bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gut Microbiota and Other Factors Associated With Increased Regulatory T Cells in Hiv-exposed Uninfected Infants
Authors: Johnson Michael , Lazarus Sarah K. , Bennett Ashlynn E. , Tovar-Salazar Adriana , Robertson Charles E. , Kofonow Jennifer M. , Li Shaobing , McCollister Bruce , Nunes Marta C. , Madhi Shabir A. , Frank Daniel N. , Weinberg Adriana 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

HIV-exposed uninfected infants (HEU) have higher infectious morbidity than HIV-unexposed infants (HUU). HEU have multiple immune defects of unknown origin. We hypothesized that HEU have higher regulatory T cells (Treg) than HUU, which may dampen their immune defenses against pathogens. We compared 25 Treg subsets between HEU and HUU and sought the factors that may affect Treg frequencies. At birth, 3 Treg subsets, including CD4 + FOXP3 + and CD4 + FOXP3 + CD25+, had higher frequencies in 123 HEU than 117 HUU and 3 subsets were higher in HUU. At 28 and 62 weeks of life, 5 Treg subsets were higher in HEU, and none were higher in HUU. The frequencies of the discrepant Treg subsets correlated at birth with differential abundances of bacterial taxas in maternal gut microbiome and at subsequent visits in infant gut microbiomes. In vitro, bacterial taxa most abundant in HEU expanded Treg subsets with higher frequencies in HEU, recapitulating the in vivo observations. Other factors that correlated with increased Treg were low maternal CD4 + T cells in HEU at birth and male sex in HUU at 28 weeks. We conclude that maternal and infant gut dysbiosis are central to the Treg increase in HEU and may be targeted by mitigating interventions.
A computed tomography-based radiomic score to predict survival in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma
Authors: Barat Maxime , Eltaher Mohamed , Moawad Ahmed W. , Soyer Philippe , Fuentes David , Golse Marianne , Jouinot Anne , Ahmed Ayahallah A. , Shehata Mostafa A. , Assié Guillaume , Elmohr Mohab M. , Haissaguerre Magalie , Habra Mouhammed A. , Hoeffel Christine , Elsayes Khaled M. , Bertherat Jérome , Dohan Anthony 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare condition with a poor and hardly predictable prognosis. This study aims to build and evaluate a preoperative computed tomography (CT)-based radiomic score (Radscore) using features previously reported as biomarkers in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) to predict overall survival (OS) in patients with ACC.
Methods: In this retrospective study, a Radscore based on preoperative CT examinations combining shape elongation, tumor maximal diameter, and the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors (ENSAT) stage and was built using a logistic regression model to predict OS duration in a development cohort. An optimal cut-off of the Radscore was defined and the Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess OS. The Radscore was then tested in an external validation cohort. The C-index of the Radscore for the prediction of OS was compared to that of ENSAT stage alone.
Findings: The Radscore was able to discriminate between patients with poor prognosis and patients with good prognosis in both the the validation cohort (54 patients; mean OS, 69·4 months; 95% CI: 57·4–81·4 months vs. mean OS, 75·6 months; 95% CI: 62·9–88·4 months, respectively; P = 0·022). In the validation cohort the C-index of the Radscore was significantly better than that of the ENSAT stage alone (0.62 vs. 0.35; P = 0·002).
Conclusion: A Radscore combining morphological criteria, radiomics, and ENSAT stage on preoperative CT examinations allow a stratification of prognosis in patients with ACC compared with ENSAT stage alone.
Construction of a prognostic model for lung adenocarcinoma tumor endothelial cells and prediction of immunotherapy based on single-cell transcriptome and Bulk transcriptome
Authors: Wu Jiatao , Zhang Kai , Zhang Jing , wang Xue , Chen Huili , Wang Luyao , Xie Yiluo , Min Shengping , Wang Xiaojing , Lian Chaoqun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a common histologic subtype of lung cancer with high morbidity and mortality. Tumor endothelial cells (TEC) are associated with tumor progression and metastasis. In this study, we explored the effect of TEC on prognosis and immunotherapy of LUAD based on single-cell transcriptome and Bulk transcriptome. To help lung adenocarcinoma patients obtain accurate clinical treatment strategies.
