bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Osteoprotegerin is an early marker of the fibrotic process and of antifibrotic treatment responses in ex vivo lung fibrosis
Authors: Putri Kurnia S.S. , Adhyatmika Adhyatmika , Boorsma Carian E. , Habibie Habibie , Ru Mitchel J.R. , Heukels Peter , Timens Wim , Jager Marina H. , Hinrichs Wouter L.J. , Olinga Peter , Melgert Barbro N. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Lung fibrosis is a chronic lung disease with a high mortality rate with only two approved drugs (pirfenidone and nintedanib) to attenuate its progression. To date there are no reliable biomarkers to assess fibrosis development and/or treatment effects for these two drugs. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is used as a serum marker to diagnose liver fibrosis and we have previously shown it associates with lung fibrosis as well.
Methods
Here we used murine and human precision-cut lung slices to investigate the regulation of OPG in lung tissue to elucidate whether it tracks with (early) fibrosis development and responds to antifibrotic treatment to assess its potential use as a biomarker.
Results
OPG mRNA expression in murine lung slices was higher after treatment with profibrotic cytokines TGFβ1 or IL13 and closely correlated with Fn and PAI1 mRNA expression. More OPG protein was released from fibrotic human lung slices than from the control human slices and from TGFβ1 and IL13-stimulated murine lung slices compared to control murine slices. This OPG release was inhibited when murine slices were treated with pirfenidone or nintedanib. OPG release from human fibrotic lung slices was inhibited by pirfenidone treatment.
Conclusion
OPG can already be detected during the early stages of fibrosis development and responds, both in early- and late-stage fibrosis, to treatment with antifibrotic drugs currently on the market for lung fibrosis. Therefore, OPG should be further investigated as a potential biomarker for lung fibrosis and a potential surrogate marker for treatment effect.
The -124C&gt;T mutation of TERT promoter indicated a favorable prognosis in OCCC: a monoinstitutional study in China
Authors: Zhou Xiaonan , Liu Yifei , Hu Jue , Zhang Jing , Ren Min , Ji Gang , Cai Xu , Bi Rui 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is the second most common type of epithelial ovarian cancer. Patients with advanced or recurrent OCCC were resistant to chemotherapy and had poor prognosis. The purpose of this study was to identify specific prognostic markers in ovarian clear cell carcinoma.
Methods
A cohort of 169 patients with OCCC were enrolled, and their clinicopathological features were reviewed. Mutations in the TERT promoter and PIK3CA gene were detected by Sanger sequencing in 87 and 109 cases, respectively. Immunohistochemical markers for ARID1A, HDAC6, Cyclin E1, and p53 were stained on the tissue microarrays. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analysis were used to assess the correlation between these parameters and prognosis.
Results
The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with the − 124 C > T mutation in the TERT promoter were significantly longer than those of wild-type patients. The − 124 C > T mutation was an independent factor associated with a favorable OS. Patients with the − 124 C > T mutation were more likely to have a normal preoperative serum CA125 level (P = 0.017), a higher prevalence of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (P = 0.014), and a lower probability of relapse (P = 0.025) than wild-type patients. No correlation between other factors and prognosis was observed in this cohort.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that the − 124C > T mutation in the TERT promoter may serve as a favorable prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with OCCC.
Performance Evaluation of Different Machine Learning Algorithms on Student Dataset Clustered by K-means Algorithm
Authors: Kudale Gautam Appasaheb , Rajpoot Sandeep Singh 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This research paper presents an innovative approach to cluster the dataset and apply the different machine learning algorithms. For clustering, K-Means is used. Before applying K-Means, estimation of value of K is done by using the Elbow method followed by Silhouette method. For the entire experimental work, the Kaggle dataset has been taken into account. K-Means clustering used over here offers five different clusters. Here, each cluster shows identification of distinct student. Subsequently, four prominent machine learning algorithms—K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Neural Network (NN), Random Forest (RF), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) are applied and the performance metrics are measured. The comparative analysis of the machine learning algorithms reveals varying levels of accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score across different clusters. The outcomes highlight the algorithm that exhibits superior performance in this specific context. Here the highest accuracy i.e. 92.00% is achieved with Random Forest algorithm.
