bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuroform Atlas Stent Treatment for 533 Intracranial Aneurysms in a Large Chinese Cohort: Complication Risk Factor Analysis
Authors: Chen Shibao , Kang Huibin , Wang Dili , Li Yan , Aikeba Jamali , Li Yabo , Guan Yuhua , Zhang Yisen 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The newest generation Neuroform Atlas stent™ (by Stryker, Fremont, California)represents a recent advance in cerebral laser-cut microstents for the treatment of intracranial wide-necked aneurysms and the postoperative complications have been observed in cases among Western populations.We assessed predictors of complications, morbidity, and unfavorable outcomes in a large cohort of patients with aneurysm treated with Neuroform Atlas stent in China.
Methods
This retrospective study included subjects treated with the Atlas stent in China from November 2020 to January 2022.
Results
A total of 522 consecutive patients (mean age, 58.9 ± 9.9 years; female, 65.3% [341/522]) with 533 aneurysms were included in the study. In the early postoperative period, neurological morbidity rate was 7.3% (38/522); ischaemic stroke rate was 5.0% (26/522); aneurysm rupture subarachnoid hemorrhage rate was 2.3% (12/522); MRS score deterioration rate was 5.4% (28/522). Mortality rate were 0.8% (4/522) in the postoperative period. Neurologic morbidity at follow-up period were 1.2% (6/486). In multi-factor prediction, cerebral infarction, Hunt-Hess Grade (3–5), procedure duration, stent length and coil protrusion into the parent artery were found to be independent predictors of neurologic morbidity. Procedure duration, stent length and coil protrusion into the parent artery were found to be independent predictors of neurological mRS score deterioration.
Conclusion
The incidence of SCA (stent-assisted coiling)-related complications with the Atlas stent in this study was comparable to that in the Western population. We identified procedure duration and stent length as novel independent predictors of SCA-related ischemic stroke, neurologic morbidity, and mRS score deterioration among the Chinese population.
Knowledge, attitude and practice of Kegel exercise among pregnant women in Abha, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Othman Lujain Mohammed Bin , AlHefdhi Hayfa A. , Mahmood Syed Esam , Alamer Shorouq Amer A , Alnaami Fajr Abdulhadi , Alkedaisi Njoud Moghram Jaber , Omari Tahani Khalaf Abdullah AL , Alqahtani Maram Abdullah 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Kegel exercise or pelvic floor muscle exercise helps in improving strength of the pelvic floor muscles and build up their function.
Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of Kegel exercise among pregnant women in PHC setting in Abha city, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 370 pregnant women. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed the practice of Kegel exercises and various characteristics of the participants. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and p-values were used to analyze the data.
Results: The results showed that educational level and income were significantly associated with the practice of Kegel exercises. Pregnant women with a higher level of education and an income of 5000 to 10000 SAR demonstrated a higher proportion of good practice. The presence of specific chronic diseases among participants, such as psychiatric disorders and diabetes mellitus, was significantly associated with poor practice. Physicians were identified as the primary source of information about Kegel exercises, followed by social media and family/friends.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that education, income level, chronic diseases, and the source of information play significant roles in the practice of Kegel exercises among pregnant women. Healthcare providers should prioritize providing comprehensive education, irrespective of educational background, and ensure equal access to resources for all pregnant women. Tailored support should be provided to women with chronic diseases, and healthcare professionals should actively discuss Kegel exercises during antenatal visits. The study emphasizes the importance of multidimensional approaches to promote the practice of Kegel exercises during pregnancy and enhance pelvic floor health.
Structure of a lasso peptide bound ETB receptor provides insights into the mechanism of GPCR inverse agonism
Authors: Nureki Osamu , Shihoya Wataru , Akasaka Hiroaki , Sano Fumiya , Tanaka Tatsuki , Kawahara Ryo , Jordan Peter , Lechner Anna , Okada Bethany , Cruz Gabriella Machado da , Chaudhari Rajan , Masamune Hiroko , BurK Mark 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Lasso peptides exhibit a unique lariat-like knotted structure imparting exceptional stability and thus show promise as therapeutic agents that target cell-surface receptors. One such receptor is the human endothelin ETB receptor, which is implicated in challenging cancers with poor immunotherapy responsiveness. The Streptomyces-derived lasso peptide, RES-701-3, is a selective inhibitor for ETB and a compelling candidate for therapeutic development. However, meager production from a genetically recalcitrant host has limited further structure-activity relationship studies of this potent inhibitor. Here, we report cryo-electron microscopy structures of ETB receptor in both its apo form and complex with RES-701-3, facilitated by a calcineurin-fusion strategy. Hydrophobic interactions between RES-701-3 and the transmembrane region of the receptor, especially involving two tryptophan residues, play a crucial role in RES-701-3 binding. Furthermore, RES-701-3 prevents conformational changes associated with G-protein coupling, explaining its inverse agonist activity. A comparative analysis with other lasso peptides and their target proteins highlights the potential of lasso peptides as precise drug candidates for G-protein-coupled receptors. This structural insight into RES-701-3 binding to ETB receptor offers valuable information for the development of novel therapeutics targeting this receptor and provides a broader understanding of lasso peptide interactions with human cell-surface receptors.
