bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Texture-Dependent Thermal Properties of Sandstone Rocks Examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy for Thermal Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Vivas Cesar , Hu Zeming , Salehi Saeed 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Sedimentary rocks are widely used as geological reservoirs and as host rocks for geothermal energy systems. The thermal properties of sedimentary rocks, such as thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and volumetric specific heat, play a critical role in their suitability for these applications. This study examined the thermal properties of 30 different sandstone rock samples using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The SEM images of rock samples with different thermal properties were compared to analyze how textural properties influence thermal properties. Our results suggest that the thermal properties of sedimentary rocks are highly dependent on their texture. Specifically, we found that rocks with a higher degree of roughness, tend to exhibit lower thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity. The presence of pores and cracks impacted the thermal properties of the sandstone rocks examined. The average surface roughness extracted from images showed a strong negative correlation with thermal conductivity and diffusivity (−0.59 and −0.6, respectively) obtained experimentally, while pore, cracks, and voids area have a less apparent negative correlation (−0.18 and −0.17) likely due to their complex effect on heat transfer. The size, shape, and distribution of voids affect heat transfer, with interconnected voids providing networks for heat flow, and smaller voids trapping heat more effectively. The texture of sedimentary rocks plays a critical role in determining their thermal properties. This knowledge can be used to optimize the understanding of the potential of sandstone reservoirs in applications, such as geothermal energy or thermal energy storage.
Comparison of three rapid diagnostic tests for bloodstream infections using Benefit-risk Evaluation Framework (BED-FRAME)
Authors: Smith Richard D. , Zhan Min , Zhang Shanshan , Leekha Surbhi , Harris Anthony , Doi Yohei , Evans Scott , Kristie Johnson J. , Ernst Robert K. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for bloodstream infections have the potential to reduce time to appropriate antimicrobial therapy and improve patient outcomes. Previously, an in-house, lipid-based, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) method, Fast Lipid Analysis Technique (FLAT MS), has shown promise as a rapid pathogen identification method. In this study, FLAT MS for direct from blood culture identification was evaluated and compared to FDA-cleared identification methods using the Benefit-risk Evaluation Framework (BED-FRAME) analysis. FLAT MS was evaluated and compared to Bruker Sepsityper and bioMérieux BioFire FilmArray BCID2 using results from a previous study. For this study, 301 positive blood cultures were collected from the University of Maryland Medical Center. The RDTs were compared by their sensitivities, time-to-results, hands-on time, and BED-FRAME analysis. The overall sensitivity of all platforms compared to culture results from monomicrobial-positive blood cultures was 88.3%. However, the three RDTs differed in their accuracy for identifying Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and yeast. Time-to-results for FLAT MS, Sepsityper, and BioFire BCID2 were all approximately one hour. Hands-on times for FLAT MS, Sepsityper, and BioFire BCID2 were 10 (±1.3), 40 (±2.8), and 5 (±0.25) minutes, respectively. BED-FRAME demonstrated that each RDT had utility at different pathogen prevalence and relative importance. BED-FRAME is a useful tool that can used to determine which RDT is best for a healthcare center.
Electroacupuncture for mild-to-moderate dry eye: study protocol for a multicentre, randomised, single-blind, sham-controlled trial
Authors: Lu Yun-Qiong , Yang Guang , Li Mei-Yan , Hong Jue , Yang Yan-Ting , Wang Xue-Jun , Kong Xie-He , Zhao Yue , Ma Zhao , Huang Xin-Yun , Zou Yue-Lan , Zhou Xing-Tao , Ma Xiao-Peng 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionDry eye (DE) is a multifactorial ocular surface disease causing considerable medical, social and financial implications. Currently, there is no recognised long-term, effective treatment to alleviate DE. Clinical evidence shows that electroacupuncture (EA) can improve DE symptoms, tear secretion and tear film stability, but it remains controversial whether it is just a placebo effect. We aim to provide solid clinical evidence for the EA treatment of DE.Methods and analysisThis is a multicentre, randomised, sham-controlled trial. A total of 168 patients with DE will be enrolled and randomly assigned to EA or sham EA groups to receive 4-week consecutive treatments and follow-up for 24 weeks. The primary outcome is the change in the non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) from baseline to week 4. The secondary outcomes include tear meniscus height, the Schirmer I test, corneal and conjunctival sensation, the ocular surface disease index, corneal fluorescein staining, the numerical rating scale and the Chinese DE-related quality of life scale.Ethics and disseminationThe trial protocol and informed consent were approved by the Ethics Committee of Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (identifier: 2021–119), Shanghai Eye Disease Prevention and Treatment Center (identifier: 2022SQ003) and Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University (identifier: 2022014).Trial registration numberNCT05552820.
