bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Profiling of Breast Cancer Prevalence and Its Diagnosis using Varied Imaging Techniques in Tanzania
Authors: Mzurikwao Deogratias , Sakafu Lulu , Mayala Simeon , Mzurikwao Zacharia , Nyatega Charles , Samuel Oluwarotimi , Kamuzola Mary , Kiango Violet , Kalonga Asa , Kabika Twaha , Panga Barikiel , Chaula Rebecca , Nchullah Asmin , Diack Abdoulaye 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Breast cancer is not only the most commonly occurring cancer among women, but also the most frequent cause of the cancer-related deaths in women in developing countries. Mortality rate is marginally higher in developing countries than in developed countries with about 60% of the death occurring in developing countries. In Tanzania for example, breast cancer is the second leading cancer in terms of incidence and mortality among women after cervical cancer. Approximately half of all women diagnosed with breast cancer in Tanzania die of the disease. This is due to poor and shortage of medical facilities for cancer screening and diagnosis, poor number of oncologists and pathologists, and the diagnosis costs in the country. Due to the mentioned factors, it is approximated that, 80% of breast cancer cases in in Tanzania are diagnosed at advanced stages (III or IV), when treatment is less effective, and outcomes are poor. By 2030, new breast cancer cases are approximated to increase by 82% in Tanzania. The diagnosis/screening of breast cancer starts with breast imaging with ultrasound and mammograms. Suspected cases are then subjected into pathology for confirmatory tests. Although breast imaging plays a major role in both breast cancer screening and diagnosis, the service is largely not available in many developing countries. Our study found absence of routinely breast cancer screening in Tanzania, resulting in late-stage detection of many cases. This is mainly due to lack of enough well-trained radiologists to read the images and the costs of the process. This study aimed at exploring the role and challenges of breast imaging in the screening and diagnosis of breast cancer in Tanzania, a developing country. Our results found that, there is a significant number of malignancies under the recommended age of breast cancer screening of fifty (50) years of age. Our study also found a very high Inter variability among radiologists, which suggest the necessity of at least two radiologists reading same case before conclusion of the diagnosis. This study also discovered in our sample size that 66% patients did not have their samples taken for confirmation by the pathologists. This might be due to the costs of the process or loss of follow ups as many patients came far from diagnosis Centre. Due to the challenges observed in breast imaging, this study recommends the use of Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD) with Artificial Intelligence to assist the few numbers of radiologists available.
Development and validation of a scale for the perception of sustainable leadership among teachers in Chinese higher vocational colleges
Authors: Gao Yongjiu , Chen Pengfei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Due to internal organizational mandates for implementing sustainable development principles, Chinese vocational colleges necessitate an effective assessment tool to comprehend the current state of sustainable leadership as perceived by teachers. The study aims to develop and validate a scale for sustainable leadership as perceived by teachers in Chinese vocational colleges. Validation of the content validity index (CVI) was conducted by nine experts, and the factor structure was extracted through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), followed by reliability and validity tests. The research found that the scale comprises six dimensions with a total of 23 items, and Cronbach’s Alpha exceeds 0.700, demonstrating its robust reliability. This study marks the inaugural development and validation of a scale assessing sustainable leadership as perceived by teachers in Chinese vocational colleges, introducing a new, reliable assessment tool to the academic and practical domains.
Highly Efficient On-surface Synthesis of Fused N-heterocyclic derivatives
Authors: Torre Bruno de la , Jiménez-Martín Alejandro , Munteanu Tatiana , Chen Qifan , Pascal Simon , Mallada Benjamin , Mutombo Pingo , Siri Olivier , Jelinek Pavel 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The synthesis of N-fused heterocycles is a crucial element in organic chemistry. However, it involves multiple steps that add complexity and reduce overall yields. Here, we introduce the high-yield on-surface synthesis of N-heterocyclic compounds employing the intramolecular hydroamination of alkyne-functionalized molecular precursors under mild thermal conditions in an ultra-high vacuum environment on an Au(111) surface. This method offers an efficient preparation of two discrete N-heterocyclic derivatives using a single gold(0)-atom catalyst. Notably, the synthesis introduces two pyrrole groups into quinoidal-based precursor, enabling the formation of two fused pyrrolo-benzoquinonediimine compounds with tailored electronic band-gap not achievable in solution chemistry. To analyze the resulting reaction products, we utilized scanning tunneling microscopy and non-contact atomic force microscopy with single bond resolution, comparing these products to those obtained through traditional solution methods. We further performed computational studies to elucidate detailed mechanistic insights into the on-surface reaction course.
