bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subgrade engineering characteristics of basaltic residual soil in Leizhou Peninsula, southern China
Authors: Xie Zhenxiang , Tang Liansheng , He Yuan , Zhong Qilin , Yang Fangjian 
Published: October 2023

A 24 km urban expressway on the Leizhou Peninsula in southern China required the extensive use of different graduation basaltic residual soils nearby as subgrade filler. In order to fully understand the engineering properties of these Leiqiong basaltic residual soils, four different fine granule contents (with 24.26%, 55.72%, 84.50%, and 94.92%) along the expressway construction sites were selected for preliminary analysis of their chemical composition, oxide content, and microstructure. Five cement contents (1.5%, 3%, 4.5%, 6%, and 9%) were used to improve the residual soils based on the results of the unconfined compressive strength test and consolidated undrained triaxial compression test, the cement improvement index, which can both meet the strength requirement of the roadbed and avoid the brittle failure of soil is determined. The relationship between carrying capacity and moisture content of soil samples after outdoor improvement is studied, and explains why the moisture content corresponding to the maximum CBR of outdoor improved basalt residual soil is higher than the optimal moisture content of indoor improvement test. Parameters investigated include consistency limits, unconfined compressive strength, compressibility, shearing stress, California bearing ratio (CBR), and compactness. The relationship between the Leizhou peninsula basaltic residual soils with different granule sizes, recommended water content ratio, rolling cycle times, and compaction degree are studied outdoors, and the application suggestion of different granule sizes of basaltic residual soils in different grade highway subgrade engineering is put forward. The results are as follows: 1) The content of fine granules greatly influences the physical and mechanical properties of Leizhou peninsula basalt residual soil. 2) Due to the special colloidal state, the cement uniformity error of basalt residual soils with fine granule content of more than 85% are plus or minus 3% when it is mechanically modified, and the improvement recommended content of cement is 6% if it needs as subgrade filling materials after disturbance. 3) It is recommended that the soil moisture content before improvement in high-temperature areas should be Opt+2%, and the cement improvement time should be controlled within 50 min 4) After rolling seven times, the maximum compaction degree of residual soil with fine granule content greater than 85% is less than 95%; it is only suitable for filling embankment structures below the roadbed of highway. The results extend the research on the engineering characteristics of basaltic residual soils and provide practical, improved guidance for the use of basaltic residual soils in road foundation engineering.
Efficacy of L-arginine and Pycnogenol ® in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tian Yuting , Zhou Qian , Li Wen , Liu Meixi , Li Qing , Chen Qiu 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundThe objective of this meta-analysis was to review clinical trials of the combination of Pycnogenol ® and L-arginine (PAL) in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men and to observe the effect of PAL combined therapy on sexual function in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED), and we hope to provide more choices of drugs for treating patients with ED.Methods and analysisThe study was constructed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. We searched seven databases from inception to 15 February 2023, for a comprehensive search of clinical trials using relevant keywords. Continuous variables in this meta-analysis were calculated using the mean difference and 95% confidence interval. All relevant statistical analyses were performed using RevMan v. 5.4 software.ResultsThree studies with 184 patients were included in the present meta-analysis. There were no significant differences in the basic characteristics of the included studies. The results of the current meta-analysis showed that there were significant differences in the international index of erectile function scores (erectile domain), intercourse satisfaction scores, orgasmic function scores, overall satisfaction scores, and sexual desire scores between the combination treatment group and the control group. There was no significant difference in improving the testosterone levels between the two groups.ConclusionThese results indicate that the combination of PAL may have a significant effect on improving sexual function in patients with mild to moderate ED. This study will provide clinicians with more options for treating patients with ED. More randomized controlled trials are needed in the future to further demonstrate the effect of combination therapy on sexual function in patients with ED.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#myprosperoUnique, Identifier: CRD42023411781.
