bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of HER2-low status on response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in clinically HER2-negative breast cancer
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhu Tingting , Chen Hao , Yao Yongzhong 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Low expression of HER2 (HER2-low expression) in breast cancer (BC) has unique biological characteristics. However, whether HER2-low expression has an impact on neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in HER2-negative breast cancer remains unclear.

Methods
This study reviewed the clinicopathological data of patients with BC treated with NACT at a single hospital from January 2018 to July 2022. Baseline patient characteristics, efficacy of NACT, and survival data were compared between the HER2-0 and HER2-low groups. The impact of NACT on HER2 status also was investigated. Subgroup analyses based on hormone receptor (HR) status were performed to explore the impact of HR signaling on HER2 status during chemotherapy.

Results
The progesterone receptor-positive rate in the HER2-low group was significantly higher than that in HER2-0 group. The local treatment response of the HER2-low group was worse, but the disease-free survival rate of the HER2-low group was significantly better than that of the HER2-0 group. The proportion of patients with increased HER2 immunohistochemistry score after NACT was significantly higher in the HER2-0 group. Subgroup analysis showed that the efficacy of chemotherapy in HR + patients was significantly worse than in HR− patients, and HR + patients had a higher proportion of increased HER2 immunohistochemistry score after chemotherapy. Mechanistic studies suggested that MLH1 expression loss during chemotherapy might link HR signaling and regulation of HER2 expression.

Conclusions
We found that HER2-low expressing BC exhibits differential sensitivity to chemotherapy compared to HER2-0 expressing BC. The regulation of HER2 expression by HR signaling may mediate aspects of chemoresistance.
Design and effects of the teacher-student interaction model in the online learning spaces
Authors: Xie Youru , Huang Yuling , Luo Wenjing , Bai Yucheng , Qiu Yi , Ouyang Ziru 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe interaction between teachers and students is vital for promoting teaching quality. Online learning spaces have various features that can support teacher-student interaction in online learning contexts. In this study, a preliminary model was developed by analyzing the principles underlying the interaction between teachers and students and the support features of online learning spaces. Then, the interaction model was refined and validated in three rounds of teaching practice involving 31 college students. A real-time dynamic artificial intelligence analysis system was used to analyze the teacher-student interaction during three rounds of design-based research. The results showed that the model significantly fostered students’ engagement during the interaction. Moreover, students significantly improved their final exam scores and their innovative problem-solving ability after the intervention.
In Silico and In Vitro Analyses Reveal Promising Antimicrobial Peptides from Myxobacteria
Authors: Arakal Benita S. , Whitworth David E. , James Philip E. , Rowlands Richard , Madhusoodanan Neethu P. T. , Baijoo Malvika R. , Livingstone Paul G. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global concern, and as soon as new antibiotics are introduced, resistance to those agents emerges. Therefore, there is an increased appetite for alternative antimicrobial agents to traditional antibiotics. Here, we used in silico methods to investigate potential antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from predatory myxobacteria. Six hundred seventy-two potential AMP sequences were extracted from eight complete myxobacterial genomes. Most putative AMPs were predicted to be active against Klebsiella pneumoniae with least activity being predicted against Staphylococcus aureus. One hundred seventeen AMPs (defined here as ‘potent putative AMPs’) were predicted to have very good activity against more than two bacterial pathogens, and these were characterized further in silico. All potent putative AMPs were predicted to have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, but none was predicted to be active against viruses. Twenty six (22%) of them were predicted to be hemolytic to human erythrocytes, five were predicted to have anticancer properties, and 56 (47%) were predicted to be biofilm active. In vitro assays using four synthesized AMPs showed high MIC values (e.g. So_ce_56_913 250 µg/ml and Coral_AMP411 125 µg/ml against E. coli). However, antibiofilm assays showed a substantial reduction in numbers (e.g. Coral_AMP411 and Myxo_mac104 showed a 69% and 73% reduction, respectively, at the lowest concentration against E. coli) compared to traditional antibiotics. Fourteen putative AMPs had high sequence similarity to proteins which were functionally associated with proteins of known function. The myxobacterial genomes also possessed a variety of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) that can encode antimicrobial secondary metabolites, but their numbers did not correlate with those of the AMPs. We suggest that AMPs from myxobacteria are a promising source of novel antimicrobial agents with a plethora of biological properties.
Ethics and non-evidence based therapies: Portuguese perspective in a global setting
Authors: Madruga Dias João 
Published: December 2022