Methods: We identified TEC marker genes by single-cell transcriptome in this study. LUAD data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO) databases, and prognostic models of TEC marker genes were constructed using Lasso-Cox analysis in the TCGA cohort and externally validated in the GEO cohort. Differences in the immune microenvironment between high and low-risk groups were analyzed using the ESTIMATE and six immune cell infiltration algorithms. Using the TIDE algorithm, the IMvigor210, GSE78220, and Whijae Roh et al. cohorts were used to predict the outcome of immunotherapy in patients in different risk groups. In addition, differences in functional enrichment analysis and genomic mutations between high and low-risk groups were investigated. Finally, core genes were screened using differential and survival analyses, and RT-qPCR verified their expression.
Results: The results showed that the prognostic model constructed based on TEC marker genes could categorize LUAD patients into two groups, and there was a significant difference in survival time between the two groups. In addition, we found significant differences between the high- and low-risk groups in terms of biological functions, genomic mutations, immune cell infiltration, immune characteristics, and chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity. Notably, patients in the low-risk group showed better immunotherapy response. Finally, the results of RT-qPCR experiments were consistent with the bioinformatics analysis.
Conclusion: In this study, we developed a new TEC marker gene-based signature that effectively stratifies LUAD patients and has a strong efficacy in predicting the prognosis of LUAD patients and immunotherapy.
Comparison between AHP and FAHP for the best Selection of Renewable Energies in Colombia, a country with diversity in its geographical regions: Optimization and Sustainability
Authors: Rocha Christian Manuel Moreno , Buelavas Daina Arenas 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive examination of renewable energy sources across distinct Colombian regions, employing the AHP and FAHP methodologies. Tailoring the selection of alternatives, including solar photovoltaic, offshore/onshore wind, biomass, geothermal, and large- and small-scale hydropower, to each region's specific characteristics aims to provide sustainable solutions for the nation's escalating energy demand. The weighting process incorporates multidimensional criteria encompassing social, economic, technical, and environmental aspects, further broken down into sub-criteria for meticulous evaluation. Results unveil distinct weightings and hierarchies for each region, shaped by the variability in energy potential and resource availability. Methodological differences yield notable disparities in outcomes, with solar photovoltaics emerging as a leading option in most regions, securing a 60% preference due to its viability and potential. This emphasizes the necessity of considering unique regional characteristics when selecting the most suitable energy source. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the significance of introducing innovative metaheuristic methods, notably AHP and FAHP, into the Colombian energy sector. In a geographically diverse country like Colombia, where regional variability demands flexible approaches, these methodologies emerge as crucial decision-making tools. Overcoming the limitations of traditional approaches, they provide a precise and informed assessment, adeptly managing uncertainty and subjectivity in dynamic environments. This research not only offers a valuable guide for the effective implementation of renewable energies in Colombia but also underscores the importance of accommodating regional variability in the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy system. The application of metaheuristic methods contributes to more effective strategic planning, fostering environmental sustainability within the Colombian context. Ultimately, the combination of detailed assessment, specific weighting, and the application of advanced methodologies presents a comprehensive approach to addressing energy challenges in a country as diverse as Colombia.
