bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Muscle pathology associated with cardiac function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Yoon Jin A , Lee Heirim , Lee In Sook , Song You Seon , Lee Byeong-Ju , Kim Soo-Yeon , Shin Yong Beom 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the associations between echocardiogram-based cardiac function indices and fibrosis of the abdominal and lower extremity muscles in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and identify the indices predictive of cardiac function changes during disease progression. Twenty-one non-ambulant patients with DMD who consented to participate in the study were enrolled. The association between cardiac dysfunction and fibrosis of the abdominal and lower extremity muscles was determined by analyzing the echocardiography and elastography data for the abdominal and extremity muscles. The patients’ mean age was 18.45 ± 4.28 years. The strain ratios of the abdominal and quadriceps muscles were significantly higher than that of the medial gastrocnemius muscle (GCM). The rectus abdominis muscle showed a higher strain ratio than the biceps femoris muscle and GCM, and the quadriceps muscle showed a higher strain ratio than the GCM. The strain ratio of the rectus abdominis muscle was negatively correlated with the left ventricular ejection fraction. The degree of fibrosis of respiratory muscles was also significantly associated with cardiac dysfunction; therefore, it can be used as a predictor of cardiac dysfunction in patients with DMD in clinical practice.
NanoPyx: super-fast bioimage analysis powered by adaptive machine learning
Authors: Henriques Ricardo , Saraiva Bruno , Cunha Inês , Brito António , Follain Gautier , Portela Raquel , Haase Robert , Pereira Pedro , Jacquemet Guillaume 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The expanding scale and complexity of microscopy image datasets require accelerated analytical workflows. NanoPyx meets this need through an adaptive framework enhanced for high-speed bioimage analysis. At the core of NanoPyx, the Liquid Engine dynamically generates optimised CPU and GPU-based code variations, learning and predicting the fastest based on input data and hardware. This data-driven optimisation achieves over 10x faster processing, becoming broadly relevant to reactive microscopy and computing fields requiring efficiency.
Food Waste-Based Carbonization for Biochar Production in West Java Province, Indonesia: Life Cycle Assessment Approach
Authors: Djarot Ira Nurhayati , Nuha Nuha , Paminto Ari Kabul , Wijayanti Sri Peni , Widyastuti Netty , Setiawan Arief Ameir Rahman , Putra Agusta Samodra , Handayani Titin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Life cycle assessments regarding the recycling of food waste through industrial anaerobic processes, pyrolysis, and integrated waste treatment systems have been extensively reported. Among these processes, carbonization emerges as a technique to convert moist food waste into biochar, primarily for soil remediation application. In this study, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to evaluate the environmental performance of biochar production through carbonization from food waste in Bekasi, Indonesia. A life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) showed that this process would absorb 6,852 kg of CO2eq per t of biochar produced, contributing to decarbonization, and reducing global warming potential. In the sphere of CO2 emissions associated with biochar production CO2eq from syngas and wood fires were identified as the major contributors. However, the presence of methane recovery from the use of food waste classifies the impact of the biochar production process as offsetting. On the other hand, terrestrial ecotoxicity and human non-carcinogenic toxicity are the most dominant effects, with values of 745.1 kg 1,4-DCB and 680.7 kg 1,4-DCB. The impact of this process on terrestrial ecotoxicity is related to wood combustion and the presence of P2O5 and K2O in the final product. Non-carcinogenic toxic effects in humans are due to the zinc content in biochar products. Treating food waste with a carbonation approach has shown environmental benefits for climate change mitigation, in addition to economic benefits in the form of marketable biochar.
