bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Separation of Microalgae from Bacterial Contaminants using Spiral Microchannel in the Presence of a Chemoattractant
Authors: Abdel-Mawgood Ahmed L. , Ngum Leticia F. , Matsushita Y. , El-Mashtoly Samir F. , El-Bab Ahmed M.R. Fath 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Cell separation using microfluidics has become an effective method to isolate biological contaminants from bodily fluids and cell cultures, such as isolating bacteria contaminants from microalgae cultures and isolating bacteria contaminants from white blood cells. In this study, bacteria cell was used as a model contaminant in microalgae culture in a passive microfluidics device, which relies on hydrodynamic forces to demonstrate the separation of microalgae from bacteria contaminants in U and W-shaped cross-section spiral microchannel fabricated by defocusing CO2 laser ablation. At a flow rate of 0.7 ml/min in the presence of glycine as bacteria chemoattractant, the spiral microfluidics devices with U and W-shaped cross -sections were able to isolate microalgae (Desmodesmus sp) from bacteria (E. coli) with a high separation efficiency of 92% and 96% respectively. At the same flow rate in the absence of glycine, the separation efficiency of microalgae for U- and W-shaped cross sections were 91% and 96% respectively. It was found that the spiral microchannel device with a W-shaped cross-section with a barrier in the center of the channel showed significantly higher separation efficiency. Spiral microchannel chips with U- or W-shaped cross sections were easy to fabricate and exhibited high throughput. With these advantages, these devices could be widely applicable to other cell separation applications, such as separating circulating tumor cells from blood.
Integrating spatial and single-cell transcriptomics reveals tumor heterogeneity and intercellular networks in colorectal cancer
Authors: Lu Ligong , Xiao Jing , Yu Xinyang , Meng Fanlin , Zhang Yuncong , Zhou Wenbin , Ren Yonghong , Li Jingxia , Sun Yimin , Sun Hongwei , Chen Guokai , He Ke 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), a powerful tool for studying the tumor microenvironment (TME), does not preserve/provide spatial information on tissue morphology and cellular interactions. To understand the crosstalk between diverse cellular components in proximity in the TME, we performed scRNA-seq coupled with spatial transcriptomic (ST) assay to profile 41,700 cells from three colorectal cancer（CRC） tumor-normal-blood pairs. Standalone scRNA-seq analyses revealed eight major cell populations, including B cells, T cells, Monocytes, NK cells, Epithelial cells, Fibroblasts, Mast cells, Endothelial cells. After the identification of malignant cells from epithelial cells, we observed seven subtypes of malignant cells that reflect heterogeneous status in tumor, including tumor_CAV1, tumor_ATF3_JUN|FOS, tumor_ZEB2, tumor_VIM, tumor_WSB1, tumor_LXN, and tumor_PGM1. By transferring the cellular annotations obtained by scRNA-seq to ST spots, we annotated four regions in a cryosection from CRC patients, including tumor, stroma, immune infiltration, and colon epithelium regions. Furthermore, we observed intensive intercellular interactions between stroma and tumor regions which were extremely proximal in the cryosection. Specially, one pair of ligands and receptors (C5AR1 and RPS19) was inferred to play key roles in the crosstalk of stroma and tumor regions. For the tumor region, a typical feature of TMSB4X-high expression was identified, which could be a potential marker of CRC. The stroma region was found to be characterized by VIM-high expression, suggesting it fostered a stromal niche in the TME.
Collectively, single cell and spatial analysis in our study reveal the tumor heterogeneity and molecular interactions in CRC TME, which provides insights into the mechanisms underlying CRC progression and may contribute to the development of anticancer therapies targeting on non-tumor components, such as the extracellular matrix (ECM) in CRC. The typical genes we identified may facilitate to new molecular subtypes of CRC.
WITHDRAWN: Crossing-borders: Experience with International ECMO transports
Authors: Burgos Carmen Mesas , Frenckner Björn , Broman Lars Mikael 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Extracorporeal oxygenation membrane (ECMO) represents the last resort support for patients with cardiac and/or respiratory failure refractory on conventional intensive care. Availability of this highly specialized method for life support is limited to regional centers, and thus, patient transport is needed. Few centers offer mobile ECMO services and experience in international ECMO transports is limited.