Mapping site amplification with the dense recording of ambient vibration for the city of Lucerne (Switzerland) – comparison between two approaches
Authors: Janusz Paulina , Panzera Francesco , Bergamo Paolo , Perron Vincent , Fäh Donat 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Reliable site-specific amplification information can be retrieved using earthquake-based methods, involving the deployment of seismic networks, which, however, may need to operate for years. Hence, time- and cost-effective approaches using ambient vibrations are gaining popularity. Among such techniques, the hybrid standard spectral ratio method (SSRh) uses simultaneous recordings of ambient vibrations translated into a prediction of local seismic response with a limited number of instrumented sites with earthquake ground-motion data. The canonical correlation approach (CC) collates measured empirical amplification with its proxy computed from ambient vibrations (horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratios, HVSRn) at a training set of seismic stations, to predict site response at points without earthquake recordings. We apply both methods in the Lucerne area (Switzerland), located on a soft sedimentary basin, obtaining consistent results, comparable to amplification estimates from earthquake ground motions. The resulting linear amplification factors are significant (factor of 8–10 or more) at the fundamental frequency of resonance of the sediments (0.8-2 Hz). However, both techniques show systematic differences in the spatial and frequency domains. The CC method tends to underestimate the amplification at the fundamental frequency, while SSRh predicts higher amplification factors in the center and lower at the basin edges in comparison to the CC approach. The study discusses the impact of limited completeness of the calibration dataset, and variability introduced by factors like Vs30 model choice and inelastic behavior treatment for the CC method, as well as the influence of the measurement setup for the SSRh method.
Temporal dynamics of scout release behaviour of termitophagous ponerine ant, Megaponera analis
Authors: Modiba Rifilwe V. , Pirk Christian W.W. , Yusuf Abdullahi A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Megaponera analis is an obligate termitophagous species that is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa. The species forage by sending out scouts to search for termites, and once located, the scouts return to the nest to recruit nest mates. Scouts face unpredictable environmental problems, including sudden flooding, temperature changes, wind speed changes and predation by natural enemies. As a monotypic genus, M. analis has shown strong adaptive resilience to such environmental pressures; hence, its populations remain viable despite being obligate predators. We have observed 519 scouting trips from 18 different colonies separated by a large spatial area over three years to find out how long it takes for the colony to replace a scout that has likely met mercurial environmental perturbations. Study areas were at Maremani, Musina, Masebe and D’nyala Nature Reserves in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The results suggested that colonies exhibited a tendency to deploy scouts in response to the level of starvation rather than solely relying on the absence of information from scouts already outside. However, when feedback was lacking, colonies delayed sending out scouts and dispatched a single scout after a prolonged period. The mean scouting turnover for all 519 trips was 9.36 ± 0.64 (SD) minutes. When turnover was divided into sessions, the first scouting session had a mean of 7.77 ± 12.17 (SD) minutes, while the second had 10.34 ± 18.32 (SD)minutes. The minimum turnover was zero minutes, and the maximum was 124 minutes.
Restoring Colon Motility in Parkinson's Disease: GDNF-Mediated CX43 Suppression in Reactive Enteric Glial Cells
Authors: Xiaoling Qin , Ke Xue , Guo Yurong , Panpan An , Yimeng Wang , Yinzhen Du , Xue Li , Tingting Liu , Chuanxi Tang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background:Constipation is most common in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and is usually caused by slow colon movement. Intestinal glial cells (EGCs) play a role in the regulation of intestinal inflammation and movement, and their activation can trigger the death of intestinal neurons, which may be mediated by the activation of the connexin 43 (CX43) semi-channel. GDNF plays an important role in maintaining intestinal movement and inhibiting inflammation. This study investigated whether GDNF plays an inhibitory role in the activation of EGCs by inflammation, and promotes neuronal survival and regulates intestinal motility through the EGCS-CX43 pathway.
Methods: PD model was established by unilateral stereotaxic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine. At the 5th week after injury, AAV5-GDNF (2~5×1011) was intraperitoneally injected into experimental and control rats. Fecal moisture percentage (FMP) and toner propulsion rate (CPPR) were used to evaluate colon motion. Colon-related markers were detected at 5 and 10 weeks after induction.
Results:Colonic motility and GDNF expression decreased, EGCs reactivity, IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α expression increased, CX43 up-regulated, PGP 9.5 decreased. Intraperitoneal injection of AAV-GDNF can protect colon neurons by inhibiting EGCs activation and down-regulating CX43.
Conclusion: GDNF may promote the survival of colonic neurons in PD rats by regulating CX43 activity.