Deep learning-based computer-aided diagnosis system for the automatic detection and classification of lateral cervical lymph nodes on original ultrasound images of papillary thyroid carcinoma: A prospective diagnostic study
Authors: Yuan Yuquan , Pan Bin , Mo Hongbiao , Wu Xing , Long Zhaoxin , Yang Zeyu , Zhu Junping , Ming Jing , Qiu Lin , Sun Yiceng , Yin Supeng , Zhang Fan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop a deep learning–based computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system for the automatic detection and classification of lateral cervical lymph nodes (LNs) on original ultrasound images of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients.
Methods
A retrospective data set of 1801 cervical LN ultrasound images from 1675 patients with PTC and a prospective test set including 185 images from 160 patients were collected. Four different deep leaning models were trained and validated in the retrospective data set. The best model was selected for CAD system development and compared with three sonographers in the retrospective and prospective test sets.
Results
The Deformable Detection Transformer (DETR) model showed the highest diagnostic efficacy, with a mean average precision score of 86.3% in the retrospective test set, and was therefore used in constructing the CAD system. The detection performance of the CAD system was superior to the junior sonographer and intermediate sonographer with accuracies of 86.3% and 92.4% in the retrospective and prospective test sets, respectively. The classification performance of the CAD system was better than all sonographers with the areas under the curve (AUCs) of 94.4% and 95.2% in the retrospective and prospective test sets, respectively.
Conclusions
This study developed a Deformable DETR model-based CAD system for automatically detecting and classifying lateral cervical LNs on original ultrasound images, which showed excellent diagnostic efficacy and clinical utility. It can be an important tool for assisting sonographers in the diagnosis process.
Molecular support for transferring the tropical African species of Gnidia to Lasiosiphon (Thymelaeaceae: Thymelaeoideae) and a worldwide synopsis of the species
Authors: Olaniyan Oluwayemisi Dorcas , Boatwright J. Stephen , Magee Anthony R. , Manning John C. , Bank Michelle 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Lasiosiphon Fresen. (Thymelaeaceae: Thymelaeoideae) is now understood to be a morphologically diverse genus distributed across southern and tropical Africa, Madagascar and India. The taxonomic history of Lasiosiphon has been marked by several revisions in its circumscription and status, particularly regarding its relationship with Gnidia L. Our phylogenetic analysis of nuclear (ITS) and plastid (matK, rbcL, rps16 and trnL-F) regions of an expanded sampling of the tropical African species of Gnidia provides compelling evidence for including all the tropical African species of Gnidia in Lasiosiphon. The morphological characters of these species are consistent with this conclusion. We accordingly provide 29 new combinations in Lasiosiphon for species of Gnidia that currently lack combinations in that genus. We also provide a comprehensive nomenclature of all currently recognized Lasiosiphon species at the regional level worldwide, as the framework for future taxonomic revisions in the genus.
Telemetric ICP-monitoring in children; a national questionnaire-based study
Authors: Pedersen Sarah Hornshøj , Henriksen Kasper Amund , Gustafsen Sara Duus , Hansen Torben Skovbo , Guldager Rikke , Juhler Marianne 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose

Telemetric monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP) facilitates long-term measurements and home-monitoring, thus potentially reducing diagnostic imaging and acute hospital admissions in favour of outpatient appointments. Especially in pediatric patients, telemetric ICP-monitoring requires a high level of collaboration and compliance from patients and parents. In this study, we aim to systematically investigate 1) patient- and parent perception of telemetric ICP system utility and 2) hospital contact history and thus potential cost-benefit of telemetric ICP monitoring in pediatric patients with a cerebrospinal fluid disorder.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide questionnaire study including pediatric patients with either a current or previous telemetric ICP sensor and their parents. Additionally, a retrospective review of electronic health records for all included children was performed.

Results

We included 16 children (age range 3-16 years), with a total of 41 telemetric ICP sensors implanted. Following sensor implantation, the frequency of telephone contacts and outpatient visits increased. No corresponding decrease in either hospital admissions or total length of stay was found.
The telemetric ICP sensor provided most parents with an improved sense of security and was seen as a necessary and valuable tool in treatment guidance. Size and shape of the sensor itself were reported as a disadvantage, while the external monitoring equipment was reported as easy to use, but too large and heavy for a child to carry.

