bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leptospirosis-associated meningitis in a patient with Sjögren's Syndrome: a case report
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Zheng Yong 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease that afflicts both humans and animals. It progresses from flu-like symptoms to more severe hepatic and renal failure, and may also lead to aseptic meningitis. Individuals with autoimmune diseases (ADs) are potentially more susceptible to Leptospirosis. Thus far, limited data has documented the association between Leptospirosis and autoimmune disorders.Case presentation The patient had a definitive pathological diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Due to recurrent headaches, the patient sought consultation with a neurologist. Lumbar puncture revealed elevated white blood cells and protein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid, along with decreased glucose. Tuberculous meningitis was suspected. Radiographic imaging exhibited meningeal enhancement, ventricular enlargement, and hydrocephalus. The patient commenced treatment with anti-tuberculosis therapy and corticosteroids. Subsequently, high-throughput sequencing (HTS) of cerebrospinal fluid identified the presence of Leptospira interrogans. The patient was ultimately diagnosed with Leptospiral meningitis, and underwent antimicrobial and immunosuppressive therapy, resulting in stabilization of the condition and gradual symptom recovery.Conclusions The case highlights the challenges in diagnosing and managing leptospirosis-related meningitis in the presence of ADs and emphasizes the importance of utilizing HTS for accurate pathogen detection. The potential correlation between leptospirosis and SS warrants further investigation, as does the need for multidisciplinary involvement in treatment strategies for such complex cases.
Study Protocol for Prospective Multi-Institutional Phase III Trial of Standard of Care Therapy with or without Stereotactic Ablative Radiation Therapy for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer (SABR-ROC)
Authors: Kim Yong Bae , Byun Hwa Kyung , Wee Chan Woo , Kim Hojin , Kim Seyoung , Yang Gowoon , Kim Jina , Park Sang Joon , Lee Jung-Yun 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Efforts have been made to investigate the role of salvage radiotherapy (RT) in treating recurrent ovarian cancer (ROC). Stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR) is a state-of-the-art therapy that uses intensity modulation to increase the fractional dose, decrease the number of fractions, and target tumors with high precision.
Methods
The SABR-ROC trial is a phase 3, multicenter, randomized, prospective study to evaluate whether the addition of SABR to the standard of care significantly improves the 3-year overall survival (OS) of patients with ROC. Patients who have completed the standard treatment for primary epithelial ovarian cancer are eligible. In addition, patients with number of metastases ≤ 10 and maximum diameter of each metastatic site of gross tumor ≤ 5 cm are allowed. Randomization will be stratified by 1) platinum sensitivity, absence of ascites, normal level of CA125, ECOG performance status of 0–1; 0–3 vs. 4; 2) site of recurrence: with vs. without lymph nodes; and 3) PARP inhibitor use vs. non-use. The target number of patients to be enrolled in this study is 270. Participants will be randomized in a 1:2 ratio. Participants in Arm 2 will receive SABR for recurrent lesions clearly identified in imaging tests as well as the standard of care (Arm 1) based on treatment guidelines and decisions made in multidisciplinary discussions. The RT fraction number can range from 1 to 10, and the accepted dose range is 16–45 Gy. The RT Quality Assurance (QA) program consists of a three-tiered system: general credentialing, trial-specific credentialing, and individual case reviews.
Discussion
SABR appears to be preferable as it does not interfere with the schedule of systemic treatment by minimizing the elapsed days of RT. The synergistic effect between systemic treatment and SABR is expected to reduce the tumor burden by eradicating gross tumors identified through imaging with SABR and controlling microscopic cancer with systemic treatment. It might also be beneficial for quality-of-life preservation in older adults or heavily treated patients.
Trial registration:
This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05444270) on June 29th, 2022.