Parenteral fish oil lipid emulsion use in adults: A case series and review from an intestinal failure referral center
Authors: hakimian david , Wall Elizabeth , Herlitz Jean , Lozano Edward , McDonald Edwin , Semrad Carol , Micic Dejan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Intestinal failure–associated liver disease (IFALD) is a complication of long-term PN use, attributed to use of ω-6 injectable lipid emulsions (ILE). Fish oil (FO) ILE have been successful in reversing liver injury in neonates. Evidence for pure FO ILE use in adult patients is limited.
Methods: Case series of the use of FO lipid emulsions in adults with IFALD from the University of Chicago PN registry. Analysis of medical charts and PN formulations was performed.
Results: Three cases of IFALD treated with FO ILE were identified. The first case was a 30 year old man with short bowel syndrome (SBS), hyperbilirubinemia, and biopsy proven IFALD. Following a change from a soy lipid emulsion to FO lipid emulsion, his liver tests rapidly improved and remained stable over 202 weeks of use. The second case was a 76 year old woman with intestinal failure (IF) due to frozen bowel. A change from a soy ILE to a composite lipid and later to a pure FO ILE did not result in improvement in her liver tests. The third case was a 28 year old man with SBS and biopsy proven IFALD. Change to a composite ILE and subsequently FO lipid emulsion resulted in a gradual improvement in liver tests. No clinical essential fatty acid deficiencies (EFA) were identified during treatment.
Conclusion: FO ILE may be effective in the treatment of adult patients with cholestatic IFALD. Use is safe with no EFA deficiencies detected in up to four years of use.
Chloride Transport Across the Plasma Membrane of River Lamprey Oocytes During the Prespawning Period оf Their Life Cycle
Authors: Sherstobitov Alexander Olegovich , Nikitina Elena Romanovna , Nikiforov Anatolii Alexandrovich , Belostotskaya Galina Borisovna 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The permeability of follicle-enclosed isolated lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis oocytes to chloride was characterized during the pre-spawning season using 36Cl radioactive tracer. At physiological external [Cl-]o concentration of 150 mM a steady state equilibrium of the tracer corresponds to an apparent intracellular [Cl-]i concentration of 10.5 mM in December and 18.6 mM in April, with a half–time for chloride uptake about 20 min. The permeability coefficient for Cl- increased from 1.5 ⋅ 10− 6 cm/s (at 5oC) in December to 7.5 ⋅ 10− 6 cm/s (at 10oC) in May. The chloride influx was linearly dependent on [Cl-]o (0–150 mM) and was temperature dependent with an activation energy 24 kJ/mol at 5-20oC. Depolarization of the plasma membrane in high-K+ media in the presence of valinomycin stimulated Cl- influx approximately 2.5-fold. Decreasing medium tonicity resulted in 3-fold activation of Cl- influx compared with isotonic conditions. Exposure of the cells to 0.1–0.2 mM Cu2+ and 0.2 mM Cd2+ caused acceleration of Cl- influx, while 0.2 mM Pb2+, 0.2 mM Zn2+ and 0.15-5.0 mM (Ca2+ + Mg2+) were without effect. Treatment of the cells with ionophore A23187 in the presence of 5 mM Ca2+ also proved to be ineffective. Bumetanide-sensitive NKCC provided less than 5% of the total Cl- influx. In April, Cu2+ caused approximately 4,5-fold increase in the amiloride-sensitive component of Na+ influx, which most likely represented the NHE mechanism. Obtained results suggest the presence of a channel-mediated entry mechanism for chloride.
