bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and toxicity of stereotactic body radiotherapy for un-resectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer patients unfit for concurrent chemoradiation therapy: a retrospective study
Authors: Jia Zhen , Fang Fang , Cao Yangsen , Zhu Xiaofei , Yang XiaoYu , Guo Xueling , Zhang Huojun 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) as replacement strategy of conventionally fractionated radiation therapy in stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients unfit for concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CRT).

Methods
We analyzed the clinical outcomes in patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC who received SBRT from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2018. Both induction and consolidation chemotherapy were allowed. The survival rates and toxicities were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and potential risk factors were investigated by multivariate Cox regression.

Results
A total of 213 consecutive patients who had received SBRT were enrolled. The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 36.5 months and 16.1 months respectively. The estimated 1-, 2- and 3-year OS rates were 90.6%, 73.7% and 52.0%, respectively and the corresponding PFS rates were 69.5%, 25.4% and 15.0%, respectively. Treatment failures were largely (n = 151, 70.9%) distant metastases, with low rates of local (n = 74, 34.74%) and regional (n = 76, 35.68%) recurrences. In 13.1% patients (n = 28), ≥ grade (G) 3 toxicities were identified, including radiation pneumonia (n = 20, 9.4%) and bronchopulmonary hemorrhage (n = 8, 3.8%). None of the patients suffered from ≥ G 3 late toxic effects. Compared with patients with peripheral tumors, patients with central tumors had lower median OS (P<0.001) and the biological effective dose (BED) was not a predictor for OS.

Conclusions
SBRT combined with chemotherapy for stage III NSCLC produced favorable treatment outcomes with acceptable toxicity. For patients with central tumors, an appropriate BED reduction can be considered. Further studies are warranted.

Trial registration
Retrospectively registered.
Optimizing the fabrication of a 3D high-resolution implant for neural stimulation
Authors: Shpun Gal , Farah Nairouz , Chemla Yoav , Markus Amos , Leibovitch Tamar Azrad , Lasnoy Erel , Gerber Doron , Zalevsky Zeev , Mandel Yossi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Tissue-integrated micro-electronic devices for neural stimulation hold great potential in restoring the functionality of degenerated organs, specifically, retinal prostheses, which are aimed at vision restoration. The fabrication process of 3D polymer-metal devices with high resolution and a high aspect-ratio (AR) is very complex and faces many challenges that impair its functionality.

Approach
Here we describe the optimization of the fabrication process of a bio-functionalized 3D high-resolution 1mm circular subretinal implant composed of SU-8 polymer integrated with dense gold microelectrodes (23μm pitch) passivated with 3D micro-well-like structures (20μm diameter, 3μm resolution). The main challenges were overcome by step-by-step planning and optimization while utilizing a two-step bi-layer lift-off process; bio-functionalization was carried out by N2 plasma treatment and the addition of a bio-adhesion molecule.

Main results
In-vitro and in-vivo investigations, including SEM and FIB cross section examinations, revealed a good structural design, as well as a good long-term integration of the device in the rat sub-retinal space and cell migration into the wells. Moreover, the feasibility of subretinal neural stimulation using the fabricated device was demonstrated in-vitro by electrical activation of rat’s retina.

Conclusions
The reported process and optimization steps described here in detail can aid in designing and fabricating retinal prosthetic devices or similar neural implants.
The circadian clock circuitry modulates leukemia initiating cell activity in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Murgo Emanuele , De Santis Elisabetta , Sansico Francesca , Melocchi Valentina , Colangelo Tommaso , Padovano Costanzo , Colucci Mattia , Carbone Annalucia , Totti Beatrice , Basti Alireza , Gottschlich Lisa , Relogio Angela , Capitanio Nazzareno , Bianchi Fabrizio , Mazzoccoli Gianluigi , Giambra Vincenzo 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematological malignancy, characterized by restricted cellular subsets with asymmetrically enriched leukemia initiating cell (LIC) activity. Nonetheless, it is still unclear which signaling programs promote LIC maintenance and progression.