A Simulation Study to Investigate an Extension to the Point Cluster Technique
Authors: Karmarkar Vivek , Vitali Rachel 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Joint kinematics are an important and widely utilized metric in quantitative human movement analysis. Typically, trajectory data for skin-mounted markers are collected using stereophotogrammetry, sometimes referred to as optical motion capture, and processed using various mathematical models to estimate joint kinematics (e.g., angles). Among the various sources of noise in optical motion capture data, soft tissue artifacts (STAs) remain a critical source of error. This study investigates the performance of the point cluster technique (PCT), an extension of the PCT using perturbation theory (PCT-PT), and the gold standard singular value decomposition least squares (SVD-LS) method for 100 different marker configurations on the thigh and shank during treadmill walking. This study provides additional evidence that the PCT method is significantly limited by the underlying mathematical constraints governing its optimization process. Furthermore, the results suggest the PCT-PT method outperforms the PCT method across all performance metrics for both body segments during the entire gait cycle. For position-based metrics, the PCT-PT method provides better estimates than the SVD-LS method for the thigh during majority of the stance phase and provides comparable estimates for the shank during the entire gait cycle. For knee angle estimates, the PCT-PT method provides equivalent results as the SVD-LS method.
Diagnostic value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for infection in hematology patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Yuhui , Wang Jinjin , Niu Ting 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Infection is one of the leading causes of death in hematology patients. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has been applied to diagnose infection. This meta-analysis will focus on systematically assessing the diagnostic value of mNGS for infection in hematology patients.
Methods
We searched for studies that assessed the efficacy of mNGS for the diagnosis of infection in hematology patients published in Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from inception to December 31, 2022. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were estimate and subgroup analysis was performed.
Results
The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 89.6% (95%CI: 88–91%) and 56% (95%CI: 44–69%), respectively. The pooled positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were 2.10 (95%CI: 1.48–3.30) and 0.22 (95%CI: 0.15–0.32), respectively. And diagnostic odds ratio was 10.29 (95%CI: 4.61–19.72). The SROC (summary receiver operating characteristic) curve revealed an AUC (area under curve) of 0.88 (95%CI: 0.85–0.90). The method of sample selection and the research type/gold standard may be sources of heterogeneity in sensitivity and specificity, respectively.
Conclusion
mNGS has shown good diagnostic efficacy for infection in hematology patients, but it’s important to choose suitable samples for mNGS according to infection types.
Sex-specific effects in how childhood exposures to multiple ambient air pollutants affect white matter microstructure development across early adolescence
Authors: Cotter Devyn , Ahmadi Hedyeh , Cardenas-Iniguez Carlos , Bottenhorn Katherine , Gauderman W. James , McConnell Rob , Berhane Kiros , Schwartz Joel , Hackman Daniel , Chen Jiu-Chiuan , Herting Megan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Ambient air pollution is ubiquitous, yet questions remain as to how it might impact the developing brain. Large changes occur in the brain’s white matter (WM) microstructure across adolescence, with noticeable differences in WM integrity in male and female youth. Here we report sex-stratified effects of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) on longitudinal patterns of WM microstructure from 9-13 years-old in 8,182 (49% female) participants using restriction spectrum imaging. After adjusting for key sociodemographic factors, multi-pollutant, sex-stratified models showed that one-year annual exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 was associated with higher, while O3 was associated with lower, intracellular diffusion at age 9. All three pollutants also affected trajectories of WM maturation from 9-13 years-old, with some sex-specific differences in the number and anatomical locations of tracts showing altered trajectories of intracellular diffusion. Concentrations were well-below current U.S. standards, suggesting exposure to these criteria pollutants during adolescence may have long-term consequences on brain development.
Adaptive immune responses to two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series in healthy Canadian adults &gt; 50 years: a prospective, observational cohort study
Authors: Gaultier Gabrielle N , McMillan Brynn , Poloni Chad , Lo Mandy , Cai Bing , Zheng Jean J , Baer Hannah M , Shulha Hennady , Simmons Karen , Márquez Ana Citlali , Bartlett Sofia R , Cook Laura , Levings Megan K , Steiner Theodore , Sekirov Inna , Zlosnik James EA , Morshed Muhammad , Skowronski Danuta M , Krajden Mel , Jassem Agatha N , Sadarangani Manish 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

To evaluate immune responses to COVID-19 vaccines in adults aged 50 years and older, spike protein (S)-specific antibody concentration, avidity, and function (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) inhibition surrogate neutralization, antibody dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), and T cell responses were quantified in response to two-dose series. Eighty-four adults were vaccinated with either: mRNA/mRNA (mRNA-1273 and/or BNT162b2); ChAdOx1-S/mRNA; or ChAdOx1-S/ChAdOx1-S. Anti-S IgG concentrations, ADCP scores and ACE2 inhibiting antibody concentrations were highest at one-month post-dose two and declined by four-months post-dose two for all groups. mRNA/mRNA and ChAdOx1-S/mRNA schedules had significantly higher antibody responses than ChAdOx1-S/ChAdOx1-S. CD8 T cell responses one-month post-dose two were associated with increased ACE2 surrogate neutralization. Antibody avidity was maintained between one-month and four-months post-dose two and did not significantly differ between groups by four-months post-dose two. In determining COVID-19 correlates of protection, both antibody concentration and avidity should be considered.