Integrating Transcriptomics, Glycomics And Glycoproteomics To Characterize Hepatitis B Virus-associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Li Zhuo , Zhang Na , Dong Zewen , Wang Xin , Zhou Jian , Gao Juan , Yang Yunyun , Li Jing , Guan Feng , Tan Zengqi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks as the third most common cause of cancer related death globally, representing a substantial challenge to global healthcare systems. In China, the primary risk factor for HCC is the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Aberrant serum glycoconjugate levels have long been linked to the progression of HBV-associated HCC (HBV-HCC). Nevertheless, few study systematically explored the dysregulation of glycoconjugates in the progression of HBV-associated HCC and their potency as the diagnostic and prognostic biomarker.Methods An integrated strategy that combined transcriptomics, glycomics, and glycoproteomics was employed to comprehensively investigate the dynamic alterations in glyco-genes, N-glycans, and glycoproteins in the initiation and development of HBV- HCC.Results Bioinformatic analysis of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets uncovered dysregulation of fucosyltransferases (FUTs) in liver tissues from HCC patients compared to adjacent tissues. Glycomic analysis indicated an elevated level of fucosylated N-glycans, especially a progressive increase in fucosylation levels on IGHA1 and IGHG2 determined by glycoproteomic analysis.Conclusions The findings indicate that the abnormal fucosylation plays a pivotal role in the progression of HBV-HCC. Systematic and integrative multi-omic analysis is anticipated to facilitate the discovery of aberrant glycoconjugates in tumor progression.
Electrochemical skin conductance by Sudoscan in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Chiu Liang-Te , Lin Yu-Li , Wang Chih-Hsien , Hwu Chii-Min , Liou Hung-Hsiang , Hsu Bang-Gee 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background. Peripheral neuropathy is prevalent among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Sudoscan non-invasively detects polyneuropathy by measuring electrochemical skin conductance (ESC). We conducted a study on sudomotor function in CKD patients across various stages based on their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).Methods. In this cross-sectional study of 700 CKD patients, all underwent Sudoscan. Pathological ESC was defined as hands < 40 µS or feet < 50 µS.Results. Among participants, 344 had diabetes, and 356 did not. Hands and feet ESC decreased with CKD progression (stage 1–2, 3, 4–5: 54.0 (39.0–68.0), 45.5 (30.0–63.0), 41.8 (26.5–60.5), p trend < 0.001; 64.5 (53.5–74.0), 60.5 (43.0-72.5), 55.0 (39.0-69.8), p trend < 0.001). Pathological hands and feet ESC increased in later CKD stages (stage 1–2, 3, 4–5: 26.6%, 40.9%, 45.7%, p trend < 0.001; 21.7%, 34.0%, 40.6%, p trend < 0.001). Positive hands and feet ESC-eGFR correlation existed, irrespective of diabetes. Diabetic patients had lower hands and feet ESC than non-diabetics as CKD progressed. However, multivariate regression found no significant ESC-eGFR association.Conclusion. Pathological sudomotor function was common in non-dialysis CKD stages 4–5. Diabetic patients had worse function. Sudomotor dysfunction progressed with renal disease but eGFR was not an independent risk factor.
Foraging areas of Orlog's gull in an estuarine ecosystem of Argentina: are they underprotected?
Authors: Petracci Pablo , Caruso Nicolás Carmelo , Sala Luciano Francisco La , Marbán Leandro , Sotelo Martín , Carrizo Martín , Sarria Rodolfo 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Seabird populations worldwide are facing significant declines due to various threats, making them valuable bioindicators of marine ecosystem changes. Understanding their foraging behavior and identifying crucial foraging areas is essential for their conservation. In this study, we focused on Olrog’s Gull (Larus atlanticus), a near-threatened species endemic to the Atlantic coast of Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. Our objectives were to assess the distribution of foraging areas (FAs) and home ranges, describe temporal flight patterns, and evaluate FA overlap with protected areas in the Bahía Blanca Estuary (BBE), Argentina. We used GPS tracking with dynamic Brownian bridge movement models (dBBMM) to analyze Olrog’s Gull behavior during their breeding season. Our results revealed well-defined FAs, with 72% of them being located outside protected areas, raising concerns about potential threats to the species. We observed sex-related differences, with females covering longer distances during foraging flights. Additionally, several FAs were situated near industrial sites, posing health risks due to potential pollution. This study contributes novel insights into Olrog’s Gull foraging ecology, particularly in the most critical breeding area for the species. We developed a dynamic web application for easy access to conservation-relevant information. Our findings emphasize the need for enhanced protection of key FAs, especially those outside existing protected areas, to safeguard the species and its ecosystem. These results underscore the importance of informed policy decisions to preserve Olrog’s Gull populations and their habitats in the face of growing human-related threats.
