bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bushen Tongluo decoction attenuates epithelial-mesenchymal transition and extracellular matrix deposition in pulmonary fibrosis rats by inactivating Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: liang yanxia , su wenwen , li guangsen , wang wenwen , liu fenggu , zhao xiaoli , mu qingxiang , zhang jiaoqiang , zhao huiying , xing hongfei , fan maorong , yang bin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Context: Bushen Tongluo Decoction (BTD), a traditional Chinese herbal preparation that has shown efficacy in improving symptoms and enhancing the quality of life in IPF patients. However, the molecular mechanisms of BTD require further research.
Objective: This study explores the protective effect of BTD in pulmonary fibrosis rats and elucidate its underlying mechanism.
Materials & methods: Pulmonary fibrosis model was established using boromycin. Rats were divided into control, model, pirfenidone, high-dose BTD, low-dose BTD groups treating for 90 days. Laminin in serum, TGF-β1, IFN-γ, and IL-4 in BALF was measured using Elisa. Pathological changes were observed by HE and Masson staining. The expression of EMT markers (E-cadherin, cytokeratin 19, α-SMA, vimentin) and ECM markers (collagen I, collagen III) were assessed using immunohistochemistry. Levels of Wnt3a and β-catenin in lung tissue was measured by Western blotting.
Results: BTD reduced serum Laminin levels, reduced the levels of TGF-β1 and IL-4 in BALF, increased IFN-γ levels in BALF. BTD alleviated lung pathological injury, decreased the lung expression of α-SMA, Vimentin, Collagen I, Collagen III, and increased the levels of E-cadherin, Cytokeratin 19 in rats with pulmonary fibrosis, indicating its ability to alleviate EMT in alveolar epithelial cells. Mechanistically, BTD significantly inactivates the Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway in IPF.
Discussion & conclusion: BTD alleviated lung fibrosis in rats with pulmonary fibrosis, alleviating lung injury, reducing ECM deposition, attenuating the EMT process, through inactiving the activation of the Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Incidence Rate of Occult Lymph Node Metastasis in Clinical T 1-2 N 0 M 0 Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients and Radiomic Prediction Based on Contrast-enhanced CT Imaging: A Multicentre Study
Authors: Jiang Xu , Luo Chao , Peng Xin , Zhang Jing , Yang Lin , Liu Li-Zhi , Cui Yan-Fen , Liu Meng-Wen , Miao Lei , Jiang Jiu-Ming , Ren Jia-Liang , Yang Xiao-Tang , Li Meng , Zhang Li 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to explore the incidence of occult lymph node metastasis (OLM) in clinical T1 − 2N0M0 (cT1 − 2N0M0) small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients and develop machine learning prediction models using preoperative intratumoral and peritumoral contrast-enhanced CT-based radiomic data.
Methods
By conducting a retrospective analysis involving 242 eligible patients from 4 centres, we determined the incidence of OLM in cT1 − 2N0M0 SCLC patients. For each lesion, two ROIs were defined using the gross tumour volume (GTV) and peritumoral volume 15 mm around the tumour (PTV). By extracting a comprehensive set of 1595 enhanced CT-based radiomic features individually from the GTV and PTV, we rigorously evaluated the model performance using various metrics, including the area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). For enhanced clinical applicability, we formulated a nomogram that integrates clinical parameters and the rad_score (GTV and PTV).
Results
The initial investigation revealed a 33.9% OLM positivity rate in cT1 − 2N0M0 SCLC patients. Our combined model, which incorporates three radiomic features from the GTV and PTV, along with two clinical parameters (smoking status and shape), exhibited robust predictive capabilities. With a peak AUC value of 0.772 in the external validation cohort, the model outperformed the alternative models. The nomogram significantly enhanced diagnostic precision for radiologists and added substantial value to the clinical decision-making process for T1 − 2N0M0 SCLC patients.
Conclusions
The incidence of OLM in SCLC patients surpassed that in non-small cell lung cancer patients. The combined model demonstrated a notable generalization effect, effectively distinguishing between positive and negative OLMs in a noninvasive manner, thereby guiding individualized clinical decisions for patients with cT1 − 2N0M0 SCLC.
