bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel liver zonation phenotype-associated molecular classification of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Tao , Gu Jian , Wang Xinyi , Lu Yaoyao , Cai Kailin , Li Huili , Nie Yingli , Chen Xiangdong , Wang Jiliang 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundLiver zonation is a unique phenomenon in which the liver exhibits distinct functions among hepatocytes along the radial axis of the lobule. This phenomenon can cause the sectionalized initiation of several liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, few studies have explored the zonation features of HCC.MethodsFour single-cell RNA sequencing datasets were used to identify hepatocyte-specific zonation markers. Integrative analysis was then performed with a training RNA-seq cohort (616 HCC samples) and an external validating microarray cohort (285 HCC samples) from the International Cancer Genome Consortium, The Cancer Genome Atlas, Gene Expression Omnibus, and EMBL’s European Bioinformatics Institute for clustering using non-negative matrix factorization consensus clustering based on zonation genes. Afterward, we evaluated the prognostic value, clinical characteristics, transcriptome and mutation features, immune infiltration, and immunotherapy response of the HCC subclasses.ResultsA total of 94 human hepatocyte-specific zonation markers (39 central markers and 55 portal markers) were identified for the first time. Subsequently, three subgroups of HCC, namely Cluster1, Cluster2, and Cluster3 were identified. Cluster1 exhibited a non-zonational-like signature with the worst prognosis. Cluster2 was intensively associated with a central-like signature and exhibited low immune infiltration and sensitivity toward immune blockade therapy. Cluster3 was intensively correlated with a portal-like signature with the best prognosis. Finally, we identified candidate therapeutic targets and agents for Cluster1 HCC samples.ConclusionThe current study established a novel HCC classification based on liver zonation signature. By classifying HCC into three clusters with non-zonational-like (Cluster1), central-like (Cluster2), and portal-like (Cluster3) features, this study provided new perspectives on the heterogeneity of HCC and shed new light on delivering precision medicine for HCC patients.
Behavior of geomaterial composite using sugar cane bagasse ash under compressive and flexural loading
Authors: Nikhade Harshal , Birali Ram Rathan Lal , Ansari Khalid , Khan Mohammad Arsalan , Najm Hadee Mohammed , Anas S. M. , Mursaleen Mohammad , Hasan Mohd Abul , Islam Saiful 
Published: March 2023

The sugar industry produces a huge quantity of sugar cane bagasse ash in India. Dumping massive quantities of waste in a non-eco-friendly manner is a key concern for developing nations. The main focus of this study is the development of a sustainable geomaterial composite with higher strength capabilities (compressive and flexural). To develop this composite, sugarcane bagasse ash (SA), glass fiber (GF), and blast furnace slag (BF) are used. Ash generated from burning sugar cane in the sugar industry is known as sugar cane bagasse. To check the suitability of this secondary waste for use in civil engineering and to minimize risk to the environment in the development of sustainable growth, a sequence of compressive and flexural strength tests was performed on materials prepared using sugar cane bagasse ash (SA) reinforced by glass fiber (GF) in combination with blast furnace slag (BF) and cement (CEM). The effects of the mix ratios of glass fiber to bagasse ash (0.2%–1.2%), blast furnace slag to the weight of bagasse ash (10%), cement binding to bagasse ash (10%–20%), and water to sugar cane bagasse ash (55%) regarding the flexural strength, compressive strength, density, tangent modulus, stress–strain pattern, and load–deflection curve of the prepared materials were studied. According to the findings, compressive strength achieved a maximum strength of 1055.5 kPa and ranged from 120 to 1055.5 kPa, and the flexural strength achieved a maximum strength of 217 kPa and ranged from 80.1 to 217 kPa at different mix ratio percentages. The value of the initial tangent modulus for the cube specimens ranged between 96 and 636 MPa. For compression specimens with 20% cement, the density decreased from 1320.1 to 1265 kg/m3, and the flexural strength decreased from 1318 to 1259.6 kg/m3. With limitation in lower percentages of C/SA, the specimen cannot sustain its shape even after curing period. In comparing the previous research with the present experimental work, it was observed that the material proposed here is lightweight and can be utilised as a filler substance in weak compressible soils to improve their load-bearing capacity.
