bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Realizing the AF4-UV-SAXS on-line coupling on protein and antibodies using high flux synchrotron radiation at the CoSAXS beamline, MAX IV
Authors: Bolinsson Hans , Söderberg Christopher , Herranz-Trillo Fátima , Wahlgren Marie , Nilsson Lars 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we demonstrate the coupling of synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to asymmetrical flow-field flow fractionation (AF4) for protein characterization. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time AF4 is successfully coupled to a synchrotron for on-line measurements on proteins. This coupling has potentially high impact, as it opens the possibility to characterize individual constituents of sensitive and/or complex samples, not suited for separation using other techniques, and for low electron density samples where high X-ray flux is required, e.g., biomolecules and biologics. AF4 fractionates complex samples in native or close to native environment, with low shear forces and system surface area. Many orders of magnitude in size can be fractionated in one measurement, without having to reconfigure the experimental setup. We report AF4 fractionations with correlated UV and statistically adequate SAXS data of bovine serum albumin and a monoclonal antibody and evaluate SAXS data recorded for the two protein systems.
Graphical Abstract
Derivation of Anomalous Behavior from Interacting Oscillators in the High-Temperature Regime
Authors: Gonçalves Patrícia , Hayashi Kohei 
Published: August 2023

AbstractA microscopic model of interacting oscillators, which admits two conserved quantities, volume, and energy, is investigated. We begin with a system driven by a general nonlinear potential under high-temperature regime by taking the inverse temperature of the system asymptotically small. As a consequence, one can extract a principal part (by a simple Taylor expansion argument), which is driven by the harmonic potential, and we show that previous results for the harmonic chain are covered with generality. We consider two fluctuation fields, which are defined as a linear combination of the fluctuation fields of the two conserved quantities, volume, and energy, and we show that the fluctuations of one field converge to a solution of an additive stochastic heat equation, which corresponds to the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process, in a weak asymmetric regime, or to a solution of the stochastic Burgers equation, in a stronger asymmetric regime. On the other hand, the fluctuations of the other field cross from an additive stochastic heat equation to a fractional diffusion equation given by a skewed Lévy process.
Left anterior cerebral artery arising from a right internal carotid artery: a rare case of carotid-anterior cerebral artery anastomosis
Authors: Fuentes-Redondo Talía , Arráez-Aybar Luis-Alfonso , Navia-Álvarez Pedro 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCarotid-anterior cerebral artery anastomosis (carotid-ACA anastomosis) is described as infrequent vascular connections between the pre-ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA). The embryological origin of these variant is still unclear and they are often associated to other vascular anomalies of the circle of Willis, as well as to the presence of aneurysms. Carotid-ACA anastomosis is often right-sided although left and bilateral cases have also been described. We report a rare case by MR angiography of a carotid-ACA anastomosis in which the abnormal vessel arises from the right ICA and takes an infraoptic course to join the A2 segment of the contralateral ACA, making this vascular anomaly function as a ‘left ACA with an origin at the right ICA’. The A1 segment of the left ACA is absent and both A2 segments of the ACAs present fenestration. To our knowledge, no similar cases have been reported in English literature so far.
Bye bye, linearity, bye: quantification of the mean for linear CRNs in a random environment
Authors: Sinzger-D’Angelo Mark , Startceva Sofia , Koeppl Heinz 
Published: August 2023

AbstractMolecular reactions within a cell are inherently stochastic, and cells often differ in morphological properties or interact with a heterogeneous environment. Consequently, cell populations exhibit heterogeneity both due to these intrinsic and extrinsic causes. Although state-of-the-art studies that focus on dissecting this heterogeneity use single-cell measurements, the bulk data that shows only the mean expression levels is still in routine use. The fingerprint of the heterogeneity is present also in bulk data, despite being hidden from direct measurement. In particular, this heterogeneity can affect the mean expression levels via bimolecular interactions with low-abundant environment species. We make this statement rigorous for the class of linear reaction systems that are embedded in a discrete state Markov environment. The analytic expression that we provide for the stationary mean depends on the reaction rate constants of the linear subsystem, as well as the generator and stationary distribution of the Markov environment. We demonstrate the effect of the environment on the stationary mean. Namely, we show how the heterogeneous case deviates from the quasi-steady state (Q.SS) case when the embedded system is fast compared to the environment.
Deep learning–based assessment of CT markers of sarcopenia and myosteatosis for outcome assessment in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer after high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment
Authors: Nowak Sebastian , Kloth Christoph , Theis Maike , Marinova Milka , Attenberger Ulrike I. , Sprinkart Alois M. , Luetkens Julian A. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate the prognostic value of CT-based markers of sarcopenia and myosteatosis in comparison to the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score for survival of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer treated with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).

