bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The chemoenzymatic synthesis of glycan-terminated oligo(Leu)x
Authors: Black Sarah P. , Liu Melinda , Castillo Cesar , Coradeli Wynne , Totsingan Filbert , Edson Cody B. , Khare Sagar D. , Gross Richard A. 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Glycopeptides contain carbohydrate moieties (glycans) covalently attached to the side chain and/or terminal peptide units. Since glycans are present on cell surfaces, these constructs can potentially address a wide array of therapeutic functions. To overcome the deficiencies associated with current synthetic routes to glycopeptides, such as costly processes and toxic reagents, this work aimed to develop versatile environmentally friendly protease-catalyzed peptide synthesis routes to peptides decorated with a glycan at their N-terminus.Methods: “Grafters” were first synthesized that consist of a glycan conjugated directly, or through a spacer, to the amine group of L-Phe-ethyl ester (Phe-OEt). The role of Phe-OEt is to increase the conjugate’s recognition by the protease (papain) catalytic active site. A series of grafters were synthesized with variation of the glycan structure, linkage-chemistry, and presence of an oligo (ethylene glycol) “spacer” of varied length between the glycan and Phe-OEt moiety. High grafter efficiency will result by the successful acceptance of the grafter at the enzymes S1/S2 subsites, formation of an acyl enzyme complex and subsequent conversion to glycan-terminated oligo(Leu)x (x ≥ 1), as opposed to construction of non-glycan N-terminated oligo(Leu)x.Results and discussion: While glycan-Phe-OEt grafters without a spacer between the glycan and Phe-OEt resulted in low grafter efficiency (8.3% ± 2.0%), insertion of a short oligo (ethylene glycol) spacer between the glycan and Phe-OEt moieties (glycan-PEGn-Phe-OEt, n ≥ 3) increased the grafter efficiency by 3-fold–24.5% ± 1.8%. In addition, computational modeling was performed using Rosetta software provided insights on a molecular level of how grafter efficiency is influenced by the PEG spacer length.
An experimental study on the influence of instructional mobile applications in enhancing listening comprehension of rural students in India
Authors: Raj Antony , Tomy Prajeesh 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionMobile learning (M-learning) is integral to language education, offering accessibility, portability, and diverse resources. It offers real-life language use with synchronous learning, flexibility, and an opportunity to engage with the global community. It allows learners to practice language skills from anywhere. This study aims to evaluate linguistic instructional mobile applications' effectiveness on listening comprehension among Indian rural students.MethodsPedagogic mobile applications were employed in an experimental study with 149 tertiary-level students from rural colleges in Tamil Nadu, India. Participants were divided into control (n = 75) and experimental (n = 74) groups. Pre and post-tests assessed listening comprehension levels, considering demographic variables. Different types of audio files were used in the intervention to improve the listening skills of the experimental group.ResultsStatistical analyses, including paired t-tests, independent t-tests, and ANOVA, revealed significant improvement in listening skills for the experimental group. Gender, locality, and parental income were considered as significant variables, showing that students from diverse backgrounds benefited from mobile applications.DiscussionThe results indicate that M-learning effectively aids rural students in overcoming language barriers, emphasizing the potential of mobile applications in language education.
Nitrogen and phosphorus uptake kinetics in cultures of two novel picoplankton groups responsible for a recent bloom event in a subtropical estuary (Indian River Lagoon, Florida)
Authors: Papacek Joshua R. , Inglett Patrick W. , Phlips Edward J. , Lasi Margaret A. 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionSuccessful management and mitigation of harmful algal blooms (HABs) requires an in-depth understanding of the physiology and nutrient utilization of the organisms responsible. We explored the preference of various nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) substrates by two novel groups of HAB-forming phytoplankton originating from the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida: 1) a consortium of picocyanobacteria (Crocosphaera sp. and ‘Synechococcus’ sp.) and 2) ananochlorophyte (Picochlorum sp.).MethodsShort-term kinetic uptake experiments tested algal use and affinity for inorganic and organic N substrates (ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3-), urea, and an amino acid (AA) mixture) through 15N and 13C isotope tracing into biomass.ResultsPicocyanobacteria exhibited Michaelis-Menten type uptake for the AA mixture only, while nanochlorophytes reached saturation for NH4+, the AA mixture, and urea at or below 25 µM-N. Both picocyanobacteria and nanochlorophyte cultures had highest affinity (Vmax/Ks) for NH4+ followed by the AA mixture and urea. Neither culture showed significant uptake of isotopically-labeled nitrate. Disappearance of glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) added to culture medium suggesting use of organic P by both cultures was confirmed by detection of alkaline phosphatase activity and the tracing of 13C-G6P into biomass.DiscussionTogether, our results suggest that these HAB-forming phytoplankton groups are able to use a variety of N and P sources including organic forms, and prefer reduced forms of N. These traits are likely favorable under conditions found in the IRL during periods of significant competition for low concentrations of inorganic nutrients. Bloom-forming phytoplankton are therefore able to subsist on organic or recycled forms of N and P that typically dominate the IRL nutrient pools.
