bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multivariate Model to Predict Survival in Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Zhu Changsen , Zheng Guoqiang , Xu Yiyi , Wang Gang , Wang Nan , Lu Jianliang , Lyu Jun , Chen Zhuoming 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background & Aims: Pneumonia continues to be a leading source of respiratory complications in emergency medical settings. Limited research has been conducted on constructing predictive models utilizing biomarkers to estimate the in-hospital mortality rates among patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP). Our study aims to develop a comprehensive nomogram to project the survival probabilities at 7, 14, and 28 days for individuals afflicted with CAP.
Methods: Utilizing the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) - III database, we selected 1,433 patients. These individuals were subsequently segregated into training set and validation set. Variables were chosen through the Cox regression approach, subsequently crafting a prognostic nomogram. The predictive capacity of this novel model was appraised using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, concordance index (C-index), calibration plot, net reclassification index (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), and was juxtaposed against the Acute Physiology Score III (APSIII) and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA).
Results: The constructed nomogram incorporated the following variables: APSIII, Age, Temperature, WBC (White Blood Cell Count), Glucose, INR (International Normalized Ratio), Hemoglobin, Sodium, SOFA, Religion, Ethnicity, and Gender. Notably, this nomogram demonstrated superior performance compared to both the APSIII and the SOFA score, as evidenced by the ROC curve, C-index, NRI, and IDI evaluations.
Conclusion: We have harnessed a diverse array of biomarkers to construct a nomogram that surpasses the accuracy of APSIII and SOFA. This tool holds the potential to assist healthcare professionals in enhancing treatment strategies and prognosticating patient outcomes.
Induction of cellular senescence and apoptosis by anti-mycobacterial drug bedaquiline in mammalian cell lines
Authors: Liu Sihan , Zhang Jiawei , Zhang Jinbo , Wang Jincai , Chen Yang , He Qiyang , Li Xiaohui , Liu Tianjun , Guan Yan , Zhang Pengxia , Wang Xiao , Liu Yishuang , Meng Jianzhou 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Bedaquiline (BDQ), a first-in-class diarylquinoline compound, was approved for therapy of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) by the FDA in 2012. Previous studies have shown that the addition of BDQ to the preferred regimen resulted in faster sputum-culture conversion, but more deaths compared with the placebo group. Since the mechanism of BDQ is related to ATP synthase, and ATP synthase is closely linked to aging-related diseases, we hypothesized that BDQ may cause mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to cellular apoptosis and senescence.
Methods
The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay is used to assess the viability of cells in the presence or absence of bedaquiline treatment. We used flow cytometry to detect Annexin V-PI and ROS levels in different groups of cells. TMRM staining is performed to examine the changes in mitochondrial membrane potential of the cells. Western blot is used to measure the expression levels of proteins associated with aging and apoptosis. The β-Galactosidase kit is used for staining to examine the proportion of senescent cells in different groups.
Results
In the current study, we evaluated the apoptosis and senescence induction effects of BDQ in human embryonic lung fibroblasts MRC-5 cells and rat cardiomyocytes H9C2 cells and explored the potential molecular mechanisms. The results demonstrated that BDQ reduced the cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, BDQ induced cellular apoptosis and senescence, and increased Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) level.
Conclusions
Our results revealed that BDQ can cause cellular apoptosis and senescence for the first time, with the aim of optimizing anti-TB drug regimens in anticipation of better outcomes.
Kinetic Model Evaluation of Arsenic and Selenium Sources and Mobility in Waste Rock of the Powder River Basin, USA
Authors: Langman Jeff 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Groundwater quality can be impacted through the backfilling of coal pits with waste rock containing new mineral surfaces and transportable particles. Reaction fronts may propagate with the saturation of these backfill aquifers as the previously bound minerals and newly created nanomaterials provide additional release of potential contaminants. This study was implemented to identify newly available arsenic and selenium sources and effectively model their release with the weathering of waste rock from the Cordero Rojo Mine in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming. Basic forward models were constructed to replicate the typical modeling scenario for the identified mineral sources of arsenic and selenium in the Powder River Basin overburden—pyrite and gypsum, respectively. The basic forward models were unable to capture the arsenic and selenium trends recorded for leachate from a kinetic column loaded with waste rock from the Cordero Rojo Mine. Enhanced models were constructed to capture nanomaterial contributions to supplement the initially identified processes of the oxidation of arsenic-bearing pyrite and dissolution of selenium-bearing gypsum. Incorporation of the nanomaterial contributions produced modeled arsenic and selenium trends similar to the observed trends in the column leachate. The identification and modeling of newly available contaminant sources in backfill waste rock is necessary to predict the exceedance of water quality criteria for overburden formations that have not previously shown the potential for water quality contamination.