Flotation separation of pyrite and chalcopyrite with potassium permanganate as a depressant
Authors: Cao Qinbo , Zhang Haiyu , Yan Yan , Li Yanjun , Liu Dianwen 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This paper used potassium permanganate (KMnO4) as a pyrite depressant to separate pyrite from chalcopyrite. Flotation and contact angle results indicated that pyrite could be depressed by KMnO4 at pH 7, while KMnO4 treated chalcopyrite could be floated by sodium ethylxanthate. Zeta potential analysis revealed that KMnO4 oxidized the pyrite surface, lowering its hydrophobicity. The oxidation products on the pyrite surface were FeO, FeOOH and Fe2(SO4)3 as determined by XPS analyses. These oxidation products were well coated on the pyrite surface, which dramatically lowers the hydrophobicity of pyrite. In contrast, in the case of chalcopyrite, KMnO4 treatment did not generate new oxidation components on its surface, causing chalcopyrite surface to remain hydrophobic and allowing the flotation of chalcopyrite by air bubbles. Thus, pyrite could be efficiently separated from chalcopyrite using KMnO4 as a depressant.
Functional Analysis of Human GRIN2A Mutations Associated with Schizophrenia and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Reveals Distinct Pathological Mechanism
Authors: Shepard Nate , Baez-Nieto David , Iqbal Sumaiya , Campbell Arthur J. , Pan Jen Q , Sheng Morgan , Farsi Zohreh 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Human genetic studies have revealed rare missense and protein-truncating variants in GRIN2A, encoding for the GluN2A subunit of the NMDA receptors, that confer significant risk for schizophrenia (SCZ). Mutations in GRIN2A are also associated with epilepsy and developmental delay/intellectual disability (DD/ID). However, it remains enigmatic how alterations to the same protein can result in diverse clinical phenotypes. Here, we performed functional characterization of human NMDA receptors (GluN1/GluN2A heteromers) that contain SCZ-linked GluN2A variants, and compared them to NMDA receptors with GluN2A variants associated with epilepsy or DD/ID. All tested protein-truncating variants and a subset of missense variants associated with SCZ led to a loss-of-function (LoF) phenotype, whereas epilepsy and DD/ID-associated variants resulted in both gain-and loss-of-function phenotypes. We additionally show that M653I, a LoF GRIN2A variant associated with DD/ID, exerts a dominant-negative effect when co-expressed with a wild-type GluN2A, whereas Y698C, a LoF SCZ-linked variant, does not. These findings demonstrate that SCZ-associated GRIN2A variants are predominantly LoF and offer a potential mechanism by which SCZ and DD/ID-linked variants can cause different effects on receptor function and therefore result in divergent pathological outcomes.
ESG Practices to Foster Green Innovation with Moderating Role of Innovation Orientation: A Conceptual Framework for the Manufacturing Organizations
Authors: Mukhtar Bilal , Shad Muhammad Kashif , Woon Lai Fong , Waqas Ahmad 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In today's dynamic world, many organizations often do not incorporate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices which are the critical input for green innovation and further sustainable development. There is, however, deficient evidence regarding how ESG practices and innovation orientation affect green innovation in manufacturing listed companies on Bursa Malaysia. Thus, this paper seeks to conceptualize a framework to examine the impact of ESG practices on green innovation by examining the moderating impact of innovation orientation in manufacturing listed companies. This study proposes a quantitative approach by using the well-structured questionnaire for the data collection. The questionnaire will be distributed to 182 manufacturing listed companies on Bursa Malaysia to gain insights about the ESG practices, innovation orientation and green innovation. As part of this research work, Smart Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) is proposed to investigate the relationship between constructs. This conceptualization of ESG practices toward green innovation will provide insights into formulating strategies and will serve as an important conduit to improve green innovation. The application of this proposed model to public listed companies strengthens the originality of this study. Moreover, this work will help in strategic planning toward enhancing green innovation and this will certainly develop business competitiveness and achieve sustainable business performance.