Transcultural adaptation and validation of IMPACT-III and IMPACT-III-P in Spanish families: A multicenter study from SEGHNP
Authors: Rodríguez-Belvís Marta Velasco , Palomino Laura , Muncunill Gemma Pujol , Martin-Masot Rafael , Benítez Enrique Medina , Fernández-Lorenzo Ana Estefanía , Moreno-Álvarez Ana , Arias Manuel Molina , Montes Inmaculada Hidalgo , Torres Josefa Barrio , Navas-López Víctor Manuel , de Carpi Javier Martín 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Purpose: IMPACT-III and IMPACT-III-P are health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaires for patients with pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (p-IBD) and their parents/caregivers. We aimed to perform a transcultural adaptation and validation for the Spanish context.
Methods: Translation, back-translation, and evaluation of the questionnaires was performed by an expert committee and 12 p-IBD families. We recruited p-IBD patients aged 10-17 and their parents/caregivers. Utility, content, and face validity were considered. Validation was performed with Cronbach's alpha coefficient and varimax rotation. We confirmed the adequacy of the factor analysis using Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett’s sphericity tests. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed using the following goodness indexes: chi-square, Normed Fit Index (NFI), Root Mean Square Error of Approximation index (RMSEA), Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR), and Comparative Fit Index (CFI). The correlation coefficient between IMPACT-III and IMPACT-III-P was analyzed.
Results: We included 370 patients and 356 parents/caregivers (37 hospitals). Both questionnaires had good content and face validity and were considered user-friendly. The KMO measure (0.8998 and 0.9228, respectively) and Bartlett’s sphericity test (p-value <0.001 for both) confirmed the adequacy of the factor analysis. The 4-factor model, complying with Kaiser’s criterion, explained 89.19% and 88.87% of the variance. Cronbach's alpha (0.9123 and 0.9383) indicated excellent internal consistency. The CFA showed an adequate fit (NFI 0.941 and 0.918, RMSEA 0.048 and 0.053, SRMR 0.037 and 0.044, CFI 0.879 and 0.913). The correlation coefficient was excellent (0.92).
Conclusions: The SEGHNP versions of IMPACT-III and IMPACT-III-P are valid and reliable instruments for Spanish p-IBD families.
VoLTE Call Blocking Estimation in Cellular LTE Network
Authors: Dehury Mohan Kumar , Pati Hemanta Kumar 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In recent years, Voice over LTE (VoLTE) has emerged as a significant technological solution for delivering voice services in wireless cellular networks. However, it’s often observed that call blocking occurs in Long Term Evolution (LTE) network when initiating new calls and during handoff procedures from one cell to another. New call requests may be blocked due to configuration failures, and handoff call failures can result from reconfiguration issues. These failures typically arise from the unavailability of radio resources. The availability of resources, specifically within LTE cells providing VoLTE service, vary depending on the combination of voice codecs and Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) used. This variability significantly impacts the call blocking performance of the LTE network, and requires further investigation. In this paper, we propose an analytical model based on Physical Resource Block (PRB)s utilizing Markov chain approach to reflect LTE scenarios delivering VoLTE service. Using this model, we estimate the VoLTE call blocking probability in the LTE network while considering different combinations of voice codecs and MCSs, as recommended by Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).
Enhancing Object Segmentation Model with GAN-based Augmentation using Oil Palm as a Reference
Authors: Kwong Qi Bin , Kon Yee Thung , Rusik Wan Rusydiah W , Shabudin Mohd Nor Azizi , Kulaveerasingam Harikrishna , Rahman Shahirah Shazana A , Appleton David Ross 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

In digital agriculture, a central challenge in automating drone applications in the plantation sector, including oil palm, is the development of a detection model that can adapt across diverse environments. This study addresses the feasibility of using GAN augmentation methods to improve palm detection models. For this purpose, drone images of young palms (< 5 year-old) from eight different estates were collected, annotated, and used to build a baseline detection model based on DETR. StyleGAN2 was trained on the extracted palms and then used to generate a series of synthetic palms, which were then inserted into tiles representing different environments. CycleGAN networks were trained for bidirectional translation between synthetic and real tiles, subsequently utilized to augment the authenticity of synthetic tiles. Both synthetic and real tiles were used to train the GAN-based detection model. The baseline model achieved precision and recall values of 95.8% and 97.2%, whereas the GAN-based model achieved precision and recall values of 98.5% and 98.6%. In the challenge dataset 1 consisting older palms (> 5 year-old), both models also achieved similar accuracies, with baseline model achieving precision and recall of 93.1% and 99.4%, and GAN-based model achieving 95.7% and 99.4%. As for the challenge dataset 2 consisting of storm affected palms, the baseline model achieved precision of 100% but recall was only 13%, whereas GAN-based model achieved a high precision and recall values of 98.7% and 95.3%. This result demonstrates that images generated by GANs have the potential to enhance the accuracies of palm detection models.