A force controlled tribometer for pre-sliding measurements at the nanometer scale
Authors: Du Junxiao , Franklin Steve , Weber Bart 
Published: March 2023

In the pre-sliding friction regime, interfaces partially stick and partially slip. The pre-slip is thought to be locally initiated at regions of the interface where the ratio of shear stress to normal stress exceeds a critical value. The displacements involved in pre-slip can be limited to the nanoscale, especially for stiff interfaces. Furthermore, little is known experimentally about the interplay between surface topography, pre-sliding behavior and wear. In this work, we introduce a pre-sliding tribometer that enables the study of how the pre-sliding friction at various types of ball-on-flat interfaces evolves as a function of wear. Polytetrafluoroethylene-on-silicon (PTFE-on-Si) pre-sliding measurements covering interfacial displacements up to 50 nm, conducted with the new instrument, show good agreement with Mindlin theory predictions, without adjustable parameters.
Incidence and clinical outcomes of bacterial superinfections in critically ill patients with COVID-19
Authors: Yoon Si Mong , Lee Jinwoo , Lee Sang-Min , Lee Hong Yeul 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundBacterial superinfection is not uncommon in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pneumonia requiring intensive care unit (ICU) treatment. However, there is still a lack of evidence related to bacterial superinfection and their clinical significance in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Therefore, we assessed the incidence of bacterial superinfections and their effects on clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with COVID-19.Materials and methodsThis single-center retrospective cohort study analyzed critically ill patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU at a tertiary academic hospital between February 2020 and December 2021. We reviewed data including patient demographics, clinical and microbiological characteristics, and outcomes.ResultsDuring the study period, 106 patients (median [IQR] age, 67 [58–75] years) were included, of which 32 (30%) were diagnosed with bacterial superinfections. Of these, 12 cases (38%) were associated with multidrug-resistant pathogens. Klebsiella aerogenes (6 cases [19%]) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (6 cases [19%]) were the most common pathogens associated with superinfections. The median time to bacterial superinfection was 13 (IQR, 9–20) days after ICU admission. Patients with bacterial superinfections had significantly fewer ventilator-free days on day 28 (0 [IQR, 0–0] days) than those without bacterial superinfections (19 [IQR, 0–22] days) (p &lt; 0.001). Patients with bacterial superinfections had a longer ICU length of stay (32 [IQR, 9–53] days) than those without bacterial superinfections (11 [IQR, 7–18] days) (p &lt; 0.001). Additionally, they had a longer hospital length of stay after ICU admission (39 [IQR, 18–62] days) than those without bacterial superinfections (18 [IQR, 12–37] days) (p = 0.001). There were no differences in ICU mortality or in-hospital mortality between the two groups. In the multivariable analysis, higher SAPS II score (OR, 2.697; 95% CI, 1.086–6.695) and thrombocytopenia (OR, 3.318; 95% CI, 1.355–8.123) were identified as risk factors for development of bacterial superinfection.ConclusionIn critically ill patients with COVID-19, bacterial superinfections were common, and more than one-third of the bacterial superinfection cases were caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens. As patients with bacterial superinfections had worse clinical outcomes, the development of bacterial superinfections should be actively monitored.