AbstractA contemporary serious lack of scientific knowledge by the general public and many decision-makers is now quite perceptible, both globally and in Portugal. Living in a science-driven technological world filled with scientific illiteracy is dangerous and a path toward disaster. Recent years brought a fairly strong global movement promoting the so-called “alternative therapy” that also affected Portugal. I propose an evidence-based ethics reflection and argumentation, both encompassing the global and the specific Portuguese reality. I debate the specific arguments used in favour of alternative therapies, demonstrating the inherent fallacies of thought, deliberate manipulation of words and concepts, and the dire consequences for global and local health politics by following this line of biased reasoning.
Chlorine Removal from Water by Biochar Derived from Various Food Waste Natural Materials
Authors: Sklivaniotis Leandros N. , Economou Polychronis , Karapanagioti Hrissi K. , Manariotis Ioannis D. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe aim of this paper was to investigate the effectiveness of pyrolyzed low-cost food waste natural materials from the food industry on the removal of chlorine from water. Biochar was produced after pyrolysis at 850 oC from malt spent rootlets (MSR), walnut shells, and apricot, olive, carob and grape kernels. The biochars were characterized for their surface area, microporosity, functional groups and pH. Continuous flow column experiments were conducted at varying flow rates to evaluate the efficiency of biochars to remove free and total chlorine. The initial free and total chlorine concentrations in water fed to the columns were 2.0 and 2.2 mg/L, respectively. The chlorine removal of free and total chlorine of all materials tested ranged from 76 to 92% and 80 to 95%, respectively, with the MSR exhibiting the highest removal. MSR biochar was subjected to the highest cumulative water volume passed through the column (162 L/g) and exhibited the highest total chlorine removal capacity (6 to 330 mg/g). Olive kernel also reached high chlorine removal (99%), while apricot kernel, grape kernel, carob seed and pulp presented poor chlorine removals.
Impact of early postoperative factors on changes in skeletal muscle mass after esophagectomy in older patients with esophageal cancer
Authors: Harada Tsuyoshi , Tatematsu Noriatsu , Ueno Junya , Koishihara Yu , Konishi Nobuko , Fukushima Takuya , Fujiwara Hisashi , Fujita Takeo , Hijikata Nanako , Wada Ayako , Ishikawa Aiko , Tsuji Tetsuya 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Loss of skeletal muscle mass, measured by the skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), after esophagectomy negatively impacts prognosis. However, the information to develop novel supportive care options for preventing loss of skeletal muscle mass is limited. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate the impact of early postoperative factors on change in SMI 4 months after curative esophagectomy in older patients with esophageal cancer.

Methods
This study included 113 subjects who underwent esophagectomy between 2015 and 2020. Preoperative and postoperative SMI (cm2/m2) were calculated from computed tomography images. The percentage change in SMI 4 months after surgery (SMI%) was calculated as follows: ([postoperative SMI – preoperative SMI] ÷ preoperative SMI) × 100. Potential factors affecting percentage change of SMI after surgery were analyzed by multiple regression.

Results
The mean SMI% was – 5.6%. The percentage change (per 1%) in quadriceps muscle strength in the first month after surgery (standardized β = 0.190, p = 0.048) impacted the SMI%, which was independent of age, sex, preoperative SMI, comorbidity, pathological stage, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusion
Quadriceps muscle weakness in the first month after esophagectomy impacted the SMI% in a dose-dependent relationship.
Floristic composition and community analysis of woody species in Hereje Natural Forest, southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Anamo Abera , Mammo Siraj , Temesgen Mathewos 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe floristic composition, diversity, and conservation status of woody plant species in Ethiopia are determined in this study. Data on vegetation are collected using a systematic random sampling method from 45 20 m × 20 m (400m2) plots laid every 100 m along four parallel transect lines running from south to north. The Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea identification key (Volume I–VIII) is used to identify the scientific names of all woody plant species. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index is used to calculate species diversity, whereas Sorensen's similarity coefficient is used to assess similarities and differences among plant communities. The studied forest contains 44 plant species from 29 families and 40 genera. The Fabaceae is the most dominant family, followed by the Rubiaceae and Combretaceae. In terms of habit, the collected woody species consisted of 30 (68.2%) trees and 14 (31.8%) shrubs. The two most frequent species are Syzygium guineense (51.11%) and Maytenus gracilipes (46.66%). Three plant community types are identified using Agglomerative Hierarchical Cluster Analysis. Most species (Calpurnia aurea-Combretum molle) are observed in community type two. The study is generally limited to the floristic and diversity of woody plant species. Therefore, a thorough investigation of all species' floristic composition, population structure, regeneration status, and ecological aspects is recommended.
Health Disparities Experienced by Hispanic Americans with Multiple Myeloma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Anampa-Guzmán Andrea , Alam Sara Taveras , Abuali Inas , Al Hadidi Samer 
Published: December 2022