Development of wound healing scaffold using ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Samadian Fatemeh , Beygi-Khosrowshahi Younes 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The goal of this experiment is to produce a nanocomposite porous scaffold, using an electrospinning method that has biological properties to use as a skin tissue engineering (TE) and wound dressing. Polyhydroxyethyle methacrylate (PHEMA), polycaprolactone (PCL), Titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, used to fabricate this scaffold. After the polymers were synthesized, both polymers were dissolved in chloroform, and nanoparticles were added. The diameter of the fibers obtained depends on the amount of addition of each nanoparticle, the injection rate of the device and the voltage, and the distance between the collector and the needle. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed the morphology of the scaffold and the cells can adhere well to nanofibers. The mechanical property test showed appropriate mechanical properties for this polymeric scaffold. X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results confirm the successful loading of nanoparticles into the polymer scaffold. Other biological features are characterized with, in vivo assay and MTT and antibacterial assay. The results show that this scaffold is suitable to use as a skin tissue scaffold and wound dress.
Results from phase one of a hybrid effectiveness-implementation study to assess the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of implementing seasonal malaria chemoprevention in Nampula province, Mozambique
Authors: Baker Kevin , Tarquino Ivan Alejandro Pulido , Aide Pedro , Bonnington Craig , Rassi Christian , Richardson Sol , Nnaji Chuks , Roca-Feltrer Arantxa , Rodrigues Maria , Sitoe Mercia , Enosse Sonia , McGugan Caitlin , Saute Francisco , Matambisso Gloria , Candrinho Baltazar 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Introduction Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) is a highly effective intervention for malaria prevention in high burden areas with seasonal transmission, historically implemented in the Sahel. Mozambique contributes to 4% of global malaria cases, malaria being one of four major causes of mortality nationally. The mid-term review of the Malaria Strategic Plan 2017–2022 recommended SMC in Mozambique. Malaria Consortium, in partnership with the National Malaria Control Program, conducted a two-year phased SMC study in Nampula province using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) plus amodiaquine (AQ), or SPAQ, in children under five. Phase one investigated acceptability, feasibility, and protective effect of SMC; while phase two, researched the effectiveness of SMC, chemoprevention efficacy and changes in resistance markers prevalence. The following references phase one results.Methods A pragmatic type II hybrid effectiveness-implementation study design was adopted, using mixed methods. The study was conducted in three districts, utilising: (1) non-randomised controlled trial; (2) drug resistance molecular marker study; (3) coverage and quality assessment; and (4) acceptability and feasibility assessment with stakeholders.Results Children who received SMC had 86% (hazard ratio 0.14, 95% CI: 0.09–0.24) lower hazards of developing clinical malaria during the peak transmission season compared with children in the comparison district. Prevalence of SP molecular markers associated with resistance was high at baseline (K540E 66.1%). However, a non-statistically significant trend of increasing prevalence was observed. SMC achieved high coverage of eligible children over four cycles (87.7%, 95% CI: 83.9%-90.8%). Qualitative results indicate SMC was positively accepted by the targeted community, with few negative opinions reported.Conclusions Results suggest that SMC was effective at preventing clinical malaria, did not significantly impact resistance profile, and was feasible and acceptable in the context. Phase two will assess SMC impact in reducing malaria incidence and if chemoprevention efficacy of SPAQ is impacted by drug resistance and drug concentrations.