Machine learning–based feature prediction of convergence zones in ocean front environments
Authors: Xu Weishuai , Zhang Lei , Wang Hua 
Published: January 2024

The convergence zone holds significant importance in deep-sea underwater acoustic propagation, playing a pivotal role in remote underwater acoustic detection and communication. Despite the adaptability and predictive power of machine learning, its practical application in predicting the convergence zone remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to address this gap by developing a high-resolution ocean front-based model for convergence zone prediction. Out of 24 machine learning algorithms tested through K-fold cross-validation, the multilayer perceptron–random forest hybrid demonstrated the highest accuracy, showing its superiority in predicting the convergence zone within a complex ocean front environment. The research findings emphasized the substantial impact of ocean fronts on the convergence zone’s location concerning the sound source. Specifically, they highlighted that in relatively cold (or warm) water, the intensity of the ocean front significantly influences the proximity (or distance) of the convergence zone to the sound source. Furthermore, among the input features, the turning depth emerged as a crucial determinant, contributing more than 25% to the model’s effectiveness in predicting the convergence zone’s distance. The model achieved an accuracy of 82.43% in predicting the convergence zone’s distance with an error of less than 1 km. Additionally, it attained a 77.1% accuracy in predicting the convergence zone’s width within a similar error range. Notably, this prediction model exhibits strong performance and generalizability, capable of discerning evolving trends in new datasets when cross-validated using in situ observation data and information from diverse sea areas.
Central nervous system involvement in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy—MRS and DTI study
Authors: Dziadkowiak Edyta , Koszewicz Magdalena , Podgórski Przemysław , Wieczorek Małgorzata , Budrewicz Sławomir , Zimny Anna 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveThe current research aimed to analyze the alterations within the motor cortex and pyramidal pathways and their association with the degree of damage within the peripheral nerve fibers in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). To achieve that goal, we investigated the microstructural changes within the pyramidal white matter tracts using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters, evaluated metabolic alterations in both precentral gyri using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) ratios, and correlated them with the neurographic findings in patients with CIDP.MethodsThe spectroscopic ratios of NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, and mI/Cr from both precentral gyri and the values of fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), and mean diffusivity (MD) from both of the corticospinal tracts were correlated with the results of neurological and neurographic findings. The comparison of DTI parameters between the patients and controls was performed using Student’s t-test or the Mann–Whitney U test. Due to the lack of normal distribution of most variables, Spearman’s Rho rank coefficient was used to test all correlations. All analyses were performed at a significant level of alpha = 0.05 using STATISTICA 13.3.ResultsCompared to the control group (CG), the patient group showed significantly lower ratios of NAA/Cr (1.66 ± 0.11 vs. 1.61 ± 0.15; p = 0.022), higher ratios of ml/Cr in the right precentral gyrus (0.57 ± 0.15 vs. 0.61 ± 0.08; p = 0.005), and higher levels of Cho/Cr within the left precentral gyrus (0.83 ± 0.09 vs. 0.88 ± 0.14, p = 0.012). The DTI parameters of MD from the right CST and AD from the right and left CSTs showed a strong positive correlation (0.52–0.53) with the sural sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) latency of the right sural nerve. There were no other significant correlations between other DTI and MRS parameters and neurographic results.SignificanceIn our study, significant metabolic alterations were found in the precentral gyri in patients with CIDP without clinical symptoms of central nervous system involvement. The revealed changes reflected neuronal loss or dysfunction, myelin degradation, and increased gliosis. Our results suggest coexisting CNS damage in these patients and may provide a new insight into the still unknown pathomechanism of CIDP.
