bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term Survival and Portal Vein Patency with Novel PVTT Surgery Approach in Advanced HCC Patients with Vp3/4 PVTT following Combination Therapy of TKIs and PD-1 Inhibitors
Authors: Tianyu Jiao , Tang Haowen , Zhang Wenwen , Hu Bingyang , Wan Tao , Cao Yinbiao , Zhang Ze , Wang Yafei , Cao Junning , Cui Mengqiu , Lu Shichun 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background:It is controversial whether patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) should undergo salvage surgery following the combination therapy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitors. This study aimed to elucidate the efficiency and safety of salvage surgery following combination therapy, while also summarizing a novel surgical approach for Vp3/4 PVTT.Methods:Between April 2019 and December 2022, a consecutive series of unresectable HCC patients with PVTT who received salvage surgery following combination therapy were enrolled. Evaluation included perioperative and long-term follow-up outcomes. The complete removal of Vp3/4 PVTT was achieved using a novel surgical approach characterized by “longitudinal incision and transverse suturing” and “angle-to-straight conversion”.Results:Forty patients including 22 patients with Vp3 and 18 patients with Vp4 were included. Long-term follow-up showed similar rates of portal vein patency (Vp3: 95.5%, Vp4:94.4%,p=0.704), and 3-year portal vein patencyrates were 94.8%. There were no significant differences observed in combination therapy-related adverse events (p=0.253) and perioperative complications (p=0.613) between the Vp3 and Vp4 groups. The recurrence patterns were similar between the two groups (p=0.098). There were no significant differences in overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free (RFS) survival between the Vp3 and Vp4 groups (OSp=0.46, RFSp=1.00). Patients who achieved a pathological complete response had significantly better OS and RFS (OSp=0.04, RFSp=0.036).Conclusion:Salvage surgery after combination therapy demonstrated favorable efficacy and safety. The novel surgical approach for PVTT can effectively achieve complete removal of PVTT and ensured long-term portal vein patency.
Volcanic unrest as seen from the magmatic source– Reyðarártindur pluton, Iceland
Authors: Rhodes Emma , Burchardt Steffi , Greiner Sonja H M , Mattsson Tobias , Sigmundsson Freysteinn , Schmiedel Tobias , Barker Abigail K , Witcher Taylor 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
How the Earth’s crust accommodates magma emplacement influences the signals that can be detected by monitoring volcano seismicity and surface deformation, which are routinely used to forecast volcanic eruptions. However, we lack direct observational links between deformation caused by magma emplacement and monitoring signals. Here we use field mapping and photogrammetry to quantify deformation caused by the emplacement of at least 2.5 km3 of silicic magma in the Reyðarártindur pluton, Southeast Iceland. Our results show that magma emplacement triggered minor and local roof uplift, and that magma reservoir growth was instead largely aseismic by piecemeal floor subsidence. The distribution and orientation of fractures and faults in the reservoir roof can be explained by magmatic overpressure, suggesting that magma influx was not fully accommodated by floor subsidence. The tensile and shear fracturing would have caused detectable seismicity. Overpressure eventually culminated in eruption, as evidenced by exposed conduits that are associated with pronounced local subsidence of the roof rocks, and modelling suggests the formation of an asymmetric graben at the volcano surface. Hence, the field observations highlight processes that may take place in the roots of silicic volcanoes, not accounted for in widely used models to interpret volcano unrest at active volcanoes.
Fufang Zhenshu Tiaozhi Capsule Enhances Bone Formation and Safeguards against Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis through Innovative Mekk2-Mediated β-Catenin Deubiquitination
Authors: Hong Guoju , Wang Jiangyan , Ge Dongdong , Tang Lin , Hu Li , Ma Chenghong , Dong Qunwei , Sun Ping 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The homeostasis of bone is reliant on the regulation of β-catenin activity in osteoblasts. Glucocorticoids (GC) have been found to reduce β-catenin activity through Wnt pathway signaling, leading to osteoporotic pathology. On the other hand, the activation of β-catenin in osteoblasts can be mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 2 (Mekk2), which presents a promising and innovative therapeutic approach to counteract GC-induced osteoporosis (GIOP). The remarkable efficacy of Fufang Zhenshu Tiaozhi (FTZ) capsules in the treatment of GC-induced osteoporosis has been established, although the underlying mechanisms of action have yet to be determined.
