bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Agreement between early-phase Amyloid-PET and pulsed Arterial Spin Labeling in a memory clinic cohort
Authors: Ribaldi Federica , Mendes Augusto J , Galazzo Ilaria Boscolo , Natale Valerio , Mathoux Gregory , Pievani Michela , Lövblad Karl-Olof , Scheffler Max , Frisoni Giovanni B , Garibotto Valentina , Pizzini Francesca B 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Relative Cerebral Blood Flow (rCBF) as assessed with pulsed Arterial Spin Labeling (pASL) MRI and the standardized uptake value ratio (SUVr) in early-phase amyloid-PET (ePET) can be used as proxies of brain perfusion. Both techniques have shown good agreement with the gold-standard (F-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET), however the comparison between them is less clear. This study aimed to compare perfusion-like data from pASL (rCBF) and ePET (SUVr) in a memory clinic cohort. We included 46 patients (69 ± 8 years; 37 women) from the Geneva Memory Center (Cognitively Impaired-CI n = 29; Cognitively Unimpaired-CU n = 17), with available pASL and ePET. We tested the association between rCBF and SUVr values in 18 cortical/subcortical regions using Pearson’s correlations (r). Regional differences between CU and CI were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney test. We observed weak correlations (0 < r < 0.39) between rCBF and SUVr in: frontal superior, posterior cingulate, precuneus, superior temporal pole, insula, amygdala, caudate, thalamus; moderate correlations (r > 0.40) in: precuneus, hippocampus, putamen. Additionally, significant differences in rCBF between CU and CI were also observed in the inferior temporal, precuneus, and calcarine (p < 0.05), while SUVr showed significantly differences in the hippocampus and caudate between the two clinical groups. The posterior cingulate was the only region consistently different in rCBF and SUVr between CU and CI subjects. Our findings indicate weak to moderate local correlations between the two analyzed techniques. Nevertheless, both techniques exhibited differing regional levels of perfusion in CU and CI groups. Notably, rCBF showed differences mainly in cortical regions, while SUVr differences were predominantly observed in subcortical areas.
Biocontrol potential of cell-free supernatant of Paenibacillus chitinolyticus against Plasmodiophora brassicae in two important Brassica species
Authors: Rudsari Maryam Khodashenas , Zouhar Miloslav , Manasova Marie , Li Tongda 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Plasmodiophora brassicae is a serious threat to Brassica crops worldwide, resulting in substantial economic losses for growers, with the challenge of control persisting. Biocontrol with chitinolytic bacteria producing chitinase is gaining attention as a natural alternative to chemicals. This approach is favored due to the essential role chitinases play in protecting against chitin-containing pathogens. Given that chitin is a major component in the resting spores of P. brassicae and plays a crucial role during pathogenesis, it is probable that Paenibacillus chitinolyticus, producing a high level of chitinase, could suppress P. brassicae by targeting chitin in a critical stage of this pathogen’s life cycle. Our research aimed at evaluating the effect of various applications of P. chitinolyticus on clubroot suppression in two economically important Brassica species: Chinese cabbage and rapeseed. The effectiveness of the cell-free supernatant (CFS) of an endemic strain of P. chitinolyticus from the Czech Republic at five different time points was studied in the greenhouse by measuring the disease severity index. The results showed that early application of P. chitinolyticus decreased the disease index significantly within both plants. Additionally, in both plants, P. chitinolyticus increased shoot dry weight to a great extent. In conclusion, the CFS of P.chitinolyticus has significant antagonistic activity against clubroot in Chinese cabbage and rapeseed in the early developmental stages of clubroot occurrence and holds the potential as a biofertilizer as well as bioprotectant agent in clubroot management of P. brassicae.
