bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil Fertility Management Practices among Smallholder Cereals Producing Farmers in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria
Authors: Muhammad Ummul-Kulthum , Nazifi Buhari , Saba Mohammed 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Scientific methodologies have been employed to assess soil fertility in Nigeria and other African nations. Nevertheless, there are discrepancies between the scientific procedures employed and the farmers' perceptions regarding soil fertility. This study examined the soil fertility management strategies employed by smallholder farmers engaged in grain production in the Dutsin-Ma Local Government area of Katsina State, Nigeria. The data was obtained by a random sampling method, consisting of 120 cereal producers. This dataset was then subjected to analysis using both descriptive statistics and a logit regression model. The results of the study indicate that a significant majority (91%) of farmers who are married possess land, with a substantial proportion (78.3%) acquiring it mostly through inheritance. The findings indicate that a significant proportion (77.5%) of farmers surveyed do not possess membership in cooperative groups, while a relatively small percentage (15.8%) have established contact with extension personnel. The findings additionally demonstrate that the mean age of farmers is 48 years, and the average farm size is 3 hectares. Furthermore, most of the farmers, approximately 52%, possess formal education. The findings indicate that a limited proportion (37.5%) of farmers possess knowledge regarding soil fertility, primarily relying on observations related to soil color and texture. The research region revealed that most farmers employed crop rotation, fallow farming, and manuring as management strategies to mitigate the reduction in soil fertility. The statistical analysis reveals that the level of education (p < 0.01), farming experience (p < 0.1), and Government source of input (p < 0.1) are important variables that have an impact on farmers' understanding of soil fertility within the research region. Farmers were identified as facing various challenges, including soil degradation, limited financial resources, drought and flooding, and the high cost of fertilizer for soil management. There is a necessity to offer novel approaches for educating farmers about soil fertility and its associated management techniques within the designated study region.
A Peptide Encoded by Long Non-coding RNA NEAT1 Suppresses Cancer Growth through Interfering RAF-HSP90β Complex Stability
Authors: Dong Zigang , Chen xiao-jie , Li Jian , Laster Kyle , Zhang Hengchao , Huang Yin , Liu Fangfang , Zhou Liting , Liu Kangdong , Huang Chuntian 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
NEAT1, a highly abundant non-coding RNA, is essential for regulating paraspeckle formation. Studies investigating NEAT1 function have focused primarily on transcript level interactions. Here, we investigate NEAT1 translatomes using esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cell lines to detect new translational events and identify their contribution to cancer phenotype. We identified three previously unreported microproteins and confirmed their endogenous expression by parallel reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry. We found that ENSEP3, a conserved 9-aa peptide, suppresses ESCC growth. ESCC tissues exhibit lower levels of ENSEP3 expression than normal tissues. ENSEP3 binds to HSP90β and disrupts the formation of RAF-HSP90β multi-molecular complexes. Sustained disruption of the RAF-HSP90β complex resulted in reduced RAF expression and MAPK-pathway inhibition. The results of in vivo murine studies showed that application of synthetic ENSEP3 peptides to patient derived tumor tissues suppressed ESCC growth by specifically inhibiting the activation of MAPK pathways. ENSEP3 is the first functional endogenous microprotein with a full-length of less than ten amino acids. This suggests that even microproteins encoded by sORF frames smaller than 30 bp could potentially possess significant regulatory functions in cellular processes.
Osteoking Promotes Bone Formation and Bone Defect Repair through ZBP1-STAT1-PKR-MLKL-mediated Necroptosis
Authors: Suya Zhang , Liu Yudong , Ma Zhaochen , Gao Shuangrong , Chen Lin , Zhong Honggang , Zhang Chu , Li Tao , Chen Weiheng , Zhang Yanqiong , Lin Na 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background: Osteoking has been used for fracture therapy with a satisfying clinical efficacy. However, its therapeutic properties and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive.