Effects of GPR157 Gene Copy Number Variation on Growth Traits of Four Chinese Local Goat Breeds
Authors: Zhao Jiahao , Wang Xianwei , Fu Changqi , Du Lei , Yao Zhi , Xin Xiaoling , Zhang Zijing , Ru Baorui , Xu Zejun , Wang Eryao , Peng Wei , Huang Yongzhen 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Copy number variation is caused by the rearrangement of the genome, and it has gradually become a method to study the effect of gene polymorphism on gene expression.The effects of genetic polymorphisms on livestock development are increasingly important in molecular breeding.Chinese goats have the advantages of high reproductive rate and good environmental adaptability, but there are still some obvious defects in the growth and development of goats, such as poor meat production performance and slow growth. In order to improve the growth performance and market competitiveness of Chinese goats and promote the development of Chinese goat industry, a lot of research has been done on effective molecular markers. In this study, qPCR and data association analysis were used to detect and analyze the correlation effect of GPR157 gene copy number variation in Chinese goats. The results showed that the GPR157 gene had a significant effect on the growth traits of four Chinese goats, and it was the basic material and effective information for molecular marker breeding of goats. GPR157 is a G protein-coupled receptor located on the primary cilia of RGPs in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and can bind to Gq-like G proteins through GPR157-Gq-IP3 signaling and participate in neuronal differentiation. The research of GPR157 gene mainly focuses on neurodevelopment and diseases such as high myopia, and there are few studies on animal breeding.In this study, 633 blood samples were collected from five Chinese goat breeds (Guizhou black goat, GB; Guizhou white goat, GW; Taihang black goat, TB; Bohuai hybrid goat, GH; and Henan Huai goat, HH) for GPR157 gene CNV type detection. The correlation between CNV types and growth traits was analyzed by SPSS 26.0 software and analysis of variance.The results showed that the distribution of different copy number types in different breeds of goats was different.In GH sheep, the frequency of deletion type is higher than other breeds, close to 50%, in HH sheep, the frequency of deletion type is close to 40%; in TH sheep, the frequency of duplication type exceeds 80%; in and BH sheep The frequency is slightly higher than GB, about 23%,Association analysis showed that the CNV of the GPR157 gene had a positive effect on the growth and development of goats:In GH sheep, individuals with deletion copy number performed better than copy copy number individuals in terms of body height and length (P < 0.01). The functional role and molecular mechanism of GPR157 gene in animal growth and development are still unclear, and further research is needed. This study aims to provide basic materials for molecular breeding of Chinese goats.
Prevalence and Neurological Outcomes of Comatose Patients withExtracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Feng Cheng-Yuan , Kolchinski Anna , Kapoor Shrey , Khanduja Shivalika , Hwang Jaeho , Suarez Jose I , Geocadin Romergryko G , Kim Bo Soo , Whitman Glenn , Cho Sung-Min 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background: Coma and disorders of consciousness is understudied in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The objective of our study was to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and in-hospital outcomes of comatose ECMO patients.
Method: This is a retrospectively observational cohort study in a tertiary academic hospital. All adults (age≥18) who received venoarterial (VA) or venovenous (VV) ECMO support between 11/2017 and 04/2022 were included. We defined "24-hour off sedation" as no sedative infusion (except dexmedetomidine) or paralytics administration over a continuous 24-hour period while on ECMO. "Off-sedation coma" (comaoff) was defined as GCS ≤8 after achieving 24-hour off sedation. "On-sedation coma" (comaon) was defined as GCS≤8 during the entire ECMO course without off-sedation for 24 hours. Neurological outcomes were assessed at discharge using the modified Rankin scale (good 0-3 and poor 4-6).