Grief and Depression in Relatives of Deceased Individuals during Social Isolation. Risk and Protective Factors
Authors: Acevo Carlos Augusto López , Leal Nancy Valeria García , Castelló Giovanna Giselle , Villalobos Neri Alejandro Álvarez , Padilla Juan Pablo Ruiz 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, leading to a global phenomenon where numerous families are undergoing a grieving process. Simultaneously, health restrictions to prevent the disease´s transmission have prevented individuals from bidding farewell to their loved ones and conducting cultural farewell rituals. Through a cross-sectional study, we investigated, via social media surveys, the Mexican population that experienced the death of a close family member from November 2020, regardless of the cause. The aim was to determine whether those who did not have the opportunity to say goodbye to their loved one prior to their death and/or those who could not perform farewell rituals according to their culture were at a different risk of developing depressive disorders and/or complicated grief compared to those who did have the opportunity to bid farewell and practice their rituals. Contrary to our initial hypothesis, we found no statistically significant difference in the likelihood of developing major depressive disorders or complicated grief based on whether individuals said their goodbyes or not. However, we did identify risk and protective factors by analyzing other variables such as the initiation or increase in substance consumption following the loss, religious attachment, and age.
Causal associations of BAFF-R on IgD+ CD24- immune cell trait with hepatocellular carcinoma and the mediating role of phenylacetylglutamate levels: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhu Xuan , Qiu Zongchao , Yang Maochun , Kong Lingxi , Li Limin , Huang Yingting , Xie Li 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We conducted a bi-directional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to investigate the causal associations between immune cell traits and HCC and identify the mediating factor of metabolites. The exposure factors were immune cell traits, the mediators were metabolites, and the outcome variable was HCC. Inverse-variance weighted method (IVW) was the main method. Weighted median, MR-Egger regression, weighted mode, simple mode, and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MRPRESSO) methods were used as complementary methods. Subsequently, the potential mediating effect was investigated by conducting a two-step Mediation analysis. We found 7 traits with positive correlations and 19 traits with negative correlations between immune cell traits and HCC. There were no causal correlations between HCC and immune cell traits in the reverse MR analysis. In the mediation analysis, we found a positive causal association between B cell-activating factor receptors (BAFF-R) on IgD+ CD24- and HCC [IVW: odd ratio (OR), 0.845; 95% CI, 0.759-0.942; p = 0.002]. Phenylacetylglutamate (PAG) levels mediated 7.353% of the causal pathway from BAFF-R on IgD+ CD24- and HCC. In conclusion, BAFF-R on IgD+ CD24- lowers risk of HCC, with PAG levels playing a mediating role.
Dynamic Disagreeing Neighbors: A complexity measure for instance selection
Authors: Aceña Víctor , Lancho Carmen , de Diego Isaac Martín , Moguerza Javier M. , Lee Dae-Jin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Within the scope of Machine Learning (ML), Instance Selection (IS) is a sampling process that consists of filtering noise and removing redundant data. In classification problems, IS implies a compromise between maximizing performance and reducing the sample size used for training. Complexity measures provide relevant information about the difficulty of classifying instances, which makes them appropriate for IS since they can capture, for example, noisy or borderline points. This paper introduces the complexity measure DDN, defined at three levels: instance, class, and dataset. The Dynamic Disagreeing Neighbors (DDN) of an instance is defined as the percentage of its nearest neighbors that belong to other classes. The DDN is based on the Nearest Centroid Neighbors (NCN) neighborhood computation, which is dynamically adjusted to the data distribution. In addition, the distance of each neighbor is taken into account so that those farther away are less influential and those closer are more influential for the instance complexity. The validity of the proposal is evaluated through a series of experiments where it is compared with the widely known k-Disagreeing Neighbors (kDN) in terms of stability, correlation with classification error, and performance in IS. The DDN has shown competitive, stable, and robust results throughout the experiments, generally improving on those obtained with the alternative.