Materials and methods
For 142 retrospective patients, the skeletal muscle index (SMI), skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMRD), fatty muscle fraction (FMF), and intermuscular fat fraction (IMFF) were determined on superior mesenteric artery level in pre-interventional CT. Each marker was tested for associations with sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and ECOG. The prognostic value of the markers was examined in Kaplan-Meier analyses with the log-rank test and in uni- and multivariable Cox proportional hazards (CPH) models.

Results
The following significant associations were observed: Male patients had higher BMI and SMI. Patients with lower ECOG had lower BMI and SMI. Patients with BMI lower than 21.8 kg/m2 (median) also showed lower SMI and IMFF. Patients younger than 63.3 years (median) were found to have higher SMRD, lower FMF, and lower IMFF. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, significantly lower survival times were observed in patients with higher ECOG or lower SMI. Increased patient risk was observed for higher ECOG, lower BMI, and lower SMI in univariable CPH analyses for 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival. Multivariable CPH analysis for 1-year survival revealed increased patient risk for higher ECOG, lower SMI, lower IMFF, and higher FMF. In multivariable analysis for 2- and 3-year survival, only ECOG and FMF remained significant.

Conclusion
CT-based markers of sarcopenia and myosteatosis show a prognostic value for assessment of survival in advanced pancreatic cancer patients undergoing HIFU therapy.

Clinical relevance statement
The results indicate a greater role of myosteatosis for additional risk assessment beyond clinical scores, as only FMF was associated with long-term survival in multivariable CPH analyses along ECOG and also showed independence to ECOG in group analysis.

Key Points
• This study investigates the prognostic value of CT-based markers of sarcopenia and myosteatosis for patients with pancreatic cancer treated with high-intensity focused ultrasound.
• Markers for sarcopenia and myosteatosis showed a prognostic value besides clinical assessment of the physical status by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score. In contrast to muscle size measurements, the myosteatosis marker fatty muscle fraction demonstrated independence to the clinical score.
• The results indicate that myosteatosis might play a greater role for additional patient risk assessments beyond clinical assessments of physical status.
Standardizing the estimation of ischemic regions can harmonize CT perfusion stroke imaging
Authors: Peerlings Daan , Bennink Edwin , Dankbaar Jan W. , Velthuis Birgitta K. , Emmer Bart J. , Hoving Jan W. , Majoie Charles B. L. M. , Marquering Henk A. , van Voorst Henk , de Jong Hugo W. A. M. ,   On behalf of the CLEOPATRA (cost-effectiveness of CT perfusion for patients with acute ischemic stroke) healthcare evaluation and the DUST (Dutch acute stroke) study investigators
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objectives
We aimed to evaluate the real-world variation in CT perfusion (CTP) imaging protocols among stroke centers and to explore the potential for standardizing vendor software to harmonize CTP images.

Methods
Stroke centers participating in a nationwide multicenter healthcare evaluation were requested to share their CTP scan and processing protocol. The impact of these protocols on CTP imaging was assessed by analyzing data from an anthropomorphic phantom with center-specific vendor software with default settings from one of three vendors (A–C): IntelliSpace Portal, syngoVIA, and Vitrea. Additionally, standardized infarct maps were obtained using a logistic model.