Results: The cohort consisted of 230 ECMO patients (VA-ECMO 143, median age 54, male 65%). "24-hour off sedation" was achieved in 32.2% VA-ECMO and 26.4% VV-ECMO patients. Among all patients off sedation for 24 hours (n=69), 56.5% VA-ECMO and 52.2% VV-ECMO patients experienced comaoff. Among those unable to be sedation-free for 24 hours (n=161), 50.5% VA-ECMO and 17.2% VV-ECMO had comaon. Comaoff was associated with poor outcomes (p<0.05) in both VA-ECMO and VV-ECMO groups while comaon only impacted the VA-ECMO group outcomes. In a multivariable analysis, the number of packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusion (aOR=1.16, 95% CI=1.04-1.28), average lactate level (aOR=1.91, 95% CI=1.11-3.30), and acute brain injury (ABI) (aOR=6.41, 95% CI=1.17-35.26) during ECMO support were independent risk factors for comaoff after adjusting for renal replacement therapy, ECMO configuration (VA vs. VV), worst pre-ECMO PaO2 and PaCO2.
Conclusions: Comaoff was common in ECMO patients and was associated with poor neurological outcomes at discharge. The number of pRBC transfusions, high lactate levels, and ABI were independent risk factors.
Violence in Context. Lethal Traumas in the First Colonization of Lanzarote Island (Canary Islands)
Authors: Alberto-Barroso Verónica , Delgado-Darias Teresa , Moreno-Benítez Marco , Suárez-Medina Ibán , Mendoza-Medina Félix , Velasco-Vázquez Javier 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Lanzarote is marked by a scarce preservation of skeletal remains of the Berber populations that inhabited the island before the Norman Conquest in the 15th century AD. This is an anomalous situation for people that lived uninterruptedly on the island for about 1,400 years.The recent study of the few available human bones is providing transcendental data for the knowledge of the ways and conditions of life and, especially, of conflicts involving physical violence. The aim of this paper is to analyse the evidence of bone trauma in two individuals, male and female respectively, and to discuss the manner of their deaths. The results suggest the male was repeatedly stabbed, while the traces in the female consist of several energetic blows to the skull. Both cases display patterns of lesions revealing different forms of violence of significant interest for the comprehension of the conflicts and historical contexts in which they occurred. Apart from the lethal injuries themselves, the early chronology of the remains and the type of weapons used provide an exceptional opportunity to explore one of the least known moments in the first human history of Lanzarote: the initial stages of the stable colonisation of the island by imazighen groups.
Bioactive VS4-based sonosensitizer for robust chemodynamic, sonodynamic and osteogenic therapy of infected bone defects
Authors: He Yaqi , Liu Xin , Lei Jie , Ma Liang , Zhang Xiaoguang , Wang Hongchuan , Lei Chunchi , Feng Xiaobo , Yang Cao , Gao Yong 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Most bone defects caused by bone disease or trauma are accompanied by infection, and there is a high risk of infection spreading and defect expansion. Clinical treatments include local debridement and systemic administration of antibiotics still have a high failure rate. Therefore, it is desired to develop a high efficiency strategy against these two possible consequences. In this study, an ultrasound responsive vanadium tetrasulfide-loaded MXene (VSM) Schottky junction is constructed for rapid methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clearance and bone regeneration. Due to the peroxidase (POD)-like activity of VS4 and the abundant Schottky junctions, VSM has high electron-hole separation efficiency and a decreased band gap, exhibiting a strong chemodynamic and sonodynamic antibacterial efficiency of 94.03%. Under the stimulation of medical dose ultrasound, the steady release of vanadium element promotes the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). The in vivo application of VSM in infected femoral plateau bone defects of rats also has a great therapeutic effect, eliminating MRSA infection, inhibiting inflammation and improving bone regeneration. The present work successfully develops an ultrasound responsive VS4-based versatile sonosensitizer for robust effective antibacterial and osteogenic therapy of infected bone defects.