Electrochemical Syntheses and Characterization of Some Polydyes and their Application for the Simultaneous Determination of Ascorbic Acid and Uric Acid
Authors: Guyasa Jabesa Nagasa , Beyene Tamene Tadesse , Anshebo Sisay Tadesse 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The electropolymerization and characterization of the monomers: gentian violet (GV), brilliant green (BG), aniline, and methyl violet (MV) and their copolymers were done using cyclic voltammetry (CV) on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) as a working electrode against Ag/AgCl reference electrode and platinum wire as counter electrode. The copolymers showed higher current peaks than their corresponding homopolymers. The electrochemical characterization of these polymers and copolymers was studied by scan rate effect each between 10 and 300 mV/s and pH effect between 1.56 and 5.30. After being modified by the copolymers: poly(BG-GV) and poly(BG-MV), the modified GCE showed good results in resolving the peaks of ascorbic acid and uric acid which otherwise showed one broad peak on bare GCE. The determination of the area of the modified electrode was done with all polymers investigated and also their copolymers. The CV in bare GCE was scanned at different scan rates of 4 mM K3[Fe(CN)6] in 1 M KNO3 solution. The square root of scan rate dependence of peak current was plotted and the Randles-Sevcik equation was applied to determine the diffusion coefficient of Fe(CN)63− ion and which was 1.13 x 10− 14 cm2/s. This was used to determine the area after running the CV of 4 mM K3[Fe(CN)6] in 1 M KNO3 at different scan rates. From the plot of peak current vs. square root of scan rate, the slope was determined and used to determine the area of the modified electrode from the Randles-Sevcik equation.
Trade Exposure in Germany: How China's Exports Affect Men's and Women's Fertility. An Application to G-SOEP
Authors: Ulivieri Giulia 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The impact of international trade on fertility choices via labor demand is a crucial empirical question. On the one hand, a globalized world as well as new trade routes increase the availability of new products and inputs, but on the other hand re-allocation of working roles may change male-female positions in the labor market, giving raise to wider disparities. Using the German Socio-Economic Panel (G-SOEP), we select two samples formed only by women, and try to assess the impact of trade exposure on women’s fertility choices. The analysis follows two contributions in the literature (Autor et al., 2014; Piriu, 2020): one is affected by bad controls issues. The latter is solved by considering employed and unemployed workers independently from the current industry sector. This first approach can be called panel analysis, while the second one follows Autor et al. (2014) and it considers the change of imports’ amounts over time instead of fixed stocks. Both approaches do not display any significant results, opening the way to further research and investigation in trade exposure field.
Genome sizes of grasses (Poaceae), chromosomal evolution, paleogenomics and the ancestral grass karyotype (AGK)
Authors: Tkach Natalia , Winterfeld Grit , Röser Martin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Grasses are one of the largest angiosperm families, widespread and economically important. They have therefore been the subject of early studies of genome size as a fundamental biological trait of any organism. Variation in genome size has functional consequences and is an essential parameter for understanding evolutionary patterns. In this study, we report the nuclear genome sizes (2C values) of 32 species and subspecies from 27 genera of Poaceae, including most of its subfamilies, examined by flow cytometry. Genome sizes were analyzed together with the chromosome numbers to give information on the size of monoploid chromosome sets with the chromosome base number x and the mean chromosome size. Monoploid genomes of < 0.6 pg/1Cx and chromosomes of < 0.1 pg are presumably characteristic of the subfamilies Arundinoideae, Chloridoideae, Micrairoideae and the Oryzoideae. The larger 1Cx values (1.2–1.3 pg) of the evolutionarily early diverging subfamilies Anomochlooideae and Pharoideae are discussed in context with the origin of grasses and the pan-grass whole-genome duplication. The data indicate that the ancestral grass had a monoploid genome of this size, which is less than half the size previously assumed. Genome size data and available chromosome numbers support the concept of the ancestral grass karyotype (AGK) with x = 12. The AGK seems to have been conserved in some grass subfamilies (Bambusoideae, Oryzoideae, Pharoideae, parts of the Pooideae), while the major genome rearrangements are lineage-specific and occurred after the separation of the BOP and the PACMAD clades, i.e. when the diversification of their subfamilies had begun.