Methods
Here, we evaluated the role of the biological clock in the regulation of the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways impacting the cellular dynamics in T-ALL through an integrated experimental approach including gene expression profiling of shRNA-modified T-ALL cell lines and Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing (ChIP-Seq) of leukemic cells. Patient-derived xenograft (PDXs) cell subsets were also genetically manipulated in order to assess the LIC activity modulated by the loss of biological clock in human T-ALL.

Results
We report that the disruption of the circadian clock circuitry obtained through shRNA-mediated knockdown of CLOCK and BMAL1 genes negatively impacted the growth in vitro as well as the activity in vivo of LIC derived from PDXs after transplantation into immunodeficient recipient mice. Additionally, gene expression data integrated with ChIP-Seq profiles of leukemic cells revealed that the circadian clock directly promotes the expression of genes, such as IL20RB, crucially involved in JAK/STAT signaling, making the T-ALL cells more responsive to Interleukin 20 (IL20).

Conclusion
Taken together, our data support the concept that the biological clock drives the expression of IL20R prompting JAK/STAT signaling and promoting LIC activity in T-ALL and suggest that the selective targeting of circadian components could be therapeutically relevant for the treatment of T-ALL patients.
hUMSC transplantation restores follicle development in ovary damaged mice via re-establish extracellular matrix (ECM) components
Authors: Shuyuan Yin , Meimei Wang , Fenghua Li , Huishan Zhao , Min Chu , Hongchu Bao , Xuemei Liu 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Explore the therapeutic role of human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSCs) transplantation for regeneration of ECM components and restoration of follicular development in mice.

Background
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial to maintain ovary function and regulate follicular development, as it participates in important cell signaling and provides physical support to the cells. However, it is unknown how hUMSCs affect the expression of ECM-related genes in ovaries treated with cyclophosphamide (CTX) and busulfan (BUS).

Methods
In the present study, we used 64 six- to eight-week-old ICR female mice to established mouse model. The mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 16/group): control, POI, POI + hUMSCs, and POI + PBS group. The premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of CTX and BUS for 7days, then, hUMSCs or PBS were respectively injected via the tail vein in POI + hUMSCs or POI + PBS group. Another 7days after injection, the mice were sacrificed to harvest the ovary tissue. The ovaries were immediately frozen with liquid nitrogen or fixed with 4% PFA for subsequent experiments. To screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs), we performed transcriptome sequencing of ovaries. Thereafter, a Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed to predict the related biological functions. Retrieval of interacting genes for ECM-related DEGs was performed using the function of STRINGdb (version 2.6.5) to evaluate potential protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Furthermore, qRT-PCR and IHC were performed to assess the differential expression of selected DEGs in control, damaged, hUMSCs-transplanted and non-transplanted ovaries.

Results
Chemotherapy caused mouse ovarian follicular reserve depletion, and hUMSCs transplantation partially restored follicular development. Our results revealed that ECM-receptor interaction and ECM organization were both downregulated in the damaged ovaries. Further investigation showed that ECM-related genes were downregulated in the CTX and BUS treatment group and partially rescued in hUMSCs injection group but not in the PBS group. qRT-PCR and IHC verified the results: collagen IV and laminin gamma 3 were both expressed around follicle regions in normal ovaries, chemotherapy treatment disrupted their expression, and hUMSCs transplantation rescued their localization and expression to some extent.