Results
Eighteen scan protocols were studied, all varying in acquisition settings. Of these protocols, seven, eight, and three were analyzed with center-specific vendor software A, B, and C respectively. The perfusion maps were visually dissimilar between the vendor software but were relatively unaffected by the acquisition settings. The median error [interquartile range] of the infarct core volumes (mL) estimated by the vendor software was − 2.5 [6.5] (A)/ − 18.2 [1.2] (B)/ − 8.0 [1.4] (C) when compared to the ground truth of the phantom (where a positive error indicates overestimation). Taken together, the median error [interquartile range] of the infarct core volumes (mL) was − 8.2 [14.6] before standardization and − 3.1 [2.5] after standardization.

Conclusions
CTP imaging protocols varied substantially across different stroke centers, with the perfusion software being the primary source of differences in CTP images. Standardizing the estimation of ischemic regions harmonized these CTP images to a degree.

Clinical relevance statement
The center that a stroke patient is admitted to can influence the patient’s diagnosis extensively. Standardizing vendor software for CT perfusion imaging can improve the consistency and accuracy of results, enabling a more reliable diagnosis and treatment decision.

Key Points
• CT perfusion imaging is widely used for stroke evaluation, but variation in the acquisition and processing protocols between centers could cause varying patient diagnoses.
• Variation in CT perfusion imaging mainly arises from differences in vendor software rather than acquisition settings, but these differences can be reconciled by standardizing the estimation of ischemic regions.
• Standardizing the estimation of ischemic regions can improve CT perfusion imaging for stroke evaluation by facilitating reliable evaluations independent of the admission center.
Histological response to radiotherapy is an early event in myxoid liposarcoma
Authors: Lam Suk Wai , Silva Tulio M. , Traast-Kooistra Jolanda , Bruijn Inge Briaire-de , van den Akker Brendy , Bakker Pauline A. C. , Lansu Jules , Haas Rick L. M. , Bovée Judith V. M. G. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCompared to other sarcomas, myxoid liposarcoma (MLS) is exceptionally sensitive to radiation therapy, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. The objective was to assess the tissue-based changes in MLS during and after neoadjuvant radiotherapy in 26 patients of the DOREMY trial. Morphological assessment was performed on biopsies pre-treatment, after 8 fractions, 16 factions, and after surgical resection and included percentage of viable tumor cells, hyalinization, necrosis, and fatty maturation. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry was performed for apoptosis (cleaved caspase-3), anti-apoptosis (Bcl-2), activity of mTOR signaling (phospho-S6), hypoxia (CAIX), proliferation (Ki67), inflammation (CD45 and CD68), and microvessel density (CD34 Chalkley count). A pronounced reduction in vital tumor cells was observed early with a drop to 32.5% (median) tumor cells (IQR 10–93.8%) after 8 fractions. This decreased further to 10% (IQR 5–30%) after 16 fractions and 7.5% (IQR 5–15%) in the surgical specimen. All but one patient had an excellent response with < 50% remaining tumor cells. Inversely, treatment response was mainly observed as hyalinization and less often as fatty maturation. Additionally, a decrease of inflammatory cells was noticed especially during the first eight fractions. Microvessel density remained stable over time. Immunohistochemical markers for apoptosis, anti-apoptosis, activity of mTOR signaling, proliferation, and hypoxia did not show any marked changes within the remaining tumor cells during and after radiotherapy. As a modest dose of neoadjuvant radiotherapy induces profound tissue changes in MLS, mainly during the first 8 fractions, current findings might suggest that in a carefully selected patient population further deintensification of radiotherapy might be explored.
Geometric morphometrics of macro- and meiofaunal priapulid pharyngeal teeth provides a proxy for studying Cambrian “tooth taxa”
Authors: Wernström Joel Vikberg , Slater Ben J. , Sørensen Martin V. , Crampton Denise , Altenburger Andreas 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPriapulids are marine, benthic ecdysozoan worms that feed using a distinctive toothed pharynx. While only a handful of lineages have survived to the present day, the Cambrian priapulid stem group left behind a rich record of articulated body fossils and characteristic trace fossils in the form of burrows. Recently, the fossil record of isolated priapulid cuticular elements including pharyngeal teeth has gained increased attention as a means of revealing cryptic priapulid taxa otherwise unknown among macrofossils. In this study, we focus on the ecological implications of shape variation in the teeth of extant and extinct priapulids, which display substantial morphological differences between taxa and life stages. We define a landmarking scheme to capture shape variation in priapulid teeth and apply it to our dataset, which includes a breadth of tooth specimens from extant macrofaunal and meiofaunal lineages alongside numerous Cambrian priapulid teeth preserved as isolated small carbonaceous fossils. Through ordination of the principal components of shape, we explore the priapulid tooth morphospace and find evidence that its occupancy has expanded since Cambrian times, indicating a corresponding expansion of the group’s ecological niche. We also employ our geometric morphometric approach to make linear discriminant analysis-based taxon assignments based on tooth morphology, which can be helpful for classifying enigmatic “tooth taxa” known solely from fossil teeth. Finally, we use discriminant analysis to study tooth shapes from a functional perspective, considering known ecologies to characterize the ecological functions of unclassified isolated teeth.
Molecular evidence of the absence of Metagonimus yokogawai (Katsurada, 1912) in Europe: report of Metagonimus sp. in cyprinoid fish from the River Danube in Hungary
Authors: Cech Gábor , Gyöngy Martina , Sándor Diána , Molnár Kálmán , Sellyei Boglárka , Varga Ádám , Székely Csaba 
Published: August 2023