Pre-gravid body mass index is associated with a higher risk of gestational hypertension in singleton pregnancy following frozen-thawed embryo transfer
Authors: Fan Lijuan , Li Na , Mu Xin , Qu Pengfei , Shi Juanzi 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionAlthough it is well-known that obesity increases the risk of gestational hypertension (GH) in both spontaneous and assisted reproductive technology (ART) pregnancies. Recent data show that, in ART pregnancies, frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) is associated with an even higher risk of GH compared with fresh transfer. However, the relationship between pre-gravid body mass index (BMI) and GH in FET pregnancies has seldom been reported.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to examine the effect of pre-gravid BMI on GH in singleton pregnancy following FET.MethodsA retrospective cohort study at a tertiary hospital, including a total of 7,502 women who achieved singleton pregnancy after FET, was included. All patients were enrolled only once. On the basis of the BMI definitions of the Working Group on Obesity in China (WGOC) and the World Health Organization, the women were divided into normal BMI, overweight, and obese groups. The main outcome was GH, and the effect of pre-pregnancy BMI on GH was assessed by generalized linear model.ResultsThe risk of GH in our study population was 6.15%. According to the BMI definitions of the WGOC, the risk of GH in the obese group (15.55%) was significantly higher than that of the overweight group (8.26%, P &lt; 0.001) and the normal BMI group (4.68%, P &lt; 0.001). Pre-gravid overweight and obesity were associated with higher GH risk (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.41–2.20; P &lt; 0.001; OR, 3.69; 95% CI, 2.77–4.91; P &lt; 0.001). A non-linear relationship between pre-gravid BMI and GH was observed. The risk of GH decreased with pre-gravid BMI level up to the turning point of BMI = 28.6 kg/m2 (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.12–1.21; P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionPre-gravid overweight and obesity are associated with higher GH risk among singleton pregnancy following FET. Before the turning point of BMI = 26.8 kg/m2, the risk of GH may increase 16.4% with each one-unit increment of maternal BMI. Women preparing for FET should maintain a normal BMI to lower the chances of GH.
Local-scale mapping of tree species in a lower mountain area using Sentinel-1 and -2 multitemporal images, vegetation indices, and topographic information
Authors: Vorovencii Iosif , Dincă Lucian , Crișan Vlad , Postolache Ruxandra-Georgiana , Codrean Codrin-Leonid , Cătălin Cristian , Greșiță Constantin Irinel , Chima Sanda , Gavrilescu Ion 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionMapping tree species is an important activity that provides the information necessary for sustainable forest management. Remote sensing is a effective tool that offers data at different spatial and spectral resolutions over large areas. Free and open acces Sentinel satellite imagery and Google Earth Engine, which is a powerful cloud computing platform, can be used together to map tree species.MethodsIn this study we mapped tree species at a local scale using recent Sentinel-1 (S-1) and Sentinel-2 (S-2) time-series imagery, various vegetation indices (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index - NDVI, Enhanced Vegetation Index - EVI, Green Leaf Index - GLI, and Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index - GNDVI) and topographic features (elevation, aspect and slope). Five sets of data were used, in different combinations, together with the Random Forest classifier in order to determine seven tree species (spruce, beech, larch, fir, pine, mixed, and other broadleaves [BLs]) in the studied area.Results and discussionDataset 1 was a combination of S-2 images (bands 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8a, 11 and 12), for which an overall accuracy of 76.74% was obtained. Dataset 2 comprised S-2 images and vegetation indices, leading to an overall accuracy of 78.24%. Dataset 3 included S-2 images and topographic features, which lead to an overall accuracy of 89.51%. Dataset 4 included S-2 images, vegetation indices, and topographic features, that have determined an overall accuracy of 89.36%. Dataset 5 was composed of S-2 images, S-1 images (VV and VH polarization), vegetation indices, and topographic features that lead to an overall accuracy of 89.68%. Among the five sets of data, Dataset 3 produced the most significant increase in accuracy, of 12.77%, compared to Dataset 1. Including the vegetation indices with the S-2 images (Dataset 2) gave an accuracy increase of only 1.50%. By combining the S-1 and S-2 images, vegetation indices and topographic features (Dataset 5) there was an accuracy increase of only 0.17%, compared with the S-2 images plus topographic features combination (Dataset 3). However, the input brought by the S-1 images was apparent in the increase in classification accuracy for the mixed and other BL species that were mostly found in hilly locations. Our findings confirm the potential of S-2 images, used together with other variables, for classifying tree species at the local scale.
