bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrative bioinformatics analyses reveal new molecular signatures and immune infiltration in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: mediators of airflow limitation
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhang Shunan , Han Guiling , Yang Ting 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease characterized by progressive airflow limitation and lacks clear molecular pathogenesis. We aimed to screen potential key genes and immune infiltration traits in COPD progression by bioinformatics analyses.
Methods
Transcriptome data of lung tissue samples with COPD patients were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were used to identify key genes and interactions. GO enrichment analysis, KEGG analysis, FunRich analysis, and GSEA analysis were used to explore potential biological regulatory mechanisms. CIBERSOFT method for estimating the relative proportions of 22 human immune cells subpopulations.
Results
A total of 1230 DEGs (660 up-regulated and 570 down-regulated) were identified. WGCNA and PPI selected 8 key genes related to the severity of airflow limitation (GOLD stage), including PRPF19, ATM, CD44, KHDRBS1, RBBP7, VCL, PTEN, and BECN1, which were significantly associated with immune system functions. COPD patients with different GOLD stages have different characteristics of immune cell infiltration, with proportions of T cells (CD8+ T cells, CD4+ memory-resting T cells, CD4+ memory-activated T cells, and gamma delta T cells), B cells (memory B cells) and macrophages (M1 macrophages) upregulated in patients with GOLD stage III-IV. Furthermore, these key genes may regulate multiple immune- and inflammation-related pathways, including Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, ECM-receptor interaction, NF-κB signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, Chemokine signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Ras signaling pathway, p53 signaling pathway.
Conclusions
Our study provides new salient genes and immune landscape features associated with COPD, suggesting that these potentially key genes may mediate airflow limitation and disease progression in COPD through immune cell infiltration and immune function regulation.
Clinical efficacy of TACE combined with targeted or immune drugs for the treatment of unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Song Ziyang , Sun Chenhang , Wu Fangye , Ma Qian , Ye Yuanxin , Xi Zihan , Zheng Jiaping , Sun Wan , Zhu Xiaoyang , Zeng Hui , Zhang Dinhu , Zhang Zhewei , Shao Guoliang 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with targeted or immune drugs for the treatment of unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).
Methods
A total of 78 patients with unresectable ICC were retrospectively enrolled and analyzed. Objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and adverse events were assessed.
Results
Both the partial remission (PR) rate and ORR were significantly higher in the TACE combined group than in the TACE alone group (PR, 66.7% vs. 41.7%, P = 0.027; ORR, 71.4% vs. 44.4%, P = 0.016). The median PFS of the TACE combined group and the TACE alone group were 7.4 months (95% CI: 4.8–10.0) and 5.8 months (95% CI: 3.5–8.1), respectively, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.028). The median OS of TACE combined group and the TACE alone group were 17.3 (95% CI: 13.8–20.7) months and 19.3 (95% CI: 7.9–30.7) months, respectively. Regarding independent risk factors, multifactorial analysis suggested that a bilirubin concentration > 20 µmol/L and multiple tumors were independent risk factors for PFS, while high concentrations of CA199 and alanine transaminase were independent risk factors for OS. In terms of side effects, the most common adverse events were abdominal pain, nausea and hypoalbuminemia.
Conclusions
TACE combined with targeted or immune drugs elicited a better short-term effect than TACE therapy alone, without an increase in the incidence of serious adverse events.
RETRACTED: Capsaicin attenuates ferroptosis and pyroptosis in nucleus pulposus cells by disrupting the IL-1β/NF-κB-PTGS2 positive feedback loop
Authors: Zhu Daxue , Yang Fengguang , Li Yanhu , Wang Zhaoheng , Zhang Guangzhi , He Xuegang , Zhang Mingtao , Luo Zhangbing , Duan Yanni , Zhang Yibao , Kang Xuewen 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Proposal for Optimizing Number of Servers in Closed BCMP Queueing Network
Authors: Mizuno Shinya , Komiyama Yuki , Ohba Haruka 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