Method: A bone defect rat model was established to evaluate the pharmacological effects of Osteoking by the dynamic observation of X-ray, micro-CT and histopathologic examination. Transcriptome profiling was performed to identify bone defect-related genes and Osteoking effective targets. Then, a "disease-related gene-drug target" interaction network was constructed and a list of key network targets were screened, which were experimentally verified.
Results: Osteoking effectively promoted bone defect repair in rats by accelerating the repair of cortical bone and the growth of trabeculae. Histopathologically, the bone defect rats displayed lower histopathologic scores in cortical bone, cancellous bone and bone connection than normal controls, and Osteoking exerted a favorable effect with a dose-dependent manner (all P<0.001). The abnormal serum levels of bone turnover markers, bone growth factors and bone metabolism-related biochemical indexes in bone defect rats were also reversed by Osteoking treatment. Following the transcriptome-based network investigation, we hypothesized that osteoking might attenuate the levels of ZBP1-STAT1-PKR-MLKL-mediated necroptosis involved into bone defect. Experimentally, the expression levels of ZBP1, STAT1, PKR and the hallmark inflammatory cytokines for the end of necroptosis were distinctly elevated in bone defect rats, but were all effectively reversed by Osteoking treatment, which were also suppressed the activities of RIPK1, RIPK3 and MLKL in bone tissue supernatants.
Conclusions: Osteoking may promote bone formation and bone defect repair by regulating ZBP1-STAT1-PKR axis, leading to inhibit RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL activation-mediated necroptosis.
Reactivation of Herpetic Keratitis by Mixing and Matching Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in Taiwan: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Chang Yin-Hsi , Hung Kuo-Hsuan , Su Chen-Ying , Hsiung Chun , Liu Yu-Ting , Yeh Lung-Kun 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
As an increasing population has received different kinds of COVID-19 vaccines, many ocular adverse events have been reported. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between COVID-19 vaccines and the activation of herpetic keratitis.
Methods
Patients presented with any type of herpetic keratitis after mixing and matching COVID-19 vaccinations was enrolled. A descriptive analysis of the demographics, clinical history and ocular presentation in these patients was performed.
Results
A total of 16 patients including 6 (37.5%) males and 10 (62.5%) females receiving COVID-19 vaccines between 2021 to 2022 were included. The mean age at evaluation was 59.4 ± 15.4 years. Of the 16 patients, 9 (56.3%), 2 (12.5%), 5 (31.3%) of them presented with stromal keratitis, epithelial keratitis and herpes zoster ophthalmicus respectively. Among 8 recurrent cases, the COVID-19 vaccine-related attacks presented severer in 1 (12.5%) patient, equally severe in 2 (25%) patients, and less severe in 5 (62.5%) patients compared to previous infection. Interestingly, 6 (37.5%) patients developed an initial symptomatic herpetic keratitis attack after mixing and matching (COVID-19) vaccination. All of them received oral famciclovir with or without topical steroid eyedrops soon after diagnosis. The majority of them reported no further complication.
Conclusions
In conclusion, this study demonstrated a possible association between COVID-19 vaccination and primary herpetic infection or reactivation. Early diagnosis and appropriate management help reduce the severity of the disease.
Enhancing Emergency Medicine Education: Integrating the Mini-CEX with BOPPPS Teaching Model
Authors: Liu Yukun , Li Zhanfei , Tang Manli , Wang Yuchang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objective: This study aims to evaluate the combined application effects of the Mini-CEX assessment tool and the BOPPPS teaching model in emergency medicine education.
Methods: Fifty-eight interns participating in emergency surgery rotations at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, between October and December 2022, were selected as the study participants. They were randomly divided into a control group (traditional teaching methods) and an observation group (combining the Mini-CEX assessment tool with the BOPPPS teaching model). Assessments were conducted on theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and communication abilities among both groups of students. Additionally, satisfaction surveys were administered, followed by statistical analysis of the results.
