bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the intrageneric environmental boundaries of the extremophilic cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis (Pleurocapsales) and its implications for space exploration
Authors: Cumbers John R. , Rothschild Lynn 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Chroococcidiopsis contains species from multiple extreme environments, providing the opportunity to study intrageneric adaptation. Due to its extremophilic nature, Chroococcidiopsis is a candidate for off-planet settlement and as a model for life elsewhere. Eight unialgal strains cultured from diverse habitats were characterized for their ability to survive a range of extreme environments. The study revealed two previously uncharacterized but phylogenetically-related saltwater isolates that were more radiation resistant than the others, CCMP 1991 from Hawaii and to a lesser extent, CCMP 3184 from Samoa. The Hawaiian isolate repaired thymine dimers in the light faster than the Samoan isolate, suggesting repair by photoreactivation. The Hawaiian isolate was more tolerant to H2O2 than the Samoan isolate, indicating a protective role for antioxidants. Both isolates were more tolerant than the others to freeze/thawing in liquid nitrogen. Absorbance peaks are likely chlorophyll a, carotenoids, phycocyanin, scytonemin and MAAs. The Hawaiian isolate was unique in containing a peak at 325 nm that could play a role in DNA protection. The phenotypic similarities in radiation resistance and freeze/thawing resistance among the Hawaiian, Somoan and Negev isolates are likely due to environmental adaptation rather than phylogeny. These data provide environmental parameters of strains in an uninduced state and expand the utility of Chroococcidiopsis as a chassis or source of genetic material for space exploration.
A nonlinear Lamb wave-based tight contact stage identification and pretightening state quantitative monitoring method for bolts
Authors: Tian Longzhen , Wang Tiantian , Yang Jinsong , Xie Jingsong , Zhang Zhikang 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Bolt connections are subjected to severe service conditions, such as cyclic loading and mechanical shock, leading to loosening failure. Commonly, the degradation of the bolt pretightening state is a multistage process, consisting of the tight contact stage (TCS) and significant loosening stage. Therefore, utilizing a single model to monitor the pretightening state in the full degradation stage is difficult. Here, a method based on nonlinear Lamb waves to identify the TCS of bolts and quantitatively monitor the pretightening state to bolt loosening is proposed. In the proposed method, phase reversal technology is first adopted to enhance the sensitivity and reduce the calculation errors of nonlinear damage indexes for bolt loosening in the TCS, and then the phase reversal relative nonlinear coefficient (PRC) is constructed. This indicator overcomes the disadvantage that linear indicators are insensitive to early loosening and realizes the identification of critical points between the TCS and the significant loosening stage, which provides a prerequisite for constructing a staged loosening monitoring model. After the TCS is determined, a quantitative monitoring model for loosening, which fuses seven nonlinear damage indexes, is established based on canonical correlation forests to evaluate the pretightening state. To verify the effectiveness of the method, an experimental study of bolts is carried out, the lamb signals under different loosening states are measured, and the monitoring effects of different indicators are compared and analyzed. The comparison results show that the proposed method has higher accuracy than conventional approaches.
Visible light-triggered selective C(sp2)-H/C(sp3)-H coupling of benzenes with aliphatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Gong Lei , Li Qian-Yu , Cheng Shiyan , Ye Ziqi , Huang Tao , Yang Fuxing , Lin Yu-Mei 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The direct and selective coupling of benzenes with aliphatic hydrocarbons is a promising strategy for C(sp2)-C(sp3) bond formation using readily available starting materials, yet it remains a significant challenge. In this study, we have developed a simplified photochemical system that incorporates catalytic amounts of iron(III) halides as multifunctional reagents and air as a green oxidant to address this synthetic problem. The reaction between a variety of low reactive C(sp2)-H precursors with C(sp3)-H donors has been achieved under mild conditions. The iron halide acts as a multifunctional reagent that responds to visible light, initiates C-centered radicals, induces single-electron oxidation to carbocations, and participates in a subsequent Friedel-Crafts-type process. The gradual release of radical species and carbocation intermediates appears to be critical for achieving desirable reactivity and selectivity. This eco-friendly, cost-efficient approach offers access to various building blocks from abundant hydrocarbon feedstocks, and demonstrates the potential of iron halides in sustainable synthesis.