Single-cell transcriptomics reveals markers of regulatory T cell dysfunction in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Shangaris Panicos , Mensah Nana , Efthimiou Athina , Mureanu Nicoleta , Vaikkinen Heli , Kannambath Shichina , Bowman Amanda , Menon Athul , Tree Timothy , Lombardi Giovanna , Dhami Pawan , Nicolaides Kypros , Scottá Cristiano 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication associated with hyperglycaemia, chronic inflammation and adverse health outcomes. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are thought to contribute to GDM due to their role in suppressing inflammation. However, it remains unclear whether specific Treg subsets are impaired in patients with GDM. To investigate transcriptional variation in GDM Tregs, we applied single-cell RNA sequencing to Tregs isolated from the blood of 13 healthy pregnant women and 10 patients with GDM. We identified naive and effector Treg subsets, none of which significantly differ in the proportion of cells captured from GDM and controls. We report a naive Treg subset with reduced expression of AP-1 transcription factor subunits in GDM, including JUN, FOS, and EGR1, and an effector Treg subset with increased signalling of angiogenesis marker genes. Genes dysregulated in GDM Tregs independently predicted GDM status in pseudobulk and whole blood mRNA from independent cohorts. Remarkably, TXNIP, which regulates glucose levels, emerged as the most reliable standalone predictor in bulk mRNA (minimum AUC 0.7) equivalent to using body mass index (AUC 0.72) in our cohort. This study uncovers a disrupted molecular pathway in Treg cell subsets from GDM patients and proposes a panel of genes with translational potential as early disease biomarkers.
Network pharmacological analysis and experimental study of melatonin in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome
Authors: Wang Yanan , Lao Yonfeng , Li Rongxin , You Chengyu , Qing Liangliang , Xiao Xi , Liu Shuai , Wang Wenyun , Zhao Yu , Dong Zhilong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective: This study aims to explore the potential mechanisms of melatonin (MT) in treating chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) using network pharmacology and molecular docking.
Methods: The target genes of MT were acquired from the Swiss Target Prediction, Superpred, SEA, and PharmMapper databases and the CP/CPPS targets were collected based on OMIM, Disgenet, and Genecards databases. The intersection of MT and CP/CPPS target genes was analyzed. A PPI network was constructed using Cytoscape to identify core targets. The shared targets underwent GO and KEGG enrichment analyses by Using R software. Molecular docking of MT with core targets was performed using AutoDock and PyMol. And using cell experiments to verify the potential effect of MT in CP/CPPS.
Results: Network pharmacology analysis reveals 284 shared targets between MT and CP/CPPS, with AKT1, SRC, HSP90AA1, PTGS2, BCL2L1, ALB, CASP3, NFKB1, HIF1A, and ESR1 identified as key targets. Enrichment analysis indicates that MT affects CP/CPPS through various biological processes, and pathway analysis emphasizes the significance of PI3K-Akt, MAPK, Ras, FoxO, HIF-1, EGFR, and apoptosis pathways. Molecular docking confirms strong binding between MT and core targets. Cell experiments demonstrate that MT can inhibit the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in LPS induced RWPE-1 cells, alleviate inflammation, and suppress cell apoptosis and oxidative stress.
Conclusion: Network pharmacology, molecular docking and cell experiments showed that MT could play a role in CP/CPPS by regulating multiple targets and pathways. This provides valuable insights for a more in-depth investigation into the molecular mechanisms and clinical applications of MT in CP/CPPS treatment.