Gastrointestinal Involvement Refines Prognosis in Minnesota Standard Risk Acute Graft-vs-Host Disease
Authors: Alousi Amin , Marcoux Curtis , Im Jin , Hill Laquisa , Smallbone Portia , Popat Uday , HOSING CHITRA , Kebriaei Partow , Olson Amanda , Chen Geroge , Qazilbash Muzaffar , Shpall Elizabeth , Champlin Richard , Saliba Rima , Mehta Rohtesh 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Minnesota acute graft versus host disease (AGVHD) risk score is a validated tool to stratify newly-diagnosed patients into standard-risk (SR) and high-risk (HR) groups with ~85% having SR AGVHD. We aimed to identify factors for further risk-stratification within Minnesota SR patients. A single-center, retrospective analysis of consecutive patients between 1/2010 and 12/2014 was performed. Patients who developed AGVHD within 100 days and treated with systemic corticosteroids were included (N=416), 356 (86%) of which were Minnesota SR and 60 (14%) had HR AGVHD. Isolated upper gastrointestinal (GI) AGVHD patients had significantly better day 28 and 56 CR/PR rates (90% vs. 72%, p=0.004) and (83% vs 66%, p=0.01), respectively, and lower 1-year non-relapse mortality (NRM; 10% vs. 22%; HR 0.4, p=0.03). Lower GI AGVHD had less favorable outcomes with 1-year NRM of 40% (HR 2.1, p=0.001), although CR/PR rates were not statistically different. In multivariate analysis, lower GI involvement (HR 2.6, p<0.001), age ≥ 50 (HR 2.9, p<0.001) and HCT-CI>3 (HR 2.1, p=0.002) predicted for 1-year NRM. Heterogeneity within Minnesota SR patients requires consideration in clinical trials, as distinct outcomes are observed in those with isolated upper GI and lower GI AGVHD, highlighting the importance of stratification in clinical trial design.
Repurposing mebendazole against triple-negative breast cancer leptomeningeal disease
Authors: Rodrigues Adrian , Chernikova Sophia B. , Wang Yuelong , Trinh Thy T. H. , Solow-Cordero David E. , Alexandrova Ludmila , Casey Kerriann M. , Alli Elizabeth , Aggarwal Abhishek , Quill Tyler , Koegel Ashley , Feldman Brian J. , Ford James M. , Hayden-Gephart Melanie 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype that often metastasizes to the brain. Leptomeningeal disease (LMD), a devastating brain metastasis common in TNBC, has limited treatment options. We sought to test whether the common anti-helminthic drug mebendazole (MBZ) may be effective against murine TNBC LMD.
Methods
A small-molecule screen involving TNBC cell lines identified benzimidazoles as potential therapeutic agents for further study. In vitro migration assays were used to evaluate cell migration capacity and the effect of MBZ. For in vivo testing, LMD was introduced into BALB/c athymic nude mice through internal carotid artery injections of brain-tropic MDA-MB-231-BR or MCF7-BR cells. Tumor growth and spread was monitored by bioluminescence imaging. MBZ was given orally at 50 and 100 mg/kg doses. MBZ bioavailability was assayed by mass spectrometry.
Results
Bioinformatic analysis and migration assays revealed higher migratory capacity of TNBC compared to other breast cancer subtypes. MBZ effectively slowed down migration of TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 and its brain tropic derivative MDA-MB-231-BR. In animal studies, MBZ reduced tumor growth and extended survival in the LMD model produced by MDA-MB-231-BR cells. MBZ did not have an effect in the non-migratory MCF7-BR model.