In this study, we use a closed BCMP queueing network model designed for multiple customer classes and servers to optimize the number of servers at each node. This optimization is achieved by setting an upper limit on the number of servers and using an objective function that combines the standard deviation of the average number of customers in the system with the server installation cost. We use a genetic algorithm with parallel computations for the optimization process. Our findings demonstrate that this approach is viable for closed BCMP network models that require extensive computational resources. The optimal server count is validated by comparing the optimization results with the maximum number of servers utilized. Node popularity is predetermined, and a gravity model is employed to generate transition probabilities, rendering the model applicable to real-world scenarios. Our optimization results indicate that both the node popularity and distance between nodes influence the server count. Furthermore, simulations were conducted to evaluate the effect of the number of servers on the optimization outcomes. Allowing variations in the node count, location, and popularity makes this study flexible and adaptable to various real-world scenarios, such as transportation systems, healthcare facilities, and commercial spaces. Moreover, by providing an efficient and scalable solution, this study serves as a cornerstone for future research in this field and offers a practical tool for facility managers aiming to minimize both congestion and operational costs.
Transmural collaborative care model for the review of antipsychotics: a feasibility study of a complex intervention
Authors: Jakobs Kirsti M. , Brule-Barnhoorn Karlijn J. van den , Lieshout Jan van , Janzing Joost G.E. , Cahn Wiepke , Muijsenbergh Maria van den , Biermans Marion C.J. , Bischoff Erik W.M.A. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
General practitioners (GPs) are often unaware of antipsychotic (AP)-induced cardiovascular risk (CVR) and therefore patients using atypical APs are not systematically monitored. We evaluated the feasibility of a complex intervention designed to review the use of APs and advise on CVR-lowering strategies in a transmural collaboration. A mixed methods prospective cohort study in three general practices in the Netherlands was conducted in 2021. The intervention comprised three steps: a digital information meeting, a multidisciplinary meeting, and a shared decision-making visit to the GP. We assessed patient recruitment and retention rates, advice given and adopted, and CVR with QRISK3 score and mental state with MHI-5 at baseline and three months post-intervention. GPs invited 57 of 146 eligible patients (39%), of whom 28 (19%) participated. The intervention was completed by 23 (82%) and follow-up by 18 participants (64%). At the multidisciplinary meeting, 22 (78%) patients were advised to change AP use. Other advice concerned medication (other than APs), lifestyle, monitoring, and psychotherapy. At 3-months post-intervention, 41% (28/68) of this advice was adopted. Our findings suggest that this complex intervention is feasible for evaluating health improvement in patients using AP in a trial.
CO2 geological storage prospects of Lithuania – update
Authors: Liugas Jonas , Šliaupienė Rasa , Grendaitė Milda , Michelevičius Dainius , Šliaupa Saulius 
Published: October 2023

The CO2 geological storage assessment in the Cambrian saline aquifers in west Lithuania is considerably improved by 3D seismic survey of the Gargždai Elevation and Syderiai Uplift. The CO2 storage capacity of the Syderiai site is assessed as large as 56.7 Mt (area 62 km2) owing to the high reservoir properties (average porosity 17 % and permeability 400 mD) of the Middle Cambrian saline aquifer of 50 m thick and 1458-1508 m deep. The tectonic uplift is controlled by the large-scale Telšiai strike-slip fault. The Syderiai site was initially considered as the potential UGS site. The acreage of the Gargždai Elevation, comprising six depleting oil fields, is assessed 133 km2 and the storage volume is evaluated 31.3 Mt. The main challenging parameter is a poor average porosity (7 %) and fractured type of reservoir (permeability about 10 mD) about 70 m thick and 2200 m deep. A residual oil zone (ROZ) assessment suggests are very high protentional for CO2 combination in west Lithuania which is the only prospective site known in the Baltic region of this kind.
Sustainability assessment of CO2 valorisation routes for Latvia: LCA, S-LCA and LCCA
Authors: Pubule Jelena , Terjanika Viktorija 
Published: October 2023