Conclusion

Though, in quantitative terms, there was no cost-benefit of the telemetric ICP sensor, it contributes to an extended parental involvement and a sense of improved safety.
Analysis of 3D Pendulum sliding along a Rope
Authors: Kožar Ivica 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The paper deals with a dynamic engineering problem in which a mass attached to a pendulum slides along a cable. In this problem, the pendulum mass and the cable are coupled in a model described by a system of algebraic differential equations (DAE). In this paper, the formulation of the system of differential equations modelling the problem is presented together with the determination of the initial conditions. The developed model is general in the sense of a free choice of support location, elastic rope properties, pendulum length and the inclusion of braking forces. This model can be used in the design of real rope structures such as zip lines. Many calculated values that can be measured on a real structure can be exported from the model and used for parameter calibration. In one example, the model is related to a real rope structure to illustrate and validate the model. The most important aspect of the model is its ability to estimate the safety of a ropeway quickly and easily.
Comparison of Fine root Biomass Stand of Three Tree Species (Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Accacia abyssinica and Cordia africana) at Bahirdar University, Peda Campus
Authors: Worku Abebe , Yemata Getahun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Even though fine roots consist of small fraction (<5 %) of the total biomass of standing crop, fine root production represents a large proportion (30 % - 65 %) of annual net primary production in forest ecosystems. Therefore, investigation on the tree fine root dynamics of different tree species could provide information on the role of each species in nutrient cycle, carbon cycle, and carbon sequestration in their ecosystems. Furthermore, understanding on fine root biomass production and turnover enhances sustainable management practices of forest ecosystems. In this study three tree species (A. abyssinica, C. africana, E. camaldulensis) were selected to investigate fine root biomass stand at the Peda Campus of Bahir Dar University. These three species were compared for their total fine root biomass. The depth wise distribution of fine root biomass was investigated for these three tree species. E. camaldulensis showed significantly (P<0.05) highest fine root biomass than A. abyssinica and C. Africana. Fine root biomass observation for A. abyssinica, C. Africana, and E. camaldulensis were; 281.5 ±20.5, 286.6±12.2, and 755.4±28.2, respectively in g/m2 (Mean±SE). 74% of fine root biomass for both of Acacia abyssinica and E. Camaldulensis, and 79% of fine root biomass for C. africana were concentrated at the upper soil profile to the depth of only 20 cm. The result suggest that E. camaldulensis is much more important species in carbon cycle, Nutrient cycle, and carbon sequestration. The depth wise reduction of fine root biomass in all of the three species indicates that soil moisture and organic matter are much more available at the upper soil profile and decreasing when the depth increases. Nutrient content and other traits of the fine roots must be studied further so as to use the data for the management of forest ecosystems or plantations of the selected species.
IgA monoclonal gammopathies are accompanied with higher serum TGF-β1 levels than IgG or IgM monoclonal gammopathies – screening study
Authors: Maslovarić Irina , Kosanović Dejana , Marković Dragana , Prodanović Milan , Savić Olivera , Ilić Vesna , Minić Rajna 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The progression of monoclonal gammopathies is affected by a range of factors, including the microenvironment surrounding plasma cells. It is recognized that TGF-β1 plays a distinct role in stimulating IgA production. Hence, this study aims to investigate whether individuals with serum IgA monoclonal immunoglobulins (paraproteins) exhibit elevated total TGF-β1 levels compared to those with IgG or IgM paraproteins.
Method
To achieve this goal, individuals with a positive laboratory findings of monoclonal gammopathy, were segregated according to the paraprotein class, as well as according to the type of the light chain. Total TGF-β1 levels were assessed in blood serum samples containing IgG (n = 50), IgM (n = 31), and IgA (n = 46) paraproteins.
Results
Elevated level of TGF-β1 was confirmed in sera with IgA paraproteins (median 25.8 ng/ml; interquartile range IQR: 19.0-33.7) compared to those having IgG (median: 18.2 ng/ml; IQR: 14.3–22.1; P < 0.001) or IgM paraproteins (21.5 ng/ml; IQR: 15.0-27.4; P = 0.043). Also, higher TGF-β1 level was detected in sera with IgMλ then those with IgMκ paraproteins (P = 0.043).