Conclusions
We demonstrated that MBZ is a safe and effective oral agent in an animal model of TNBC LMD. Our findings are concordant with previous efforts involving MBZ and central nervous system pathology and further support the drug’s potential utility as an alternative therapeutic for TNBC LMD.
First molecular information and additional taxonomic detail of Parahadronchus siroii and Parahadronchus divendentus (Mononchida: Hadronchinae) from India
Authors: Singh Samandram Sushilkumar , Singh Phougeishangbam Rolish , Singh Sorokhaibam Mexico , Meitei Naorem Mohilal 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
A nematode survey conducted to study mononchid diversity in Mizoram state of India revealed the presence of Parahadronchus siroii and P. divendentus. These two mononchid species were both morphologically and molecularly characterized based on light microscopy studies and rRNA (18S and 28S) gene sequences. New taxonomic information is also provided for P. siroii including the measurements around neck region, cuticle thickness, labial papillae, and structures of vulva and vagina. Additionally, a comparative account of all known Parahadronchus spp. is also herein presented. The current study generated molecular data for Parahadronchus species of the subfamily Hadrochinae for the first time, and subsequent phylogenetic analysis based on both the sequences revealed close relationships of Parahadronchus with Iotonchus.
Internal Dosimetry for Individuals Following Inhalation of Radionuclides
Authors: Taha Taha M , Morsi Tarek M 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Owing to the increasing use of radioisotopes whether in nuclear medicine or research. The current research paper uses a whole-body counter to assess internal contamination for individuals working in nuclear medicine and research laboratories.
High purity germanium detector Whole Body Counter with a relative efficiency of 25%; aluminum endcap with 1.5 mm was calibrated using a mixed gamma source. It consists of three parts; high purity germanium detector gamma ray spectrometer, shielding room, and Phantom. Gamma internal monitoring was performed on eight volunteers inhaled with 131I and two individuals contaminated with 99mTc in organ geometry.
Results: The committed effective dose for individuals was lower than dose constrain and within the dose limit according to ICRP recommendations.
Conclusions: The study indicates that the HpGe whole body counter has the capability to detect organ contamination such as 131I in thyroid gland, 99mTc in whole body geometry.
Some new quantum MDS codes with large minimum distance
Authors: Li Lanqiang , Tian Fuyin , Cao Ziwen , Liu Li 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The construction of quantum Maximum Distance Separable (MDS) error-correcting codes is of great significance in practical applications, as it plays a vital role in enhancing the reliability and efficiency of quantum communication and quantum computing. As a result, it remains an active research topic in the field of quantum information science. In this paper, based on generalized Reed-Solomon (GRS) codes and Hermitian construction, we construct two new classes of quantum MDS codes. Our constructed quantum MDS codes are novel in the sense that their parameters differ from all previously known codes. Furthermore, most of our codes exhibit significantly larger minimum distance compared to the existing ones of the same length.
Study on Pile-End Resistance of Static Pile with Different Cone Apex Angle in Clay
Authors: Zhang Chunhui , Huang Xin , Shen Zhichao , Wang Le , Tian Yinghui , Chen Guangsi , Huang Ting , Li Hongjiang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Static pile ended with cone apex angle is widely used in practical engineering. However, the corresponding penetration resistance is still impossible to be predicted accurately. To address this, the penetration process of static pile is simulated by using the coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) method in this study. During the penetration process of static pile in clay, the effect of cone apex angle and soil rigidity index on pile-end resistance and the distribution of the plastic zone of the soil around the pile-end are analyzed. The corresponding results indicate that the pile-end resistance is positively correlated with the size of cone apex angle and soil rigidity index, and the pile-end resistance rises with the increase of penetration depth until reaching a certain depth. Besides, the expansion process of the plastic zone near the pile-end is characterized by the expansion of spherical cavity. Since the position of expansion cavity center is different from the traditional theory, the corresponding radius in the traditional theory of cavity expansion is modified according to the corresponding numerical results. Finally, a semi-empirical method, in which the effect of cone apex angle and the soil rigidity index are considered, is proposed to predict the ultimate pile-end resistance of static pile.