Trends in the treatment of fibromyalgia in South Korea between 2011 and 2018: a retrospective analysis of cross-sectional health insurance data
Authors: Yu Jin-Sil , Kim Eun-San , Park Kyoung Sun , Lee Yoon Jae , Park Yeon Cheol , Nam Dongwoo , Kim Eun-Jung , Ha In-Hyuk 
Published: December 2023

ObjectivesFibromyalgia treatment trends vary globally; however, the trend in South Korea has not been investigated yet. This study aimed to analyse the fibromyalgia treatment trends in South Korea.DesignRetrospective, observational study using serial cross-sectional data.SettingThe National Patient Samples of the Korean Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service from 2011 to 2018 were used.ParticipantsA total of 31 059 patients with fibromyalgia were included in this study. The basic characteristics of the patients were stratified by sex, age and comorbidity. A patient was considered to have a condition if it was recorded as a principal diagnosis at least once in a year.Primary and secondary outcome measuresTrends in the types of medical visits and prescribed treatments were investigated and the values are presented as rates per 100 patients. The types of pharmacological treatment were presented according to the existing clinical guidelines. Additionally, combination prescription trends and associated characteristics were investigated.ResultsOf the patients, 66.2% were female. Visits to internal medicine departments showed the most significant increase (2011: 11.34; 2018: 21.99; p<0.001). Non-pharmacological treatment rates declined (physical therapy 2011: 18.11; 2018: 13.69; p<0.001, acupuncture 2011: 52.03; 2018: 30.83; p<0.001). Prescription rates increased for analgesics, relaxants, antiepileptics and antidepressants. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug prescriptions had the highest increase (2011: 27.65; 2018: 40.02; p<0.001). Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor prescriptions showed significant growth (2011: 2.4; 2018: 8.05; p<0.001). Prescription durations were generally longer for women (p<0.001), with higher rate increases in this group. Combinations of ≥3 medication classes increased (2011: 8.2; 2018: 9.64; p=0.041). Women were more likely to receive combination prescriptions (crude OR 1.47 (95% CI 1.29 to 1.68), adjusted 1.18 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.36)).ConclusionsOur findings provide basic reference data for the development and application of national guidelines for fibromyalgia.
Association between dietary knowledge and muscle mass in Chinese older adults: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study
Authors: Liu Qiaoling , Wang Luonan , Ma Yuge , Geng Yunjie 
Published: December 2023

ObjectivesThis study aims to explore the possible association between dietary knowledge and muscle mass in a Chinese population aged 60 years and above.DesignCross-sectional and longitudinal studies.SettingData from the 2006 and 2011 China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) were used for this study.ParticipantsA total of 1487 Chinese participants (44.38% males) aged 60 and above in the 2006 survey were included in the cross-sectional study. From the same study population, a total of 1023 participants (46.82% males) with normal muscle mass on the interview date of 2006 were included in the longitudinal study.Outcome measuresDietary knowledge was accessed by a validated CHNS questionnaire. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass was calculated using a validated anthropometric equation derived from a representative Chinese population. Based on the 2021 Chinese consensus on sarcopenia, the appendicular skeletal muscle mass was categorised as ‘normal’ or ‘low’ using sex-specific cut-off values.ResultsThe prevalence of low muscle mass in the study population was 31.20%, with a higher prevalence in females (34.22%). People with low muscle mass have a significantly lower dietary knowledge score (mean difference: −1.74, 95% CI −2.20 to −1.29). In the cross-sectional analysis, one score higher in dietary knowledge score was associated with a 4% lower odds of low muscle mass (OR=0.96, 95% CI 0.93 to 0.99). Compared with people in the lowest quartile of dietary knowledge, people in the highest quartile have a 44% lower odds of low muscle mass (OR=0.56, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.91). In the longitudinal analysis, no significant association was found between dietary knowledge and low muscle mass, yet the upper 95% CI was close to one (HR=0.97, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.01).ConclusionsSufficient dietary knowledge may play a protective role in maintaining normal muscle mass in Chinese adults aged 60 or above.