In-depth analysis of immune cell landscapes reveals differences between lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Xinfeng , Zheng Keao , Hao Zhiying 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundLung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths globally, with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) being major subtypes. Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach for the treatment of lung cancer, but understanding the underlying mechanisms of immune dysregulation is crucial for the development of effective therapies. This study aimed to investigate the distinctive cellular features of LUAD and LUSC and identify potential biomarkers associated with the pathogenesis and clinical outcomes of each subtype.MethodsWe used digital cytometry techniques to analyze the RNA-Seq data of 1128 lung cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The abundance of cell subtypes and ecotypes in LUAD and LUSC patients was quantified. Univariate survival analysis was used to investigate their associations with patient overall survival (OS). Differential gene expression analysis and gene co-expression network construction were carried out to explore the gene expression patterns of LUSC patients with distinct survival outcomes. Scratch wound-healing assay, colony formation assay, and transwell assay were used to validate the candidate drugs for LUSC treatment.ResultsWe found differential expression of cell subtypes between LUAD and LUSC, with certain cell subtypes being prognostic for survival in both subtypes. We also identified differential gene expression and gene co-expression modules associated with macrophages.3/PCs.2 ratio in LUSC patients with distinct survival outcomes. Furthermore, ecotype ratios were found to be prognostic in both subtypes and machine learning models showed that certain cell subtypes, such as epithelial.cells.1, epithelial.cells.5, and endothelial.cells.2 are important for predicting LUSC. Ginkgolide B and triamterene can inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration of LUSC cell lines.ConclusionWe provide insight into the distinctive cellular features of LUAD and LUSC, and identify potential biomarkers associated with the pathogenesis and clinical outcomes of each subtype. Ginkgolide B and triamterene could be promising drugs for LUSC treatment.
Effect of dexmedetomidine on postoperative nausea and vomiting in female patients undergoing radical thoracoscopic lung cancer resection
Authors: Zhu Haipeng , Wang Shichao , Wang Ruohan , Li Bing , Zhang Jiaqiang , Zhang Wei 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a prevalent postsurgical complication. The objective of our study was to compare the effect of different doses of dexmedetomidine on PONV in female patients undergoing radical thoracoscopic lung cancer resection.Methods: A total of 164 female patients undergoing elective thoracoscopic radical lung cancer surgery were enrolled and assigned to one of four groups. Patients received 0.2 μg/kg/h, 0.4 μg/kg/h, 0.8 μg/kg/h dexmedetomidine and normal saline in the Dex1, Dex2, Dex3 and Control groups, respectively. The primary outcome was the incidence of PONV during 48 h postoperatively. The second outcomes included the incidence of PONV and postoperative vomiting (POV) at four time points postoperatively (T1: PACU retention period; T2: PACU discharge to postoperative 12 h; T3: postoperative 12 h-postoperative 24 h; T4: postoperative 24 h-postoperative 48 h), the area under the curve of PONV grade (PONVAUC), PONV grade, POV grade and other postoperative recovery indicators.Results: The incidence of PONV differed among the four groups. The Dex2 group (29.27%) was lower than that in the Dex1 group (61.90%) and Control group (72.50%). The incidence of PONV at T2 in the Dex1 group (11.90%) and Dex2 group (9.76%) was lower than that in the Control group (42.50%). The incidence of PONV at T3 in the Dex2 group (29.27%) was lower than that in the Dex1 group (61.90%) and Control group (62.50%). The PONVAUC was lower in the Dex2 group than in the Control group. The incidence of POV at T3 in the Dex2 and Dex3 groups was lower than that in the Control group. The consumption of remifentanil, norepinephrine, PACU dwell time, VAS scores, postoperative PCA press frequency, and the time for the first postoperative oral intake were different among the four groups. The regression model shows that the Dex2 group is a protective factor for PONV.Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine can reduce the incidence of PONV and accelerate postoperative recovery in female patients undergoing radical thoracoscopic lung cancer resection. Compared with the other two dosages, 0.4 μg/kg/h dexmedetomidine is preferable.Clinical Trial Registration:chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2300071831
AI algorithm for personalized resource allocation and treatment of hemorrhage casualties
Authors: Jin Xin , Frock Andrew , Nagaraja Sridevi , Wallqvist Anders , Reifman Jaques 
Published: January 2024

A deep neural network-based artificial intelligence (AI) model was assessed for its utility in predicting vital signs of hemorrhage patients and optimizing the management of fluid resuscitation in mass casualties. With the use of a cardio-respiratory computational model to generate synthetic data of hemorrhage casualties, an application was created where a limited data stream (the initial 10 min of vital-sign monitoring) could be used to predict the outcomes of different fluid resuscitation allocations 60 min into the future. The predicted outcomes were then used to select the optimal resuscitation allocation for various simulated mass-casualty scenarios. This allowed the assessment of the potential benefits of using an allocation method based on personalized predictions of future vital signs versus a static population-based method that only uses currently available vital-sign information. The theoretical benefits of this approach included up to 46% additional casualties restored to healthy vital signs and a 119% increase in fluid-utilization efficiency. Although the study is not immune from limitations associated with synthetic data under specific assumptions, the work demonstrated the potential for incorporating neural network-based AI technologies in hemorrhage detection and treatment. The simulated injury and treatment scenarios used delineated possible benefits and opportunities available for using AI in pre-hospital trauma care. The greatest benefit of this technology lies in its ability to provide personalized interventions that optimize clinical outcomes under resource-limited conditions, such as in civilian or military mass-casualty events, involving moderate and severe hemorrhage.