Origins and significance of alteration textures in hydrovolcanic products from active volcanoes
Authors: Minami Yusuke , GESHI Nobuo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
While mineralization processes in hydrothermal systems have been studied intensively from the viewpoint of economic geology, the composition, and textures of hydrothermally altered materials in hydrovolcanic ash have not been fully analyzedin active volcanic systems. In particular, criteria for describing and interpreting textural characteristics based on observed ash components have not been established. We used X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy to examine ash grains from hydrovolcanic activities of the Meakandake, Ontaka, Aso, and Kuchinoerabujima volcanoes. The grains were then classified into 15 types based on their mineral assemblages and textural characteristics. The textural variations are indicative of the temperature and acidity of the hydrothermal fluid, and the reaction time between the hydrothermal fluid and host rocks. Grains featuring “acid” type alteration exhibit co-existing silica and sulfate minerals, suggesting precipitation from acidic hydrothermal fluid at a shallow depth beneath active volcanoes, with inflow of volcanic gas directly from the magma. Grains featuring “neutral” type alteration consist of muscovite, adularia, K-feldspar (orthoclase), and miner biotite, and were formed within a higher-pH hydrothermal fluid, which underwent a neutralization process from an acidic fluid through rock-water interaction. Acid-type grains were typically found in ash from the Ontake, Aso, Kuchinoerabujima, and Meakandake Volcanoes. Neutral-type alteration was recognized in products from the 2014 Ontake eruption and some tephra units of Meakandake. The temporal change in the proportion of alteration types, along the Meakandake tephra sequence, suggests the neutralization of a hydrothermal fluid from the timing of magmatic–phreatomagmatic eruptions to the following period of phreatic eruptions, indicating maturation of the hydrothermal fluid. This study demonstrates how specific alteration textures can be used as indicators of boiling, replacement, hydrothermal fluid conditions, and reaction times between volcanic rocks and hydrothermal fluids.
A Real-World Pharmacovigilance Study of Ceftazidime/avibactam: Data Mining of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) Database
Authors: Yao Haiping , Wang Yanyan , Peng Yan , Huang Zhixiong , Gan Guoping , Wang Zhu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Ceftazidime/avibactam (CAZ/AVI) is a combination of a well-known third-generation, broad-spectrum cephalosporin with a new beta-lactamase inhibitor that has been approved for the treatment of various infectious diseases (especially MDR-GNB infections) by the FDA.
Aim
The present study extensively assessed real-world CAZ/AVI-related adverse events (AEs) through data mining of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database to better understand toxicities.
Methods
The signals of CAZ/AVI-related AEs were quantified using disproportionality analyses, including the reporting odds ratio (ROR), the proportional reporting ratio (PRR), the Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN) and the multi-item gamma Poisson shrinker (MGPS) algorithms. System organ classifications (SOCs) and preferred terms (PTs) from the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) were used in the definition.
Results
A total of 628 instances of CAZ/AVI-related AEs were identified among 10,114,815 records gathered from the FAERS database. A total of 61 PTs with significant disproportionality that simultaneously met the criteria of all four algorithms were retained. Several unexpected safety signals may also occur, including melaena, hypernatraemia, depressed level of consciousness, brain oedema, petechiae, delirium, and shock haemorrhagic. The median onset time for AEs associated with CAZ/AVI was 4 days, with nearly half cases occurring within 3 days after CAZ/AVI initiation.
Conclusions
Some of our research findings were consistent with the information described in drug labels and monographs, and we also discovered potential novel and unexpected AE signals associated with CAZ/AVI. Future clinical investigations are needed to validate our findings and establish their relationship. Our findings might serve as important supporting data for future CAZ/AVI safety investigations.
The Presence, Abundance and Characteristics of Microplastics in some Crustaceans Species: Blue swimmer crab (Portunus armatus), Banana prawn (Penaeus merguiensis) and in Molluscs: Bivalve mollusc oyster (Amiantis umbonella) and Razor shell (Solen roseomaculatus) on Bandar Abbas City Shores, Southern Iran
Authors: Parvaresh Hossein , Enayati Somayeh , Kerdgari Mahnaz , Ghasemi Saber , Ghanataghestani Mohsen Dehghani 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems constitutes a serious threat to the life of aquatic organisms and human health. This study aimed to identify the presence, abundance and characteristics of microplastics in Blue Swimmer Crab (Portunus armatus), Banana prawn (Penaeus merguiensis), Bivalve mollusc oyster (Amiantis umbonella) as well as in Razor shell (Solen roseomaculatus) living in Bandar Abbas coastal city shores on the Persian Gulf banks, south of Iran. Five sites along Bandar Abbas city coasts with different industrialization and urbanization levels were selected. After the collection and biometrics of the biological samples, the preparation and digestion steps of the samples were carried out to separate the microplastic particles using the flotation method. Then the characteristics of microplastics such as shape, color, size and type of particles were investigated by using microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The identified forms included fiber, piece and film, from which the fiber and film microplastics comprised the most and least identified forms in the studied species, respectively The identified particles were classified into three categories: 0.45-25, 25–250 and 250–500 micrometers, where most of the particles (66%) belonged to the 0.45-25 micrometers size range with black and blue colors. The most common polymers identified were polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene and polyamide. The average abundance of microplastics in Blue Swimmer Crab (Portunus armatus), Banana prawn (Penaeus merguiensis), Bivalve mollusc oyster (Amiantis umbonella) and Razor shell (Solen roseomaculatus) species in this study were 2.57 ± 1.23, 4.9 ± 1.95, 3.27 ± 1.26 and 4.05 ± 1.90 particles per gram respectively. Results of the correlation analysis showed a positive correlation at 0.01 level between the abundance of microplastic particles in the living samples soft tissue and their body size (weight and length).