Anxiety in adults with asthma during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: a Canadian perspective
Authors: Linton Sophia , Xu Kayley , Hossenbaccus Lubnaa , Botting Hannah , Garvey Sarah , Sunavsky Adam , Steacy Lisa M. , Tripp Dean A. , Ellis Anne K 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease that affects millions of Canadians and often contributes to higher levels of anxiety among patients. Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was a time of increased anxiety among the Canadian population, it was thought that those with asthma may experience heightened anxiety levels due to uncertain access to care, the potential to misinterpret asthma symptoms for symptoms of COVID-19 (or vice versa), and the concern about being treated differently by those around them when experiencing asthma symptoms. Therefore, this study sought to perform a cross-sectional case-control analysis of the asthma-anxiety relationship in adults with and without asthma in the unique context of the COVID-19 pandemic from a Canadian perspective.
Methods
This study employed the COVID-19 Associated Anxiety in Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma patients Experiencing Symptoms (CAAARES) survey, consisting of COVID-19-specific questions, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7 (GAD-7) and the Asthma Control Questionnaire-6 (ACQ-6). Data collection occurred through the Qualtrics XM platform and data analyses were conducted with the IBM SPSS Statistics 28 software.
Results
A total of 741 valid responses were collected (asthma group, n=244; control group, n=497). 31.6% and 26.2% of respondents in the asthma and control groups, respectively, met the diagnostic criteria for GAD. There was no significant difference (p=0.067) in mean GAD-7 scores between the two groups. A Hierarchal Multiple Regression (HMR) model was developed, and neither asthma status nor ACQ-6 score had a significant predictive effect on the GAD-7 score. There was a statistically significant (p<0.001) weak positive correlation (r=0.22) between GAD-7 and ACQ-6 scores. In a simple mediation (SMM) model, perceived COVID-19 stress of others was not identified as a significant mediator of the relationship between ACQ-6 and GAD-7 (indirect effect β=0.014).
Conclusion
Our study of a Canadian cohort demonstrates elevated levels of anxiety overall, amongst both asthma and control groups. While AR status was significantly greater in the asthma group, it was not a significant predictive variable of GAD-7 score. Our data suggests that COVID-19-specific factors appear to have a greater contribution to anxiety than asthma status or control.
Temporal and spatial patterns of seed dispersal of four shrubs in a Cistus-Erica shrubland from Central Spain
Authors: Moreno Jose M. , Zuazua Eva , Torres Iván , Parra Antonio , Moreno-Fenoll Clara 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background Species of Mediterranean shrublands regenerate after fires from persistent (PSSB) or transient (TSSB) soil seed banks, which can affect postfire regeneration owing to the different importance of the current seed crop depending on soil seed bank types. However, seed dispersal in these shrublands has been little investigated. Here, we recorded temporal and spatial patterns of seed dispersal in four shrubs with different soil seed banks (persistent soil seed sank, PSSB; transient soil seed bank, TSSB), three of them are seeders (Cistus ladanifer [PSSB], Salvia rosmarinus, [TSSB] and Erica umbellata [PSSB]) and one is a resprouter (Erica arborea [TSSB]) in an old (> 40 year.) shrubland in Central Spain. A 15 x 10 m plot was chosen and divided into a 0.5 x 0.5 m grid, where plant cover and density were measured. At 106 quadrats, seed traps were set and periodically (1–2 monthly) monitored for three years.Results S. rosmarinus dispersed in late spring-early summer, E. arborea dispersed during the summer, and C. ladanifer and E. umbellata dispersed since early summer until nearly late spring of the next year. Globally, seeds were being dispersed all year round. Seed crop varied between years although species differed in the year their seed crop was largest, despite large differences in climate. Seed rain and cover of each species were poorly related. Semivariogram analysis showed that seed dispersal expanded beyond the cover of each species a few meters. No association between seed crop size and spatial dependence was ascertained. While species dispersal tended to be negatively related to one another, E. arborea seeds tended to dominate underneath the other species.Conclusions Seed dispersal was consistent with the type of soil seed bank and postfire regeneration strategy: S. rosmarinus dispersed before the fire season; C. ladanifer and E. umbellata dispersed mostly after the fire season, which is coherent with a bet-hedging strategy against seed predators; E. arborea dispersed before the rainy season. The dominance of E. arborea seeds underneath the other species suggests that this midsuccessional species might dominate when openings form due to the deaths of the seeders standing plants, which have lower longevity.