Aim: The objective was to present our department’s experience on international ECMO transports.
Material and methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all international ECMO transports performed from January 1998 to 2022.
Results
Of 1277 ECMO transports, 357 (28%) were international. In 185 (52%) cases the transport was determined to ECMO Centre Karolinska. Ninety-three (26%) were dispatched from our center or directly from referring Swedish hospital to center abroad due to the lack of beds at our unit, 42 (12%) were transferred between two different centers abroad crossing at least one border, and 33 (9%) between two units within the same foreign country.
Seventy-nine percent of the patients were cannulated by our team at the referring hospital, and 63% were supported with venoarterial ECMO. Neonatal transport constituted 46%, pediatric 22%, and adult 32%. Fixed wing aircraft was utilized in 89%, military aircraft carrier in 6.2%, helicopter in 3.9%. The average transport distance was 1200 km (range 160-13530 km), and average time on transport was 4.8 h (range 2-27 h). Hospital survival in the group of patients transferred to our unit was 82%. In 36% of the transports, complications occurred. No deaths occurred on transport.
Conclusions
International inter-hospital transports on ECMO can be safely performed. Albeit occurrence of adverse events, the risk of mortality is very low. For safe transport, the team must be well trained, be highly competent in intensive care, ECMO physiology, cannulation, intensive care, and air transport medicine.
YPO4:Pr3+ nanocrystal embedded into an optical fiber
Authors: Dorosz Dominik , Kochanowicz Marcin , Valiente Rafael , Diego-Rucabado Andrea , Rodríguez Fernando , Siñeriz-Niembro Nuria , Espeso José I. , Lesniak Magdalena , Miluski Piotr , Conzendorf Sylvia , Posseckardt Juliane , Liao Zhongquan , Jimenez Gloria Lesly , Müller Robert , Lorenz Martin , Schwuchow Anka , Leich Martin , Lorenz Adrian , Wondraczek Katrin , Jäger Matthias 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Optical fiber with YPO4:Pr3+ nanocrystals (NCs) is presented for the first time using the glass powder - NCs doping method. The method’s advantage is separate preparation of NCs and glass to preserve luminescent and optical properties of NCs once they are incorporated into optical fiber. The YPO4:Pr3+ nanocrystals were synthesized by the solvothermal method, optimized for size (<100 nm), shape, Pr3+ ions concentration (0.2 mol%), and emission lifetime. The core glass was selected from the non-silica P2O5-containing system with refractive index (n = 1.788) close to the NCs (no=1.657, ne=1.838). Optical fiber was drawn by modified powder-in-tube method prior pre-sintering of glass powder - YPO4:Pr3+ (wt. 3%) mixture to form optical fiber preform. Luminescent properties of YPO4:Pr3+ and optical fiber showed their excellent agreement, including sharp Pr3+ emission at 600 nm (1D2-3H4) and 1D2 level lifetime (τ = 156±5 µs) under 488 nm excitation. The distribution of the YPO4:Pr3+ NCs in optical fiber were analyzed by TEM-EDS in the core region (FIB-SEM-prepared). The successful usage of glass powder - NCs doping method was discussed in the aspect of promising properties of the first YPO4:Pr3+ doped optical fiber as a new way to develop active materials for lasing applications, among others.
Behavioral Difficulties Among Syrian Children and Adolescents: Identifying Associated Factors in the 'Lost Generation'
Authors: Alsharif Aya , Habbal Osama Al , Gabadian Aram , Maamoun Riwa El , Faraj Alaa Al , aldin Taima kamr , Aldammad Ola Haitham , Alkayakhi Ahmad , Habbal Aya Al 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background Childhood and adolescence, vital in shaping adult life and society, are profoundly impacted during conflicts like Syria's devastating war. This study explores the prevalence of behavioral disorders in Syrian children and adolescents, examining the influence of war and family-related factors.Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on children aged 2–17 years at a children's outpatient clinic in Damascus, Syria. We assessed parents' quality of life, war and family-related factors, and behavioral difficulties through parental interviews using two questionnaires: the Arabic version of the Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the brief Arabic version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF).Results 74.67% of children aged 2–4 years and 61.29% of children aged 4–17 years were experiencing behavioral difficulties, with emotional difficulties being the most prevalent ones. Children exposed to kidnapping, family losses, lack of school enrollment, and those with parents having lower education, lower socioeconomic status, and poorer quality of life exhibited higher Total SDQ scores.Conclusion The high prevalence of behavioral difficulties among children and adolescents in Syria is a major concern, with both direct and indirect war-related factors contributing to this issue.