AbstractTrematodes of the genus Metagonimus Katsurada, 1912 (Digenea: Heterophyidae) are zoonotic parasites that cause infections in humans, with most cases reported in Southeast Asia. Larvae from the second intermediate host, called metacercariae, of one of human-infecting species, M. yokogawai (Katsurada, 1912), have been reported from cyprinoid fish in Europe. In the present study, we provided DNA-based evidence that metacercariae of Metagonimus, which are commonly found in the scales of various cyprinoids in Central Europe (Danube River in Hungary) do not belong to M. yokogawai. Sequence analysis of the ITS region, 28S rDNA, and cox1 genes showed that this species is clearly distinct from all Asian species, including M. yokogawai, which probably does not occur in Europe. Metacercariae from cyprinoids might belong to Metagonimus romanicus (Ciurea, 1915), an insufficiently known species described from Romania.
Human amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells improve subclinical hypothyroidism by immunocompetence mediating apoptosis inhibition on thyroid cells in aged mice
Authors: Li Chuyu , Rui Qiang , Dong Xiaohan , Ning Song , Zhou Jing , Wu Huimin , Jiang Chunyan , Cui Yugui , Liu Jiayin , Jiang Jun , Qin Lianju 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSubclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) affects 10% of the global population, which is most prevalent in women and the elderly. However, it remains debatable whether the elderly with subclinical hypothyroidism needs thyroxine supplement. Human amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) could play important roles in autoimmune diseases, suggesting that hAMSC be a candidate to regulate the thyroid function of female age-related subclinical hypothyroidism. Herein, we established the model of SCH in the aged female mice. This study was designed to investigate whether human amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSC) could effect on immune regulation, apoptosis inhibition of thyroid cells, thyroid function, blood lipid levels, and heart function. In addition, qualified hAMSCs were intravenously injected into aged female SCH mice via the tail vein on day 0 and day 10. The levels of thyroid hormone and blood lipids as well as cardiac function, serum immunological indexes, and apoptosis of thyroid cells were then analyzed on day 5, 10, 15, and 20; meanwhile, the quantity of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg immune cells in peripheral blood was evaluated before and on day 20 post-injection. Our study demonstrated that after hAMSC transplantation, the thyroid functions, blood lipid levels, and heart function indexes of age-related SCH (AR-SCH) mice were significantly improved. Consistent with this, Th1 and Treg cells increased significantly, while Th2 and Th17 cells decreased in peripheral blood. Apoptosis was also suppressed in the thyroid cells. In summary, hAMSC delivery can potentially be a safe and effective therapy for treating SCH in the elderly, improving related complications by immunomodulatory and apoptosis inhibition.
Brain activity in response to food images in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia
Authors: Katsumata Ryo , Hosokawa Takayuki , Manabe Noriaki , Mori Hitoshi , Wani Kenta , Ishii Katsunori , Tanikawa Tomohiro , Urata Noriyo , Ayaki Maki , Nishino Ken , Murao Takahisa , Suehiro Mitsuhiko , Fujita Minoru , Kawanaka Miwa , Haruma Ken , Kawamoto Hirofumi , Takao Toshihiro , Kamada Tomoari 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are caused and exacerbated by consumption of fatty foods. However, no study has evaluated brain activity in response to food images in patients with disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI). This study aimed to compare food preference and brain activity when viewing food images between patients with DGBI and healthy controls.

