bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Solvent extraction separation of Au(III) from Pd(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) in HCl solution using cationic, neutral and basic extractants
Authors: Nguyen Thi Nhan Hau , Song Si Jeong , Lee Man Seung 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDEtching solutions of spent printed circuit boards (PCBs) contain precious metal ions like Au(III) and Pd(II) together with Cu(II). Therefore, it is crucial to recover Au(III) and Pd(II) from these solutions. To investigate the possibility of separating Au(III) from the etching solutions, solvent extraction experiments were conducted using synthetic hydrochloric acid solutions containing Au(III), Pd(II), Cu(II), and Ni(II). The solvent extraction behavior of these four metal ions was investigated by using cationic (Cyanex 301, LIX 63), neutral (Cyanex 923 and TBP), and basic (Alamine 336 and Aliquat 336) extractants in the HCl concentration range from 1 to 9 M.RESULTSTBP and Cyanex 923 were successful in separating Au(III) from other metal ions when the HCl concentration was higher than 7 M. When the concentrations of Au(III) and Pd(II) changed from 0.1 to 5 g L−1, TBP was able to selectively extract Au(III) from 7 M HCl solution, while Cyanex 923 was effective in separating Au(III) from 9 M HCl solution. However, Au(III) and Pd(II) were co‐extracted by Alamine 336 and Aliquat 336 from 1 M HCl solution. Thiourea or a mixture of thiourea and HCl solution effectively stripped Au(III) from the loaded organic phases of TBP, Cyanex 923, and amines.CONCLUSIONSAmong the six kinds of the extractants employed in this work, TBP was recommended as an extractant for the selective extraction of Au(III) from the HCl solutions containing Cu(II), Ni(II) and Pd(II) on the basis of high separation degree. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Genetic counselors and congenital heart disease: Clinical roles, genetic testing practices, and perceived genetic testing utility
Authors: Fitzgerald‐Butt Sara M. , Schartman Allison F. , Schmit Kelly , Ison Hannah E. , Helm Benjamin M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractGenetic counseling and genetic testing are essential for individuals with congenital heart disease/defects (CHD/CHDs). However, the clinical practices of genetic counselors (GCs) and their preferences for different CHD genetic testing strategies are previously unexplored. To address these gaps, GCs (n = 112) representing diverse specialties completed an online survey regarding their counseling and testing practices for syndromic CHD and apparently isolated/non‐syndromic CHDs (iCHD). We found practice variability around family screening recommendations, with prenatal respondents reporting lower prevalence of this practice for iCHDs (p = 0.0004). We found that all specialties considered chromosomal microarray (CMA) the most common prioritized genetic test for syndromic and iCHD, while more prenatal respondents considered FISH and karyotype useful for iCHDs compared to postnatal respondents (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.002, respectively). Among postnatal respondents, a higher proportion considered exome/genome sequencing as useful compared to prenatal respondents (p = 0.0159); specifically, postnatal respondents' preference for exome/genome sequencing for iCHDs was ~2.6‐fold higher than prenatal respondents. We estimated participants' assessment of utility for different genetic testing modalities for iCHDs and found that prenatal respondents assigned higher mean utility to FISH (p = 0.0002), karyotype (p = 0.0006), and CMA (p < 0.0001). There were relatively moderate to decreased utility scores for gene panels and exome/genome sequencing for iCHDs compared to cytogenetic testing, across all specialties. Overall, these results provide insight into GC practices and use of various genetic testing strategies for syndromic CHDs and iCHDs. Findings may help inform and/or standardize clinical practices for CHD genetic testing, though additional studies are warranted.