Understanding the patterns and health impact of indoor air pollutant exposures in Bradford, UK: a study protocol
Authors: Ikeda Erika , Hamilton Jacqueline , Wood Chantelle , Chatzidiakou Lia , Warburton Thomas , Ruangkanit Athina , Shao Yunqi , Genes Denisa , Waiblinger Dagmar , Yang Tiffany C , Giorio Chiara , McFiggans Gordon , O'Meara Simon P , Edwards Pete , Bates Elizabeth , Shaw David R , Jones Roderic L , Carslaw Nicola , McEachan Rosemary 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionRelative to outdoor air pollution, there is little evidence examining the composition and concentrations of indoor air pollution and its associated health impacts. The INGENIOUS project aims to provide the comprehensive understanding of indoor air pollution in UK homes.Methods and analysis‘Real Home Assessment’ is a cross-sectional, multimethod study within INGENIOUS. This study monitors indoor air pollutants over 2 weeks using low-cost sensors placed in three rooms in 300 Born in Bradford (BiB) households. Building audits are completed by researchers, and participants are asked to complete a home survey and a health and behaviour questionnaire, in addition to recording household activities and health symptoms on at least 1 weekday and 1 weekend day. A subsample of 150 households will receive more intensive measurements of volatile organic compound and particulate matter for 3 days. Qualitative interviews conducted with 30 participants will identify key barriers and enablers of effective ventilation practices. Outdoor air pollution is measured in 14 locations across Bradford to explore relationships between indoor and outdoor air quality. Data will be analysed to explore total concentrations of indoor air pollutants, how these vary with building characteristics, and whether they are related to health symptoms. Interviews will be analysed through content and thematic analysis.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained from the NHS Health Research Authority Yorkshire and the Humber (Bradford Leeds) Research Ethics Committee (22/YH/0288). We will disseminate findings using our websites, social media, publications and conferences. Data will be open access through the BiB, the Open Science Framework and the UK Data Service.
Machine-learning-based image analysis algorithms improve interpathologist concordance when scoring PD-L1 expression in non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Haragan Alexander , Parashar Piya , Bury Danielle , Cross Gregory , Gosney John R 
Published: December 2023

Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression on tumour cells is the only predictive biomarker of response to immuno-modulatory therapy for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Accuracy of this biomarker is hampered by its challenging interpretation. Here we explore if the use of machine-learning derived image analysis tools can improve interpathologist concordance of assessing PD-L1 expression in NSCLC.Five pathologists who routinely score PD-L1 at a major regional referral hospital for thoracic surgery participated. 13 NSCLC small diagnostic biopsies were stained for PD-L1 (SP263 clone) and digitally scanned. Each pathologist independently scored each case with and without the Roche uPath PD-L1 (SP263) image analysis NSCLC algorithm with a wash-out interim period of 6 weeks.A consistent improvement in interpathologist concordance was seen when using the image analysis tool compared with scoring without: (Fleiss’ kappa 0.886 vs 0.613 (p<0.0001) and intraclass coefficient correlation 0.954 vs 0.837 (p<0.001)). Five cases (38%) were classified into clinically relevant different categories (negative/weak/strong) by multiple pathologists when not using the image analysis algorithm, whereas only two cases (15%) were classified differently when using the image analysis algorithm.The use of the image analysis algorithm improved the concordance of assessing PD-L1 expression between pathologists. Critically, there was a marked improvement in the placement of cases into more consistent clinical groupings. This small study is evidence that the use of image analysis tools may improve consistency in assessing tumours for PD-L1 expression and may therefore result in more consistent prediction to targeted treatment options.