Novel 3-cyclopentylidene-5-(methylsulfonyl)indolin-2-one derivatives as Anti-tubercular Agents: Design, Synthesis, Docking, Molecular Dynamic Simulation, and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Velavalapalli Vani Madhuri , Kumar G Shiva , Katari Naresh Kumar , Gundla Rambabu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Nearly 3 million people die from tuberculosis (TB), which affects the lungs and other regions of the body. It is the most common bacterial infectious agent. We report the molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulations, synthesis, characterization, and biological activity of indolin-2-one derivatives as a novel anti-mycobacterial series identified from MABA (Microplate Alamar Blue Assay )method. The docking method was employed to investigate the intermolecular interactions between each compound and the enzyme Decaprenyl phosphoryl-D-ribose 2′-epimerase(DprE1). The results revealed significant binding interaction energies between these compounds and the enzyme. The stability of the interaction was evaluated using a standard 20 ns dynamic simulation study. For the protein-ligand complex's stability under the dynamic settings, parameters generated from MD simulation trajectories were computed and validated. The three compounds showed significant anti-mycobacterial activity, with MICs of 3.12 μg/ml against M. tuberculosis. All the compounds have favourable in vitroabsorption-distribution-metabolism-excretion (ADME). Evaluation of all the new compounds for in vitroanti-mycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (ATCC27294) resulted in 9b, 9c, and 15a (MIC: 3.125μg/mL) as promising lead analogues.
Dombi power aggregation operators with linguistic intuitionistic fuzzy set and their application in healthcare waste management
Authors: Ameer Muhammad , Yousaf Awais 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Healthcare waste management is an important component of healthcare systems around the world, with significant consequences for public health and environmental sustainability. Traditional waste disposal procedures frequently fail to meet the complex and unpredictable nature of healthcare waste, which may contain potentially toxic compounds. This article proposes the notion of Linguistic Intuitionistic Fuzzy Dombi Power Weighted Averaging to improve decision-making in healthcare waste management (LIFDPWA). LIFDPWA is a unique aggregation operator that successfully combines linguistic intuitionistic fuzzy information while allowing varied degrees of uncertainty in decision-makers' inputs. This paper digs into the theoretical underpinnings of Linguistic Intuitionistic Fuzzy sets and the LIFDPWA operator, elucidates a thorough multi-criteria decision-making approach, and applies it to the complex domain of healthcare waste disposal. By combining insights from a diverse range of decision-making processes and healthcare management practices, this study provides a solid foundation for addressing the complex difficulties related with healthcare waste management. The suggested strategy offers healthcare practitioners and policymakers with a helpful tool for optimizing healthcare waste management while protecting both communities and the environment.
The added value of using convective-permitting regional climate model simulations to represent cloud band events over South America
Authors: Zilli Marcia T , Lemes Murilo Ruv , Hart Neil C. G. , Halladay Kate , Kahana Ron , Fisch Gilberto , Prein Andreas , Ikeda Kyoko , Liu Changhai 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Climate science has long explored whether higher resolution regional climate models (RCMs) provide improved simulation of regional climates over global climate models (GCMs). The advent of convective-permitting RCMs (CPRCMs), where sufficiently fine-scale grids allow explicitly resolving rather than parametrising convection, has created a clear distinction between RCM and GCM formulations. This study investigates the simulation of tropical-extratropical (TE) cloud bands in a suite of pan-South America convective-permitting Met Office Unified Model (UM) and Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) climate simulations. All simulations produce annual cycles in TE cloud band frequency within 10-30% of observed climatology. However, too few cloud band days are simulated during the early summer (Nov-Dec) and too many during the core summer (Jan-Feb). Compared with their parent forcing, CPRCMs simulate more dry days but systematically higher daily rainfall rates, keeping the total rain biases low. During cloud band systems, changes in tropical rain rates simulated by the CPRCMs compare better with station-based gridded rainfall than satellite-derived data sets. Circulation analysis suggests that simulated lower subtropical rain rates during cloud bands systems, in contrast to the higher rates in the tropics, are associated with weaker northwesterly moisture flux from the Amazon towards southeast South America, more evident in the CPRCMs. Taken together, the results suggest that CPRCMs tend to be more effective at producing heavy daily rainfall rates than parametrised simulations for a given level of near-surface moist energy. The extent to which this improves or degrades biases present in the parent simulations is strongly region-dependent.