TET2 and clonal hematopoiesis-related gene variants in patients with acquired pure red cell aplasia
Authors: Ishida Fumihiro , Kawakami Toru , Kawakami Fumihiro , Matsuzawa Shuji , Yamane Taku , Mizuno Yuga , Asakura Ami , Higano Daigo , Miyairi Shotaro , Sakai Kaoko , NIshina Sayaka , Sakai Hitoshi , Kubota Yasushi , Higuchi Yumiko , Nakazawa Hideyuki 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Dysregulation of T cell-mediated immunity is considered a major pathophysiological mechanism of acquired pure red cell aplasia (PRCA), such as idiopathic PRCA, large granular lymphocytic leukemia-associated PRCA, and thymoma-associated PRCA. Although STAT3 mutations are frequently detected in PRCA patients, other mutational profiles and their involvement in the clinical characteristics are yet to be clarified. Whole-exome sequencing and targeted sequencing were performed using a custom-designed panel for PRCA (n = 53). The frequently mutated genes were NEB (40%), STAT3 (36%), PCLO (30%), TET2 (23%), and KMT2D (15%). Four of the 12 patients with mutations in TET2 had germline TET2 variants. Patients positive for TET2 variants had significantly more variants of lymphoid clonal hematopoiesis-related genes than those without TET2 variants (11/12 vs. 23/41, P = 0.038). Patients with TET2 variants relapsed after immunosuppressive therapy more frequently than those without TET2 variant (55% [6/11] vs. 11% [4/35], P = 0.0065). These data suggest that variants of clonal hematopoiesis-related genes, including TET2, in addition to STAT3, play important roles in the pathophysiology of PRCA.
Evolution At Spike Position 519 in SARS-CoV-2 Facilitated Adaptation to Humans
Authors: Weger-Lucarelli James , Cereghino Chelsea , Michalak Kasia , DiGiuseppe Stephen , Guerra Juan , Yu Delaney , Faraji Ariana , Sharp Amanda , Brown Anne , Kang Lin , Michalak Pawel 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

As the COVID-19 pandemic enters its fourth year, the pursuit of identifying a progenitor virus to SARS-CoV-2 and understanding the mechanism of its emergence persists, albeit against the backdrop of intensified efforts to monitor the ongoing evolution of the virus and the influx of new mutations. Surprisingly, few residues hypothesized to be essential for SARS-CoV-2 emergence and adaptation to humans have been validated experimentally, despite the importance that these mutations could contribute to the development of effective antivirals. To remedy this, we searched for genomic regions in the SARS-CoV-2 genome that show evidence of past selection around residues unique to SARS-CoV-2 compared with closely related coronaviruses. In doing so, we identified a residue at position 519 in Spike within the receptor binding domain that holds a static histidine in human-derived SARS-CoV-2 sequences but an asparagine in SARS-related coronaviruses from bats and pangolins. In experimental validation, the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein mutant carrying the putatively ancestral H519N substitution showed reduced replication in human lung cells, suggesting that the histidine residue contributes to viral fitness in the human host. Structural analyses revealed a potential role of Spike residue 519 in mediating conformational transitions necessary for Spike to adopt an up configuration prior to binding with ACE2. Pseudotyped viruses bearing the putatively ancestral N519 also demonstrated significantly reduced infectivity in cells expressing the human ACE2 receptor compared to H519. Biochemical assays corroborated that N519 binds human ACE2 with lower affinity than H519. Collectively, these findings suggest that the evolutionary transition at position 519 of the Spike protein played a critical role in SARS-CoV-2 emergence and adaptation to the human host. Additionally, this residue presents as a potential drug target for designing small molecule inhibitors tailored to this site.
Factors predicting Cosmesis (CA), Late effects (LE) and Patient reported outcome measures (PROM) in high-risk breast cancer (BC) treated with hypo-fractionated radiotherapy (HF-WBI): real world outcomes from a developing country
Authors: Mishra# Chandrashekhar , Agrawal# Sushma , Lal# Punita , Chand Gyan , Agarwal Gaurav 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Introduction:
Literature on cosmesis in large operable (LO) and locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) is sparse, so we investigated the cosmesis, LE and PROM and factors affecting it in this subset.
Materials and Methods:
BC with upfront BCS or after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) underwent physical CA, LE and PROM using EORTC, RTOG and BR23 questionnaire respectively. Patient, tumour and treatment related factors were correlated with CA, LE and PROM by univariate and multivariate analysis.