Prevalence of Premenstrual Syndrome and Its Associations with Dietary and other lifestyle factors Among University Female Students in Dubai: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sabbah Haleama Al , Mutawa Noof Al , Assaf Enas A 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a relatively prevalent condition that affects a significant number of menstruating women worldwide. It can range from mild to severe and may interfere with daily activities. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of PMS and its associated factors among female university students in Dubai.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 217 female university students using a self-reported questionnaire. Participants were recruited through simple random sampling, and ethical approval was obtained from the University Ethical Committee.Results All participants reported that they experienced at least one PMS symptom with different levels of severity. The prevalence rate of psychological, physical, and behavioral symptoms was 83.0%, 79.4%, and 76.6%, respectively. The most frequently reported premenstrual psychological symptoms were loss of control (69.6.%). Most reported physical premenstrual symptoms included lethargy/fatigue/decreased energy (56.7%); PMS symptoms interfered with participants’ daily routine (45.2%). Normal Body Mass Index (BMI), no smoking, milk consumption, cruciferous vegetables, fruits, animal foods, fish oil supplements, and no fast food consumption were all significant factors associated with decreasing PMS.Conclusions PMS is a common menstrual disorder among university students that interferes with their daily routine. Lifestyle and dietary habits were highly related to PMS. Therefore, health promotion programs are highly recommended to encourage healthy diets and lifestyles for females as early as adolescence at the school level.
Oncogenic BRAF noncanonically promotes tumor metastasis by mediating VASP phosphorylation and filopodia formation
Authors: Li Feng , Pan Wenting , Tian Yihao , Zheng Qian , Yang Zelin , Qiang Yulong , Zhang Zun , Xiong Jie , Zhu Xin , Wei Lei 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
BRAF is frequently mutated in various cancer types and contributes to tumorigenesis and metastasis. As an important switch in RAS signalling pathway, BRAF typically enables the activation of MEK and ERK, and its mutation significantly promotes metastasis. However, whether BRAF could stimulate metastasis in a MEK/ERK signalling-independent manner is still unknown. Herein, we found that a portion of the BRAF protein localized at the plasma membrane and that the BRAFV600E mutation led to abundant formation of filopodia, which is a hallmark of invasive cancer cells. Mechanistically, BRAF physically interacts with the pseudopod formation-related protein Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), and BRAF specifically catalyzes VASP phosphorylation at Ser157. VASP depletion or disruption of Ser157 phosphorylation preferentially reduced the motility, invasion and metastasis of tumor cells harboring oncogenic BRAF or KRAS. Moreover, in clinical cancer tissues, BRAFV600E was positively correlated with the extent of invasion, and tissues with BRAFV600E expression exhibited elevated levels of VASP Ser157 phosphorylation. Our study therefor reveals a noncanonical mechanism by which oncogenic BRAF or KRAS promotes metastasis, suggests that VASP Ser157 phosphorylation might serve as a valuable therapeutic target in BRAF or KRAS mutant cancers.