The combination of TLSs and the neutrophil-to-macrophage ratio predicts early recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Zhuangzhuang , Duan Binwei , Wang Xinxin , Zhang Gongming , Wu Feng , Sun Yibo , Ouyang Yabo , Li Guangming 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Introduction:
Liver cancer, predominantly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), ranks among the deadliest malignancies worldwide, and effective predictive models for early recurrence and poor prognosis are limited.
Methods
This study retrospectively analyzed 180 HCC patients and explored the prognostic value of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), peripheral blood immune parameters, and clinical factors in HCC.
Results
The results showed that TLSs could significantly reduce early recurrence rates but that they were not related to late recurrence. The interaction of peripheral blood immune parameters, especially the neutrophil–monocyte ratio (NMR), plays a pivotal role in early recurrence prediction. A novel clinical prediction model was constructed by combining the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system (8th edition), TLS status, and NMR data, and the results demonstrated substantial predictive accuracy for early HCC recurrence.
Conclusions
These findings highlight the multifaceted impact of TLSs and peripheral blood immunity on HCC prognosis and provide a valuable tool for personalized patient management, particularly for identifying early recurrence risk.
Balanced Assignment of Patients to Healthcare Centers Using Dispatching Rules
Authors: Teymourifar Aydin , Trindade Maria A. M. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background: In the realm of public health management, ensuring a balanced assignment of patients to healthcare centers is a critical concern. This study introduces a novel approach for this purpose, utilizing dispatching rules. Highlighting the need for an easily applicable approach to regulating patient flow efficiently, the study shows the benefit of utilizing dispatching rules in healthcare management.
Methods: Innovatively, this research departs from traditional approaches by introducing a multi-objective model grounded in the concept of sectorization. This model, unique in the public health literature, leverages dispatching rules to simplify complex, dynamic patient assignment scenarios. The model is simulated using Rockwell Arena software, incorporating various temporal factors. The optimization of these dispatching rules is performed through OptQuest software.
Results: The study's findings demonstrate that the optimized dispatching rule significantly enhances the model's efficacy in balancing patient assignments across healthcare centers. This improvement is pivotal in addressing the uneven distribution of healthcare resources.
Conclusions: This research makes a substantial contribution to the public health literature by offering a novel and practical solution for balancing patient load among healthcare centers. Its successful application in simulated environments suggests a promising pathway for real-world implementations, potentially leading to more efficient healthcare systems and improved patient care outcomes.
Bistatic radar cross section estimation by using DDM for better spatial resolution of ocean surface wind speed
Authors: Yeh Wen-Hao , Tsai Yung-Fu , Lin Chen-Tsung 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The delay-Doppler map (DDM) is the signal power distribution of the Coarse/Acquisition code (C/A code) of the received Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal in different code phase delay and Doppler frequency. When the received signal is reflected from ocean surface, the DDM can be used to retrieve the ocean surface wind speed, which is the GNSS-reflectometry (GNSS-R) technique. Due to the signal power distribution in DDM is the correlation results of received and artificial C/A code from receiver in different code phase delay and Doppler frequency, the Woodward ambiguity function (WAF) occurs in the DDM. In the case of DDM, the WAF is the correlation results of two square waves in different code phase delay and Doppler frequency, and is approximated a triangular function and a sinc function in code phase delay and Doppler frequency axes, respectively. It means the correlation results not only show the code phase delay and Doppler frequency of the received signal but also influence the surrounding code phase delay and Doppler frequency values and cause the structure of DDM more complex. Using more bins in DDM in the wind speed retrieval process can reduce the influence of WAF but cause the spatial resolution to worsen. In order to use as less bins as possible in the retrieval process and not reduce the retrieval efficiency too much, a simple method to estimate bistatic radar cross section (BRCS) from DDM is developed in this study. Furthermore, a retrieval process is also developed for ocean surface wind speed retrieving by using less bins in the DDM from Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) mission.