Mechanical crosstalk between the intervertebral disc, facet joints, and vertebral endplate following acute disc injury in a rabbit model
Authors: Fainor Matthew , Orozco Brianna S. , Muir Victoria G. , Mahindroo Sonal , Gupta Sachin , Mauck Robert L. , Burdick Jason A. , Smith Harvey E. , Gullbrand Sarah E. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundVertebral endplate sclerosis and facet osteoarthritis have been documented in animals and humans. However, it is unclear how these adjacent pathologies engage in crosstalk with the intervertebral disc. This study sought to elucidate this crosstalk by assessing each compartment individually in response to acute disc injury.MethodsEleven New Zealand White rabbits underwent annular disc puncture using a 16G or 21G needle. At 4 and 10 weeks, individual compartments of the motion segment were analyzed. Discs underwent T1 relaxation mapping with MRI contrast agent gadodiamide as well T2 mapping. Both discs and facets underwent mechanical testing via vertebra—disc—vertebra tension‐compression creep testing and indentation testing, respectively. Endplate bone density was quantified via μCT. Discs and facets were sectioned and stained for histology scoring.ResultsIntervertebral discs became more degenerative with increasing needle diameter and time post‐puncture. Bone density also increased in endplates adjacent to both 21G and 16G punctured discs leading to reduced gadodiamide transport at 10 weeks. The facet joints, however, did not follow this same trend. Facets adjacent to 16G punctured discs were less degenerative than facets adjacent to 21G punctured discs at 10 weeks. 16G facets were more degenerative at 4 weeks than at 10, suggesting the cartilage had recovered. The formation of severe disc osteophytes in 16G punctured discs between 4 and 10 weeks likely offloaded the facet cartilage, leading to the recovery observed.ConclusionsOverall, this study supports that degeneration spans the whole spinal motion segment following disc injury. Vertebral endplate thickening occurred in response to disc injury, which limited the diffusion of small molecules into the disc. This work also suggests that altered disc mechanics can induce facet degeneration, and that extreme bony remodeling adjacent to the disc may promote facet cartilage recovery through offloading of the articular cartilage.
Clinical Practice Report of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound in Renal Artery Disease
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Yang , Liu Zi‐Shuo , Ma Na , Zhang Wen‐Duo , Ren Jun‐Hong 
Published: October 2023

ObjectivesTo evaluate the diagnostic performance of renal artery contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with modified inspection section and summarize subsequent changes in imaging assessment of renal artery disease.MethodsA total of 1015 patients underwent renal artery CEUS were included in the study. Among them, 79 patients (156 renal arteries) suspected with renal artery stenosis (RAS) underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA) subsequently. DSA was used as the gold standard to evaluate the diagnostic performance of CEUS in detecting RAS (≥30%) and severe stenosis (≥70%), as well as the diagnostic accuracy of classification of stenosis degree. Besides, 127 of the 1015 patients underwent other imaging examinations such as computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) after CEUS and annual proportion of these imaging examinations was assessed.ResultsThe sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of CEUS for detecting RAS (≥30%) was 96.4%, 88.6%, 94.2%, 95.6% and 90.7%, respectively and the kappa value was .857 (P < .01). CEUS had a good performance in distinguishing severe stenosis (≥70%) with a sensitivity of 91.1%, specificity of 95.5%, accuracy of 92.9%, PPV of 96.5%, NPV of 88.7% and the kappa value was 0.857(P < .01). There was no significant difference between CEUS and DSA in detecting stenosis (P = 1.0) and severe stenosis (P = .227). The diagnostic accuracy of CEUS in grading RAS was 85.3% and the kappa value was 0.753 (P < .01). Besides, the annual proportion of other imaging examinations decreased for 4 consecutive years.ConclusionsCEUS is a non‐invasive, safe and valuable technique for the assessment of renal artery disease and worthy of promotion.
The need for speed: Reality or myth?
Authors: Sarch Ray 
Published: October 2023

AbstractHow many of us (the datacomm community) really need packet transfer at the T1 and E1 rates of 1.544 and 2.048 Mb/s? How about the cell relay and broadband ISDN rates? Let us look into some typical data transfer applications and apply current transmission techniques to them. Then we'll try to answer those questions.
