaled MST and iteratively cut the current longest edge to obtain clusters; 2. we apply a new medoid selection method, considering the noise effect to improve the quality of cluster-based outlier identification. The experimental results on real-world data, including extensive medical corpora and other semantically meaningful datasets, demonstrate the wide applicability and outperforming metrics of the proposed method.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Francisella tularensis Isolates in the United States, 2009–2018
Authors: Choat Jamie , Young John , Petersen Jeannine M , Dietrich Elizabeth A 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Francisella tularensis is the causative agent of tularemia. We tested the susceptibility of 278 F. tularensis isolates from the United States received during 2009–2018 to 8 antimicrobial drugs (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, doxycycline, tetracycline, gentamicin, streptomycin, chloramphenicol, and erythromycin). All isolates were susceptible to all tested drugs.
Systematic Review: Clinical Features, Antimicrobial Treatment, and Outcomes of Human Tularemia, 1993–2023
Authors: Nelson Christina A , Winberg Jessica , Bostic Taylor D , Davis K Meryl , Fleck-Derderian Shannon 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundFrancisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, is endemic throughout the Northern Hemisphere and requires as few as 10 organisms to cause disease, making this potential bioterrorism agent one of the most infectious bacterial pathogens known. Aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, and, more recently, fluoroquinolones are used for treatment of tularemia; however, data on the relative effectiveness of these and other antimicrobial classes are limited.MethodsNine databases, including Medline, Global Health, and Embase, were systematically searched for articles containing terms related to tularemia. Articles with case-level data on tularemia diagnosis, antimicrobial treatment, and patient outcome were included. Patient demographics, clinical findings, antimicrobial administration, and outcome (eg, intubation, fatality) were abstracted using a standardized form.ResultsOf the 8878 publications identified and screened, 410 articles describing 870 cases from 1993 to 2023 met inclusion criteria. Cases were reported from 35 countries; more than half were from the United States, Turkey, or Spain. The most common clinical forms were ulceroglandular, oropharyngeal, glandular, and pneumonic disease. Among patients treated with aminoglycosides (n = 452 [52%]), fluoroquinolones (n = 339 [39%]), or tetracyclines (n = 419 [48%]), the fatality rate was 0.7%, 0.9%, and 1.2%, respectively. Patients with pneumonic disease who received ciprofloxacin had no fatalities and the lowest rates of thoracentesis/pleural effusion drainage and intubation compared to those who received aminoglycosides and tetracyclines.ConclusionsAminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and tetracyclines are effective antimicrobials for treatment of tularemia, regardless of clinical manifestation. For pneumonic disease specifically, ciprofloxacin may have slight advantages compared to other antimicrobials.
Two large inversions seriously suppress recombination and are essential for key genotype fixation in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata)
Authors: Zhang Bin , Wu Yuankang , Li Shoufan , Yang Limei , Zhuang Mu , Lv Honghao , Wang Yong , Ji Jialei , Hou Xilin , Han Fengqing , Zhang Yangyong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Chromosomal inversion is an important structural variation that usually suppresses recombination and is critical for key genotype fixation. In a previous study, an 11.47 Mb recombination suppression region was identified in the yellow–green leaf locus BoYgl-1 on chromosome 1, but the cause of recombination suppression is still unclear. In this study, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were found to be significantly decreased in the yellow–green leaf mutant YL-1. Genome assembly and comparative analysis revealed that two large inversions in YL-1 were responsible for the severe recombination suppression in the BoYgl-1 locus. Analyses with inversion-specific markers revealed that the inversions were present in 44 (including all wild cabbage; INV1 and INV2) of 195 cabbage inbred lines and 15 (INV1) ornamental kale inbred lines, indicating that these species with INV1 or INV2 may have evolved much earlier than other types of cabbage. Analyses with inversion-correlated markers revealed that the genotypes of CoINV1, CoINV2 and CoINV3 were highly correlated with INV1 and INV2, indicating that INVs could fix the key genotypes of the involved region. In addition, a 5.87 Mb assembly inversion was identified at the BoYgl-1 locus in the TO1000 genome by genome comparative analysis. This study provides new insight into the recombination suppression mechanism of chromosomal inversion and the application of genome fragment fixation in cabbage breeding.
Officer gender and opportunities for mentoring and advancement in policing
Authors: Paoline Eugene A , Gau Jacinta M 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Mentorship and advancement in policing is a critical component of retention among officers and of organizational stability overall. Paths towards promotion (and transfer) and mentorship can energize the workforce and ensure a constant supply of people wanting to move up the ranks or fill out special units. Using survey data from a sample of nearly 500 police officers in a large, urban department, this study examines gender-related differences in perceived opportunities for mentorship, promotion, and transfer to a specialized unit. Our results reveal no gender-related differences with respect to opportunities for promotional and transfer, although women expressed concerns over the availability of mentorship. We discuss our findings in terms of their implications for improving the representation and advancement of women in policing.
Mortality risk in patients with preserved ratio impaired spirometry: assessing the role of physical activity
Authors: Shu C -C , Tsai M K , Lee J H , Su T -C , Wen C P 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
While all-cause mortality is reportedly increased in preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm), no remedial efforts have been suggested.