Conclusion
Our data demonstrated that ECM-related genes participate in the regulation of ovarian reserve, hUMSCs treatment rescued abnormal expression and localization of collagen IV and laminin gamma 3 in the damaged ovaries. The results suggest that hUMSCs transplantation can maintain ECM-stable microenvironments, which is beneficial to follicular development.
Carbon nanotube/Chitosan hydrogel for adsorption of acid red 73 in aqueous and soil environments
Authors: Wei Jia , Yan Luchun , Zhang Zhifang , Hu Bing , Gui Wenjun , Cui Yanjun 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAcid red 73 is an azo dye, and its residue can pollute the environment and seriously threaten human health and life. In this study, glutaraldehyde was used as the crosslinking agent, chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol were crosslinked under appropriate conditions to obtain a chitosan hydrogel film, and carbon nanotubes were dispersed in the chitosan hydrogel film. The FTIR, XRD, BET, SEM were applied to chatacterize the structure and the morphology of the absorbent and results showed that when the mass fraction of the carbon nanotubes was 1%, the structure was a three-dimensional network with microporous, and the water absorption reached to the maximum value of 266.07% and the elongation at break reached to a maximum of 98.87%. The ability to remove acid red 73 from aqueous and soil environments was evaluated by UV. In the aqueous samples, 70 mg of the adsorbent reached a saturated adsorption capacity of 101.07 mg/g and a removal rate of 92.23% at pH = 5. The thermodynamics conformed with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and pseudo second-order adsorption kinetic models. In the soil samples, 100 mg of the adsorbent reached an adsorption capacity of 24.73 mg/g and removal rate of 49.45%. When the pH of the soil is between 4 and 7, the removal rate and adsorption capacity do not change much; hence, the pH should be maintained between 5.2 and 6.8, which is extremely suitable for the growth of general plants. Moreover, the experimental results demonstrated that the adsorbent maintained a good removal rate of acid red 73 over six adsorption cycles.
Graphical Abstract
Successful use of HTF as a basal fertilization medium during SEcuRe mouse in vitro fertilization
Authors: Wigger Magdalena , Schneider Marco , Feldmann Anni , Assenmacher Sonja , Zevnik Branko , Tröder Simon E. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objective
The ever-increasing number of genetically engineered mouse models highlights the need for efficient archiving and distribution of these lines. Sperm cryopreservation has become the preferred technique for the majority of these models due to its low requirement of costs, time, and experimental animals. Yet, current in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocols either exhibit decreased fertilization efficiency for the most popular C57BL/6 strain, as recently demonstrated by us, or require costly and difficult-to-prepare media, respectively. As a result, we previously developed SEcuRe, a modified IVF protocol with low costs and high fertilization efficiency. The popular basal fertilization medium, Cook’s® proprietary “Research vitro fert” (RVF), used in this protocol has recently been discontinued. As a result, the application of the SEcuRe approach and other IVF protocols employing this medium has been severely limited.

Results
Here we show that human tubal fluid (HTF), a popular and widely available medium with a known composition, can be used as a basal fertilization medium instead of RVF. Comparison of RVF and HTF during 58 independent SEcuRe IVFs with cryopreserved C57BL/6 sperm revealed equal fertilization and live birth rates. In addition, we demonstrate that HTF has a substantially extended shelf-life by utilizing commercial HTF that was six months past its expiration date, yet did not affect fertilization during IVF or subsequent embryo development. This finding not only increases the economic value of our modified method, but also validates it once more. Our results demonstrate that common, shelf-life extended HTF can be used in SEcuRe IVF in place of now-discontinued RVF medium and ensure the applicability of the method, which we since termed SEcuRe 2.0. Our modified SEcuRe 2.0 strategy will assist researchers to efficiently archive and distribute genetically engineered mouse models in a cost-effective, easily adaptable, and 3R-compliant manner with minimal animal use.
The humanistic and economic burden of work-related musculoskeletal pain: a cross-sectional survey of workers in the United Kingdom
Authors: Smith Adam B. , Cooper Stephanie , Hanning Jennifer , Buckley Carolyn 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) lower body pain on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and work productivity in a large sample of workers in the United Kingdom, as well as evaluating the potential economic impact of MSK pain.

Methods
Participants with self-reported work-related MSK pain were recruited from an online panel maintained by a third party (Qualtrics LLC). Participants completed three validated instruments online: the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), the Assessment of Quality of Life Instrument (AQoL-4D), and the 6-item Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI). Sociodemographic details, work patterns and healthcare resource utilisation were also reported. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-tests were used to explore differences between variables. Linear regression was applied to determine the impact of work-related MSK pain on HRQoL.

Results
All 1035 recruited participants completed the survey (57.4% female; mean age 43.4 years). Participants reported spending all (25.2%) or most (53%) of their time at work on their feet. Mean pain severity was 4.63 (standard deviation: 2.07); mean pain interference was 4.37 (2.49). There was a linear relationship between length of shift, time on feet and pain. Mean AQoL-4D scores were 0.609 (0.254). A mean of 4.12 h was lost per week due to pain. Absenteeism (last 7 days) was 9.5% (20.7%), and presenteeism 33.3% (24.9%). An average 1.55 visits were made to family practitioners (total cost: £19,866) and 1 hospital visit (£37,320) due to work-related MSK pain.