The performance of domain-based feature extraction on EEG, ECG, and fNIRS for Huntington’s disease diagnosis via shallow machine learning
Authors: Maddury Sucheer 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The early detection of Huntington’s disease (HD) can substantially improve patient quality of life. Current HD diagnosis methods include complex biomarkers such as clinical and imaging factors; however, these methods have high time and resource demands.Methods: Quantitative biomedical signaling has the potential for exposing abnormalities in HD patients. In this project, we attempted to explore biomedical signaling for HD diagnosis in high detail. We used a dataset collected at a clinic with 27 HD-positive patients, 36 controls, and 6 unknowns with EEG, ECG, and fNIRS. We first preprocessed the data and then presented a comprehensive feature extraction procedure for statistical, Hijorth, slope, wavelet, and power spectral features. We then applied several shallow machine learning techniques to classify HD-positives from controls.Results: We found the highest accuracy was achieved by the extremely randomized trees algorithm, with an ROC AUC of 0.963 and accuracy of 91.353%.Discussion: The results provide improved performance over competing methodologies and also show promise for biomedical signals for early prognosis of HD.
Hormonal Contraception: The Algorithm of Choice for Benign Breast Dysplasia
Authors: Грудницкая Е.Н. 
Published: January 2024

В статье рассматривается вопрос о применении комбинированных оральных контрацептивов (КОК) при доброкачественной дисплазии молочных желез. В последние десятилетия для предупреждения нежелательной беременности эти препараты стали наиболее доступными и популярными средствами контрацепции. С момента производства первых гормональных таблеток прошло более чем полвека, и КОК претерпели значительные изменения как химического состава, так и режима дозирования, что благоприятно отразилось на безопасности и переносимости этих лекарственных препаратов. В настоящее время накопились многочисленные знания о влиянии компонентов в составе КОК на организм женщины, что позволило применять дифференцированный подход при назначении этих лекарственных средств у пациенток, нуждающихся в контрацепции и имеющих соматические и гинекологические заболевания. В данной статье рассматриваются вопросы применения КОК у женщин, имеющих заболевания молочных желез, их влияния на клинические симптомы, обусловленные патологией молочных желез, и риски развития рака молочных желез.
The article discusses the use of combined oral contraceptives (COC) in benign breast dysplasia. In recent decades, to prevent unwanted pregnancy, these drugs have become the most affordable and popular means of contraception. More than half a century has passed since the production of the first hormonal pills, and the COCs have undergone significant changes in both chemical composition and dosage regimen, which has had a positive impact on the safety and tolerability of these drugs. Currently, numerous knowledge has accumulated about the effect of the components in the composition of COCs on the woman’s body, which made it possible to apply a differentiated approach when prescribing these drugs in patients who need contraception and have somatic and gynecological diseases. This article discusses the use of COCs in women with breast diseases, their impact on clinical symptoms caused by breast pathology and the risks of developing breast cancer.
Modern Aspects of the Diagnosis of Chronic Endometritis in Infertility and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Authors: Павлюкова С.А. , Кириллова Е.Н. 
Published: January 2024

В статье представлены сведения о современных аспектах диагностики состояния эндометрия при бесплодии различного генеза. Результаты проведенного исследования отражают состояние эндометрия и распространенность хронического эндометрита у женщин с синдромом поликистозных яичников (СПКЯ). Показано, что эндокринные нарушения, проявляющиеся у женщин с данной патологией, оказывают комплексное воздействие на эндометрий, приводя к его значительным морфофункциональным изменениям. Установлено, что наиболее часто встречающейся эндометриальной патологией при СПКЯ и бесплодии является хронический эндометрит. Так, при проведении гистероскопии у пациенток с СПКЯ признаки хронического эндометрита выявлены в 48,9% случаев, при морфологическом исследовании биоптатов этот диагноз установлен в 61,2%, при проведении иммуногистохимического исследования – в 69,4%. Проведенное исследование указывает, что состояние эндометрия при СПКЯ вносит дополнительный вклад в снижение фертильности и требует его обязательной оценки у женщин с СПКЯ и бесплодием.
The article presents information about modern aspects of the diagnosis of endometrial pathology in infertility of various genesis. The results of the study reflect different pathological changes in endometrium and the prevalence of chronic endometritis in women with various causes of infertility. It has been shown that endocrine disorders manifested in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a complex effect on the endometrium, leading to its significant morphological and functional changes. The most common pathology was chronic endometritis. Thus, during hysteroscopy in patients with PCOS, signs of chronic endometritis were detected in 48.9% of cases, by morphological assay of biopsies, this diagnosis was established in 61.2%, by immunohistochemical examination – in 69.4%. The study indicates that the condition of the endometrium in PCOS makes an additional contribution to a decrease of fertility and requires its mandatory assessment in women with PCOS and infertility.