Methods
In this investigation, Mekk2-/- mice were generated utilizing the CRISPR/Cas9 methodology and subjected to Alcian Blue-Alizarin Red staining and immunofluorescence for assessment. To create GIOP models, Mekk2-/- and WT mice were administered dexamethasone (DXMS) and subsequently treated with FTZ. The phenotypic variations in the mice models were analyzed by Micro-CT and histomorphology evaluations. Primary osteoblasts separated from Mekk2−/− and WT mice were subjected to FTZ or WNT3a treatments. Following this, phosphorylation levels of β-catenin and Mekk2, as well as the protein expression of Runx2, were assessed using western blotting and immunoprecipitation methods. C3H10T1/2 cells, which were transfected with TOPflash-luciferase and Renilla, were treated with FTZ and Wnt3a, and β-catenin activity was determined.
Results
The administration of FTZ in vivo successfully averted GC-induced bone loss. Notably, this protective effect was significantly undermined in Mekk2-deficient mice. Moreover, FTZ was found to effectively promote the process of osteogenic differentiation in primary osteoblasts by modulating the expression of Mekk2. It is noteworthy that the effects of FTZ on Mekk2 are mediated via a mechanism that operates independently of the Wnt signaling pathway. Furthermore, FTZ has been shown to enhance the process of β-catenin deubiquitination, thus further contributing to its beneficial effects on bone health.
Conclusions
The present study posits that FTZ exerts a remarkable safeguarding effect on bone mass in the context of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP). The mechanism through which FTZ confers this benefit involves the activation of Mekk2/β-catenin signaling pathways, which represents a promising alternative strategy to counteract the deleterious effects of GIOP by augmenting osteoblastogenesis.
Health Risk Assessment of Marine Plastic Pollution in Communities along the Coastline of Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Adedokun Victoria Abimbola , Hammed Taiwo Babatunde , Lateef Suraju Adekunle 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Marine plastic pollution is a major public health issue worldwide. Marine plastics release toxic persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that cause endocrine disruption, cancers, and other adverse effects on man. However, research on these compounds in the Nigerian marine environment is limited. Using a cross-sectional design and incorporating a laboratory component, this study aimed to assess the health risks associated with marine plastic pollution in the Orimedu, Idado, and Eleko communities along the coastline of Lagos, Nigeria. Sediments and water samples were collected and analysed for concentration levels of six phthalate esters (PEs) and 23 Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) and Gas Chromatography-Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD) after preparation. Health risk assessment was also computed using risk assessment models developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Results obtained were compared to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) standards for cancer risk (1.0×10− 5) and non-cancer risk (≤ 1.0). Eleko had the highest concentrations of both PEs (24.89 ± 0.01 mg/L of DIOP) and PCBs (0.06 ± 0.01 of PCB 206–2,2’,3,3’,4,4’5,5’,6-Nonachlorobiphenyl) in the water samples while in the sediment samples, Idado had the highest PE (69.00 ± 0.05 of DIOP) and Orimedu was found with the highest PCB (0.09 ± 0.03 of PCB 180– 2,2’,3,4,4’,5,5’- Heptachlorobiphenyl). Most of the PEs and PCBs were above the limits set by the WHO. As such, children and adults of the three communities, especially the Orimedu community, had a high risk for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic diseases.