Results:
186 women underwent BCS, but only 82 could participate due to Covid. Prevalence of high-risk features were found: >3cm tumour in 37%, 50% node positive, 100% received CT, grade 3 in 57%, Her-2/TNBC in 70%. At a median follow-up of 5 years, we found that 56% patients had adverse global cosmesis. Factors responsible for adverse cosmesis were tumour size [> 3 cm, HR 2.3], node positivity [HR 0.3], receipt of CT [HR 6.5], large resection volumes [HR 4.6], large breast volume [HR 1], supraclavicular RT in 43% [HR 0.7]. Dosimetric factors found significant for adverse cosmesis were breast volume receiving 107% dose (> than 10cc, HR 5) and breast volume receiving 100% dose (> than 120cc, HR 5). The incidence of arm oedema was 6%, shoulder stiffness 20%, brachial plexopathy 4% and factors significant for LE were tumour size > 3cm [HR 9], breast volume receiving 107% [HR 6], and co-morbidity [HR 3]. 69% had poor body image, 35% breast pain, 47% were sexually active.
Conclusion:
BC with LO/LABC and high-risk features had adverse cosmesis in 56% women.
Compressive Characterization of the Ceramic-Loaded Al/Cu Dual-Matrix Particulate Composite
Authors: Kharadkar Rohan , Kulkarni Vedant , Kotecha Karan , Dharmadhikari Saurabh 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Al/Cu matrix-based composites reinforced with 1 to 10 weight percent of Fe2O3 particles were fabricated using the powder metallurgy method. The specimen was prepared by mixing at 160 rpm for 20 minutes, uniaxially pressing at 60 kN and sintering in a furnace at 450°C for 1.5 hours at a 10°C/min heating rate. The optimum amount of reinforcement was determined by evaluating the compressive strength and a Microscopy test was used to characterize the material and microstructure of the composite. The results and analysis revealed that the compressive strength of Fe2O3 filled composites increased as the percentage of Fe2O3 increased. The Compressive strength also varied with the quenching medium. Microscopy test will provide detailed information about the structural characteristics, phase distribution, interface quality, and potential defects within the Alloy Al/Cu with Fe2O3 Metal Matrix Composite. These insights are crucial for optimizing the properties and understanding its behaviour under compressive loads.
A multiobjective optimization approach for wastewater network long-term rehabilitation planning: a case study
Authors: Sampaio Phillipe R. , Caradot Nicolas , Guilbert Anne-Sophie , Parez Vincent 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
During the last decades, municipalities have increasingly invested in new approaches for rehabilitating sewerage networks. With the increasing number of rehabilitation techniques, objectives and constraints, the number of rehabilitation scenarios rises exponentially. This article proposes an asset management approach to create long-term rehabilitation plans where different budget allocations for rehabilitation techniques are considered every year depending on performance and cost indicators. It builds long-term strategies through multiobjective black-box optimization where the impact of the budget allocations over the network life cycle is part of the decision process. It employs a pipe deterioration model based on Markov chains whose transition matrices are estimated by survival curves for different pipe cohorts. The proposed approach seeks to determine the appropriate investment (CAPEX) and operational expenses (OPEX) levels in the coming decades. It was tested with real-world data from a sewerage network in Sofia, Bulgaria, and the results show that it provides efficient long-term rehabilitation plans.
Effect of vacuum UV and UV-C treatment on degradation and ecotoxicity of tire wear microrubber leachates
Authors: Nielsen Emil Bock , Stavridis Konstantinos , Iversen Niels , Roslev Peter 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Tire wear microrubber particles (TWMP) are a major source of environmental contamination. Degradation of TWMP is slow and leachates contain toxic constituents including heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organic additives. Few studies have addressed methods to mitigate the potential ecotoxicity of TWMP leachates. This study investigated the effects of UVC (254 nm) and combined UVC and vacuum UV (185 nm) treatment (VUV-UVC) of TWMP leachates on degradation and ecotoxicity. VUV-UVC treatment mitigated dissolved zinc and degraded the TWMP constituents fluoranthene, pyrene and benzo(a)pyrene by up to 90%, and the additives benzothiazole and phthalates by up to 70%. The potential ecotoxicity and genotoxicity of TWMP constituents were examined before and after UV treatment in bioassays with Escherichia coli, the luminescent bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri, the microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata and the crustacean Daphia magna. VUV-UVC treatment decreased the potential ecotoxicity up to five-fold as indicated by changes in median effective concentrations (EC50). This was likely due to the formation of less toxic and less bioavailable transformation products. The VUV/UVC treatment did not require the addition of oxidants or catalysts, and the study indicated a potential of VUV-UVC as an advanced oxidation process to mitigate toxic compounds in TWMP leachates from urban or industrial sources.