Driving Forward Mobile Robotics: A Digital Twin Architecture Case Study for AGVs Data-Driven Autonomy
Authors: Marques Nuno , Rodrigues Marco , Sousa Diogo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The evolving dynamics of today’s industry, which prioritize flexibility and adaptability to unforeseen circumstances, have accelerated the convergence and integration of diverse technologies within the realm of IT. This convergence empowers the execution of testing methodologies and facilitates the rapid refinement of solutions created through digital methods, enabling faster iteration cycles. This novel paradigm contributes to the decrease of potential expenses and time required for testing innovative approaches, a crucial aspect especially in contexts such as process redesign or robot reconfiguration within industrial environments. In these instances, conducting real-world experiments can frequently be unfeasible due to the need for production interruption. This paper presents and evaluates a modular Digital Twins architecture applied to mobile robotics, specifically Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs). A practical case study is conducted involving robot navigation along a predetermined route and the detection of unexpected obstacles, which promts the robot to respond by halting to prevent collisions, validating, this way, several of the identified benefits of utilizing a digital replica.
Assessing tax expenditures: a composite measure for sustainability, fairness and territorial equity in Italy
Authors: Marè Mauro , Porcelli Francesco , Vidoli Francesco 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Over the last 30 years, the number of studies on tax expenditures has gradually increased in most OECD countries: given their importance for tax systems, most countries have decided to estimate revenue issues on a regular basis. Most of these studies have looked at issues such as the loss of tax revenue due to tax expenditures and their distributional effects across income groups. No specific studies have been carried out on the rationale to attribute a composite criterion of fiscal sustainability and inter-territorial equity, in order to monitor over the years the performance of each item in relation to the public budget. In this paper a first empirical attempt is proposed in the Italian context. For each tax detraction, a composite indicator is calculated for the dimensions of progressivity, relevance and territorial equity, in order to highlight an objective criterion useful for rationalising tax expenditure. Our analysis shows that there is room for rationalisation in the number and size of tax expenditures facing a clear correlation between the geographical distribution of some tax expenditures.
Effect of Streamflow Measurement Error on Flood Frequency Estimation
Authors: Velasquez Nicolás , Krajewski Witold F. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Significant errors often arise when measuring streamflow during high flows and flood events. Such errors conflated by short records of observations may induce bias in the flood frequency estimates, leading to costly engineering design mistakes. This work illustrates how observational (measurement) errors affect the uncertainty of flood frequency estimation. The study used the Bulletin 17C (US standard) method to estimate flood frequencies of historical peak flows modified to represent the measurement limitations. To perform the modifications, the authors explored, via Monte Carlo simulation, four hypothetical scenarios that mimic measurement errors, sample size limitations, and their combination. They used a multiplicative noise from a log-normal distribution to simulate the measurement errors. They implemented a bootstrap approach to represent the sampling error. They randomly selected M samples from the total N records of the observed peak flows of four gauging stations in Iowa in central USA. The observed data record ranges between 76 and 119 years for watersheds with drainage areas between 500 and 16,000 km2. According to the results, measurement errors lead to more significant differences than sampling limitations. The scenarios exhibited differences with median magnitudes of up to 50%, with some cases reaching differences up to 100% for return periods above 50 years. The results raise a red flag regarding flood frequency estimation that warrants looking for further research around observational errors.