Towards eliminating friction and wear in plain bearings operating without lubrication
Authors: Kharanzhevskiy Evgeny V. , Ipatov Aleksey G. , Makarov Aleksey V. , Gil`mutdinov Faat Z. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Plain bearings, owing to their versatility and simplicity, are extensively utilized in engineering design across a variety of industries involving moving parts. Lubrication is vital to the functioning of these bearings so their usage is inhibited under dynamic load conditions or at elevated or reduced temperatures due to this dependency on lubrication. This study introduces an innovative method to significantly mitigate friction and wear in plain bearings operating without lubrication. The plain bearings were constructed from steel-bronze pairs, where the steel shafts were alloyed with bismuth oxide via short-pulse laser treatment. To incorporate the bismuth oxide into the surface layers of the steel, MnO2 was utilized as a carrier. Insights from transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy exposed a highly non-equilibrium state of matter, which is unattainable through conventional engineering methods. The tribological performance of the modified steel disks was assessed via a block-on-ring sliding test, demonstrating superior wear and friction performance without lubrication, and an ultra-low coefficient of friction. Remarkably, the modified friction pairs remained functional after 200 km of linear sliding at a load of 250 N (12.5 MPa) and a sliding speed of 9 m/s. To substantiate the technique's viability, we tested the performance of an internal combustion engine turbocharger fitted with a modified steel shaft. The turbocharger's performance validated the long-term effectiveness of the steel-bronze coupling operating without lubrication at 75,000 rpm. The simplicity and resilience of this technique for modifying steel-bronze pairs offer a ground-breaking and promising approach for a wide range of applications.
A rare case of Castleman disease presented with diffuse ground glass nodules in both lungs
Authors: Guo Xiaotong , Zhu Caixia , Zhang Fen , Chen Juan , Zhang Kedong 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Castleman disease(CD), also known as giant lymphadenopathy or angiofollicular lymphadenopathy, was firstly reported by Castleman in 1954[1]. CD is a rare chronic lymphoproliferative disease, and its etiology and pathogenesis is still not completely clear. Clinically, according to the distribution of swollen lymph nodes, CD is divided into Unicentric CD (UCD) and multicentric CD (MCD). The main manifestations of UCD are single-site lymph node enlargement, lack of specific clinical manifestations and abnormal laboratory indicators. MCD mostly presents as diffuse lymphadenopathy, which is a rare polyclonal B lymphoproliferative disorder that straddles the intersections of hematology, oncology, rheumatology, and virology[2]. CD that presents with diffuse parenchymal lung disease is extremely rare. Here, we report a 48-year-old woman diagnosed with CD, which presents with diffuse nodules in both lungs.
lncRNA-ZFAS1, an emerging gate-keeper in DNA damage-dependent transcriptional regulation
Authors: Wang Yuming 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Numerous long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are generated in response to external stimuli, but the scope and functions of such activity are not known. Here, we provide insight into how the transcription of lncRNAs are connected to DNA damage response by identifying a lncRNA ZFAS1, which is required for cell cycle arrest, transcription regulation and DNA repair. Mechanistically, ZFAS1 facilitates the changing hyper-phosphorylated RNAPII (hyper) isoforms around transcription initiation sites by directly targeting the regulated genes. We revealed extensive transcription shutdown and concomitant stimulated engagement of RNAPII-Ser2P are crucial for repair and cell survival upon genotoxic stress. Finally, ZFAS1knockout in mice dampened transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER) and led to kidney dysplasia. Our study extends the understanding of lncRNAs in DNA damage repair (DDR) and implies a protective role of lncRNA against DDR-deficient developmental disorders.