Mortality and survival in nonagenarians during the COVID-19 pandemic: Unstable equilibrium of aging
Authors: Kashtanova Daria A. , Erema Veronika V. , Gusakova Maria S. , Sutulova Ekaterina R. , Yakovchik Anna Yu. , Ivanov Mikhail V. , Taraskina Anastasiia N. , Terekhov Mikhail V. , Matkava Lorena R. , Rumyantseva Antonina M. , Yudin Vladimir S. , Akopyan Anna A. , Strazhesko Irina D. , Kordiukova Irina S. , Akinshina Alexandra I. , Makarov Valentin V. , Tkacheva Olga N. , Kraevoy Sergey A. , Yudin Sergey M. 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionAging puts the human body under an immense stress and makes it extremely susceptible to many diseases, often leading to poor outcomes and even death. Long-living individuals represent a unique group of people who withstood the stress of time and offer an abundance of information on the body’s ability to endure the pressure of aging. In this study, we sought to identify predictors of overall one-year mortality in 1641 long-living individuals. Additionally, we analyzed risk factors for COVID-19-related morality, since statistics demonstrated an extreme vulnerability of older adults.MethodsWe conducted a two-stage evaluation, including a comprehensive geriatric assessment for major aging-associated: frailty, cognitive impairment, frontal lobe dysfunction, chronic pain, anxiety, risk of falls, sensory deficit, depression, sarcopenia, risk of malnutrition, fecal and urinary incontinence, dependence in Activities of Daily Living, dependence in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, polypragmasia, and orthostatic hypotension; extensive blood testing, a survey, and a one-year follow-up interview.ResultsThe most reliable predictors of overall mortality were cognitive impairment, malnutrition, frailty, aging-associated diseases and blood markers indicating malnutrition-induced metabolic dysfunctions (decreased levels of protein fractions, iron, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and HDL), and aging biomarkers, such as IGF-1 and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide. In post-COVID 19 participants, the most significant mortality predictors among geriatric syndromes were depression, frontal lobe dysfunction and frailty, and similar to overall mortality blood biomarkers - 25-hydroxyvitamin D, IGF-1, HDL as well as high white blood cell, neutrophils counts and proinflammatory markers. Based on the results, we built a predictive model of overall mortality in the long-living individuals with f-score=0.76.ConclusionThe most sensitive and reliable predictors of mortality were modifiable. This is another evidence of the critical importance of proper geriatric care and support for individuals in their “golden years”. These results could facilitate geriatric institutions in their pursuit for providing improved care and could aid physicians in detecting early signs of potentially deadly outcomes. Additionally, our findings could be used in developing day-to-day care guidelines, which would greatly improve prevention statistics.
A bibliometric analysis of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in ophthalmology
Authors: Fu Yihang , Mao Yuxiang , Jiang Shuangyan , Luo Sheng , Chen Xiaoyun , Xiao Wei 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundBibliometric analysis is a quantitative method which applies mathematical and statistical tools to evaluate the inter-relationships and impacts of publications, authors, institutions and countries in a specific research area. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMAs) are summaries of the best available evidence to address a specific research question via comprehensively literature search, in-depth analysis and synthesis of results. To date, there have been several studies summarizing the publication trends of SRMAs in research specialties, however, none has conducted specifically in ophthalmology. The purpose of this study is to establish the scientometric landscape of SRMAs published in the field of ophthalmology over time.MethodsWe retrieved relevant ophthalmological SRMAs and the corresponding bibliometric parameters during 2000 to 2020 from Web of Science Core Collection. Bibliometric analysis was performed using bibliometrix package. Pre-registration and guideline compliance of each article was independently assessed by two investigators.ResultsA total of 2,660 SRMAs were included, and the average annual growth rate was 21.26%. China and the United States were the most productive countries, while Singapore was the country with the highest average citations per document. Wong TY was not only the most productive, but also the most frequently cited author. The most productive affiliation was National University of Singapore (n = 236). Systematic reviews and meta-analyses output in most subspecialties had steadily increased with retina/vitreous (n = 986), glaucoma (n = 411) and cornea/external diseases (n = 303) constantly as the most dominant fields. Rates of pre-registration and guideline compliance had dramatically increased over time, with 20.0 and 63.5% of article being pre-registered and reported guideline in 2020, respectively. However, SRMAs published on ophthalmology journals tended to be less frequently pre-registered and guideline complied than those on non-ophthalmology journals (both p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe annual output of SRMAs has been rapidly increasing over the past two decades. China and the United States were the most productive countries, whereas Singapore has the most prolific and influential scholar and institution. Raising awareness and implementation of SRMAs pre-registration and guideline compliance is still necessary to ensure quality, especially for ophthalmology journals.