Aim
To study the ability of physical activity (PA) on reducing the morality increased in PRISm patients.

Design
We prospectively enrolled a cohort of Taiwanese adults from 1994 to 2018 in a health surveillance program.

Methods
Mortality risks of those who were inactive were compared against those meeting the current recommendation of 150 min/week of PA. Cox proportional hazards models were used for hazard ratios and life table method was for estimating loss of life expectancy.

Results
A total of 461 183 adults were enrolled. Among them, one-seventh of the cohort (65 832 or 14.3%) had PRISm, and 53.1% were inactive. Those who were inactive with PRISm had 28% increased mortality from all-cause, 45% from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and 67% from respiratory disease, with a 3-year reduction in life expectancy (males, 3.72 and females, 2.93). In PRISm patients who met the exercise recommendation, excess mortality was reduced by two-third, both all-cause (from 28% to 9%) and CVD (from 45% to 15%).

Conclusion
PRISm involves a large portion of general population (14.3%) and shortens life expectancy by 3 years. More than half of the subjects were physically inactive, and adherence to 150 min/week of PA was associated with a two-third reduction of excess mortality from all cause and from CVD. Recommending PA among those with PRISm might be highly beneficial, although exercise alone may not eliminate all risks associated with PRISm.
Anxiety and depression in patients with giant cell arteritis
Authors: Martins-Martinho Joana , Ponte André , Dourado Eduardo , Khmelinskii Nikita , Barreira Sofia C , Cruz-Machado Ana R , Macieira Carla , Teixeira Vítor , Rodrigues Ana M , Telles-Correia Diogo , Fonseca João E , Ponte Cristina 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To compare the prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with GCA with that in the general population, using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and to identify independent predictors of these psychiatric manifestations in patients with GCA.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study including all patients diagnosed with GCA followed during 1 year in a vasculitis outpatient clinic. The HADS and 36-item Short Form (SF-36) questionnaires were prospectively collected. Patients’ HADS results were compared with an age- and gender-matched control group. HADS anxiety (HADS-A) and HADS depression (HADS-D) scores between 8 and 10 defined possible anxiety and depression and ≥11 defined probable anxiety and depression, respectively.

Results
We included 72 patients and 288 controls. Compared with controls, patients with GCA had a statistically significant higher prevalence of HADS-A ≥8 (48.6% vs 26.4%), HADS-A ≥11 (30.6% vs 12.2%) and HADS-D ≥11 (33.3% vs 18.1%). GCA was an independent predictor of HADS-A ≥8 [odds ratio (OR) 3.3 (95% CI 1.9, 5.9)], HADS-A ≥11 [OR 3.8 (95% CI 2.0, 7.4)] and HADS-D ≥11 [OR 2.6 (95% CI 1.4, 4.7)]. Among patients with GCA, a negative correlation was observed between HADS-A/D and SF-36 mental health scores (r = −0.780 and r = −0.742, respectively). Glucocorticoid therapy was a predictor of HADS-A ≥8 [OR 10.4 (95% CI 1.2, 94.2)] and older age of HADS-D ≥8 [OR 1.2 (95% CI 1.1, 1.3)] and HADS-D ≥11 [OR 1.1 (95% CI 1.0, 1.2)].