Morphological and molecular identification for four new species of wood-inhabiting macrofungi (Basidiomycota, Hydnodontaceae) from Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, China
Authors: Luo Kaiyue , Su Jiangqing , Chen Zhuoyue , Cheng Lijun , Zhao Changlin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Four new wood-inhabiting fungi, Trechispora albofarinosa, T. rhizomorpha, T. stipitata and T. wenshanensis spp. nov., are proposed based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence. Trechispora albofarinosa is characterized by the farinosa basidiomata with flocculence hymenial surface, a monomitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae, and ellipsoid, warted basidiospores. Trechispora rhizomorpha is characterized by the membranous basidiomata with odontioid hymenial surface, rhizomorphic sterile margin, barrelled basidia and subglobose to broad ellipsoid, smooth basidiospores. Trechispora stipitata is characterized by the solitary or imbricate, laterally stipitate basidiomata, fan shaped pileus, radially striatecovered the surface with appressed scales, odontioid hymenophore surface, and subglobose to broad ellipsoid, thin-walled, smooth basidiospores. Trechispora wenshanensis is characterized by a cottony basidiomata with a smooth hymenial surface, and ellipsoid, thin-walled, warted basidiospores. Sequences of ITS, nLSU, mt-SSU, GAPDH, RPB1, RPB2 markers of the studied samples were generated and phylogenetic analyses were performed with the maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference methods. The phylogram based on the ITS+nLSU rDNA gene regions included fourteen orders within Agaricomycetes (Basidiomycota), in which the new species of Trechispora were grouped within the order Trechisporales. The phylogenetic tree inferred from the ITS sequences and the topology ITS+nLSU+mt-SSU+GAPDH+RPB1+RPB2 dataset highlighted that four new species were grouped into the genus Trechispora.
Prevalence And Causes Of Social Media Usage And Addiction Status Of Pregnant Women
Authors: BOZAN Merve BAĞRICI , CANGÖL Eda 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and causes of social media usage and the addiction status of pregnant.
Materials and methods
This cross-sectional study, which was conducted in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinics of a university and state hospital between December 2019 and February 2020 in a city in the west of Turkey, aims to determine the prevalence and causes of social media usage and the addiction status of pregnant women. 500 people were included in the study. The data were collected with the face-to-face interview technique in the outpatient clinics.
Results
The prevalence of the pregnant women’s social media usage was found to be 100%. The average daily social media usage was 3.5 hours, whereas the social media addiction index was X̅ = 65.58. There were 358 pregnant women (71.6%) with high social media addiction scores.
Conclusions
In the study, it was concluded that all the pregnant women used social media and that most of them had a high level of social media addiction.
Study on the anti-inflammatory activity of N-( E )-p-Coumaroyl tyrosine in vitro and vivo
Authors: chen lishi , Guo yuhai , Yu jiaxian , Liu roujia , Tang wenjing , Zhou feirong , Zhang biting , Yuan xujiang , Yu Chuqin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
N-(E)-p-coumaroyl tyrosine (NPCT) is a phenolic amino acid derivative extracted from the Leguminosae Abrus Mollis Hance which has anti-inflammatory activity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the inflammatory activity and mechanism of NPCT by establishing a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells in vitro and an injured zebrafish tail fin in vivo. The results showed that NPCT decreased the levels of ROS, NO, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-18 secreted by LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. In addition, the results of in vivo studies showed that it inhibited the aggregation of neutrophils and macrophages to the tail after tail cutting stimulation. In summary, NPCT inhibited the production of NO and ROS, decreased the secretions of IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-18, and reduced the aggregation of zebrafish neutrophils and macrophages. Therefore, NPCT may be developed as a potential therapeutic option for inflammatory diseases.
Associations between different body mass index and risk of lung function impairment in Chinese people aged over 40 years: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Tang Yumeng , Zhang Lan , Zhu Shuzhen , Shen Miaoyan , cheng maowei , Peng Fei 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to explore the associations between different body mass index (BMI) levels and the risk of different lung function impairment (LFI) in Chinese people aged over 40 years.
Methods
We used a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method to investigate 3000 residents aged over 40 years from 5 areas in Hubei province of China in 2019-20. The data on questionnaire, physical measurements, and spirometry of the participants were collected. The associations of different BMI levels with the risk of different LFI were analyzed using multivariate logistic regressions after complex weighting.