Factors affecting implementation of integrated medical basic course “Molecules, Cells and Tissues” for international students
Authors: Regmi Aksara , Qian Cihang , Yang Jie , Yamaguchi Yoshifumi , Cheng Jinke , Zuo Yong , Sun Xueqing , Wang Li , Wang Ying 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
An integrated course system centered on organs and systems became a mainstream model among the medical schools in China and especially those in Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. International students in China attended the integrated courses independently. Here we will just put focus on the integrated medical basic course “Molecules, Cells and Tissues” for international students. This research mainly focused on the factors affecting the implementation of the integrated course, including the factors before enrollment and those after enrollment. The factors before enrollment included Chinese language level and subjects taken in high school. The factors after enrollment included online and offline courses; Case Based Learning (CBL) and Team Based Learning (TBL) and the learning attitude of undergraduate students. This research did studies to explore international students' academic engagement in China. Using data generated by a study involving 213 international undergraduate students from five different grades at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. The international student research taken helps to understand and enhance international undergraduate students' learning experiences in Chinese Universities. Although located in China, this research holds implications for practitioners in broader contexts striving for the sustainable development of international student education.

*The authors would like to note that Aksara Regmi and Cihang Qian contributed equally to this work.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma Overcomes Lipid Depletion by Utilizing Serine for Phospholipid Synthesis and Enhanced Survival
Authors: Andersen Jesper , Paul bichitra , Lewinska Monika , Lafuente-Barquero Juan , de Gauna Mikel Ruiz , Buqué Xabier , Mattanovich Matthias , Geng Dawei , Rodrigues Raissa , Kjær Martin , Nielsen Sebastian , Aldana Blanca , Zhuravleva Ekaterina , Marquardt Jens , Aspichueta Patricia , Moritz Thomas 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Metabolic vulnerabilities of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unexplored, though deregulation in these processes is a hallmark of cancer. HCC cells exhibit a marked dependence on lipids and have distinct responses to lipid depletion. Challenging HCC cells phenotype by lipid depletion, we studied their reaction through functional assays, lipidomic, metabolic, transcriptomic profiles, and metabolic fluxes. HCC cell lines were grouped as lipid-depletion sensitive (LD-S), characterized by high triglycerides and cholesterol esters, or resistant (LD-R), marked by increased membrane lipids like phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. LD-R cells showed serine uptake and carbon-donor incorporation into lipid synthesis pathways during lipid depletion. A distinct 150-gene lipid-associated signature differentiated HCC patients into subtypes, correlating LD-R traits with lower survival, higher vascular invasion, and distinct immune compositions, including associating Kupffer cells to LD-S tumors. This sensitivity to lipid depletion underscores lipid metabolism as a therapeutic target, potentially offering new treatments for HCC patients.
Perspectives on locally weighted ensemble Kalman methods
Authors: Wacker Philipp 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This manuscript derives locally weighted ensemble Kalman methods from the point of view of ensemble-based function approximation. This is done by using pointwise evaluations to build up a local linear or quadratic approximation of a function, tapering off the effect of distant particles via local weighting. This introduces a candidate method (the locally weighted Ensemble Kalman method) for combining the strengths of the particle filter (ability to cope with nonlinear maps and non-Gaussian distributions) and the Ensemble Kalman filter (no filter degeneracy), and can also be applied to optimisation and sampling tasks.
MSC class: 62F15, 65N75, 37N40, 90C56