Conclusions
This research affirms the role of TGF-β1 in the pathophysiology of IgA monoclonal gammopathies and potential switch towards IgA isotype, known for less favorable prognosis.
Trends analysis and change point detection in precipitation time series over the Eastern Province of Rwanda during 1981-2021
Authors: Rwema Michel , Sylla Mouhamadou Bamba , Safari Bonfils , Roininen Lassi , Laine Marko 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the trends and ascertain the change points of the significant trends in agro-climate indices time series over 56 meteorological stations distributed across the Eastern Province of Rwanda for the period 1981–2021. In this regard, the Mann-Kendall and Regional Kendall tests, Sen’s Slope, and Sequential Mann-Kendall Rank Statistic tests are applied to five indicators critical for agriculture practices being seasonal rainfall amount, number of rainy days, rainfall classes (light, moderate, and heavy rainy days) as well as onset and cessation dates for the two rainy seasons: March-April-May and September-October-November-December. The results indicate that in the northern part, there is a tendency towards increasing number of rainy days and heavy rain days favoured by a lengthening of both seasons leading to elevated precipitation amount. In contrast, over the central and southeast parts, decreasing trends in the number of rainy days as well as moderate and/or heavy rain days are consistent with a tendency towards a shortening of the seasons causing declining in precipitation amount. Finally, the analysis of change points reveals for the majority of the indices that, generally, stations undergoing a decreasing (increasing) trends have experienced abrupt variations in the last two decades (in the 1980s or 1990s). These contrasting features have prompted different agricultural practices and caused many crop failures across the various regions. Enhanced climate information services and effective adaptation options are thus needed to boost agriculture in the Eastern Province of Rwanda.
Electroacupuncture for the Recovery of Patients Undergoing gastrointestinal cancers surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yan Xueer , Wang Yanrui , Ding Maoyu , Cai Yiqing , Luk Pak Hang , Zhao Jiping , Yang Chao , Zhang Jiajia , Wang Zichen , Zang Xiaomin , Huang Yuhui , Tan Cheng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective The aim of this review was to assess the effects of electroacupuncture(EA) on gastrointestinal function, pain relief and quality of life after surgery for gastrointestinal cancer.Methods Randomised controlled trials were searched in the ten databases and assessed for methodological quality using the risk of bias tool. Meta-analyses were performed using Revman 5.3 software to examine the effects of EA.Results 19 RCTs with 1937 participants were included, the intervention of the control group was usual care (UC) in 15 RCTs and sham electroacupuncture (SA) in 4 RCTs. When EA compared with UC, the meta analysis showed a significant improvement in the time of first exhaust (-10.77 [-13.45 to -8.08]), time of first defecation (-17.91 [-25.25, -14. 32]), time to recovery of bowel sounds (-12.44 [-15.00, -9.87]), time to tolerance of liquid diet (-18.14 [-24.98, -11.29] ), time to tolerance of semi-liquid diet (-20.44 [-33.84, -7.04]), VAS day1 (-0.65 [-0.80, -0.49]), VAS day2 (-1.00 [-1.14, -0.86]), VAS day3 (-0.57 [-0.80, -0.34]), while no significantly decreasing in the hospital stay (-1.16 [-2.56, 0.24]). When EA compared with SA, the time of first exhaust (-15.78 [-24.96 to -6. 60]), time of first defecation (-20.42 [-36.14, -4.70]), hospitalization time (-1.37 [-2.69, -0.05]), time to independent walking (-0.33 [-0.62, -0.04]) was reduced by EA.Conclusion EA may improve gastrointestinal function and quality of life, relieve pain after surgery for gastrointestinal cancer compared with the controls(usual care or shame electroacupunture). Given the high degree of heterogeneity, these findings should be validated in future trials.