Results
A total of 2860 subjects were included. The prevalence (95%CI) of obstructive lung disease (OLD), restrictive lung disease (RLD), mixed lung disease (MLD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), COPD mild, and COPD moderate/severe/very severe were 24.1% (95% CI: 22.2–26.2), 11.6% (95% CI: 10.3–12.9), 4.0% (95% CI: 3.3–4.8), 12.6% (95% CI: 11.0-14.1), 7.2% (95% CI: 6.0-8.4), and 5.3% (95% CI: 4.3–6.4) respectively. After multivariate adjustment, the risk of OLD, COPD, and COPD mild decreased with the increment of BMI levels (both P for trend < 0.05). When compared to the normal weight group, the overweight group and obese group were at lower risk of experiencing OLD than normal group, the ORs were 0.77 (95% CI: 0.59–0.99) and 0.59 (95% CI: 0.40–0.86) respectively. The obese group was at lower risk for people with COPD mild (OR: 0.42, 95%CI: 0.21–0.85). Participants in underweight group were more likely to experience COPD and COPD moderate/severe/very severe, the ORs were 2.82 (95% CI: 1.07–7.39) and 3.89 (95% CI: 1.28–11.87) respectively.
Conclusion
Higher BMI levels were associated with an decreased risk of OLD and COPD. Obesity had a protective effect on lung function in OLD patients and COPD patients. However, there was no significant difference in RLD and MLD prevalence between different BMI groups.
Short-term multi-modal prehabilitation intervention in patients undergoing limited operation for gastrointestinal cancer: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Tai Rui , Sun Jufang , Han Chao , Dong Ran , Fang Fang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Surgical trauma produces systemic stress response that may have a detrimental effect on clinical outcome. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the possible effects of short-term multi-modal prehabilitation intervention on post-operative systemic stress response in patients undergoing limited operation for gastrointestinal cancer.
Methods/design:
In this clinical trial, 80 patients with nonmetastatic gastrointestinal cancer will be randomly assigned to two groups (Group 1: usual care according to standard perioperative protocol of Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital; Group 2: five-day multi-modal prehabilitation program prior to surgery which is supervised by a multidisciplinary team in hospital ). The primary outcome is post-operative systemic stress response. The secondary outcomes are pulmonary function levels, nutritional status, depression and anxiety, postoperative early mobilization and the length of postoperative hospitalization.
Discussion
The study results may help to evaluate the efficacy and safety of short-term multi-modal prehabilitation intervention on post-operative systemic stress response in patients undergoing limited operation for gastrointestinal cancer. This trial may provide a novel method of preventing or attenuating the systemic stress response and further promoting earlier postoperative mobilization and less postoperative hospitalization.
Trial registration:
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2200055764. Registered on 19 January 2022. Prospective registration.
Blood donation projections using hierarchical time series forecasting: The case of Zimbabwe’s national blood bank
Authors: Chideme Coster , Chikobvu Delson , Makoni Tendai 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Accurate blood donation forecasting gives blood managers empirical evidence in blood inventory planning. The aim of the study is to model and predict blood donations using hierarchical time series forecasting techniques. The modelling technique allows one to identify, say, a declining donor category, and in that way, the method offers feasible solutions for blood managers to work on.
Methods
The monthly blood donations data covering the period 2007 to 2018, collected from the National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ), was used, resulting in a total of 144 monthly observations. The data was first disaggregated by gender (Male and Female), with further disaggregation by blood groups (A, B, AB and O) within each gender category. The R-package HTS was used to generate forecasts using the bottom-up, top-down and optimal combination methods. The Error-Trend-Seasonality (ETS) and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) methods were used to generate the forecasts.
Results
Blood group O had the highest monthly mean of 1507.85 and 1230.03 blood units for male and female donors, respectively. Male donors had higher mean blood donation projections compared to the female donors. The top-down forecasting proportions (TDFP) under ARIMA, with a MAPE value of 11.30, was selected as the best approach and used to forecast future blood donations. The future blood donation projections show a slight decline, which necessitates proactive measures by blood authorities to avert blood shortages.
Conclusions
Blood donation forecasting helps blood bank authorities in making decisions pertaining to blood donor recruitment, blood donation drives and resource allocations. The hierarchical forecasting approach is an alternative method that can be used in blood supply projections. The blood donation predictions showed seasonal trends with a slight decrease in total blood donations. Therefore, blood authorities in Zimbabwe could develop blood inventory interventions to ensure a sustainable blood supply in the near future.