Assessment and personalised advice for fatigue in systemic lupus erythematosus using an innovative digital tool: the Lupus Expert system for the Assessment of Fatigue (LEAF) study
Authors: Kawka Lou , Sarmiento-Monroy Juan-Camilo , Mertz Philippe , Pijnenburg Luc , Rinagel Marina , Ugarte-Gil Manuel Francisco , Geneton Sophie , Blaess Julien , Piga Matteo , Arnaud Laurent 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundFatigue is reported as the most prevalent symptom by patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Fatigue management is complex due to its multifactorial nature. The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of an innovative digital tool to manage fatigue in SLE, in a completely automated manner.MethodsThe «Lupus Expert System for Assessment of Fatigue» (LEAF) is free digital tool which measures the intensity and characteristics of fatigue and assesses disease activity, pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, stress, fibromyalgia and physical activity using validated patient-reported instruments. Then, LEAF automatically provides personalised feedback and recommendations to cope with fatigue.ResultsBetween May and November 2022, 1250 participants with SLE were included (95.2% women, median age 43yo (IQR: 34–51)). Significant fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue <34) was reported by 78.9% of patients. In univariate analysis, SLE participants with fatigue were more likely to be women (p=0.01), perceived their disease as more active (p<0.0001), had higher levels of pain (p<0.0001), anxiety (p<0.0001), depression (p<0.0001), insomnia (p<0.0001), stress (p<0.0001) and were more likely to screen for fibromyalgia (p<0.0001), compared with patients without significant fatigue. In multivariable analysis, parameters independently associated with fatigue were insomnia (p=0.0003), pain (p=0.002), fibromyalgia (p=0.008), self-reported active SLE (p=0.02) and stress (p=0.045). 93.2% of the participants found LEAF helpful and 92.3% would recommend it to another patient with SLE.ConclusionFatigue is commonly severe in SLE, and associated with insomnia, pain, fibromyalgia and active disease according to patients’ perspective. Our study shows the usefulness of an automated digital tool to manage fatigue in SLE.
Time trends in the burden of autoimmune diseases across the BRICS: an age–period–cohort analysis for the GBD 2019
Authors: Zhang Fenghao , Cui Yiran , Gao Xiao 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThis study aims to evaluate the long-term trend of prevalence and DALY (disability-adjusted life-year) rate on the age, period and cohort (APC) of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) country for autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), multiple sclerosis (MS) and psoriasis).MethodsThe data are sourced from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, and it uses the Joinpoint regression model to estimate the time trends of autoimmune diseases from 1990 to 2019. Additionally, it employs the Age-Period-Cohort (APC) model to estimate the age, period, and cohort effects from 1990 to 2019.ResultsFor 1990 to 2019, the ASPR (age-standardised prevalence rate) of IBD increased significantly for China and South Africa, and decreased significantly for Brazil, India, Russian. The Russian ASPR of MS demonstrated a significantly decreasing trend (average annual percent change=−0.5%, 95% CI −0.6 to −0.5), with the most increased occurring in Brazil at 2009–2014. The cohort effect on DALY rates for Psoriasis displayed an ongoing decreasing trend from the 1929–1933 birth cohort to the 1999–2003 birth cohort. Specifically, the five countries relative risk values (RRs) of DALYs due to RA increased significantly by 7.98, 16.07, 5.98, 3.19, 9.13 times, from 20 to 24 age group to 65 to 69 age group.ConclusionsThe population of the BRICS countries accounts for more than 40% of the global population. And we found that the age effect of various autoimmune diseases is heavily influenced by population ageing.
Targeting Tumor Heterogeneity with Neoantigen-Based Cancer Vaccines
Authors: Pounraj Saranya , Chen Shuxiong , Ma Linlin , Mazzieri Roberta , Dolcetti Riccardo , Rehm Bernd H.A. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Neoantigen-based cancer vaccines have emerged as a promising immunotherapeutic approach to treat cancer. Nevertheless, the high degree of heterogeneity in tumors poses a significant hurdle for developing a vaccine that targets the therapeutically relevant neoantigens capable of effectively stimulating an immune response as each tumor contains numerous unique putative neoantigens. Understanding the complexities of tumor heterogeneity is crucial for the development of personalized neoantigen-based vaccines, which hold the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes. In this review, we discuss recent advancements in the design of neoantigen-based cancer vaccines emphasizing the identification, validation, formulation, and targeting of neoantigens while addressing the challenges posed by tumor heterogeneity. The review highlights the application of cutting-edge approaches, such as single-cell sequencing and artificial intelligence to identify immunogenic neoantigens, while outlining current limitations and proposing future research directions to develop effective neoantigen-based vaccines.