To initiate and maintain the European Green Deal transformative policies, an evident-based multi-sectoral forecasting model needs to be timely and effectively deployed. The overall decarbonisation solutions proposed in this research can be defined as regional CO2 “value spots”– areas in regions where CO2 can be directly (CO2-based new products) or virtually (change in planning and implementation) utilised for the development of high-added value products, ensuring decarbonisation of rural areas, as well as promoting economic growth of the regions.Within the framework of this work, three scenarios for using carbon dioxide are analysed – its use in methanol production, cement production and open-air algae ponds. The analysis aims to assess the potential environmental impacts of CO2 utilisation and consider the impact on the environment, human health, labour rights, working conditions, social equity, and other social factors, as well as costs and economic sustainability.LCA provides a decision-making platform to understand the mid-term and long-term environmental effects of CO2 valorisation scenarios according to the ISO Standard 14044 standard requirements. Sensitivity analysis is performed to exclude high input data uncertainties (if any) and identify model behaviour factors. Effects of CO2 valorisation scenarios on social endpoints (well-being of stakeholders) are identified via S-LCA based on multi-regional input/output methods of qualitative and quantitative generic data. The S-LCA include health and safety, cultural heritage, and governance impact categories covering the interests of such stakeholder groups as workers, the local community, society, and consumers.Cost-effectiveness of CO2 valorisation scenarios is performed. Regional valorisation scenarios are assessed and benchmarked via regional development sustainability indicators. A comparative assessment of core indicators is performed.
The Helsinki Convention – a legal obstacle for carbon storage in the Baltic Sea?
Authors: von Zweigbergk Henrik 
Published: October 2023

The Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area – also known as the Helsinki Convention – was originally signed in 1974 by all Baltic Sea coastal countries, seeking to address the increasing environmental challenges from industrialisation and other human activities and that were having a severe impact on the marine environment. It entered into force on 3 May 1980. The Convention includes the protection of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution from land, air and sea. The Helsinki Convention was updated in 1992 to take into account the geopolitical changes and emerging environmental challenges in the region and was extended to ten Contracting Parties, including the European Union. The updated Helsinki Convention of 1992 entered into force on 17 January 2000.According to the articles in the Helsinki Convention [1] dumping in the Baltic Sea is generally forbidden. Carbon storage can be seen as dumping when regarding it as “deliberate disposal at sea or into the seabed of wastes or other matter” (article 2.4 a (i)). If there is not an applicable exemption (article 2.4 b – not seen as dumping, or 11.4 – exception from prohibition due to that safety of human life is threatened, or 29 – prohibition not applicable due to the relation to other Conventions) carbon storage then is forbidden (article 11.1), and that prohibition shall be implemented in national law through its national authorities (article 4.2).There is though a common interest among several countries around the Baltic Sea to be able to store carbon in the Baltic Sea in the future, in order to reduce CO2 emissions and reach the common climate goals. For example, Sweden is right now, through its authority Geological Survey of Sweden, investigating the possibility of storing carbon within Swedish territory in the Baltic Sea.Therefore, there is also a discussion among the countries who have signed the Helsinki Convention about how to go forward making sure carbon storage is in agreement with the Convention. One way could be to look at how this problem was dealt with in the London Protocol – 1996 Protocol to the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, 1972 (see article 4.1, and Annex I 1.8 and 4) [2], where carbon dioxide was added to the list of matter that may be considered for dumping if certain conditions are being met (disposal into a sub-seabed geological formation, consisting overwhelmingly of carbon dioxide, no wastes or other matter are added for the purpose of disposing of those wastes or other matter).
Equitable supply in intermittently operated rural water networks in emerging economies
Authors: Kurian Varghese , Mohandoss Prasanna , Chandrakesa Srinesh , Chinnusamy Saravanan , Narasimhan Shankar , Narasimhan Sridharakumar 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Many operators of water distribution networks (WDNs) are unable to meet the increasing demand for water. Utility operators in such situations resort to rationing the supply as a partial solution to this problem; this, in turn, may lead to disproportionate allocation of water or inequity in supply. In this study, we propose a mixed integer non-linear program formulation and an efficient solution approach to minimize the inequity in supply, subject to hydraulic constraints and additional constraints on hours of supply and valve operation. Further, we show that the schedule can be obtained using a data-driven approach based on flow and level measurements, which eliminates the modelling effort and uncertainty associated with the use of hydraulic models. We demonstrate the proposed approaches through simulations of a real WDN, and experiments conducted on a topologically similar laboratory-scale network.
Vertical flow wetlands as the core for the sustainable treatment of coffee wastewater in small communities in Colombia: preliminary results
Authors: Montes Christian Albeiro , Ortiz Nestor Vicencio , Arias Carlos Alberto , Chaparro Tatiana Rodriguez 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Coffee is one of the most important agricultural products in Colombia. To date, small-scale Colombian coffee growers have developed this activity with a simple infrastructure and random use of water that generates harmful by-products to the water resource mainly in the stage of separation of the mucilage. The coffee mucilage wastewater (CMW) is composed of high organic loads and its impact on water sources is due to its high load of nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) values of over 25,000 mg/L. However, there is no consensus on what treatment can be used, especially whether it is accessible to coffee producers. Thus , the aim of this study consisted of assessing the performance of the combination of a carbon filter (CF) as pretreatment and vertical flow wetland (VFW) as a Natural-based Solution (NbS). The results show a reduction of more than 85% of COD, 96% of total solids, and UV254 close to 94%. It was remarkable that both treatments are appropriate for waters with a high concentration of solids. Finally, it can be concluded that CF + VFW is a feasible technology to treat the coffee wastewater from small communities of coffee producers.
Nanomedicine: Innovative Strategies and Recent Advances in
Targeted Cancer Therapy
Authors: Gautam Rupesh K. , Mittal Pooja , Goyal Rajat , Dua Kamal , Mishra Dinesh Kumar , Sharma Sanjay , Singla Rajeev Kumar 
Published: October 2023

Abstract:
Nanomedicine's application of nanotechnology in medicine holds tremendous potential
for diagnosing and treating life-threatening diseases such as cancer. Unlike conventional therapies, nanomedicine offers a promising strategy to enhance clinical outcomes while minimizing severe side effects. The principle of drug targeting enables specific delivery of therapeutic agents to
their intended sites, making it a more precise and effective therapy. Combination strategies, such
as the co-delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs with nucleic acids or receptor-specific molecules,
are being employed to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Nanocarriers and drug delivery systems designed using these approaches offer resourceful co-delivery of therapeutic agents for anticancer
therapy. Targeted drug delivery via nanotechnology-based techniques has become an urgent need
and has shown significant improvements in therapeutic implications, pharmacokinetics, specificity, reduced toxicity, and biocompatibility. This review discusses the extrapolation of nanomaterials for developing innovative and novel drug delivery systems for effective anticancer therapy.
Additionally, we explore the role of nanotechnology-based concepts in drug delivery research.
Preparation of Tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) and Imidazole
(Ims)-Modified Activated Carbon using Response Surface Methodology
for Carbon Capture Applications
Authors: Abdul Rani Noor Hidayu , Mohamad Nor Fadilah , Sabri Nurul Hazwani , Abdol Jani Wan Nur Fazlina 
Published: October 2023

Introduction:
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is the most mature technology to
capture CO2 from flue gas stream through the adsorption process. The commercial adsorbent,
though efficient, is cost-inhibitive. An alternative adsorption approach is by utilizing a palm
kernel shell (PKS) as adsorbent. To enhance the adsorption capacity of CO2, impregnation
with Tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) and imidazoles (Ims) were introduced to increase the
selectivity and capacity of CO2. The response surface methodology (RSM) technique was utilized
to optimize the operating conditions for the preparation of modified AC-PKS for carbon
capture applications.