Results: Significant improvements were observed in the assessment scores of both groups post-teaching compared to pre-teaching evaluations. Moreover, the combined teaching practices integrating the Mini-CEX and BOPPPS models significantly enhanced students' grasp of knowledge and application of skills in emergency medicine compared to traditional teaching methods.
Conclusion: The findings of this study underscore the potential value of integrating the Mini-CEX assessment tool with the BOPPPS teaching model in emergency medicine education. This not only offers a novel perspective for teaching practices but also provides insights for future teaching methodologies in the field of medical education.
Analysis of 25 Surgical Cases of Thymic Neuroendocrine Tumors and Thymic Carcinoma
Authors: Midorikawa Kensuke , Miyahara So , Nishino Nanako , Ueda Yuichirou , Waseda Ryuichi , Shiraishi Takeshi , Sato Toshihiko 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics of patients who underwent surgical resection for thymic neuroendocrine tumors (TNET) or thymic carcinoma.
Methods
In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the clinicopathological characteristics of our surgical patients at Fukuoka University Hospital from January 1995 to December 2018.
Results
There were nine cases of TNET and 16 cases of thymic carcinoma. Regarding the pathological type, the TNET group included three atypical carcinoid cases, two large cell neuroendocrine tumor cases, two small cell carcinoma cases, and two other cases. The thymic carcinoma group included 15 squamous carcinoma cases and one case of adenosquamous carcinoma. Based on the Masaoka-Koga staging system, six TNET cases and 11 thymic carcinoma cases were stage III or IV. The complete resection rate was 77% in the TNET group and 81% in the thymic carcinoma group. Additional chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy was performed in five cases of TNET and 11 cases of thymic carcinoma. The five-year survival rate and five-year disease-free survival rate were 87.5% and 75.0% in the TNET group and 58.9% and 57.1% in the thymic carcinoma group, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.248 and P = 0.894, respectively). In the univariate analysis, complete resection was a statistically significant prognostic factor (P = 0.017).
Conclusion
In this study, no difference in prognosis was observed between TNET and thymic carcinomas. To understand the characteristics of these tumors, further case accumulation and multicenter clinical studies are needed. (243words)
iGenSig-Rx: an integral genomic signature based white-box tool for modeling cancer therapeutic responses using multi-omics data
Authors: Lee Sanghoon , Sun Min , Hu Yiheng , Wang Yue , Islam Md N. , Goerlitz David , Lucas Peter C. , Lee Adrian V. , Swain Sandra M. , Tang Gong , Wang Xiao-Song 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Multi-omics sequencing is expected to become clinically routine within the next decade and transform clinical care. However, there is a paucity of viable and interpretable genome-wide modeling methods that can facilitate rational selection of patients for tailored intervention. Here we develop an integral genomic signature-based method called iGenSig-Rx as a white-box tool for modeling therapeutic response based on clinical trial datasets with improved cross-dataset applicability and tolerance to sequencing bias. This method leverages high-dimensional redundant genomic features to address the challenges of cross-dataset modeling, a concept similar to the use of redundant steel rods to reinforce the pillars of a building. Using genomic datasets for HER2 targeted therapies, the iGenSig-Rx model demonstrates stable predictive power across four independent clinical trials. More importantly, the iGenSig-Rx model offers the level of transparency much needed for clinical application, allowing for clear explanations as to how the predictions are produced, how the features contribute to the prediction, and what are the key underlying pathways. We expect that iGenSig-Rx as a class of biologically interpretable multi-omics modeling methods will have broad applications in big-data based precision oncology. The R package is available: https://github.com/wangxlab/iGenSig-Rx. NOTE: the Github website will be released upon publication and the R package is available for review through google drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1KgecmUoon9-h2Dg1rPCyEGFPOp28Ols3?usp=sharing
Selecting CMIP6 models to assess the impact of climate change on energy demand over Europe