Single‐anastomosis duodeno‐ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy improves lipid and glucose homeostasis in ob/ob mice
Authors: Frey Samuel , Ayer Audrey , Sotin Thibaud , Lorant Victoria , Louis‐Gaubert Clément , Arnaud Lucie , Billon‐Crossouard Stéphanie , Croyal Mikael , Prieur Xavier , Hadjadj Samy , Cariou Bertrand , Blanchard Claire , Le May Cédric 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare the general and metabolic impact of single‐anastomosis duodeno‐ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI‐S) with Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in an obese (ob/ob) mouse model.Methods10‐week‐old male ob/ob mice underwent either SADI‐S, RYGB, or laparotomy surgery (Sham group). General and metabolic parameters were assessed during a 5‐week period thereafter.ResultsSADI‐S induced a deeper weight loss ([mean ± SEM] −41.2% ± 3.3%) than RYGB (−5.6% ± 3.5%, p < 0.001) compared with the Sham group (+6.3% ± 1.0%, p < 0.05). A significant food restriction was observed after SADI‐S only (−31%, 117.4 ± 10.3 g vs. 170.2 ± 5.2 g of food at day 35 in Sham group mice, p < 0.001). Random‐fed glycemia and glucose tolerance were more improved after SADI‐S than RYGB. SADI‐S decreased plasma cholesterol concentration by 60% (0.49 ± 0.04 g/L vs. 1.40 ± 0.10 g/L in the Sham group at day 35, p < 0.01), significantly more than RYGB (1.04 ± 0.14 g/L, p = 0.018). Plasma sitosterol/cholesterol and campesterol/cholesterol ratios were decreased after SADI‐S, suggesting a reduced intestinal cholesterol absorption. SADI‐S increased exogenous plasma cholesterol‐D7 clearance and fecal elimination, also indicating an increased plasma cholesterol excretion. Studying a pair‐fed group demonstrated that calorie restriction alone did not explain the beneficial impact of SADI‐S.ConclusionsSADI‐S is associated with a greater improvement in lipid and glucose homeostasis than RYGB in ob/ob mice.
ScaffoldMatcher:A CMA‐ESbased algorithm for identifying hotspot aligned peptidomimetic scaffolds
Authors: Claussen Erin R. , Renfrew P. Douglas , Müller Christian L. , Drew Kevin 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe design of protein interaction inhibitors is a promising approach to address aberrant protein interactions that cause disease. One strategy in designing inhibitors is to use peptidomimetic scaffolds that mimic the natural interaction interface. A central challenge in using peptidomimetics as protein interaction inhibitors, however, is determining how best the molecular scaffold aligns to the residues of the interface it is attempting to mimic. Here we present the Scaffold Matcher algorithm that aligns a given molecular scaffold onto hotspot residues from a protein interaction interface. To optimize the degrees of freedom of the molecular scaffold we implement the covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy (CMA‐ES), a state‐of‐the‐art derivative‐free optimization algorithm in Rosetta. To evaluate the performance of the CMA‐ES, we used 26 peptides from the FlexPepDock Benchmark and compared with three other algorithms in Rosetta, specifically, Rosetta's default minimizer, a Monte Carlo protocol of small backbone perturbations, and a Genetic algorithm. We test the algorithms' performance on their ability to align a molecular scaffold to a series of hotspot residues (i.e., constraints) along native peptides. Of the 4 methods, CMA‐ES was able to find the lowest energy conformation for all 26 benchmark peptides. Additionally, as a proof of concept, we apply the Scaffold Match algorithm with CMA‐ES to align a peptidomimetic oligooxopiperazine scaffold to the hotspot residues of the substrate of the main protease of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Our implementation of CMA‐ES into Rosetta allows for an alternative optimization method to be used on macromolecular modeling problems with rough energy landscapes. Finally, our Scaffold Matcher algorithm allows for the identification of initial conformations of interaction inhibitors that can be further designed and optimized as high‐affinity reagents.