Thrombosis and antiphospholipid antibodies in Japanese COVID-19: based on propensity score matching
Authors: Oba Seiya , Hosoya Tadashi , Kaneshige Risa , Kawata Daisuke , Yamaguchi Taiki , Mitsumura Takahiro , Shimada Sho , Shibata Sho , Tateishi Tomoya , Koike Ryuji , Tohda Shuji , Hirakawa Akihiro , Yoko Nukui , Otomo Yasuhiro , Nojima Junzo , Miyazaki Yasunari , Yasuda Shinsuke 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundThrombosis is a unique complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are detected in COVID-19 patients, their clinical significance remains elusive. We evaluated the prevalence of aPL and serum concentrations of beta-2 glycoprotein I (β2GPI), a major self-antigen for aPL, in Japanese COVID-19 patients with and without thrombosis.MethodsThis retrospective single-center nested case-control study included 594 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 between January 2020 and August 2021. Thrombotic complications were collected from medical records. Propensity score-matching method (PSM) (1:2 matching including age, sex, severity on admission, and prior history of thrombosis) was performed to compare the prevalence and titer of aPL (anti-cardiolipin (aCL) IgG/IgM, anti-β2GPI IgG/IgM/IgA, and anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin antibody (aPS/PT) IgG/IgM) and serum β2GPI concentration. In addition, PSM (1:1 matching including age and sex) was performed to compare the serum β2GPI concentration between COVID-19 patients and healthy donors.ResultsAmong the patients, 31 patients with thrombosis and 62 patients without were compared. The prevalence of any aPLs was indifferent regardless of the thrombosis (41.9% in those with thrombosis vs. 38.7% in those without, p =0.82). The positive rates of individual aPL were as follows: anti-CL IgG (9.7% vs. 1.6%, p =0.11)/IgM (0% vs. 3.2%, p =0.55), anti-β2GP1 IgG (22.6% vs. 9.7%, p =0.12)/IgA (9.7% vs. 9.7%, p =1.0)/IgM (0% vs. 0%, p =1.0), and anti-PS/PT IgG (0% vs. 1.6%, p =1.0)/IgM (12.9% vs. 21.0%, p =0.41), respectively. The aPL titers were also similar regardless of thrombosis. The levels of β2GPI in COVID-19 patients were lower than those in the healthy donors.ConclusionAlthough aPLs were frequently detected in Japanese COVID-19 patients, their prevalence and titer were irrelevant to thrombotic complications. While COVID-19 patients have lower levels of serum β2GPI than healthy blood donors, β2GPI levels were indifferent regardless of thrombosis. Although most of the titers were below cut-offs, positive correlations were observed among aPLs, suggesting that the immune reactions against aPL antigens were induced by COVID-19. We should focus on the long-term thromboembolic risk and the development of APS in the aPL-positive patients with high titer or multiple aPLs.
Variant-dependent oxidative and cytokine responses of human neutrophils to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and anti-spike IgG1 antibodies
Authors: Almeida Nathalie Bonatti Franco , Fantone Kayla Marie , Sarr Demba , Ashtiwi Nuha Milad , Channell Sarah , Grenfell Rafaella Fortini Queiroz , Martins-Filho Olindo Assis , Rada Balázs 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionSevere forms of COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, are characterized by acute respiratory distress syndrome, robust lung inflammation and death in some patients. Strong evidence has been accumulating that polymorphonuclear neutrophilic granulocytes (PMN) play an important role in the pathophysiology of severe COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 directly induces in vitro PMN activation, mainly the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). However, the viral components inducing this PMN response remain unclear. MethodsIn this work human PMN responses were assessed in vitro in response to the spike (S) protein of two different SARS-CoV-2 variants, anti-S IgG1 antibodies or immune complexes formed by them. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured by Diogenes-based chemiluminescence. Release of myeloperoxidase (MPO) was assessed by ELISA while secretion of a list of cytokines and growth factors was determined by high-performance multiplex cytokine assay. Results and discussionWe show that the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant S protein and anti-spike IgG1, either alone or together, stimulate ROS production in human PMNs. We also observed that the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan S protein and anti-S IgG1 antibody together trigger MPO release from PMNs. Based on the relevance of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza co-infections, we have also investigated the impact of influenza virus infection on the previous PMN responses to S proteins or anti-S antibodies. We did not detect any significant effect of influenza co-infection on ROS generation in PMNs. Our data also show that PMN stimulation by S proteins induced the release of different chemokines, growth factors, regulatory and proinflammatory cytokines. Overall, our findings show that the SARS-CoV-2 S protein, an anti-spike IgG1 