Morphological, Histological and Gene-Expression Analyses on Stolonization in the Japanese Green Syllid, Megasyllis nipponica (Annelida, Syllidae)
Authors: Nakamura Mayuko , Oguchi Kohei , Sato Daisuke S. , Kato Sumika , Okanishi Masanori , Hayashi Yoshinobu , Aguado M. Teresa , Miura Toru 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Benthic annelids belonging to the family Syllidae (Errantia, Phyllodocida) exhibit a unique reproduction mode called “schizogamy” or “stolonization”, in which the posterior body part filled with gametes detaches from the original body, as a reproductive unit (stolon) that autonomously swims and spawns. In this study, detailed developmental processes during stolonization were morphologically/histologically observed in Megasyllis nipponica. The results suggest that the stolon formation started with maturation of gonads, followed by the formation of a head ganglion in the anteriormost segment of the developing stolon. Then, the detailed stolon-specific structures such as stolon eyes and notochaetae were formed. Furthermore, expression profiles of genes involved in the anterior-posterior identity (Hox genes), head identification, germ-line, and hormone regulation were compared between anterior and posterior body parts during the stolonization process. The results reveal that, in the posterior body part, genes for gonadal development were up-regulated, followed by hormone-related genes and head-identification genes. Unexpectedly, Hox genes known to identify body parts along the anterior-posterior axis showed no significant temporal expression changes. Taken together, these findings suggest that during stolonization, gonad development induces the head formation of a stolon, without up-regulation of anterior Hox genes.
XAF1 is a promising target to regulate osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Zhou Xiaozhong , Zhang Mingchao , Huang Yingkang , Shan Huajian , Sheng Lei , Bai Jinyu , Gao Xiang , Tian Bo , Ni Yichao , Dong Qirong , Ma Feng 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Over-activated osteoclast (OC) is a major cause of diseases related to bone loss. Both bone resorption inhibition and apoptosis induction of osteoclast are crucial in treating these diseases. However, the mechanisms that determine osteoclast function and lifespan are limited. Here, our findings were presented indicating that the newly characterized gene X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP)-associated factor 1 (Xaf1) was an important interferon-stimulated gene for termination of osteoclastogenesis via apoptosis induction. We showed that Xaf1 ablation enhanced osteoclast generation in vitro. Xaf1 knockout increased osteoclast number and bone resorption, thereby exacerbating bone loss in both OVX and osteolysis models. Activation of XAF1 with BV6 (XIAP inhibitor) suppressed osteoclast formation. Mechanistically, Xaf1 deletion decreased osteoclast apoptosis via increasing interaction between XIAP and caspase-3/7. Collectively, our data illustrated an essential role of Xaf1 in the regulation of osteoclastogenesis in both osteoporosis and osteolysis models and highlighted its underlying mechanism.