The block design subtest of the Wechsler adult intelligence scale as a possible non-verbal proxy of cognitive reserve
Authors: Corujo-Bolaños Graciela , Yánez-Pérez Roraima , Cedrés Nira , Ferreira Daniel , Molina Yaiza , Barroso José 
Published: March 2023

ObjectivesTo investigate the potential of the Block design subtest of the Wechsler Adults Intelligence Scale as a non-verbal proxy of cognitive reserve.MethodA total of 391 cognitively unimpaired participants were included in this study. The association between the Block design subtest and the Information subtest (an established verbal proxy of cognitive reserve) from the WAIS, as well as the association of the two subtests with a Cognitive Reserve Questionnaire (CRQ) were tested. In addition, multiple linear regression models were conducted to investigate the association of the Block design and Information subtests with cognitive performance. The capacity of the Block design subtest to minimize the negative effect of an older age over cognitive performance was also assessed and this effect was compared with that of the Information subtest. The four cognitive domains included were: verbal memory, visual–visuospatial memory, executive-premotor functions and processing speed.ResultsThe Block design subtest correlated positively with both the Information subtest and the CRQ. A statistically significant association was observed between the Block design subtest and all four cognitive domains. Higher scores in the Block design subtest minimized the negative effect of aging on the cognitive domains of visual–visuospatial memory and executive-premotor functions, in a similar way to the results obtained for the Information subtest.ConclusionThe Block design subtest is significantly correlated with two established proxies of cognitive reserve: it correlates with cognitive performance and high scores in Block design have the capacity to minimize the negative effect of an older age on cognitive performance. Therefore, the results suggest that the corrected Block design subtest could be considered as a non-verbal proxy of cognitive reserve.
Efficacy and safety of low dose aspirin plus clopidogrel in the treatment of elderly patients with symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis
Authors: Song Hai-xia , Zhang Bin , Liu Shan , Shi Zhi-chao , Wang Zi-yun , Lu Hai-li , Yao Jie , Chen Juan 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundAs one of the most common causes of stroke, symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis (sICAS) is a great threat to public health, and its financial burden is substantial, with annual direct high medical costs particularly in China. Currently, the long-term use of conventional dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) as the primary modality of treatment for sICAS decreases the risk of stroke recurrence but increases the risk of bleeding. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low dose aspirin plus clopidogrel for the treatment of sICAS in the elderly population.MethodsThis randomized, controlled study included 181 older patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ischemic stroke (IS) attributed to sICAS, who were recruited between April 2015 and November 2020. The 90 patients assigned to the low dose therapy group included aspirin, 75 mg, plus clopidogrel, 50 mg, daily for 90 and 91 patients assigned to the conventional group included aspirin, 100 mg, plus clopidogrel, 75 mg, daily for 90 days (aspirin or clopidogrel alone daily thereafter) were included in this intention-to-treat analysis. Efficacy and safety analyses were done in this trial.ResultsOne hundred eighty-one eligible elderly patients with sICAS were enrolled in this trial. The median age was 70 years ranged 60–83 years. Seventy-five participants were with TIA and 106 with IS. The median time of follow-up was 30 months ranged 1–36 months. Ninety patients were assigned randomly to the low dose group and 91 patients to the conventional group. The rate of primary, secondary and composite efficacy were not significantly different between the low dose and conventional group (P &gt; 0.05). The rate of composite safety outcome was 7.8% (7/90) in the low dose group, which was lower than 17.6% (16/91) in the conventional group (χ2 = 3.921, P = 0.048). At the time of last follow-up, 17 (9.4%) of 181 patients developed GI injuries, which occurred in four (4.4%) of 90 patients in the low dose group and in 13 (14.3%) of 91 patients in the conventional group (χ2 = 4.058, P = 0.044). The primary efficacy outcome occurred in six (18.2%) of 33 patients with severe sICAS and in 22 (38.6%) of 57 patients with moderate sICAS (χ2 = 4.064, P = 0.044) in the low dose group.ConclusionIn this study, the safety of low dose aspirin combined with clopidogrel proved to be equally efficient and significantly safer than those of conventional dose within 24 months in elderly patients with sICAS. However, the small size of this study limits the validity of the results. Further larger longitudinal and randomized controlled trials are necessary to evaluate the role of low dose DAPT in the patients with sICAS.