ERBB4-Mediated Signaling Is a Mediator of Resistance to PI3K and BTK Inhibitors in B-cell Lymphoid Neoplasms
Authors: Arribas Alberto J. , Napoli Sara , Cascione Luciano , Barnabei Laura , Sartori Giulio , Cannas Eleonora , Gaudio Eugenio , Tarantelli Chiara , Mensah Afua A. , Spriano Filippo , Zucchetto Antonella , Rossi Francesca M. , Rinaldi Andrea , Castro de Moura Manuel , Jovic Sandra , Bordone Pittau Roberta , Stathis Anastasios , Stussi Georg , Gattei Valter , Brown Jennifer R. , Esteller Manel , Zucca Emanuele , Rossi Davide , Bertoni Francesco 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
BTK and PI3K inhibitors are among the drugs approved for the treatment of patients with lymphoid neoplasms. Although active, their ability to lead to long-lasting complete remission is rather limited, especially in the lymphoma setting. This indicates that tumor cells often develop resistance to the drugs. We started from a marginal zone lymphoma cell line, Karpas-1718, kept under prolonged exposure to the PI3Kδ inhibitor idelalisib until acquisition of resistance, or with no drug. Cells underwent transcriptome, miRNA and methylation profiling, whole-exome sequencing, and pharmacologic screening, which led to the identification of the overexpression of ERBB4 and its ligands HBEGF and NRG2 in the resistant cells. Cellular and genetic experiments demonstrated the involvement of this axis in blocking the antitumor activity of various BTK/PI3K inhibitors, currently used in the clinical setting. Addition of recombinant HBEGF induced resistance to BTK/PI3K inhibitors in parental cells and in additional lymphoma models. Combination with the ERBB inhibitor lapatinib was beneficial in resistant cells and in other lymphoma models already expressing the identified resistance factors. An epigenetic reprogramming sustained the expression of the resistance-related factors, and pretreatment with demethylating agents or EZH2 inhibitors overcame the resistance. Resistance factors were also shown to be expressed in clinical specimens. In conclusion, we showed that the overexpression of ERBB4 and its ligands represents a novel mechanism of resistance for lymphoma cells to bypass the antitumor activity of BTK and PI3K inhibitors and that targeted pharmacologic interventions can restore sensitivity to the small molecules.
Combination Therapy with EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and TEAD Inhibitor Increases Tumor Suppression Effects in EGFR Mutation–positive Lung Cancer
Authors: Ogimoto Tatsuya , Ozasa Hiroaki , Tsuji Takahiro , Funazo Tomoko , Yamazoe Masatoshi , Hashimoto Kentaro , Yoshida Hiroshi , Hosoya Kazutaka , Ajimizu Hitomi , Nomizo Takashi , Yoshida Hironori , Hamaji Masatsugu , Menju Toshi , Yoshizawa Akihiko , Date Hiroshi , Hirai Toyohiro 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) are the first-line therapies for EGFR mutation–positive lung cancer. EGFR-TKIs have favorable therapeutic effects. However, a large proportion of patients with EGFR mutation–positive lung cancer subsequently relapse. Some cancer cells survive the initial treatment with EGFR-TKIs, and this initial survival may be associated with subsequent recurrence. Therefore, we aimed to overcome the initial survival against EGFR-TKIs. We hypothesized that yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is involved in the initial survival against EGFR-TKIs, and we confirmed the combined effect of EGFR-TKIs and a YAP1–TEAD pathway inhibitor. The KTOR27 (EGFR kinase domain duplication) lung cancer cell lines established from a patient with EGFR mutation–positive lung cancer and commercially available PC-9 and HCC827 (EGFR exon 19 deletions) lung cancer cell lines were used. These cells were used to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo effects of VT104, a TEAD inhibitor. In addition, YAP1 involvement was investigated in pathologic specimens. YAP1 was activated by short-term EGFR-TKI treatment in EGFR mutation–positive lung cancer cells. In addition, inhibiting YAP1 function using siRNA increased the sensitivity to EGFR-TKIs. Combination therapy with VT104 and EGFR-TKIs showed better tumor-suppressive effects than EGFR-TKIs alone, in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the combined effect of VT104 and EGFR-TKIs was observed regardless of the localization status of YAP1 before EGFR-TKI exposure. These results suggest that combination therapy with the TEAD inhibitor and EGFR-TKIs may improve the prognosis of patients with EGFR mutation–positive lung cancer.