Energy flows reveal declining ecosystem functions by animals across Africa
Authors: Loft Ty , Menor Imma Oliveras , Stevens Nicola , Clements Hayley , Santini Luca , Thomas Seth , Tobias Joseph , Malhi Yadvinder 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
A key challenge for ecological science is to understand how biodiversity loss is changing ecosystem structure and function at scales relevant for policy1. Almost all biodiversity metrics are challenging to disaggregate into ecosystem functions, in particular animal-mediated functions such as pollination, seed and nutrient dispersal, and predation. Here, we adopt an ecosystem energetics approach2 as a physically meaningful method of translating animal species composition into a suite of ecosystem functions. We quantify historical changes to energy flows through mammal- and bird-mediated ecosystem functions across sub-Saharan Africa. In total, trophic energy flows have decreased by over one-third, with functions performed by megafauna in particular collapsing outside protected areas. The pattern of decreasing function varies by biome, driven by arboreal birds and primates in forests, terrestrial herbivores in grassy systems, and burrowing mammals in arid systems. Compared to other biodiversity metrics, an energetics approach highlights the ecological importance of smaller animals and keystone species. The results can help practitioners conserve and restore functionally diverse, energetically intact ecosystems across land uses and biomes. By relating biodiversity intactness to energy and material flows, ecosystem energetics can also advance efforts to set local, regional or planetary boundaries3 for biodiversity loss.
Supplementary effects of preservative-free potassium salt eye drops for treating patients with dry eye disease
Authors: Nien Ching-Min , Chen Alexander , Yu Meng-Shan , Lai Ing-Chou , Kuo Ming-Tse 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background:
A variety of eye drops are available for treating dry eye disease (DED). The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term result of preservative-free potassium salt solution (PSS) as an add-on treatment for patients with DED.
Method:
This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary referral center, and the parameters of routine clinical and instrumental evaluations at baseline, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after DED treatment were collected.
Results:
After PSS instillation, patients with dry eye had considerable improvements in average Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and assessable time but had a worse mean score in the temporal bulbar redness and initial tear spreading velocity. Subgroup analysis showed a considerable improvement in the OSDI, initial and stable lipid layer thickness in primary patients with DED, whereas a statistically worse average improvement in the temporal bulbar and limbal redness in patients with primary open angle glaucoma concomitant with dry eye disease.
Conclusions:
Preservative-free PSS may provide a rapid assistance on relieving the subjective and objective ocular symptoms for patients with treated DED as an add-on therapy.
Trial registration:nil
Characterizing the seismic response and basin structure of Cusco (Peru). Implications for the seismic hazard assessment of a World Heritage Site
Authors: Combey Andy , Mercerat Diego , Díaz Jonathan , Benavente Carlos , Pérez Fredy , García Briant , Palomino Anderson , Guevara César 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Known worldwide for its rich and well-preserved pre-Columbian and Spanish architecture, the city of Cusco (Peru) is listed as a World Heritage Site since 1983. However, less well known is the seismic hazard, which represents a major threat to the 400,000 Cusco’s inhabitants and city’s cultural outreach. Despite the moderate magnitudes recorded in the area, macroseismic data inferred from historical earthquakes (1650, 1950) argue for strong amplification effects of the unconsolidated sediments of the Cusco Basin during ground motion. In order to address this aggravating factor for the first time, we conducted a large-scale passive geophysical survey in the historic city center of Cusco combining Microtremor Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (MHVSR) measurements and Microtremor Array Measurements (MAM). A subsurface wave velocity model and an evaluation of the depth of the engineering bedrock are proposed through joint data inversion. In addition to the characterization the soft sediment thickness, the site response analysis suggests the existence of a strong geological discontinuity beneath the city center of Cusco, consistent with the trace of the Cusco fault. Moreover, the results highlight the complexity of the earthquake site amplification assessment in dense urban areas. Our work paves the way for a comprehensive seismic microzonation of the entire Cusco Basin and opens up new perspectives on the potential of the MHVSR method for blind fault detection.