Authors: FILAHI Hajar , Omrani Hiba , Drobinski philippe , Claudel Sandra , Oueslati Boutheina 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The CMIP project has reached the end of its sixth phase, with a large set of simulations: 30 research entities, 40 different climate models, and 8 socio-economic scenarios. All the simulations represent a very large volume of data amounting to more than 30 Petabytes. The exploitation of all the simulations in impact studies would be extremely costly in computing time and storage. Moreover, these models suffer from several sources of uncertainties (coarse spatial resolution, physical parameterizations, ...) which produce large systematic biases when they are compared to observations. This study details an approach developed for the selection of a subset of simulations from the CMIP6 multi-model ensemble to assess the impact of climate change on the energy demand in Europe. At a climatic time scale, besides socio-economic factors, energy demand variability and evolution depend mainly on air temperature (and to a lesser extent, wind speed, and humidity). The developed process of selection combines two main criteria applied to the daily mean, maximum, and minimum air temperature from all CMIP6 simulations where these variables are available. The first one consists of choosing a subset of models that represents the whole range of possible temperature changes in the future compared to the historical climate. The second criterion considers the skills of the CMIP6 historical simulations over Europe with respect to ERA5 climatology in order to discard the climate simulations with the poorest representation of the present climate. The methodology of selection allows to maximization of the diversity of climate projections among the best-performing models.
Atmospheric patterns associated with sub-daily rainfall extremes in western Europe
Authors: Whitford Anna Caroline , Blenkinsop Stephen , Fowler Hayley J. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Large-scale atmospheric conditions are a significant driver of rainfall extremes. However, little attention so far has been devoted to understanding how large-scale circulation patterns influence sub-daily rainfall extremes. Using a gauge-based sub-daily rainfall dataset, we investigate the relationship between large-scale circulation and 3-hour extremes for western Europe. A set of 30 weather patterns (WPs) developed by the UK Met Office and reanalysis data of geopotential height at 500hPa (z500) are used to represent large-scale atmospheric conditions. Strong associations with 3hr extremes are found for a small number of WPs: over 50% of 3hr rainfall extremes across Western Europe occur with just 5 WPs. Composites of z500 reveal the WPs resulting in southerly or south-westerly flow along the leading edge of a trough, accompanied by a ridge to the east or northeast, are most favourable for sub-daily rainfall extremes, with a statistically-significant difference between the atmospheric conditions on WP + sub-daily rainfall extreme event days compared to WP non-event days. Given that large-scale circulations are predictable much further in advance than individual extreme rainfall events, these identified relationships could therefore have important implications for forecasting, aiding in the early identification of periods with increased risk of short-duration rainfall extremes.
Acute Kidney Injury In Pediatric Burn Patients
Authors: KAHRAMANLAR Demet , OZLU Sare Gülfem , DEMİR Pervin , ERTEN Elif Emel , ŞENEL Emrah , BAYRAKÇI Umut Selda 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objective: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and important complication of burn injury. Although there are numerous adult studies data regarding AKI in pediatric burn patients is scarce. In this study we aimed to evaluate the frequency, clinical features and prognosis of AKI among pediatric burn injury patients.
Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. Patients aged between 1 month and 18 years followed in pediatric burn intensive care unit between years 2011 and 2017 were included in the study.Patients with known kidney disease were not included. Demographic data, laboratory and clinical variables, management strategies and prognosis were obtained from the hospital records of the patients. Factors associated with AKI were determined by logistic regression analysis.
Results: A total of 697 patients had been followed up and among them 87 (12.5%) had acute kidney injury. Older age, being a refugee, prolonged duration between the incident and time of hospitalization, presence of sepsis and severity and type of burn, the amount of fluid administered, being intubated, accompanying organ failure were all related with the development of AKI. According to multivariate logistic regression analysis the most important contributors of AKI were older age and increased serum hemoglobin values.
Conclusion: As observed in adults AKI is also an important and common complication of burn injury among pediatric burn patients. Early recognition and prompt and appropriate management is crucial to avoid morbidity and mortality.