Conclusions
Compared with the general population, patients with GCA have a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression and GCA is an independent predictor of these symptoms. Glucocorticoid treatment and older age are predictors of anxiety and depression, respectively, in patients with GCA.
Treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis is predicted by the microbiome: a large observational study in UK DMARD-naive patients
Authors: Danckert Nathan P , Freidin Maxim B , Granville Smith Isabelle , Wells Philippa M , Naeini Maryam Kazemi , Visconti Alessia , Compte Roger , MacGregor Alexander , Williams Frances M K 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are a first-line treatment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Treatment response to DMARDs is patient-specific, dose efficacy is difficult to predict and long-term results are variable. The gut microbiota are known to play a pivotal role in prodromal and early-disease RA, manifested by Prevotella spp. enrichment. The clinical response to therapy may be mediated by microbiota, and large-scale studies assessing the microbiome are few. This study assessed whether microbiome signals were associated with, and predictive of, patient response to DMARD treatment. Accurate early identification of those who will respond poorly to DMARD therapy would allow selection of alternative treatment (e.g. biologic therapy) and potentially improve patient outcome.

Methods
A multicentre, longitudinal, observational study of stool- and saliva microbiome was performed in DMARD-naive, newly diagnosed RA patients during introduction of DMARD treatment. Clinical data and samples were collected at baseline (n = 144) in DMARD-naive patients and at six weeks (n = 117) and 12 weeks (n = 95) into DMARD therapy. Samples collected (n = 365 stool, n = 365 saliva) underwent shotgun sequencing. Disease activity measures were collected at each timepoint and minimal clinically important improvement determined.

Results
In total, 26 stool microbes were found to decrease in those manifesting a minimal clinically important improvement. Prevotella spp. and Streptococcus spp. were the predominant taxa to decline following six weeks and 12 weeks of DMARDs, respectively. Furthermore, baseline microbiota of DMARD-naive patients were indicative of future response.