Genomic Profiles of Japanese Patients with Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Fujii Erisa , Kato Mayumi Kobayashi , Yamaguchi Maiko , Higuchi Daiki , Koyama Takafumi , Komatsu Masaaki , Hamamoto Ryuji , Ishikawa Mitsuya , Kato Tomoyasu , Kohno Takashi , Shiraishi Kouya , Yoshida Hiroshi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The incidence of vulvar carcinoma varies by race; however, it is a rare disease, and its genomic profiles remain largely unknown. This study examined the characteristics of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) in Japanese patients, focusing on genomic profiles and potential racial disparities. The study included two Japanese cohorts: the National Cancer Center Hospital (NCCH) cohort comprised 19 patients diagnosed between 2015 and 2023, and the Center for Cancer Genomics and Advanced Therapeutics cohort comprised 29 patients diagnosed between 2019 and 2022. Somatic mutations were identified by targeted or panel sequencing, and TP53 was identified as the most common mutation (52–81%), followed by HRAS (7–26%), CDKN2A (21–24%), and PIK3CA (5–10%). The mutation frequencies, except for TP53, were similar to those of Caucasian cohorts. In the NCCH cohort, 16 patients of HPV-independent tumors were identified by immunohistochemistry and genotyping. Univariate analysis revealed that TP53-mutated patients were associated with a poor prognosis (log-rank test, P = 0.089). Japanese VSCC mutations resembled those of Caucasian vulvar carcinomas, and TP53 mutations predicted prognosis regardless of ethnicity. The present findings suggest potential molecular-targeted therapies for select VSCC patients.
Astragaloside IV Reduces Mutant Ataxin-3 Levels and Supports Mitochondrial Function in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3
Authors: Lin Yongshiou , Cheng Wenling , Chang Juichih , Wu Yuling , Hsieh Mingli , Liu Chin-San 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This study investigated the effects of astragaloside IV (AST) on the neurodegenerative disease of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3). Human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells expressing mutant ataxin-3 protein with 78 CAG repeats (MJD78) were used as an in vitro model, and SCA3 transgenic mice harboring an allele with a pathological polyglutamine tract with expanded 84 CAG repeats (SCA3 84Q) were used as an in vivo model. Protein expression analysis revealed that AST treatment reduced mutant ataxin-3 protein expression and aggregation via increased the autophagic flux in the MJD78 cells. Oxidative stress levels were elevated in the MJD78 cells but were reduced after AST treatment, which also increased antioxidant capacity; these findings were obtained using flow cytometry and antioxidant enzyme activity assay. Furthermore, treatment with AST ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction in the MJD78 cells, including that related to mitochondrial membrane potential, respiration, and mitochondrial dynamics. Additionally, AST administration improved motor function and provided protection against Purkinje cell loss in the cerebellum of the SCA3 84Q mice. In conclusion, AST administration increase the capability of antioxidants and reduced either cellular or mitochondrial oxidative stress and improve the process of mitochondrial quality control by fusion, fission, and autophagy. Summarizing, aforementioned mechanisms reduced intracellular mutant ataxin-3 protein aggregation to achieve therapeutic effectiveness in the SCA3 model.
Dynamic Response of Circular Concrete-filled Steel Tubular Columns under Very Low-elevation Lateral Impact Loads: Tests and Deflection Calculation Method
Authors: Liang Jiayu , Liu Yanhui , Zhao Yichao , Xu Nan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
An experimental investigation of circular concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns subjected to very low-elevation lateral impacts was performed. Six circular CFST members were prepared for lateral impact tests according to the typical CFST columns in high-speed railway stations in China. The impact location was at the height of the 2/9 column, which was determined according to the impact point between the running train and the column. There were three variables in the tests: the thickness of the steel tube, the impact velocity, and the axial load. The failure modes were determined in the tests, along with the time histories of the impact force and the deflection at the impact location. A finite-element analysis was performed to examine the effects of the axial load and scaling on the maximum deflection. According to the travelling plastic hinge theory, a three-stage rigid plastic mechanical model was employed to describe the impact process, in which the impact location was at the non-mid-span, and a calculation method for the deflection was developed. The method is generally applicable to CFST columns at any impact position. A comparison with the test results indicated that deflections can be calculated with reasonable accuracy using the proposed method.