Antibodies Targeting the CCHFV Nucleocapsid Protein Require TRIM21 for Protection
Authors: Hawman David , Leventhal Shanna , Meade-White Kimberly , Shaia Carl , Murray Justin , Mihalakakos Evan , Hinkley Troy , Erasmus Jesse , Feldmann Heinz 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) is a negative-sense RNA virus spread by Hyalomma genus ticks across Europe, Asia, and Africa. CCHF disease begins as a non-specific febrile illness which may progress into a severe hemorrhagic disease and there are currently no widely approved or highly efficacious interventions available. Recently, we reported a self-replicating, alphavirus-based RNA vaccine which expresses the CCHFV nucleoprotein and is protective against lethal CCHFV disease in mice. This vaccine induces high titers of non-neutralizing anti-NP antibodies and is protective even in mice with constitutive knock-out of Fc-gamma receptors or complement, indicating these mechanisms are not required for protection. Instead, vaccinated mice deficient in the intracellular Fc-receptor TRIM21 despite having robust CCHFV-specific immunity, were unable to control the infection. We also show that passive transfer of NP-immune sera confers significant and TRIM21-dependent protection against lethal CCHFV challenge. Together our data identifies TRIM21 as the Fc effector function of protective antibodies against the CCHFV NP and provides mechanistic insight into how vaccines against CCHFV confer protection.
For patients with TBI-related ICH, a shorter mannitol and tranexamic acid administration interval may contribute to VTE risk
Authors: luo zhenyu , yang linhe , Li Yunying , wang shuquan , yuan dongmei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
After the CRASH-3 trial, the debate on tranexamic acid (TXA) has never ended. As significant parts in traumatic brain injury-related intracranial hemorrhage pharmacologic therapies, we hypothesized that the shorter mannitol and TXA administration interval might increase those patients' VTE risk.
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted. Data were extracted through the China Trauma Rescue & Treatment Association database. Finally, 712 cases were included in the data analysis: the VTE group (n=45) and the non-VTE group (n=667). Then, a t-test, Pearson Chi-square test, and logistic regression were performed.
Results
the VTE group indicates significant aging (57.11±9.35, p=0.001), shorter mannitol and TXA administration interval (12.62±8.72, p=0.002), longer LHS (20.48±2.64,p<0.000), and higher D-dimer (6.05±2.59, p=0.001). By further logistic regression, the mannitol and TXA administration interval presents a relation with VTE occurrence with β=-0.053, OR=0.948, and P=0.004.
Conclusion
The mannitol and tranexamic acid administration interval might be an independent VTE risk for patients with TBI-related intracranial hemorrhage.
Effect of the surface coating of carbonyl iron particles on the dispersion stability of magnetorheological fluid
Authors: Chen Fang , Zhang Jie , Li Zhenggui , Yan Shengnan , Li Wangxu , Yan Zhaoqiang , Liu Xiaobing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The dispersion stability of a carbonyl iron particle (CIP)-based magnetorheological fluid (MRF) is improved by CIP, which particle is etched with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to form a porous structure with many hydroxyl groups and subsequently coated with silane coupling agents that have varying chain lengths. The morphological characteristics and coated thickness of the particles are investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) are employed to analyze the coating effect of the silane coupling agents on the particles. The influence of the coating on particle density and saturation magnetization is evaluated using a densitometer and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The rheological properties and dispersion stability of the MRF are assessed utilizing a rotating rheometer and Turbiscan-Lab. The results revealed that after CIPs were etched with HCl, numerous nanopores on their surface. Additionally, as the chain length of the silane coupling agent increases, the coated mass increases, and the coating effect was confirmed chemically, and meanwhile, the density and the saturation magnetization of particles decreased, and the coated particles with different shell thicknesses were obtained. With the chain length increase of silane coupling agent, without a magnetic field, the viscosity of MRF prepared by coated particles increase slightly, due to the enhancement of special three-dimensional network structure; under a magnetic field, the viscosity of the MRF decreased distinctly, due to that the coating of non-magnetospheric increased the distance and decreased the interaction force between the particles. With the chain length increase of silane coupling agent, the sedimentation rate of MRF decreased from 58–3.5% after 100 days of sedimentation, and the migration distances of the MRFs were 22.4 mm, 3.7 mm, 2.4 mm, and 0 mm, with particle sedimentation rates of 0.149, 0.019, 0.017, and 0 mm/h, respectively. The MRF with high dispersion stability was obtained, and the etching of CIP by HCl and the proper chain length of the coating of silane coupling agent were proved effective manners to improve the dispersion stability of MRF.