antibody or their immune complex, promote oxidative responses of PMNs in a variant-dependent manner, contributing to a better understanding of the role of PMN responses during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Exposure to, understanding of and interest in interventional radiology among Pakistani medical students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chattha Muneeb , Tahir Muhammad Junaid , Zia Ahmad , Chattha Maha , Tariq Waleed , Masood Muhammad Faiq , Sani Salman , Yousaf Zohaib , Eljack Mohammed Mahmmoud Fadelallah , Asghar Muhammad Sohaib 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundMedical students need more awareness regarding minimally invasive image-guided procedures carried out by interventional radiological approach. This study analyzed the knowledge and attitudes of medical students regarding interventional radiology (IR) and the factors influencing their decision to choose IR as a specialty in the future.MethodsA cross-sectional, web-based study was conducted among medical students across Pakistan. The data were collected from October 14, 2021, to November 14, 2021. The questionnaire included demographic variables, exposure, interest, and self-reported knowledge of IR, interventions, instruments utilized in IR, and the responsibilities of the interventional radiologist. Variables affecting the possible choice of IR as a future career were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe median age was 22 years, with a male predominance. 65.5% exhibited an interest in radiology, and 20.2% in IR. The majority, 83.5%, perceived IR. As having good to adequate prospects. Male participants preferred IR more as compared to females. Participants willing to attend IR rotation and had an excellent view of IR as a specialty had higher propensity towards IR as a future career than their counterparts. The majority opted for IR as a better-paying job with lots of intellectual stimulation and career flexibility.ConclusionIR is a demanding specialty with rigorous routines but reasonable monetary compensation. Lack of infrastructure and low numbers of trained specialists limit medical students’ exposure to IR in developing health economies like Pakistan. Clinical rotations in IR departments would help raise awareness about the field and bridging this gap.
Retinal small vessel narrowing in women with gestational diabetes, pregnancy-associated hypertension, or small-for-gestational age babies
Authors: Phillipos Joseph , Luong Thao Vi , Chang Deborah , Varadarajan Suresh , Howat Paul , Hodgson Lauren , Colville Deb , Savige Judy 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundGestational diabetes, pregnancy-associated hypertension and small-for-gestational age babies are all associated with impaired placental vascularisation. This study compared the effects of these conditions the systemic small vessel calibre that was examined in the retina.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional observational study of consecutive pregnant women recruited from an antenatal clinic. Participants underwent a Glucose Tolerance Test, BP measurements, and were examined for small-for-gestational age babies as per national guidelines. They also underwent retinal photography with a non-mydriatic camera, and vessel calibres were measured with a validated semi-quantitative system at a retinal grading centre. Some participants also underwent testing of retinal vascular responsiveness to a flickering light.ResultsWomen with gestational diabetes (n = 68) had a higher mean arterial pressure (85 ± 9 mm Hg) than normal pregnant women (n = 27, 80 ± 8 mmHg, p = 0.01). They also had smaller mean retinal arteriole (147.5 ± 13.6 μm and 159.7 ± 6.7 μm respectively, p &lt; 0.01) and venular calibre (221.0 ± 13.4 μm and 232.8 ± 20.1 μm respectively, p &lt; 0.01) than normal. However their babies’ mean birth weights were not different from normal (3,311 ± 558 g and 3,401 ± 600 g respectively, p = 0.48). They also demonstrated a trend to reduced retinal arteriolar dilatation (3.5 ± 1.3%, n = 23) in response to vasodilatory stimuli (4.4 ± 1.8%) (n = 11) (p = 0.08) consistent with endothelial dysfunction. Women with pregnancy-associated hypertension (n = 35) had a higher mean arterial pressure (101 ± 12 mm Hg, p &lt; 0.01), a smaller mean retinal arteriolar calibre (139.9 ± 10.6 μm, p &lt; 0.0001), and a lower baby mean birth weight than for normal pregnancies (3,095 ± 443 g, p = 0.02). Likewise, women with small-for-gestational age babies (n = 31) had a higher mean arterial pressure (89 ± 19 mm Hg, p = 0.03), a smaller mean retinal arteriolar calibre (141.6 ± 12.8 μm, p &lt; 0.01) and a lower baby mean birth weight than for normal pregnancies (2,468 ± 324 g, p &lt; 0.0001).ConclusionMean retinal arterial calibre was reduced in women with gestational diabetes, pregnancy-associated hypertension or small-for-gestational age babies. The reduction in calibre was greatest in pregnancy-associated hypertension and small-for-gestational age babies. Systemic arteriole narrowing may contribute to the pathogenesis of placental vascular dysfunction in these conditions.