Rapid and sensitive detection of two fungal pathogens in soybeans using the recombinase polymerase amplification/CRISPR‐Cas12a method for potential on‐site disease diagnosis
Authors: Sun Xiwen , Lei Rong , Zhang Haipeng , Chen Wujian , Jia Qianwen , Guo Xing , Zhang Yongjiang , Wu Pinshan , Wang Xinyi 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDDiaporthe aspalathi and Diaporthe caulivora are two of the fungal pathogens causing soybean stem canker (SSC) in soybean, which is one of the most widespread diseases in soybean growing regions and can cause 100% loss of yield. Current methods for the detection of fungal pathogens, including morphological identification and molecular detection, are mostly limited by the need for professional laboratories and staff. To develop a detection method for potential on‐site diagnosis for two of the fungal pathogens causing SSC, we designed a rapid assay combining recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and CRISPR‐Cas12a‐based diagnostics to specifically detect D. aspalathi and D. caulivora.RESULTSThe translation elongation factor 1‐alpha gene was employed as the target gene to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of this assay. The RPA/CRISPR‐Cas12a system has excellent specificity to distinguish D. aspalathi and D. caulivora from closely related species. The sensitivities of RPA/CRISPR‐Cas12a‐based fluorescence detection and lateral flow assay for D. aspalathi and D. caulivora are 14.5 copies and 24.6 copies, respectively. This assay can detect hyphae in inoculated soybean stems at 12 days after inoculation and has a recovery as high as 86% for hyphae‐spiked soybean seed powder. The total time from DNA extraction to detection was not more than 60 min.CONCLUSIONThe method developed for rapid detection of plant pathogens includes DNA extraction with magnetic beads or rapid DNA extraction, isothermal nucleic acid amplification at 39 °C, CRISPR‐Cas12a cleavage reaction at 37 °C, and lateral flow assay or endpoint fluorescence visualization at room temperature. The RPA and CRISPR‐Cas12a reagents can be preloaded in the microcentrifuge tube to simplify the procedures in the field. Both RPA and CRISPR‐Cas12a reaction can be realized on a portable incubator, and the results are visualized using lateral flow strips or portable flashlight. This method requires minimal equipment and operator training, and has promising applications for rapid on‐site disease screening, port inspection, or controlling fungal pathogen transmission in crop. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Enrollment forecast for clinical trials at the portfolio planning phase based on site‐level historical data
Authors: Zhong Sheng , Xing Yunzhao , Yu Mengjia , Wang Li 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAn accurate forecast of a clinical trial enrollment timeline at the planning phase is of great importance to both corporate strategic planning and trial operational excellence. The naive approach often calculates an average enrollment rate from historical data and generates an inaccurate prediction based on a linear trend with the average rate. Under the traditional framework of a Poisson–Gamma model, site activation delays are often modeled with either fixed initiation time or a simple random distribution while incorporating the user‐provided site planning information to achieve good forecast accuracy. However, such user‐provided information is not available at the early portfolio planning stage. We present a novel statistical approach based on generalized linear mixed‐effects models and the use of non‐homogeneous Poisson processes through the Bayesian framework to model the country initiation, site activation, and subject enrollment sequentially in a systematic fashion. We validate the performance of our proposed enrollment modeling framework based on a set of 25 preselected studies from four therapeutic areas. Our modeling framework shows a substantial improvement in prediction accuracy in comparison to the traditional statistical approach. Furthermore, we show that our modeling and simulation approach calibrates the data variability appropriately and gives correct coverage rates for prediction intervals of various nominal levels. Finally, we demonstrate the use of our approach to generate the predicted enrollment curves through time with confidence bands overlaid.
Personal health record storage and sharing using searchable encryption and blockchain: A comprehensive survey
Authors: Bisht Abhishek , Das Ashok Kumar , Giri Debasis 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPersonal Health Records (PHRs) allow patients to have full control over their health data. However, storage and sharing of PHRs still remains a difficult but necessary task, especially when health data is one of the major targets of cyber attacks worldwide. Searchable Encryption (SE) is a feasible solution for this problem and can be augmented by Blockchain to address some of its issues, such as verifiability. Therefore, SE using blockchain is a promising technologies to tackle the challenge of PHR storage and sharing. In this survey, we have explored the research works that use SE and blockchain technology for the same. The work starts with an introduction of cloud, searchable encryption and blockchain. Subsequently, we present a literature survey of the corresponding technologies. We then describe SE in detail and how it fits with blockchain. This is followed by description of noteworthy existing solutions for secure storage and sharing of PHRs. Even though there have been a number of surveys related to SE, none of them have surveyed the use of blockchain with SE or use of SE and blockchain in PHR sharing. The work concludes with a comparative study of these existing solutions and future scope in this direction.