Method:
The main process variables for this study were impregnation ratio (TEPA: Ims) and
impregnation temperature. The 2 Factorial 1 model was developed for iodine number which
was selected as the investigated response. The optimum conditions for modified AC-PKS had
been identified to be an impregnation ratio 0.17 and a temperature of 90°C which gave a maximum
of iodine number 1062.95 mg/g. Based on this optimum condition, the experimental
value of iodine number is 1027.58 mg/g and is found to agree adequately with that (1062.95
mg/g) predicted from the model. The higher the iodine number, the greater the surface area
available for adsorption. With the high surface area of activated carbon allows it to have more
adsorption sites, increasing its capacity to remove contaminants from liquids or gases. According
to Scanning electron microscope (SEM), TEPA and Ims molecules were attached to
the surface of ACs and stimulated the chemisorption process for excellent adsorption process.

Result:
Two prominent adsorption peaks were also observed at 3100 cm-1 and 2800 cm-1, corresponding
to the stretching of the N-H functional group and confirmed the successfulness of impregnation
between TEPA and Ims. Based on elemental analysis (EA), the addition of TEPA and
imidazole resulted in an increase in the number of amine groups on the surface of the adsorbent.

Conclusion:
Hence, this modified AC-PKS with optimum impregnation ratio and temperature
increased the adsorption capacity and selectivity of CO2 adsorption from the simulated
flue gas with 4.239 mol/kg AC compared to the previous study reported for unmodified ACPKS
only 1.005 mol/kg AC.
Co-design of a Mobile App for Engaging Breast Cancer Patients in Reporting Health Experiences: Qualitative Case Study
Authors: Taramasco Carla , Rimassa Carla , Noël René , Bravo Storm María Loreto , Sánchez César 
Published: October 2023

Background
The World Health Organization recommends incorporating patient-reported experience measures and patient-reported outcome measures to ensure care processes. New technologies, such as mobile apps, could help report and monitor patients’ adverse effects and doubts during treatment. However, engaging patients in the daily use of mobile apps is a challenge that must be addressed in accordance with the needs of people.

Objective
We present a qualitative case study documenting the process of identifying the information needs of breast cancer patients and health care professionals during the treatment process in a Chilean cancer institution. The study aims to identify patients’ information requirements for integration into a mobile app that accompanies patients throughout their treatment while also providing features for reporting adverse symptoms.

Methods
We conducted focus groups with breast cancer patients who were undergoing chemotherapy (n=3) or who completed chemotherapy between 3 months and 1 year (n=1). We also surveyed health care professionals (n=9) who were involved in patient care and who belonged to the oncology committee of the cancer center where the study took place. Content analysis was applied to the responses to categorize the information needs and the means to satisfy them. A user interface was designed according to the findings of the focus groups and was assessed by 3 trained information system and user interaction design experts from 2 countries, using heuristic evaluation guidelines for mobile apps.

Results
Patients’ information needs were classified into 4 areas: an overview of the disease, information on treatment and day-to-day affairs, assistance on the normality and abnormality of symptoms during treatment, and symptoms relevant to report. Health care professionals required patients to be provided with information on the administrative and financial process. We noted that the active involvement of the following 4 main actors is required to satisfy the information needs: patients, caregivers, social network moderators, and health professionals. Seven usability guidelines were extracted from the heuristic evaluation recommendations.

Conclusions
A mobile app that seeks to accompany breast cancer patients to report symptoms requires the involvement of multiple participants to handle the reports and day-to-day information needs. User interfaces must be designed with consideration of the patient’s social conventions and the emotional load of the disease information.