The application of weighted gene co-expression network analysis and support vector machine learning in the screening of Parkinson’s disease biomarkers and construction of diagnostic models
Authors: Cai Lijun , Tang Shuang , Liu Yin , Zhang Yingwan , Yang Qin 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundThis study aims to utilize Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm for screening biomarkers and constructing a diagnostic model for Parkinson’s disease.MethodsFirstly, we conducted WGCNA analysis on gene expression data from Parkinson’s disease patients and control group using three GEO datasets (GSE8397, GSE20163, and GSE20164) to identify gene modules associated with Parkinson’s disease. Then, key genes with significantly differential expression from these gene modules were selected as candidate biomarkers and validated using the GSE7621 dataset. Further functional analysis revealed the important roles of these genes in processes such as immune regulation, inflammatory response, and cell apoptosis. Based on these findings, we constructed a diagnostic model by using the expression data of FLT1, ATP6V0E1, ATP6V0E2, and H2BC12 as inputs and training and validating the model using SVM algorithm.ResultsThe prediction model demonstrated an AUC greater than 0.8 in the training, test, and validation sets, thereby validating its performance through SMOTE analysis. These findings provide strong support for early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and offer new opportunities for personalized treatment and disease management.ConclusionIn conclusion, the combination of WGCNA and SVM holds potential in biomarker screening and diagnostic model construction for Parkinson’s disease.
The anti-cancer efficacy of a novel phenothiazine derivative is independent of dopamine and serotonin receptor inhibition
Authors: Vanneste Marion , Venzke Anita , Guin Soumitra , Fuller Andrew J. , Jezewski Andrew J. , Beattie Sarah R. , Krysan Damian J. , Meyers Marvin J. , Henry Michael D. 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionAn attractive, yet unrealized, goal in cancer therapy is repurposing psychiatric drugs that can readily penetrate the blood-brain barrier for the treatment of primary brain tumors and brain metastases. Phenothiazines (PTZs) have demonstrated anti-cancer properties through a variety of mechanisms. However, it remains unclear whether these effects are entirely separate from their activity as dopamine and serotonin receptor (DR/5-HTR) antagonists.MethodsIn this study, we evaluated the anti-cancer efficacy of a novel PTZ analog, CWHM-974, that was shown to be 100-1000-fold less potent against DR/5-HTR than its analog fluphenazine (FLU).ResultsCWHM-974 was more potent than FLU against a panel of cancer cell lines, thus clearly demonstrating that its anti-cancer effects were independent of DR/5-HTR signaling. Our results further suggested that calmodulin (CaM) binding may be necessary, but not sufficient, to explain the anti-cancer effects of CWHM-974. While both FLU and CWHM-974 induced apoptosis, they induced distinct effects on the cell cycle (G0/G1 and mitotic arrest respectively) suggesting that they may have differential effects on CaM-binding proteins involved in cell cycle regulation. DiscussionAltogether, our findings indicated that the anti-cancer efficacy of the CWHM-974 is separable from DR/5-HTR antagonism. Thus, reducing the toxicity associated with phenothiazines related to DR/5-HTR antagonism may improve the potential to repurpose this class of drugs to treat brain tumors and/or brain metastasis