Conclusion
This study demonstrated that work-related lower body pain has a significant impact in terms of individual HRQoL and as an economic societal burden.
“Vegan” and “plant-based” claims: risk implications for milk- and egg-allergic consumers in Canada
Authors: Dominguez Silvia , Théolier Jérémie , Lizée Kamila , Povolo Beatrice , Gerdts Jennifer , Godefroy Samuel B. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe market share of foods carrying labels suggesting absence of animal ingredients has significantly increased in recent years. The purpose of this study was to document the purchasing behaviour of egg- or milk-allergic consumers vis-à-vis food marketed as “vegan” and “plant-based”, and to evaluate the associated allergenic risk. A survey was conducted among egg- and milk-allergic consumers and revealed that 86% (margin of error 5.4%; confidence level 95%) would buy “vegan” products, indicating this label may be perceived as a substitute for “free from milk and eggs”. To assess the risk posed by these products, 87 prepackaged foods with “vegan” and/or “plant-based” claims purchased in Quebec were tested for milk proteins, and 64 for egg proteins. Overall, 5.7% and 0% occurrence of milk and egg proteins, respectively, were observed, suggesting that the analysed prepackaged foods carrying “vegan” and/or “plant-based” labels pose little risk to egg- or milk-allergic consumers. However, this is likely due to allergen management practices applied by the Canadian manufacturers of the products tested, and should not be attributed to the use of “vegan” or similar labels. Enhanced regulatory requirements for the use of these labels, and an education campaign on their meaning with respect to allergy-related risks, are necessary to better inform and protect egg- and milk-allergic consumers.
The Stenger conjectures and the A-stability of collocation Runge-Kutta methods
Authors: Ait-Haddou Rachid , Alselami Hoda 
Published: August 2023

AbstractStenger conjectures are claims about the location of the eigenvalues of matrices whose elements are certain integrals involving basic Lagrange interpolating polynomials supported on the zeros of orthogonal polynomials. In this paper, we show the validity of the extended Stenger conjecture for families of classical orthogonal polynomials. We also show the validity of the restricted Strenger conjecture for a family of Jacobi and generalized Laguerre orthogonal polynomials. A connection with the A-stability of the collocation Runge-Kutta methods is investigated.
Microcosm study on fate and dynamics of mangrove tannins during leaf litter leaching
Authors: Zhou Hai-Chao , Kang Hui-Xing , Wei Jian , Gao Chang-Jun , Hussain Muzammil , Fu Yi-Jian , Li Ming-Dang , Li Feng-Lan , Xu Steven Jing-Liang , Lee Fred Wang-Fat , Jiang Ming-Guo , Wang Yi-Bing , Chen Xiao-Xia , Tam Nora Fung-Yee , Lang Tao 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Mangrove tannins can participate in wetland biogeochemical cycling. However, their fate and dynamics during leaf litter leaching have yet to be elucidated in coastal aquatic environments.

Methods
By using a simulated microcosm experiment, changes in leaf litter mass and tannin compounds, including total phenolics (TP), extractable condensed tannins (ECT), and bound condensed tannins (BCT), were examined in the litters and leachates of four common mangrove species: Kandelia obovata (Ko), Aegiceras corniculatum (Ac), Sonneratia apetala (Sa), and Avicennia marina (Am).

Results
Leaching caused a notable decline in litter mass, TP, and ECT in the leaf litter of Ko, Ac, Sa, and Am, while BCT increased significantly in Ko and Ac. Loss in foliar TP was higher than in leaf litter mass, and loss in foliar ECT was higher than in TP of Ko and Ac, but Sa showed the opposite result. The temporal changes of TP and ECT concentrations in leachates followed a similar trend, with an initial increase followed by a decrease. ECT dynamics in Ko and Ac leachates correlated with their TP concentrations, while in Sa leachate, the peak ECT occurred 72 h later than its TP peak. The leachate ECT concentrations were highest in Ac, followed by Ko, and significantly lower in Sa. The peak TP and ECT proportions in leachates accounted for 9.2–23.9% and 7.7–9.4% of the total decreases in foliar TP and ECT, respectively.