Linear energy transfer (LET) distribution outside small radiotherapy field edges produced by 6 MV X-rays
Authors: Huerta-Juan Y , Xicohténcatl-Hernández N , Massillon-JL G 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
In modern radiotherapy with photons, the absorbed dose outside the radiation field is generally investigated. But it is well known that the biological damage depends not only on the absorbed dose but also on LET. This work investigated the dose-average LET (L,D) outside several small radiotherapy fields to provide information that can help for better evaluating the biological effect in organs at risk close to the tumour volume. The electron fluences produced in liquid water by a 6 MV X-rays Varian iX linac were calculated using EGSnrc Monte Carlo code. With the electron spectra, L,D calculations were made for eight open small square fields and the reference field at a water depth of 0.15 cm, 1.35 cm, 9.85 cm and 19.85 cm and several off-axis distances. The variation of L,D from the centre of the beam to 2 cm outside the field’s edge depends on the field size and water depth. Using radiobiological data reported in the literature for chromosomal aberrations as endpoint for the induction of dicentrics determined in human Lymphocytes, we estimated the maximum low-dose RBEM finding an increase of up to 100 % from the center of the beam to 2 cm from the field’s edge.
High-dose short-term osimertinib treatment is effective in patient-derived metastatic colorectal cancer organoids
Authors: Iyer Kirti Krishnamurthy , Poel Dennis , Miggelenbrink Anne , Kerkhof Wouter , Janssen Jorien , Bakkerus Lotte , de Jong Loek , Hombergh Erik van den , Nagtegaal Iris D. , Tauriello Daniele V.F. , Erp Nielka van , Verheul Henk M.W 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Despite major interest in tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as a treatment option for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), almost all TKIs tested for mCRC fail in early-phase clinical trials. Although showing specific target inhibition at low concentrations, TKIs have a much broader kinase inhibitory potency at higher concentrations. In an attempt to leverage these many additional, low-affinity targets, high-dose regimens that may trigger efficacy are explored. Here, we studied unprecedented drug exposure–response relationships in vitro using mCRC patient-derived tumour organoids (PDTOs).
Methods
We established patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTOs) from mCRC biopsies and, based on favorable physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties, selected 3 TKIs (sunitinib, cediranib and osimertinib). Following standard IC50 assessment using continuous dosing with a concentration range, we investigated the cytotoxic antitumor effect of high-dose, short-term (HDST) treatment. Five PDTOs were exposed to 20 µM TKI for 1–24h, washed and given normal medium, and PDTO-outgrowth was determined 1 week later. At exposures of 1, 3 and 6 h, we measured intra-tumoroid TKI concentrations using a clinically validated LC/MS-MS method. PDTO cell death was observed using live-cell microscopy, and quantified by both caspase 3/7 enzyme activity assay and cleaved caspase-3 immunofluorescent staining.
Results
We show that most PDTOs tested are sensitive to multikinase TKIs sunitinib and cediranib, and all to osimertinib. Furthermore, we demonstrate that high-dose, short-term(HDST) TKI treatment effectively blocks organoid growth. In line with recent clinical data of high-dose sunitinib tumour accumulation, HDST treatment led to markedly elevated intra-tumoroid TKI concentrations, which correlated with PDTO sensitivity. This suggests exposure-dependent cytotoxicity and supports the concept that efficacy is induced by a broad kinase inhibitory spectrum. Mechanistically, HDST osimertinib treatment for just 3 hours induced regulated cell death in treated organoids.
Conclusion
Our work provides a better understanding of TKI exposure vs response and can be used to determine patient-specific sensitivity. In addition, these results may guide both mechanistic elucidation in organotypic translational models and the translation of target drug exposure to clinical dosing strategies. Moreover, HDST osimertinib treatment warrants clinical exploration for mCRC.
Clinical characteristics and early identification of acute pancreatitis in pregnancy with risk for organ failure: a retrospective study
Authors: Yu Bingjun , Yu Liqing , Luo Lingyu , Ke Yun , Li Jiarong , Gui Ling , Xie Fengwen , Lei Yupeng , Huang Xin , Yang Xiaoyu , Zhu Yong , He Cong , Li Nianshuang , Xia Liang , He Wenhua , Zhu Yin , Lu Nonghua 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy (APIP) with organ failure (OF) is a rare but serious disease. Here, we describe the primary characteristics associated with APIP, and explore potential predictors for early recognition of OF among the patients.