Congenital suipoxvirus infection in newborn piglets in an Austrian piglet producing farm
Authors: Schwarz Lukas , Brunthaler René , Auer Angelika , Renzhammer René , Friedmann Ursula , Ladinig Andrea 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The purpose of this case is to describe the occurrence of congenital swinepox virus infection in new born piglets of a single litter in a conventional piglet producing farm in Austria. In February 2020, a fourth parity sow gave birth to a litter of piglets with four piglets presenting pox-like skin lesions. Lesions were distributed over the whole skin surface and ulcerative lesions were also observed on the mucosa of the oral cavity. The herd attending veterinarian included the University Clinic for Swine to identify the cause of observed skin lesions, since such skin lesions had never been observed before.
Case presentation
The skin lesions were described to look like pox-lesions. A sow of fourth parity gave birth to one stillborn and 16 live-born piglets. In total, four out of 16 piglets had pox-like lesions distributed over the whole body and on oral mucosa. One affected piglet died on the fourth day of life and two were euthanized due to starvation and animal welfare reasons. Three affected piglets were sent to the University Clinic for Swine for further diagnostics. The sow and the remaining littermates did not show any skin lesions. Virological and histopathological investigations confirmed congenital suipox virus infection. Since there is no effective treatment available, the farmer was recommended to improve hygiene. No further cases occurred after this single event.
Conclusion
Nowadays, infections with suipox virus are rarely reported in conventional pig production as the disease is usually self-limiting in older pigs and is perceived with low economic impact. In the past, suipox virus infections were mainly related to improper hygiene conditions and pig lice as vectors. Today conventional pigs are usually kept under good hygienic conditions and pig lice are not reported anymore to occur in Austrian conventional pig farming systems. Therefore, we speculate, that other living vectors, such as the stable fly may play a role in transmission of suipox virus between and within farms and in the occurrence of congenital suipox virus infections in neonatal piglets.
A FANCC intronic variant of uncertain significance in a child with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Magnan Katelin , Williams Linford , Wang Qian , Meade Julia 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has been reported to have a germline genetic association in about 5.5% of isolated cases and 10–13% of familial or hereditary cohorts. Studies are linking new germline variants to PDAC annually, with numerous variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in candidate genes being reported.
Case presentation:
A 9-year-old boy presented with a 3-week history of abdominal pain, weight loss, and vomiting, with subsequent development of jaundice and pruritis. Imaging revealed an obstructive abnormality in the head of the pancreas with extra- and intrahepatic dilation of the bile ducts and a 1 c lesion in the liver. Biopsy of the liver lesion revealed metastatic PDAC. Extensive pathology review demonstrated atypical epithelial proliferation forming irregular and anastomosing glands. Germline evaluation was conducted with a 29-gene pancreatic cancer panel and revealed a c.345 + 6A > T VUS in the FANCC gene. This VUS affects a nucleotide in the consensus splice site in intron 4. The tumor was microsatellite stable with a tumor mutation burden of 3.4 Mutations/Mb. The child started chemotherapy with several cycles of FOLFIRINOX followed by Gemcitabine/Nab-paclitaxel but ultimately experienced tumor progression. He then pursued additional cancer directed therapy outside of our institution. As of the last evaluation, the child is alive with progressive disease.
Conclusions
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is essentially unheard of in children under 10 years old. In adults, PDAC has been associated with a variety of cancer predisposition genes, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) has issued surveillance guidelines for adults carrying germline variants in TP53, BRCA1/2, ATM, PALB2, CDKN2A, among others. Emerging data has identified germline FANCC variants in patients with PDAC. Further studies of FANCC variants of uncertain significance are necessary for variant reclassification and to allow review of current screening guidelines in adults.