Conclusion
DMARDs appear to restore a perturbed microbiome to a eubiotic state. Moreover, microbiome status can be used to predict likelihood of patient response to DMARD.
Exploring the effects of topoisomerase II inhibitor XK469 on anthracycline cardiotoxicity and DNA damage
Authors: Keresteš Veronika , Kubeš Jan , Applová Lenka , Kollárová Petra , Lenčová-Popelová Olga , Melnikova Iuliia , Karabanovich Galina , Khazeem Mushtaq M , Bavlovič-Piskáčková Hana , Štěrbová-Kovaříková Petra , Austin Caroline A , Roh Jaroslav , Štěrba Martin , Šimůnek Tomáš , Jirkovská Anna 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Anthracyclines, such as doxorubicin (adriamycin), daunorubicin, or epirubicin, rank among the most effective agents in classical anticancer chemotherapy. However, cardiotoxicity remains the main limitation of their clinical use. Topoisomerase IIβ has recently been identified as a plausible target of anthracyclines in cardiomyocytes. We examined the putative topoisomerase IIβ selective agent XK469 as a potential cardioprotective and designed several new analogs. In our experiments, XK469 inhibited both topoisomerase isoforms (α and β) and did not induce topoisomerase II covalent complexes in isolated cardiomyocytes and HL-60, but induced proteasomal degradation of topoisomerase II in these cell types. The cardioprotective potential of XK469 was studied on rat neonatal cardiomyocytes, where dexrazoxane (ICRF-187), the only clinically approved cardioprotective, was effective. Initially, XK469 prevented daunorubicin-induced toxicity and p53 phosphorylation in cardiomyocytes. However, it only partially prevented the phosphorylation of H2AX and did not affect DNA damage measured by Comet Assay. It also did not compromise the daunorubicin antiproliferative effect in HL-60 leukemic cells. When administered to rabbits to evaluate its cardioprotective potential in vivo, XK469 failed to prevent the daunorubicin-induced cardiac toxicity in either acute or chronic settings. In the following in vitro analysis, we found that prolonged and continuous exposure of rat neonatal cardiomyocytes to XK469 led to significant toxicity. In conclusion, this study provides important evidence on the effects of XK469 and its combination with daunorubicin in clinically relevant doses in cardiomyocytes. Despite its promising characteristics, long-term treatments and in vivo experiments have not confirmed its cardioprotective potential.
Obesogenic polystyrene microplastic exposures disrupt the gut-liver-adipose axis
Authors: Zhao Jingjing , Adiele Ngozi , Gomes Daniel , Malovichko Marina , Conklin Daniel J , Ekuban Abigail , Luo Jianzhu , Gripshover Tyler , Watson Walter H , Banerjee Mayukh , Smith Melissa L , Rouchka Eric C , Xu Raobo , Zhang Xiang , Gondim Dibson D , Cave Matthew C , O’Toole Timothy E 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Microplastics (MP) derived from the weathering of polymers, or synthesized in this size range, have become widespread environmental contaminants and have found their way into water supplies and the food chain. Despite this awareness, little is known about the health consequences of MP ingestion. We have previously shown that the consumption of polystyrene (PS) beads was associated with intestinal dysbiosis and diabetes and obesity in mice. To further evaluate the systemic metabolic effects of PS on the gut-liver-adipose tissue axis, we supplied C57BL/6J mice with normal water or that containing 2 sizes of PS beads (0.5 and 5 µm) at a concentration of 1 µg/ml. After 13 weeks, we evaluated indices of metabolism and liver function. As observed previously, mice drinking the PS-containing water had a potentiated weight gain and adipose expansion. Here we found that this was associated with an increased abundance of adipose F4/80+ macrophages. These exposures did not cause nonalcoholic fatty liver disease but were associated with decreased liver:body weight ratios and an enrichment in hepatic farnesoid X receptor and liver X receptor signaling. PS also increased hepatic cholesterol and altered both hepatic and cecal bile acids. Mice consuming PS beads and treated with the berry anthocyanin, delphinidin, demonstrated an attenuated weight gain compared with those mice receiving a control intervention and also exhibited a downregulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathways. This study highlights the obesogenic role of PS in perturbing the gut-liver-adipose axis and altering nuclear receptor signaling and intermediary metabolism. Dietary interventions may limit the adverse metabolic effects of PS consumption.
Health economic analysis and medical cost analysis of children with severe hepatitis B in China: A retrospective study from 2016 to 2022
Authors: Shan Qijun , Ma Xudong , Chen Yujie , Zhou Guanghua , Gao Sifa , Sun Jialu , Guo Fuping , Zhang Feng , Ma Dandan , Sun Guoqiang , Zhu Wen , Meng Xiaoyang , Ruan Guiren , Zhang Yuelun , Tan Xutong , Liu Dawei , Wang Yi , Yin Chang , Zhou Xiang ,   On behalf of Children Hepatitis in China, China National Critical Care Quality Control Center Group and National Quality Control Center for Medical Record Management
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background:
Hepatitis B poses a heavy burden for children in China, however, the national studies on the distributional characteristics and health care costs of children with severe hepatitis B is still lacking. This study aimed to analyze the disease characteristics, health economic effects, and medical cost for children with severe hepatitis B in China.

Methods:
Based on patient information in the Hospital Quality Monitoring System, cases with severe hepatitis B were divided into four groups according to age, and the etiology and symptoms of each group were quantified. The cost of hospitalization was calculated for cases with different disease processes, and severity of disease. The spatial aggregation of cases and the relationship with health economic factors were analyzed by Moran’s I analysis.

Results:
The total number of children discharged with hepatitis B from January 2016 to April 2022 was 1603, with an average age of 10.5 years. Liver failure cases accounted for 43.48% (697/1603,) of total cases and cirrhosis cases accounted for 11.23% (180/1603,). According to the grouping of disease progression, there were 1292 cases without associated complications, and the median hospitalization cost was $818.12. According to the spatial analysis, the aggregation of cases was statistically significant at the prefectural and provincial levels in 2019, 2020, and 2021 (all P <0.05). The number of severe cases was negatively correlated with gross domestic product (GDP, Moran’s I <0) and percentage of urban population (Moran’s I <0), and positively correlated with the number of pediatric beds per million population (Moran’s I >0).

Conclusion:
The number of severe hepatitis B cases is low in areas with high GDP levels and high urban population ratios, and health care costs have been declining over the years.