Conclusion
During the leaching process, tannins’ fate was species-specific, while the dynamics were almost similar.
Autumn migration of the migrant hawker (Aeshna mixta) at the Baltic coast
Authors: Oelmann Yvonne , Fiedler Diana , Michaelis Rune , Leivits Meelis , Braun Andreas , Gschwind Philipp , Neidhardt Harald , Willigalla Christoph 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Migratory insects are important for the provision of ecosystem services both at the origin and destination sites but – apart from some iconic species – the migration routes of many insect species have not been assessed. Coastlines serve as a funnel where migrating animals including insects accumulate. Migratory behaviour and captures of dragonflies in bird traps suggest autumn migration of dragonflies along coastlines while the origin and regularity of this migration remain unclear.

Methods
Dragonfly species were caught at the bird observatory Kabli at the Baltic coast in Estonia in 2009, 2010 and 2015. For the 2015 data set, we used a stable hydrogen (H) approach to trace the potential natal origin of the migrant hawker (Aeshna mixta).

Results
1079 (2009), 701 (2010) and 88 (2015) A. mixta individuals were caught during the study periods (35, 37 and 11 days in 2009, 2010 and 2015, respectively). The migration period lasted from end of August to end of September. Based on the results from our stable isotope analysis, we identified two populations of A. mixta: One (range of isotope signatures of non-exchangeable H [δ2Hn wing]: −78‰ to −112‰) had a local likely origin while the other (δ2Hn wing: −113‰ to −147‰) migrated from northerly directions even in headwind from the South. The former showed an even sex ratio whereas the actively migrating population was dominated by males.

Conclusions
Our results suggest a regular southbound autumn migration of A. mixta along the Baltic coast. However, nearly half of the sampled individuals originated from the surroundings suggesting either no, partial or “leap-frog” migration. Contrary to our expectation, A. mixta did not select favourable wind conditions but continued the southbound autumn migration in the flight boundary layer even in case of headwinds. The dominance of males might indicate migration as a result of competition for resources. Further repeated, large-scale studies along the Baltic coast are necessary to pinpoint the migratory pattern and the reason for migration of A. mixta. Such studies should also comprise locations north of the known species range of A. mixta because of the rapid climate-change induced range expansion.
Regional geomagnetic core field and secular variation model over the Iberian Peninsula from 2014 to 2020 based on the R-SCHA technique
Authors: Puente-Borque Marina , Pavón-Carrasco F. Javier , Núñez Alberto , Tordesillas José Manuel , Campuzano Saioa A. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The Earth’s magnetic field originated in the fluid core, the so-called core field, is the dominant contribution to the geomagnetic field. Since ancient times, the core geomagnetic field has been used primarily for geographical orientation and navigation by means of compasses. Nowadays, thanks to the large amount of geomagnetic data available, core field models can be developed on a global or regional scale. Global models resolve large-scale geomagnetic field features, while regional models can resolve greater detail over a particular region. The spherical harmonic cap analysis is a widely used technique for regional-scale modelling of the geomagnetic field. In this work we have developed a regional model of the core field and its secular variation between 2014.5 and 2020.5 over the Iberian Peninsula, based on data from Swarm satellites, geomagnetic observatories and repeat stations. Its performance has been validated by comparing the fit to the available geomagnetic data using the regional model and the global models IGRF and CHAOS over the whole spatio-temporal range studied. In order to optimise the model, a detailed study of its input parameters has been carried out, showing that not all parameters have an equal influence on the modelling. This new model reproduces the input data with a root mean square error of 2.9 nT, improving the outcome of global models on this region. The results of this work will allow the Spanish Instituto Geográfico Nacional to produce the magnetic cartography of Iberia and the Balearic Islands in 2020.0, which for the first time will be based on a regional core field model, replacing the polynomial variation method used in the past.

Graphical abstract