Hydrogeological characterization of the Silala River catchment
Authors: Gómez Carolina , Suárez Francisco , García Sebastián , Muñoz José F. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis article reviews hydrogeological studies carried out between 2016 and 2018 in the Silala River basin, a catchment shared by Chile and Bolivia. These were conducted in the context of the Case Concerning the Status and Use of the Waters of the Silala River, submitted to the International Court of Justice in 2016, and contributed to multidisciplinary science to demonstrate that this system is an international watercourse. In 2016, the hydrogeological understanding of the Silala River basin was poor. The studies reviewed here filled many knowledge gaps, providing a solid hydrogeological baseline, and establishing new monitoring infrastructure to collect relevant aquifer data. The most important hydrogeological units were identified as the fluvial deposits, alluvial deposits, and the Cabana ignimbrite. The latter is highly heterogeneous, weathered and fractured, and exhibits a high permeability. It is the most important unit in terms of productivity, and is the major regional aquifer providing spring flows to Bolivian wetlands and groundwater flow across the international border. The studies provided a preliminary understanding of the main aquifers in Chile and their properties, which underpinned the development of a robust hydrogeological conceptual model of the system, reviewed elsewhere in this special issue. Subsequent refinements are also summarized. This work confirmed that both surface water and groundwater flows from Bolivia to Chile, and thus confirms the status of the Silala River as an international watercourse and provided the basis for a basin‐scale groundwater numerical model, used to investigate the impact of wetland channelization on surface water/groundwater partitioning.This article is categorized under:
Science of Water > Hydrological Processes
LncRNA PFAR facilitates the proliferation and migration of papillary thyroid carcinoma by competitively binding to miR-15a
Authors: Fang Tie , Yu Kejie 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPapillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is type of aggressive tumor, with a markedly declined survival rate when distant metastasis occurs. It is of great significance to develop potential biomarkers to evaluate the progression of PTC. LncRNAs are recently widely claimed with biomarker value in malignant tumors. Herein, the role of LncRNA PFAR in PTC was investigated to explore potential prognostic marker for PTC. Compared to NTHY-ORI 3-1 cells, LncRNA PFAR was found markedly upregulated in PTC cell lines. In LncRNA PFAR knockdown TPC-1 cells, markedly declined cell viability, increased apoptotic rate, enhancive number of migrated cells, and elevated migration distance were observed, accompanied by a suppressed activity of the RET/AKT/mTOR signaling. In LncRNA PFAR overexpressed BCPAP cells, signally increased cell viability, declined apoptotic rate, reduced number of migrated cells, decreased migration distance, and increased tumor volume and tumor weight in nude mice xenograft model were observed, accompanied by an activation of the RET/AKT/mTOR signaling. The binding site between LncRNA PFAR and miR-15a, as well as miR-15a and RET, was confirmed by the dual luciferase reporter assay. The FISH study revealed that LncRNA PFAR was mainly located in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, the impact of the siRNA targeting LncRNA PFAR against the growth and migration of PTC cells was abolished by the inhibitor of miR-15a or SC79, an activator of AKT/mTOR signaling. Collectively, LncRNA PFAR facilitated the proliferation and migration of PTC cells by mediating the miR-15a/RET axis.
Standard anterior peritomy versus a small posterior incision for the implantation of the PRESERFLO microshunt
Authors: Bamousa Ahmed , Dakroub Mohamad , Verma-Fuehring Raoul , Papadopoulos Kosmas , Hillenkamp Jost , Loewen N. A. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To compare two approaches for the implantation of the PRESERFLO microshunt: an anterior approach (A) with a 6–8-mm peritomy and a posterior approach (P) with a 3-mm incision.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 126 patients who received a PRESERFLO microshunt. We compared intraocular pressure (IOP), surgical time, medication count, and postoperative complications over nine months.

Results
The baseline IOP was similar in A (21.8 ± 8.5 mm Hg) and P (23.9 ± 8.1 mm Hg) (p = 0.08). Surgical duration was significantly shorter in P (10 ± 0.4 min) than in A (26 ± 0.8 min) (p < 0.001). Postoperative IOP levels were comparable in A (10.8 ± 5.9 mm Hg) and P (10.6 ± 4.5 mm Hg) at 30 days (p = 0.62) and throughout the study (all intra-group p-values > 0.08). The preoperative medication count was 3.2 ± 1.3 drops in A and 3.3 ± 1.0 drops in P (p = 0.4). Postoperative values were 0.2 ± 0.6 in A and 0.3 ± 0.7 in P at nine months. There were no significant differences in complications and surgical revisions between groups (p-values > 0.05).

Conclusion
Both techniques achieved satisfactory IOP and medication count reductions and had similar safety profiles, but the posterior incision technique was 2.6 times faster than the anterior incision technique.