Advancements in FR4 Dielectric Analysis: Free Space Approach and Measurement Validation
Authors: Ali Syed Zeeshan , Ahsan Kamran , Khairi danish ul Khairi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In this study, the free space approach is utilized to calculate the relative per-mittivity of FR4 by utilizing the Nicholson-Ross-Weir Conversion. By examining the scattering characteristics, the free space technique offers a practical tool for describing dielectric materials. The simulations were run on CST-2019, and the frequency range of 8.5 GHz to 11.5 GHz was chosen. Experimental measurements were carried out utilizing a Vector Network Analyzer, To further reduce outside influences and assure accurate measurements in a controlled setting, an anechoic chamber was used. The outcomes of the simulations and actual measurements show the significance of the Nicholson-Ross-Weir Conversion and free space approach in calculating the relative permittivity of FR4. The correctness and dependability of the suggested technique are confirmed by the good agreement between the simulated and measured outcomes. This study makes a contribution to the field of electromagnetic characterization and offers a useful method for figuring out FR4’s dielectric characteristics. The results of this study have substantial effects on PCB design and optimization as well as other high-frequency electronic devices that operate in the frequency band under consideration.
Association between the triglyceride glucose body mass index and long-term mortality in ICU patients: a cohort study of over 3000 patients
Authors: Fu Yuqing , Xu Cong , Tang Yanan , Li Yuewei , Wu Guifu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The Triglyceride Glucose (TyG) index has recently been considered an accurate surrogate biomarker for assessing insulin resistance (IR). The TyG-BMI index, integrating the Body Mass Index (BMI), has been recognized by numerous studies as a superior representation of IR status. This research aimed to investigate the relationship between the TyG-BMI index and long-term mortality risk in critically ill patients.
Methods
Patient data for this study were sourced from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database, from which the TyG-BMI indexes were extracted. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality within one year. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was utilized to compare the primary endpoint across quartiles. Restricted cubic splines and Cox proportional hazards analyses were employed to explore the association between the TyG-BMI index and the endpoint.
Results
A total of 3,216 patients admitted to the ICU were included in the study. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with higher TyG-BMI index values had a significantly reduced risk of death (log-rank P < 0.001). Additionally, restricted cubic spline analysis indicated a U-shaped relationship between the TyG-BMI index and long-term mortality. Furthermore, multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that the highest quartile of the TyG-BMI index, compared to the lowest quartile, had a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.66(95% CI: 0.46, 0.88; P < 0.001) for one-year mortality, suggesting a protective effect.
Conclusions
Among critically ill patients, the highest quartile of the TyG-BMI index was associated with a lower rate of long-term mortality. The TyG-BMI index also demonstrated a U-shaped relationship with long-term mortality, suggesting the existence of an optimal TyG-BMI range that may confer protective effects within a certain interval for critically ill patients.
Impact of Personnel Scarcity on Urolithiasis Treatment: A Comparative Study of the Pre- and Post-Pandemic Eras
Authors: Yurdakul Ozan , Seitz Christian , Veser Julian , Hassler Melanie R. , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Remzi Mesut 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objectives:This study examines the impact of medical personnel scarcity on urolithiasis treatment by comparing complication rates in urinary stone patients undergoing ureterorenoscopic (URS) treatment before and after the onset of this novel circumstance.
Patients and Methods:A total of 160 patients who received URS (including flexible URS) treatment for urolithiasis at the Vienna General Hospital were included. Specifically, 80 consecutive patients from the year 2018, before the scarcity of personnel, and 80 patients from 2023, following the emergence of this situation, were analyzed in two patient cohorts. Complications that occurred during the waiting period, intraoperatively, and postoperatively, were recorded. Moreover, demographic and clinical data were collected to compare the two patient cohorts. The primary endpoint was the differences in the complication rates of the two cohorts. The secondary endpoints were readmission, ureteral stent (re-)placement, stent encrustation, or length of hospital stay.
Results:The study revealed a significant increase in complications during the waiting period in the 2023 cohort (p < .001), concomitant with a substantial rise in the median waitingtime from 20 days to 94 days (p < .001). No significant disparities were observed in intra- and postoperative complications. Furthermore, patients in 2023 demonstrated a higher rate of readmissions during the waiting time for surgery (16.25% vs 2.5%, p = .002) and longer length of stays (2.94 vs. 2.10 days, p < .001).
Conclusion:In the new era of personnel scarcity with longer waiting time for surgery, increased complication rates during the waiting period pose a significant challenge in the treatment of urolithiasis requiring URS. There is a need for an adaptation of the treatment strategies to address this issue.