Methods
FD and IBS were diagnosed using the ROME IV criteria. Food preference was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). Brain activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in response to food images was investigated using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).

Results
Forty-one patients were enrolled, including 25 with DGBI. The mean VAS scores for all foods (controls vs. FD vs. IBS: 69.1 ± 3.3 vs. 54.8 ± 3.8 vs. 62.8 ± 3.7, p = 0.02), including fatty foods (78.1 ± 5.4 vs. 43.4 ± 6.3 vs. 64.7 ± 6.1, p < 0.01), were the lowest in patients with FD among all groups. Patients with FD had significantly higher brain activity in the left PFC than those with IBS and healthy controls (mean z-scores in controls vs. FD vs. IBS: − 0.077 ± 0.03 vs. 0.125 ± 0.04 vs. − 0.002 ± 0.03, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Patients with DGBI, particularly those with FD, disliked fatty foods. The brain activity in patients with DGBI differed from that in healthy controls. Increased activity in the PFC of patients with FD was confirmed.
3D bio-printed hydrogel inks promoting lung cancer cell growth in a lab-on-chip culturing platform
Authors: Krakos Agnieszka , Cieślak Adrianna , Hartel Eliza , Łabowska Magdalena Beata , Kulbacka Julita , Detyna Jerzy 
Published: August 2023

Abstract The results of a lab-on-chip (LOC) platform fabrication equipped with a hydrogel matrix is reported. A 3D printing technique was used to provide a hybrid, “sandwiched” type structure, including two microfluidic substrates of different origins. Special attention was paid to achieving uniformly bio-printed microfluidic hydrogel layers of a unique composition. Six different hydrogel inks were proposed containing sodium alginate, agar, chitosan, gelatin, methylcellulose, deionized water, or 0.9% NaCl, varying in proportions. All of them exhibited appropriate mechanical properties showing, e.g., the value of elasticity modulus as similar to that of biological tissues, such as skin. Utilizing our biocompatible, entirely 3D bio-printed structure, for the first time, a multi-drug-resistant lung cancer cell line (H69AR) was cultured on-chip. Biological validation of the device was performed qualitatively and quantitatively utilizing LIVE/DEAD assays and Presto blue staining. Although all bio-inks exhibited acceptable cell viability, the best results were obtained for the hydrogel composition including 3% sodium alginate + 7% gelatin + 90% NaCl (0.9%), reaching approximately 127.2% after 24 h and 105.4% after 48 h compared to the control group (100%). Further research in this area will focus on the microfluidic culture of the chosen cancer cell line (H69AR) and the development of novel drug delivery strategies towards appropriate in vivo models for chemotherapy and polychemotherapy treatment.
Graphical abstract
The economic cost of social distancing during a pandemic: an optimal control approach in the SVIR model
Authors: Ramponi Alessandro , Tessitore M. Elisabetta 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe devise a theoretical model for the optimal dynamical control of an infectious disease whose diffusion is described by the SVIR compartmental model. The control is realized through implementing social rules to reduce the disease’s spread, which often implies substantial economic and social costs. We model this trade-off by introducing a functional depending on three terms: a social cost function, the cost supported by the healthcare system for the infected population, and the cost of the vaccination campaign. Using Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle, we are able to characterize the optimal control strategy in three instances of the social cost function, the linear, quadratic, and exponential models, respectively. Finally, we present a set of results on the numerical solution of the optimally controlled system by using Italian data from the recent COVID-19 pandemics for the model calibration.