A novel neoadjuvant regimen of chemo-immuno-embolization with transcatheter rectal arterial intervention in locally advanced rectal cancer: a study protocol for a phase II trial (CIETAI-R)
Authors: Yang Weina , Qian Chengyuan , Li Mengxia , Chen Chuan , Xu Yu , Zhu Jianwu , Shan Jinlu , Feng Yan , Dai Nan , Luo Hao , Chen Qian , Yang Xiao , Xiao He , Li Chunxue , Wang Dong 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Recent evidence suggests that patients with mismatch repair-deficient/microsatellite instability-high LARC are exceptionally sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), However, the majority of LARC patients are microsatellite-stable. Therefore, there is an urgent need to enhance the effectiveness of ICIs in this population. Hence, we propose a novel neoadjuvant protocol for LARC patients: chemo-immuno-embolization with transcatheter rectal arterial intervention (CIETAI), followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) immunotherapy.
Methods
This prospective, single-arm, phase II clinical trial is designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of CIETAI in the management of LARC. The trial will consecutively recruit at least 37 stage II/III LARC patients from Daping hospital in China whose distal tumor are ≤ 15 cm from the anal verge. Enrolled patients will receive a sequential arterial infusion of oxaliplatin (100 mg) and PD-1 monoclonal antibody tislelizumab (200 mg) and subsequent embolization of the major rectal tumor-feeding artery using gelatin sponge particles and iodixanol. The dose of oxaliplatin was calculated according to body surface area (BSA; 130 mg/m2), of which 100 mg was infused and the remaining dose was administered intravenously. Tislelizumab will be administered intravenously every 3 weeks for an additional two cycles. Additionally, all enrolled patients will receive LCRT (45 Gy in 25 fractions: 1.8 Gy per fraction, 5 days/week), along with two 21-day cycles of capecitabine (1000 mg/m2, bid, po, day1–14). The TME surgery will be scheduled for 4 to 8 weeks after the completion of radiotherapy. Trial accrual opened on January, 2023, and scheduled to end on June, 2026.
Discussion
We will explore if the addition of CIETAI to chemoradiotherapy as part of neoadjuvant therapy in LARC will be safe and improve the pathological complete response rate. This study protocol is pioneering in its approach, as it introduces the administration of an anti-PD-1 antibody through tumor-feeding arteries within the neoadjuvant treatment framework, which may help reverse the immune desertification observed in LARC and their resistance to immunotherapy.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05957016
Forward programming of hiPSCs towards beta-like cells using Ngn3, Pdx1, and MafA
Authors: Jeyagaran Abiramy , Urbanczyk Max , Layland Shannon L. , Weise Frank , Schenke-Layland Katja 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Transplantation of stem cell-derived β-cells is a promising therapeutic advancement in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. A current limitation of this approach is the long differentiation timeline of up to two months that generates a heterogeneous population of pancreatic endocrine cells. To address this limitation, an inducible lentiviral overexpression system of mature β-cell markers was introduced into human induced-pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Following selection of the successfully transduced hiPSCs, the cells were treated with doxycycline in pancreatic progenitor induction medium to support their transition towards the pancreatic lineage. Cells cultured with doxycycline presented the markers of interest, NGN3, PDX1, and MAFA, after five days of culture, and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion assays demonstrated that the cells were glucose-responsive in a monolayer culture. When cultured as a spheroid, the markers of interest and insulin secretion in a parallel glucose-stimulated insulin secretion assay were maintained; however, insulin secretion upon consecutive glucose challenges was limited. Comparison to human fetal and adult donor tissues identified that although the hiPSC-derived spheroids present similar markers to adult insulin-producing cells, they are functionally representative of fetal development. Together, these results suggest that with optimization of the temporal expression of these markers, forward programming of hiPSCs towards insulin-producing cells could be a possible alternative for islet transplantation.