Efavirenz restored NMDA receptor dysfunction and inhibited epileptic seizures in GluN2A/Grin2a mutant mice
Authors: Zhao Teng , Zhong Rui , Zhang Xinyue , Li Guangjian , Zhou Chunkui , Fang Shaokuan , Ding Ying , Lin Weihong 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionN-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is one of the main receptor of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate in the brain, which is the key determinant of the excitatory/inhibitory balance of neural network. GluN2A/GRIN2A is one of the subunits of NMDAR and plays an important role in epilepsy. Approximately 78% of patients with GluN2A/Grin2a mutations have epilepsy, and the underlying mechanism of this association is not well characterized.MethodsWe constructed a mouse model of hyperthermic seizure, and conducted in vitro and in vivo electrophysiological and behavioral studies to clarify the pathogenic characteristics and mechanism of GluN2A/GRIN2A-V685G mutation. In addition, the drug efavirenz (EFV), which is used to treat HIV infection, was administrated to mutant animals to assess whether it can restore the loss of function.ResultsMutant mice showed no significant change in the mRNA or protein expressions of NMDAR compared with wild type (WT) mice. Mice with GluN2A/GRIN2A-V685G mutation exhibited shorter latency to seizure, increased frequency of seizure-like events, decreased peak current and current area of NMDAR excitatory postsynaptic current, and decreased event frequency of micro-inhibitory postsynaptic current, compared to WT mice. They also exhibited decreased threshold, increased amplitude, increased input resistance, and increased root number of action potential. EFV administration reversed these changes. The loss-of-function (LoF) mutation of NMDAR changed the excitatory/inhibitory balance of neural network, rendering animal more prone to seizures.DiscussionEFV was indicated to hold its potential in the treatment of inherited epilepsy.
Can visual cortex non-invasive brain stimulation improve normal visual function? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bello Umar M. , Wang Jingying , Park Adela S. Y. , Tan Ken W. S. , Cheung Blossom W. S. , Thompson Benjamin , Cheong Allen M. Y. 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveMultiple studies have explored the use of visual cortex non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) to enhance visual function. These studies vary in sample size, outcome measures, and methodology. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses to assess the effects of NIBS on visual functions in human participants with normal vision.MethodsWe followed the PRISMA guidelines, and a review protocol was registered with PROSPERO before study commencement (CRD42021255882). We searched Embase, Medline, PsychInfo, PubMed, OpenGrey and Web of Science using relevant keywords. The search covered the period from 1st January 2000 until 1st September 2021. Comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA) software was used for quantitative analysis.ResultsFifty studies were included in the systematic review. Only five studies utilized transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and no TMS studies met our pre-specified criteria for meta-analysis. Nineteen transcranial electrical stimulation studies (tES, 38%) met the criteria for meta-analysis and were the focus of our review. Meta-analysis indicated acute effects (Hedges’s g = 0.232, 95% CI: 0.023–0.442, p = 0.029) and aftereffects (0.590, 95% CI: 0.182–0.998, p = 0.005) of tES on contrast sensitivity. Visual evoked potential (VEP) amplitudes were significantly enhanced immediately after tES (0.383, 95% CI: 0.110–0.665, p = 0.006). Both tES (0.563, 95% CI: 0.230–0.896, p = 0.001) and anodal-transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) alone (0.655, 95% CI: 0.273–1.038, p = 0.001) reduced crowding in peripheral vision. The effects of tES on visual acuity, motion perception and reaction time were not statistically significant.ConclusionThere are significant effects of visual cortex tES on contrast sensitivity, VEP amplitude, an index of cortical excitability, and crowding among normally sighted individuals. Additional studies are required to enable a comparable meta-analysis of TMS effects. Future studies with robust experimental designs are needed to extend these findings to populations with vision loss.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov/, identifier CRD42021255882.