Methods: A total of 3154 patients with AP from January 2018 to December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. After screening, we enrolled 49 patients with APIP and 184 non-pregnant AP patients. Clinical characteristics and blood biochemical information were assessed using IBM SPSS 26.0 software and the rms package in R.
Results: The most primary cause of APIP was hypertriglyceridemia (59.2%), while respiratory failure (46.9%) was the main type in all OF patients. Age, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin (ALB) and sodium ion (Na+) in the pregnant group were lower than in the non-pregnant group (P<0.05), while body mass index (BMI), triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) in the pregnant group were higher (P<0.05). Among the APIP patients, BUN, TG and TC were independent risk factors for predicting OF, (P < 0.05) and they were used to create a nomogram with accurate prediction performance. (AUC=0.941)
Conclusions: APIP was highly correlated with hypertriglyceridemia and respiratory failure. Higher BMI was a distinguishing feature of OF-APIP patients. The data indicate that close monitoring of BUN, TG and TC levels is essential for early prevention of OF in APIP patients.
Characteristics of medical students with problematic Smartphone use: A cross- sectional study
Authors: Mehrzadeh Arman , Shiraly Ramin , Hashemi Seyedeh Niko , Dehghanian Kayvon Seyed 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: Excessive smartphone use is common among university students and can negatively affect students’ mental health, however, data from Middle-East countries is scarce.
Objective: To determine characteristics of medical students affected by and the prevalence of problematic smartphone use in a sample of Iranian medical students.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a large Iranian medical university. A convenience sample of 356 students of different years of medical training were recruited. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, daily estimated average time using smartphone and main motivations to use smartphone were collected through a self-reported questionnaire. Problematic smartphone use (PSU) was evaluated using Smartphone Addiction Scale – Short Version (SAS-SV) questionnaire. Backward logistic regression analysis was used to understand independent factors associated with PSU.
Results: The mean SAS-SV score was 35.6 ± 10.3. Overall, two-thirds of Iranian medical students was affected by PSU, including 68.5% of male and 64% of female students. There was no statistically significant association between participants, SAS-SV scores and their gender, marital status, stage of medical training, and cigarette and alcohol use status (P> 0.10). However, Students who lived alone had significantly higher SAS-SV scores than those who lived with their family (p= 0.007). Additionally, students with daily smartphone use > 4 hours were 3.2 times more likely to be diagnosed with PSU (P< 0.001). Social media use was the main motivation that strongly predicted presence of PSU among medical students (Adjusted OR: 2.87, 95%CI: 1.68 – 4.89).
Conclusions: Main motivation to use and duration of phone use are the most important factors predicting problematic smartphone use among medical students.
Monocular torsional oscillopsia in dentato-olivary disconnection
Authors: Anagnostou Evangelos , Gerakoulis Stathis , Armenis Georgios , Zachou Athena , Velonakis Georgios 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Monocular torsional eye oscillations are a rare form of disconjugate nystagmus and the underlying pathophysiology is not well understood. Here, we present and discuss a case with disabling torsional oscillopsia in one eye only. The patient exhibited spontaneous pendular torsional nystagmus of the left eye and rhythmic involuntary movements of the soft palate and uvula, consistent with the syndrome of oculopalatal tremor with monocular nystagmus. Brain MRI revealed an infarct of the left dentate nucleus in the cerebellum and, more caudally, a secondary hypertrophic degeneration of the right inferior olivary nucleus. To account for the presence of torsional nystagmus on the eye contralateral to the side of inferior olivary hypetrophy and ipsilateral to the lesioned dentate nucleus, we discuss the hypothesis of a (inferior olivary nucleus-mediated) malfunctioning adaptation of the anterior canal vestibulo-ocular reflex.