AbstractHealth disparities in multiple myeloma (MM) disproportionately affect minorities. Characterization of health disparities encountered by Hispanic Americans with MM is necessary to identify gaps and inform future strategies to eliminate them. We performed a systematic review of publications that described health disparities relevant to Hispanic Americans with MM through December 2021. We included all original studies which compared incidence, treatment, and/or outcomes of Hispanic Americans with other ethnic groups. Eight hundred and sixty-eight articles were identified of which 22 original study articles were included in our systematic review. The number of publications varied over time with the highest number of studies (32%) published in 2021. Most of the published studies (59%) reported worse outcomes for Hispanic Americans with MM compared to other ethnic groups. There is growing evidence that Hispanic Americans with MM are facing a multitude of disparities that require immediate attention and solutions.
A Multi‐Hazard Risk Framework to Stress‐Test Water Supply Systems to Climate‐Related Disruptions
Authors: Becher Olivia , Pant Raghav , Verschuur Jasper , Mandal Arpita , Paltan Homero , Lawless Mark , Raven Emma , Hall Jim 
Published: December 2022

AbstractWater utilities' supply systems are vulnerable to several climate‐related hazards, including droughts, floods and cyclones. Here we propose a generally applicable framework for conducting multi‐hazard risk assessments of water supply systems and use it to quantify the impact of present and future climate extremes on the national water supply network in Jamaica. The proposed framework involves stress‐testing a model of the system with a large set of spatially coherent drought, cyclone and pluvial and fluvial flood events to calculate the number of water users whose supplies would be disrupted during an event, that is, the Customer disruption days (CDD). We estimate the total multi‐hazard annual expected disruption to be approximately 5 days per year per utility customer under present conditions. This is increased by a factor of between 2 and 2.5 when end‐of‐century climate scenarios are propagated through the model. Our analysis shows that more high probability drought events lead to greater CDD compared with asset damage events. However, extreme asset damage events, despite manifesting over shorter timescales (days) compared to drought events (months), can lead to more widespread CDD. This quantified risk framework would allow utility managers to compare the risk of both asset damage‐ and water shortage‐induced disruptions via a common, decision‐relevant metric. However, applications to other utilities would require tailored hazard modeling approaches. The proposed risk assessment is intended to inform prioritization of infrastructure investments, ranging from asset protection to drought mitigation projects, with the goal of enhancing water supply resilience in the face of a changing climate.
Projected Impact of Increased Global Warming on Heat Stress and Exposed Population Over Africa
Authors: Fotso‐Nguemo Thierry C. , Weber Torsten , Diedhiou Arona , Chouto Steven , Vondou Derbetini A. , Rechid Diana , Jacob Daniela 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of increased global warming on heat stress changes and the potential number of people exposed to heat risks over Africa. For this purpose a heat index has been computed based on an ensemble‐mean of high‐resolution regional climate model simulations from the Coordinated Output for Regional Evaluations embedded in the COordinated Regional Climate Downscaling EXperiment, under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) scenarios (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5), combined with projections of population growth developed based on the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) scenarios (SSP1 and SSP5). Results show that by the late 21st century, the increased global warming is expected to induce a 12‐fold increase in the area extent affected by heat stress of high‐risk level. This would result in an increase of about 10%–30% in the number of days with high‐risk heat conditions, as well as about 6%–20% in their magnitude throughout the seasonal cycle over West, Central, and North‐East Africa. Therefore, and because of the lack of adaptation and mitigation policies, the exacerbation of ambient heat conditions could contribute to the exposure of about 2–8.5 million person‐events to heat stress of high‐risk level over Burkina Faso, Ghana, Niger, and Nigeria. Furthermore, it was found that the interaction effect between the climate change and population growth seems to be the most dominant in explaining the total changes in exposure due to moderate and high heat‐related risks over all subregions of the African continent.
Immune cell populations differ in patients undergoing revision total knee arthroplasty for arthrofibrosis
Authors: Limberg Afton K. , Salib Christopher G. , Tibbo Meagan E. , Vargas-Hernandez Juan S. , Bettencourt Jacob W. , Bayram Banu , Berry Charlotte E. , Dudakovic Amel , Bolon Brad , van Wijnen Andre J. , Morrey Mark E. , Sanchez-Sotelo Joaquin , Berry Daniel J. , Carter Jodi M. , Abdel Matthew P. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractArthrofibrosis following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a debilitating condition typically diagnosed based on clinical findings. To gain insight into the histopathologic immune cell microenvironment of arthrofibrosis, we assessed the extent of tissue fibrosis and quantified immune cell populations in specific tissue regions of the posterior capsule. We investigated specimens from three prospectively-collected, matched cohorts, grouped as patients receiving a primary TKA for osteoarthritis, revision TKA for arthrofibrosis, and revision TKA for non-arthrofibrotic, non-infectious reasons. Specimens were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining, picrosirius red staining, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry with Aperio®-based digital image analysis. Increased collagen deposition and increased number of α-SMA/ACTA2 expressing myofibroblasts were present in the arthrofibrosis group compared to the two non-arthrofibrotic groups. CD163 + macrophages were the most abundant immune cell type in any capsular sample with specific enrichment in the synovial tissue. CD163 + macrophages were significantly decreased in the fibrotic tissue region of arthrofibrosis patients compared to the patients with primary TKA, and significantly increased in adipose tissue region of arthrofibrotic specimens compared to non-arthrofibrotic specimens. Synovial CD117 + mast cells were significantly decreased in arthrofibrotic adipose tissue. Together, these findings inform diagnostic and targeted therapeutic strategies by providing insight into the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms of arthrofibrosis.
Higher-order interactions shape microbial interactions as microbial community complexity increases
Authors: Morin Manon A. , Morrison Anneliese J. , Harms Michael J. , Dutton Rachel J. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractNon-pairwise interactions, or higher-order interactions (HOIs), in microbial communities have been described as significant drivers of emergent features in microbiomes. Yet, the re-organization of microbial interactions between pairwise cultures and larger communities remains largely unexplored from a molecular perspective but is central to our understanding and further manipulation of microbial communities. Here, we used a bottom-up approach to investigate microbial interaction mechanisms from pairwise cultures up to 4-species communities from a simple microbiome (Hafnia alvei,Geotrichum candidum,Pencillium camembertiandEscherichia coli). Specifically, we characterized the interaction landscape for each species combination involvingE. coliby identifyingE. coli’sinteraction-associated mutants using an RB-TnSeq-based interaction assay. We observed a deep reorganization of the interaction-associated mutants, with very few 2-species interactions conserved all the way up to a 4-species community and the emergence of multiple HOIs. We further used a quantitative genetics strategy to decipher how 2-species interactions were quantitatively conserved in higher community compositions. Epistasis-based analysis revealed that, of the interactions that are conserved at all levels of complexity, 82% follow an additive pattern. Altogether, we demonstrate the complex architecture of microbial interactions even within a simple microbiome, and provide a mechanistic and molecular explanation of HOIs.
The ground beetle Pseudoophonus rufipes gut microbiome is influenced by the farm management system
Authors: Magagnoli Serena , Alberoni Daniele , Baffoni Loredana , Martini Antonio , Marini Francesca , Di Gioia Diana , Mazzon Martina , Marzadori Claudio , Campanelli Gabriele , Burgio Giovanni 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIntensive conventional farm management, characterized by high agrochemicals input, could alter the composition of microbial communities with potential negative effects on both functional traits and the ecosystem services provided. In this study, we investigated the gut microbial composition of a high ecological relevance carabid Pseudoophonus rufipes, sampled in two fields subjected to conventional and organic management practices. Carabids’ gut microbiota was analyzed via qPCR and NGS. Profound differences between the microbial composition of organic and conventional samples were detected: the abundance of Tenericutes and Proteobacteria was significant higher in organic and conventional samples, respectively. Spiroplasmataceae and Bifidobacteriaceae families were significantly more abundant in samples from organic management, while Enterococcaceae, Morganellaceae and Yersiniaceae were more abundant in samples from conventional management. The diverse gut microbial composition of insects between the two management systems is related to the pressure of environmental stressors and it may representing an important bioindication of ecological functions and services provided by a carabid species.
An ancestral hard-shelled sea turtle with a mosaic of soft skin and scutes
Authors: De La Garza Randolph Glenn , Madsen Henrik , Sjövall Peter , Osbӕck Frank , Zheng Wenxia , Jarenmark Martin , Schweitzer Mary H. , Engdahl Anders , Uvdal Per , Eriksson Mats E. , Lindgren Johan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe transition from terrestrial to marine environments by secondarily aquatic tetrapods necessitates a suite of adaptive changes associated with life in the sea, e.g., the scaleless skin in adult individuals of the extant leatherback turtle. A partial, yet exceptionally preserved hard-shelled (Pan-Cheloniidae) sea turtle with extensive soft-tissue remains, including epidermal scutes and a virtually complete flipper outline, was recently recovered from the Eocene Fur Formation of Denmark. Examination of the fossilized limb tissue revealed an originally soft, wrinkly skin devoid of scales, together with organic residues that contain remnant eumelanin pigment and inferred epidermal transformation products. Notably, this stem cheloniid—unlike its scaly living descendants—combined scaleless limbs with a bony carapace covered in scutes. Our findings show that the adaptive transition to neritic waters by the ancestral pan-chelonioids was more complex than hitherto appreciated, and included at least one evolutionary lineage with a mosaic of integumental features not seen in any living turtle.