A bioinspired tactile scanner for computer haptics
Authors: Wang Kai , Li Huimin , Lin Jianle , Lin Shuxin , Jiang Bowei , Liu Xinghui , Wu Weisheng , Li Weiwei , Iranmanesh Emad , Zhou Zhongyi , Li Wenjun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Computer haptics (CH) is about integration of tactile sensation and rendering in Metaverse. However, unlike computer vision (CV) where both hardware infrastructure and software programs are well developed, a generic tactile data capturing device that serves the same role as what a camera does for CV, is missing. Bioinspired by electrophysiological processes in human tactile somatosensory nervous system, here we propose a tactile scanner together with a neuromorphically-engineered system, in which a closed-loop tactile acquisition and rendering (re-creation) are preliminarily achieved. Based on the architecture of afferent nerves and intelligent functions of mechano-gating and leaky integrate-and-fire models, such a tactile scanner is designed and developed by using piezoelectric transducers as axon neurons and thin film transistor (TFT)-based neuromorphic circuits to mimic synaptic behaviours and neural functions. As an example, the neuron-like tactile information of surface textures is captured and further used to render a texture friction of a virtual surface for “recreating” a “true” feeling of touch.
Development of a continuous multimodal data supply chain for oncology and an expandable clinical decision support system
Authors: Shin Sang Joon , Chang Jee Suk , Baek Eun Sil , Choi Jeong Eun , Lim Joon Seok , Kim Jin Sung 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: This study presents an inter-departmental collaboration to create a comprehensive oncology data framework and clinical decision support system, integrating clinical, genomic, and imaging data.
Methods: A real-time data supply chain was established in an academic cancer center to capture unstructured health data from various sources. For each cancer type, specific selection approaches were developed. Firstly, we predefined 817 features applicable across various cancers, along with a median of 61 histology-specific features and developed a customized Extract-Transform-Load (ETL) algorithm for each feature Standard criteria for data quality control (QC) were formulated, and a web-based computational QC platform enabling manual and automatic inspections was created. This framework has been applied to electronic health data since 2006.
Findings: The data supply chain captured features from 171,128 individuals across 11 cancer types. It updates individual profiles daily and conducts QC checks, including 143 logical comparisons, processing an average of 81 cases daily. Continuous automatic and manual data QC within closed-human-in-loop systems ensured accuracy. Using the developed data warehouse, we were able to showcase survival graphs by tumor stages and demonstrate the framework's ability to expedite data collection for quick clinical hypothesis testing. A dashboard displaying patients’ cancer journeys, including landmark events, treatment progress, and longitudinal tumor tracking, was also developed.
Interpretation: We have developed an automatically updated data supply chain that comprehensively synthesizes multimodal medical data and assesses data QC, aimed at directly assisting clinical decision-making for individual patients. Ongoing learning is essential, depending on the purpose of data use, and further research into its applicability in other environments is required.
Pantoprazole enhances osimertinib activity by inhibiting autophagy in NSCLC cells and tumor xenografts
Authors: Yun Tianyang , Yin Dongtao , Gao Jianjun , Tang Yue , Yi Shaoqiong , Liu Yang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Here we examined whether Osimertinib (OSI) resistance which due to induced autophagy could be reversed by inhibiting autophagy with Pantoprazole. The effects of OSI ± pantoprazole were examined in four different non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, along with two human xenograft models. The effects of OSI ± pantoprazole on autophagy and drug effects were evaluated. Alterations in PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway activation were also evaluated. Combination of OSI and pantoprazole resulted in decreased proliferation and tumor inhibition in NSCLC cells compared to single agent therapy. Treatment with OSI alone resulted in up-regulation of autophagy in NSCLC cells. Pantoprazole inhibited the induction of autophagy and sensitized NSCLC cells to OSI. When used together, OSI and pantoprazole increased apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in NSCLC cells. Pantoprazole effectively reversed OSI-mediated suppression of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in NSCLC cells. Pharmacological autophagy inhibition sensitized NSCLC cells to OSI and enhanced the efficacy of OSI.