Assessment of health outcomes and social determinants of health in United States nursing homes
Authors: Pabon-Rodriguez Felix M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Addressing health disparities has become an important concern in public health, underlying the need to comprehensively investigate and understand the social determinants of health to foster equitable healthcare outcomes. This descriptive analysis examines the temporal and spatial patterns of social determinants of health in United States nursing homes from 2020 to 2023. Leveraging quarterly data obtained from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the study provides an overview of key social drivers of health, including functional status, cognitive status, psychosocial factors, geriatric syndromes, and more. Through visual exploration, the study aims to elucidate trends and variations over time and across different regions. The analysis adopts a descriptive approach, emphasizing qualitative insights and policy considerations. This study contributes to a better understanding of the contextual factors influencing health outcomes in nursing homes, offering valuable insights for potential policy enhancements.
Impacts of climate change on thermal stratification and water quality of Reservoirs
Authors: Najari Sina , Heidarzadeh Nima 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This study examines the impact of climate change on the thermal structure, dissolved oxygen (DO), and phosphate (PO4) values of the Karun IV reservoir, Iran. It covers the baseline period (1995-2014) and future projections (2081-2100). Future meteorological variables were derived from the Canadian Earth System Model version 5 (CanESM5) under two emission scenarios downscaled using a machine-learning approach. The continuous daily inflow of the reservoir over an extended period was simulated by employing the IHACRES rainfall-runoff model, in conjunction with the Water Evaluation and Planning system (WEAP) to replicate water level dynamics and outflow. The evaluation of water quality for the years 2019-2020 was conducted utilizing a calibrated CE-QUAL-W2, and any missing data was approximated through empirical relationships. Our findings indicate that the average surface water temperature and the average PO4 concentration, which respectively stands at 22.8 °C and 0.27 mg/L in the baseline scenario, are projected to increase under both SSP1-1.9 (24.4 °C and 0.31 mg/L) and SSP5-8.5 (26 °C and 0.48 mg/L) scenarios. Whereas the average DO concentration of 8.2 mg/L in the baseline scenario is expected to decline in the mentioned scenarios (7.3 and 6.01 mg/L, respectively). The increase in the temperature of the water and the subsequent decline in DO and PO4 levels in deeper waters pose a significant threat to the sustainable growth of aquatic species in the Karun VI reservoir in the future.
Layered/Spinel Heterostructured Li-Rich Cathode Materials without Oxygen Loss in Lithium-ion Battery
Authors: Xu Shan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Lithium-excess manganese layered oxides, which are commonly described by the chemical formula xLi2MnO3· (1-x) LiMO2 (M = Co, Ni, Mn, etc.), are of great importance as cathode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries. A mechanism involving simultaneous Li and O removal is often proposed. Oxygen loss and MnO2 formation appear when first charging across a voltage plateau at 4.5 V vs Li/Li+, which is bottleneck of industrialization for the resulting security problems. In our recent findings, layered/spinel heterostructured Li-rich material Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2 consist of Li2MnO3, LiNiMnO2 and LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 without oxygen loss was desired. After assembling it into lithium-ion battery, CV curves have no oxygen evolution peak and no oxygen appears in situ differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS). According to the first principle, Li + ions in Li2MnO3 de-intercalate then Ni2+ ions of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 migrate into the sites when first charging, which avoids the oxygen loss from the collapse of Li2MnO3. The exist of spinel phase make the phase transition process of circulation stable, which contributed to the high cycling performance for lithium-ion battery (300 and 220 mAh g− 1 after 200th cycles at 0.1 and 0.5C-rate (1C = 250 mA g− 1)).