Landscape of Epstein-Barr virus gene expression and perturbations in cancer
Authors: Tang Ka-Wei , Tian Yarong , Xie Guojiang , Bäckerholm Alan , Holmqvist Isak , Vracar Diana , Lin Jianqiong , Carlsten Jonas , Abrahamsson Sanna , Liu Zhentao , Huang Yufei , Shair Kathy 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the causative agent for multiple neoplastic diseases of epithelial and lymphocytic origin1-3. The heterogeneity of the viral elements expressed and the mechanisms by which these coding and non-coding genes maintain cancer cell properties in vivo remain elusive4,5. Here we conducted a multi-modal transcriptomic analysis of EBV-associated neoplasms and identified that the ubiquitously expressed RPMS1 non-coding RNAs support cancer cell properties by disruption of the interferon response. Our map of EBV expression shows a variable, but pervasive expression of BNLF2 discerned from the overlapping LMP1 RNA in bulk sequencing data. Using long-read single-molecule sequencing, we identified three new viral elements within the RPMS1 gene. Furthermore, single-cell sequencing datasets allowed for the separation of cancer cells and healthy cells from the same tissue biopsy and the characterization of a microenvironment containing interferon gamma excreted by EBV-stimulated T-lymphocytes. In comparison with healthy epithelium, EBV-transformed cancer cells exhibited increased proliferation and inhibited immune response induced by the RPMS1-encoded microRNAs. Our atlas of EBV expression shows that the EBV-transformed cancer cells express high levels of non-coding RNAs originating from RPMS1 and that the oncogenic properties are maintained by RPMS1 microRNAs. Through bioinformatic disentanglement of single cells from cancer tissues we identified a positive feedback loop where EBV-activated immune cells stimulate cancer cells to proliferate, which in turn undergo viral reactivation and trigger an immune response.
Novel Laccase Biosensors from Manihot Esculenta, Crantz -Associated Fungi: A Biotechnological Approach to Dopamine Quantification
Authors: Vieira Mariana Pontes , Bersanetti Patrícia Alessandra , Garcia Vitor Stabile , Ett Gerhard , Morandim-Giannetti Andreia de Araújo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study investigates the association of endophytic fungi with the leaves and stems of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), leading to the isolation and identification of 23 fungal strains. Of these, 18 fungi were associated with stems and 5 with leaves. Subsequent analysis revealed laccase activity in 7 fungi isolates, predominantly within those derived from stems. Notably, the fungus LV2, identified as a strain of Xylaria sp., exhibited the highest laccase activity (0.03 U.mg− 1.min− 1). Optimal LV2 fungus growth and enzyme activity conditions were established at 11 days, pH 6.70, and 29ºC (0.051 U.mg− 1.min− 1). Utilizing the LV2 enzymatic extract, we developed a chitosan-based enzyme biosensor with STMP crosslinking for immobilization to detect low dopamine concentrations. The biosensor demonstrated optimal performance at pH 5.1 and 47.8ºC, achieving a detection limit of 0.30 µmol.L− 1 for dopamine.
The acute effect of atropine 0.1% on the axial length and choroid of children treated for myopia progression prevention, measured by optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Koulalis Jannis , Nelis Pieter , Cools Wilfried , Tezcan Fatma , Kuijpers Robert W. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effect of atropine to better understand atropine’s mechanism of action in myopia prevention. The present study investigates whether atropine’s effect on the AxL comes forth from an increase in choroidal thickness (ChT) using SS-OCTa (swept source optical coherence tomography angiography).
Methods Twenty-five myopic children (25 eyes) (9 male and 16 females; mean age 11.8 years, range 7-15 years) were enrolled following documented myopia progression and AxL increase in the preceding 6 months. Using SS-OCTa, ChT and CSV (choroidal stromal volume) were measured at baseline and after 1 month of daily Atropine 0.1% use. AxL measurements were taken on the same days.
Results Following one month of daily instillation with atropine 0.1%, ChT increased by 22.41 ± 4.20 μm (p < 0,01), CSV increased by 1.08 ± 1.02 mm3 (p < 0,01) and AxL decreased by 0.044 ± 0.016 mm (p < 0,05), shown by mean ± standard error (SE). The CSV and ChT increase show a negative correlation with the AxL decrease of -0.462 and -0.374 respectively, demonstrating a weak to moderate correlation.
Conclusions Administration of atropine 0.1% eye drops daily over one month demonstrated an acute decrease in AxL concurrent with an increase in ChT and CSV. A direct cause-and-effect relationship between these two parameters is plausible, supporting a differentiated effect in the immediate and long-term effects of atropine eye drops.