Deregulation cascades in carcinogenesis
Authors: Herrero Roberto , Gomez Jean Pierre , Gil Gabriel , Gonzalez Augusto 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Carcinogenesis is one example of transition between two biological states involving strong gene
expression rearrangements. Normal and tumor states are understood as two different states of a
Gene Regulatory Network. In terms of the normal state characteristics, the transition may be
thought as a deregulation process. According to a very abstract model for the transition, the
available data on cancer risk support the idea of a single big jump in expression space, which
may be associated to a deregulation cascade. Here, we use the measured frequency distribution of
gene deregulations, and concepts from the probabilistic theory of causation in order to infer
causal relations between pairs of genes and construct a deregulation causal network. Then, the
deregulated genes in each sample are organized according to the network in such a way that they
show the deregulation cascade behind the transition from the normal to the tumor state. The explicit
analysis for prostate adenocarcinoma is given. In most cases, the cascade happens to be unique and
initiated by a single deregulation event. Using results from a companion paper, we show that
cascades conform classes which may be labeled by the deregulations in a predefined panel of 15
genes. The results of the paper may be checked in experiments with cellular lines or in animal
models, and could have an impact on personalized cancer therapy .
An experimental study on the estimation of the static characteristics and relative displacement of the surfaces of an 88% tin-coated plain bearing
Authors: Kadda Mehala , Nadia Bendaoud , Hadi Boukhatmi , Habib Bendaoud Mohamed 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In order to prevent warming and deterioration in the surface condition of the plain bearing (shaft/bearing), it was necessary to enhance the heat engines' efficiency by applying a coating containing 88% tin to the internal surface of the bearing. To assess the effectiveness and reliability of these coatings, a testing rigs specifically designed for automotive engine bearings was developed. The University of Poitiers collaborated on the experimental analysis, which explored the impact of different loads and speeds. The results of the analysis confirmed that frictional efficiency tended to improve with low loads and high speeds. The displacement observed in the bearing decreased as the speed increased, particularly in lightly loaded plain bearings. Conversely, heavily loaded sliding bearings exhibited higher displacement values. At the 315º position, the displacement was particularly significant and increased significantly with the load, while it was less significant at the 45º position. In the 315º position, the circumferential face displacement of the shaft decreased notably with increasing speed at low loads. Similarly, for higher loads, the displacement only slightly decreased with increasing speed, but these displacements were very high at the 315º position.
Programmed death-1 inhibitors as treatment for other subtypes of lymphomas not recommended in the guidelines: Real-world data from a single center in China
Authors: Wang Miao , Qian Siyu , Zhang Yue , Chen Qingjiang , Zhang Xudong , Zhang Mingzhi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In recent years, PD-1 inhibitors have shined in some subtypes of lymphoma, including Classic Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Primary Mediastinal Large B-cell Lymphoma, and Natural Killer/T-cell Lymphoma, recommended by clinical practice guidelines. It is unknown how effective are PD-1 inhibitors used for other subtypes not recommended by the guidelines. We conducted a retrospective study in a real-world setting to evaluate efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors for other subtypes not recommended by the guidelines and discuss the potential biomarkers of treatment outcome. We found that the efficacy in some subtypes seems all right, especially in PCNSL. And the kinetics of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Lactate dehydrogenase may indicate clinical outcomes. Thus, PD-1 inhibitor is a promising choice for lymphoma patients. Further screening and monitoring of patients may bring more clinical benefits.
The COVID-19 pandemic and clinical characteristics of colorectal cancer: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Han Yoon Dae , Bae Sung Uk , Kim Woo Ram , Lim Dae Ro , Kim Chang Woo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose.
The spread of COVID-19 has led to numerous hospitals prioritizing case management and to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Consequently, many cancer patients have developed life-threatening complications during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on colorectal cancer (CRC), including its clinical and pathologic characteristics.
Methods.
This multicenter cohort study was performed at six institutions in Korea and included a total of 3871 patients with CRC treated between March 2019 and February 2021. After exclusion of 211 patients who did not undergo surgery, the data of 3660 patients were compared 1 year before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The patients’ baseline characteristics, CRC-related complications, perioperative outcomes including emergency surgery, R0 resection rates, stoma formations, postoperative complications, and pathologic outcomes were assessed.
Results.
The number of patients decreased during the pandemic (− 18.0%, from 2127 to 1744), but the baseline characteristics did not differ. The pandemic group had greater disease severity given the presence of bleeding, perforation, and obstruction as complications (9.8% vs. 12.7%, P = 0.033). The proportion of patients who had open surgery (15.9% vs. 17.6%, P = 0.049), stoma formation (11.9% vs. 15.4%, P < 0.001), early postoperative complications (13.5% vs. 17.5%, P = 0.001), and adjuvant chemotherapy increased in the pandemic group (45.5% vs. 50.1%, P = 0.003).
Conclusion.
The clinical and pathologic features of CRC partly worsened during the pandemic. Healthcare providers and governments should prepare to encounter patients with CRC having poor clinical features for years and encourage people to participate in cancer screening programs.
Trial registration:
The Clinical Research Information Service (No. KCT0008063), January 2, 2023, retrospectively registered.