bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved predictability of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma diagnosis using a blood immune cell biomarker panel developed from bulk mRNA sequencing and single-cell RNA- sequencing
Authors: Jang Sung Ill , Lee Hyung Keun , Chang Eun-Ju , Kim Somi , Kim So Young , Hong In Young , Kim Jong Kyoung , Lee Hye Sun , Yang Juyeon , Cho Jae Hee , Lee Dong Ki 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background

Although pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive form of cancer, there are no validated biomarkers for its diagnosis yet. This study aimed to investigate a PDAC-specific peripheral blood biomarker panel and validate its clinical performance using two cohorts.

Methods

This prospective, blinded, case-control study included two cohorts. A biomarker panel formula was created using a development cohort and applied to a validation cohort to verify the diagnostic performance of the biomarker panel. The development cohort included healthy controls; patients with a high risk of PDAC; and patients with benign pancreatic disease, PDAC, or other gastrointestinal malignancies. The inclusion criteria for the validation cohort were patients with at least one lesion that could be suspected as PDAC on computed tomography (CT).

Results

From bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with PDAC, three novel immune cell markers, IL-7R, PLD4, and ID3, were selected as specific markers for PDAC. Regarding diagnostic performance of the regression formula for the three biomarker panels, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 84.0%, 78.8%, 47.2%, 95.6%, and 79.8%, respectively. Based on the formula scores for the biomarker panel, the false-negative rate (FNR) of biomarkers was 8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.0–13.0), which was significantly lower than that of CT (29.2%, 95% CI: 20.8–37.6) in the validation cohort.