Performance and acceptability of the STREAM Disinfectant Generator for infection prevention and control practices in primary healthcare facilities in Uganda.
Authors: Drolet Adam , Mugumya Thomas , Hsu Shan , Izudi Jonathan , Ruhweza Martin , Mugisha Emmanuel , Bahatungire Rony , Coffey Patricia 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Effective infection prevention and control programs can positively influence quality of care, increase patient safety, and protect health care providers. Chlorine, a widely used and effective chemical disinfectant, is recommended for infection prevention and control in health care settings. However, lack of consistent chlorine availability limits its use. Electrolytic chlorine generators can address limited chlorine supply and stockouts by enabling onsite production of readily usable, high-quality chlorine cost-effectively. We report the feasibility (i.e., performance, acceptability, chlorine availability, and cost) of the electrolytic STREAM Disinfectant Generator (Aqua Research, New Mexico, USA) device for infection prevention and control in primary health care facilities in Uganda.
Methods
We installed STREAM devices in ten primary health care facilities in central and western Uganda and compared the 12-month chlorine inventory total (from December 2020 through December 2021) with the volume of chlorine generated by the STREAM device to determine its impact on chlorine availability. We collected acceptability data from a purposive sample of device users (n = 16), hospital administrators (n = 10), and district health officers (n = 6). We descriptively analyzed the acceptability data by user group and evaluated qualitative responses manually using a thematic approach. Cost data were normalized and modeled to determine a break-even and cost-savings analysis across a five-year period (the minimum expected lifespan of the STREAM device).
Results
Chlorine was consistently available without any reported stockouts during the evaluation period. STREAM chlorine production resulted in a 36.9 percent cost-savings over a five year period compared to commercial chlorine. User acceptability of the STREAM device was high among STREAM operators, hospital administrators, and district health officers, with all respondents reporting that STREAM moderately or significantly improved infection prevention and control practices in the health facility. Overall, 88 percent of device users and 100 percent of hospital administrators wished to continue using the STREAM device instead of commercial chlorine products.
Conclusion
The STREAM device has demonstrated significant potential to strengthen infection prevention and control practices in health care facilities in Uganda. Accordingly, the STREAM device should be scaled up to health care facilities facing similar infection prevention and control challenges in Uganda and elsewhere.
Retrospective analysis of the effect of delayed chemotherapy on the prognosis of patients with stage III colorectal cancer receiving standard chemotherapy
Authors: Zhang Ruoxin , Weng Junyong , Ye Zilan , Luo Dakui , Liu Xuesong , Wu Tao , Li Xinxiang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective
It is still uncertain whether delayed chemotherapy will cause poor prognosis of colorectal cancer patients. Therefore, we conducted this retrospective study to compare the long-term survival of the delayed chemotherapy (DT) group with that of the continued chemotherapy (CT) group.
Methods
We collected the data on 560 patients with stage III colorectal cancer who received surgical treatment in the Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center in 2015. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 328 patients were included. The information was collected on chemotherapy history, clinical pathology and survival. The incidence of myelosuppression, liver function injury and prognosis were compared between the CT group and the DT group.
Results
201 (61.3%) of the 328 patients suffered bone marrow suppression at least once during chemotherapy. 99 (49.3%) of them received symptomatic treatment. The results showed that compared with the DT group, the CT group had a lower incidence of myelosuppression (58.5% vs. 71.4, p < 0.001) and a lower incidence of liver dysfunction (17.79% vs. 28.57%, p < 0.001). Survival analysis suggested that the prognosis of the DT group was worse than that of the CT group (Ratio = 2.269, 95% CI: 1.651 to 4.188, p < 0.001)
Conclusion
Delayed chemotherapy was associated with poor prognosis in patients with stage III colorectal cancer. Clinicians should pay close attention to patients' blood tests and biochemistry tests while developing chemotherapy regimens and intervene promptly to avoid delaying the timing of chemotherapy.