Assembly and characterization analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Lithocarpus litseifolius (Hance) Chun
Authors: Qiu Xiaoyan , Tian Yuqiao , Li Ziqiang , Wu Xianjin , Xiang Zhuwen , Wang Yiqing , Li Jin , Xiao Shengen 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Lithocarpus litseifolius (Hance) Chun (L. litseifolius 1837) is an evergreen tree of Fagaceae, commonly known as sweet tea. L. litseifolius is a natural sweetener with high levels of dihydrochalcone. In addition, L. litseifolius is a precious medicinal material, its phlorizin has a unique role in the treatment of diabetes. This investigation aimed to assemble and scrutinize the entire mitochondrial (mt) genome of L. litseifolius. The circular mt genome of L. litseifolius spans 573,177 bp and has a GC content of 45.61%. The mt genome of L. litseifolius comprises 61 genes, of which 21 are tRNA genes, 3 are rRNA genes, 36 are protein-coding genes (PCGs), and 1 is a pseudogene. Tetramer repeats made up 32.57% of all identified simple repeat sequences (SSRs), making them the most abundant type of SSR. 35 PCGs with a combined length of 32,208 bp were predicted to include a total of 461 RNA editing sites in the L. litseifolius mt genome. Besides, nine homologous genes between the chloroplast and mt genomes of L. litseifolius were identified. Furthermore, our findings demonstrated that while plant mt genome sizes vary considerably, the GC content of these genomes has remained largely constant. Seven genes were found to be associated with conservatism: atp6, rps1, ccmC, rpl2, nad4, nad7, and trnY-GTA. The phylogenetic analysis confirmed that L. litseifolius was genetically more clustered with Quercus variabilis. This study establishes the groundwork for investigations on the systematic evolution, genetic variability, and breeding of L. litseifolius.
Perfect separation of benzene and toluene associated with vapochromic behaviors by hybrid[4]arene-based co-crystals
Authors: Zhou Jiong , Chen Jingyu , Zhang Wenjie , Yang Wenzhi , Xi Fengcheng , He Hongyi , Liang Minghao , Dong Qian , Hou Jiawang , Wang mengbin , Yu Guocan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The combination of macrocyclic chemistry with co-crystal engineering has promoted the development of materials with vapochromic behaviors in supramolecular science. Herein, we develop a novel macrocycle co-crystal based on hybrid[4]arene (H) and 1,2,4,5-tetracyanobenzene (TCNB) that is able to construct vapochromic materials. After the capture of benzene (Bz) and toluene (Tol) vapors, activated hybrid[4]arene-based co-crystal (H-TCNBα) forms new structures, accompanied by color changes from brown to yellow. However, when H-TCNBα captures cyclohexane (Cy) and pyridine (Py), neither structures nor colors change. Interestingly, H-TCNBα can separate Bz from a Bz/Cy equal-volume mixture and allow Tol to be removed from a Tol/Py equal-volume mixture with purities reaching 100%. In addition, the process of adsorptive separation can be visually monitored. The selectivity of Bz from a Bz/Cy equal-volume mixture and Tol from a Tol/Py equal-volume mixture is attributed to the different changes in the charge-transfer interaction between H and TCNB when H-TCNBα captures different vapors. Moreover, H-TCNBα can be reused without losing selectivity and performance.
Are there differences in whole-body coordination between the sexes during standing turns in healthy adults?
Authors: Khobkhun Fuengfa , Thanakamchokchai Jenjira 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background and objectives:
Sex has been reported to influence postural control and balance due to differences in musculoskeletal structures, hormonal factors, and neuromuscular control which could contribute to the incidence of falls particularly during turning. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the stepping characteristics and whole-body coordination during standing turns in healthy adults to determine the effects of sex and turn speed.
Methods
Fifty participants (25 males and 25 females) completed 180° standing turns on level ground. Inertial Measurement Units (XSENS) were used to measure whole-body movement turning kinematics and stepping characteristics. Moreover, dynamic balance and the risk of falling were measured by the Time Up and Go (TUG). Participants were randomly tasked to turn at three speeds; fast, moderate, or slow to the left and right sides. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the independent variables between male and females, and Friedman tests with Dunn’s tests for pairwise comparisons were used to compare between the three turning speeds within the two groups.
Results
Significant differences were seen between males and females during fast turning for the leading foot onset (p = 0.048) and in the slow speed for the step duration (p = 0.033), showing that these were greater in female with an increase in turn speed. In addition, significant differences were seen only in the males when comparing different speeds (p < 0.05) in the trailing foot onset latency, step size, and total number of steps, while in the females a significant difference was found in peak head yaw velocity between fast and slow turn speeds, and moderate and slow turn speeds. Finally, there was no significant difference in TUG between groups.
Conclusion
These findings show differences between sexes in the response to whole-body coordination and step characteristics, indicating that females tend to have more changes in stepping characteristics compared to males due to differences in turning speed. This can affect their balance and stability. However, the differences in sex did not impact the fall risk due to the lack of a significant difference shown by TUG between males and females.