Analysis of binding and authentic virus-neutralizing activities of immune sera induced by various monkeypox virus antigens
Authors: Song Shuo , Ren Zuning , Chen Jiayin , Li Mengjun , Jiang Yushan , Liu Yingxia , Zhang Bao , Yang Yang , Zhao Wei , Lu Hongzhou , Shen Chenguang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Monkeypox cases continue to increase globally, and there is an urgent need to develop a highly effective vaccine against monkeypox. This study investigated the binding and authentic-virus neutralizing activities of sera from mice immunized with EEV (extracellularly enveloped viruses) antigens B6R and A35R, and IMV (intrinsic material viruses) antigens M1R, A29L, E8L, and H3L against monkeypox virus. The results showed that immunizations of A35R and E8L could only induce lower titers of binding antibodies, in contrast, immunization of M1R induced the highest titers of binding antibodies, while immunization of B6R, H3L, and A29L induced moderate titers of binding antibodies. For the live monkeypox virus neutralization assay, the results showed that immunization with two doses of EEV antigen B6R did not effectively induce humoral immune responses to neutralize monkeypox live virus, immunization with EEV-A35R only induced weak monkeypox-neutralizing antibodies. In contrast, the immunization of the four types of monkeypox virus IMV antigens can all induce neutralizing antibodies against authentic monkeypox virus, among them, A29L and H3L induced the highest neutralizing antibody titers. The results of this study provide important references for the selection of antigens in the development of the next generation of monkeypox vaccines.
De novo reconstruction of a functional in vivo-like equine endometrium using collagen-based tissue engineering
Authors: Santiviparat Sawita , Tharasanit Theerawat , SwangchanU-thai Theerawat , Stout Tom A.E. , Buranapraditkun Supranee , Setthawong Piyathip , Taephatthanasagon Teeanutree 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

To better understand molecular aspects of equine endometrial function, there is a need for advanced in vitro culture systems that more closely imitate the intricate 3-dimensional (3D) in vivo endometrial structure than current techniques. However, development of a 3D in vitro model of this complex tissue is challenging. This study aimed to develop an in vitro 3D endometrial tissue (3D-ET) with an epithelial cell phenotype optimized by treatment with a Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor. Equine endometrial epithelial (eECs) and mesenchymal stromal (eMSCs) cells were isolated separately, and eECs cultured in various concentrations of Rock inhibitor (0, 5, 10 µmol) in epithelial medium (EC-medium) containing 10% knock-out serum replacement (KSR). The optimal concentration of Rock inhibitor for enhancing eEC proliferation and viability was 10 µM. However, 10 µM Rock inhibitor in the 10% KSR EC-medium was able to maintain mucin1 (Muc1) gene expression for only a short period. In contrast, fetal bovine serum (FBS) was able to maintain Muc1 gene expression for longer culture durations. An in vitro 3D-ET was successfully constructed using a collagen-based scaffold to support the eECs and eMSCs. The 3D-ET closely mimicked in vivo endometrium by displaying gland-like eEC-derived structures positive for the endometrial gland marker, Fork headbox A2 (FOXA2), and by mimicking the 3D morphology of the stromal compartment. In addition, the 3D-ET expressed the secretory protein MUC1 on its glandular epithelial surface and responded to LPS challenge by upregulating the expression of the interleukin-6 (IL6) and prostaglandin F synthase (PGFS) genes (P < 0.01), along with an increase in their secretory products, IL-6 (P < 0.01) and prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2α) (P < 0.001) respectively. In the future, this culture system can be used to study both normal physiology and pathological processes of the equine endometrium.