Conclusions

The regression formula constructed using three PBMC biomarkers is a cheap, fast, and convenient method that shows clinically usable performance for the diagnosis of PDAC. In particular, it aids in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of PDAC from pancreatic disease by lowering the FNR of CT.
Trial registration: Clinical Research Information Service, KCT0004614.
Registered 08 January 2020 - Prospectively registered,
The effectiveness of various brands of the drugs Fenbendazole and Ivermectin in treating horses with strongyle nematodes in Holeta, Oromia, central Ethiopia
Authors: Fesseha Haben , Asefa Isayas 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Gastrointestinal parasites have always been a problem, and they are likely to continue to be a long-term issue that threatens the livestock industry.
Methods
The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of various fenbendazole and ivermectin brands against strongyle nematodes in naturally infected horses in Holeta, central Ethiopia. A total of 120 horses were divided into three groups at random. Group 1 horses were left untreated (n = 12), while Group 2 horses were given five different brands of Ivermectin (Sg-ivermectin 1%, Tecmectin, Ivertong, ivermectin 1%, Ivervik 1%), and Group 3 horses were given four different brands of Fenbendazole (Fenbendazole, Fenacure 750mg, hunter 22%, Fenacure 22%). Fecal samples were collected rectally and parasitologically processed using the modified McMaster method and fecal culture, respectively, to determine egg per gram (EPG) and strongyle species. The efficacy of these anthelmintics was determined by comparing the EPG before (day 0) and after treatment using a fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) (day 14).
Results
The results of this study revealed that the efficacy of Ivermectin brands was superior to that of fenbendazole brands. Horses treated with Ivervik 1%, Hunter 22%, SG-Ivermectin 1%, Tecmectin, Ivertong, and Fenacure 22% had the highest reduction in fecal egg counts, followed by horses treated with Fenbendazole, Ivermectin 1%, and Fenacure 750 mg. Strongyle spp. and P. equorum were the most common strongyle species in the study area's horses.
Conclusion
This field study found that the various tested brands of ivermectin and fenbendazole were effective against Strongyle spp. and P. equorum in horses.
Microsporidia MB in the primary malaria vector Anopheles gambiae s.s. is avirulent and undergoes maternal and horizontal transmission
Authors: Nattoh Godfrey , Onyango Brenda , Omoke Diana , Makhulu Edmond , Mbaisi Lilian , Kamau Luna , Gesuge Maxwell Machani , Ochomo Eric , Herren Jeremy Keith 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: The discovery of the Anopheles symbiont, Microsporidia MB in An. arabiensis and the subsequent demonstration that it blocks malaria transmission, undergoes vertical and horizontal transmission suggests that it is a promising candidate for developing a symbiont-based malaria transmission-blocking strategy. We investigated the prevalence and characteristics of Microsporidia MB in An. gambiae s.s., another primary malaria vector species in Kenya.
Methods: Field collected females were confirmed Microsporidia MB positive after oviposition. The egg counting of Microsporidia MB infected and non-infected individuals used to infer the effects of Microsporidia MBon fecundity. The duration to pupation, the adult sex ratio and survival were quantified to determine if Microsporidia MBinfection has similar characteristics in An. gambiae and An. arabiensis hosts. The intensity of Microsporidia MB infections in tissues such as midgut, gonads and carcasses was determined by qPCR. To investigate horizontal transmission, virgin individuals of opposite sexes that were either Microsporidia MB infected or non-infected were placed in the standard cages for 48 hours and allowed to mate. After this period, transmission was confirmed by assessment of Microsporidia MB infection status by qPCR.
Results: We observed that Microsporidia MB is naturally found at low prevalence in Anopheles gambiae s.s. collected in Western Kenya. Microsporidia MB shortened development time from larvae to pupae, but other fitness parameters such as fecundity, sex ratio, and adult survival did not differ between Microsporidia MB infected and non-infected host. Microsporidia MB intensities were high in the male gonadal tissue. Transmission experiments indicate that Microsporidia MB utilizes both maternal and horizontal transmission in An. gambiae s.s.
Conclusions: The finding that Microsporidia MB naturally infects An. gambiae s.s., undergoes maternal and horizontal transmission and is avirulent signifies that many of the characteristics of Microsporidia MB infection observed in An. arabiensis hold true for Anopheles gambiae s.s. This is an early indication that Microsporidia MB could equally be developed as a tool for malaria transmission blocking across different Anopheles species.
Fracking Compared to Conventional Balloon Angioplasty for Calcified Common Femoral Artery Lesions using intravascular ultrasound analysis
Authors: Haraguchi Takuya , Fujita Tsutomu , Kashima Yoshifumi , Tsujimoto Masanaga , Otake Ryo , Kasai Yuhei , Sato Katsuhiko 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Fracking is a novel technique to crack calcified lesions by hydraulic pressure. This study aimed to compare the performance of fracking and conventional balloon angioplasty without stenting for calcified common femoral artery (CFA) lesions using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) analysis.
Methods
This retrospective, single-center, comparative observational study included 59 patients (67 limbs) with calcified CFA lesions treated with either fracking (n = 30) or balloon angioplasty (n = 29) between January 2018 and December 2020. The primary endpoint was 1-year primary patency. The secondary endpoints included procedure success, freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR), procedure-related complications, and freedom from major adverse limb events (MALE). Predictors of restenosis were identified using multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis.
Results
The mean follow-up duration was 403 ± 236 days. The fracking group had significantly higher incidence of 1-year primary patency (89.8% versus 49.2%, P < 0.001), procedure success (96.9% versus 74.3%, P = 0.009), and freedom from TLR (93.5% versus 74.2%, P = 0.038) than the balloon group. The rate of freedom from MALE was significantly higher in the fracking group than in the balloon group (76.9% versus 48.6%, P = 0.033). The groups had no significant difference in procedure-related complications (6.2% versus 5.7%, P = 0.928). A larger postprocedural IVUS-estimated minimum lumen area (MLA) was associated with a lower risk of restenosis (hazard ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.67–0.91; P < 0.001), with a cut-off value of 16.0 mm2 determined using receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. The incidence of 1-year primary patency in patients with a postprocedural MLA ≥ 16.0 mm2 (n = 37) was significantly higher than that in those with a postprocedural MLA < 16.0 mm2 (n = 30) (87.8% versus 44.6%, P < 0.001).
Conclusion
This study demonstrated the superior procedural efficacy of fracking compared to balloon angioplasty in treating calcified CFA lesions. The safety outcomes after fracking were comparable to those after balloon angioplasty. Large postprocedural MLA was an independent positive predictor of patency.
An efficient direct arylation polycondensation via C-S bond cleavage
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhang Bei-Bei , Lin Qijie , jiang ziling , Zhang Jianqi , Li Yawen , Pei Shurui , Han Xiao , Xiong Haigen , Liang Xinyu , Lin Yuze , Wei Zhixiang , Zhang Fengjiao , Zhang Xin , Wang Zhixiang , Shi Qinqin , Huang Hui 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The direct arylation polycondensation (DArP) has become one of the most important methods to construct conjugated polymers (CPs). However, the homocoupling side-reactions of environmentally-harmful aryl halides and the low regioseletive reactivities of unfunctionalized aryls hinder the development of DArP. Here, we report an efficient Pd and Cu co-catalysis DArP was presented via inert C-S bond cleavage of electron rich aryl thioethers, of which robustness was exemplified by over twenty conjugated polymers (CPs), including copolymers, homopolymers, and random polymers.The capture of oxidative addition intermediate together with experimental and theoretic results suggested the important role of palladium (Pd) and copper (Cu) co-catalysis with a bicyclic mechanism. The studies of NMR, molecular weights, trap densities, X-ray diffraction, and the charge transport mobilities revealed this method is an excellent choice for synthesizing CPs.
Protective effects of various feed additives on broiler chickens exposed to mycotoxin- contaminated feed: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Putra Reza Pratama , Astuti Dian , Respati Adib Norma , Ningsih Niati , Triswanto Triswanto , Yano Aan Andri , Gading Besse Mahbuba We Tenri , Jayanegara Anuraga , Sholikin Mohammad , Hassim Hasliza Abu , Adli Danung Nur , Irawan Agung 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Mycotoxin contamination in feed a common problem in broiler chickens. The present systematic review and meta-analysis examined the impact of mycotoxin and efficacy of various feed additives on production performance of broiler chickens fed mycotoxin-contaminated diets (MCD). A total of 28 studies comprising 45 mycotoxin-challenged experiments were selected following PRISMA guidelines. Feed additives included in the analyses were commercial mycotoxin binder (CMB), mycotoxin binder (MB), mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), organic acid (OA), probiotics (PRO), protein supplementation (PROT), phytobiotics (PHY), additive mixture (MIX), and a combination of CMB + other feed additives (CMB+). Random effects model and a frequentist network meta-analysis (NMA) were performed to rank the efficacy of feed additives, reported as standardized means difference (SMD) at 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Overall, broiler chickens fed MCD had significantly lower final BW (SMD = 198; 95% CI = 198 to 238) and higher FCR (SMD = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.13 to 0.21). Treatments with MB, MOS, PHY, and MIX improved BW of birds fed MCD (P < 0.05) but lower compared to CON (P < 0.05). The NMA demonstrated that the CMB + was the highest performing additive (P-score = 0.791) to remedy mycotoxicosis. The MOS, MB, and OA also showed high efficacy based. Adverse effects on organ weights were observed on the increase of liver and heart and the decrease of intestinal tract (P < 0.001). Altogether, several feed additives may help to ameliorate mycotoxicosis in broiler chickens although the efficacy was low pertaining to the severity of the mycotoxicosis.
Improved and refined numerical radius inequalities for Hilbert space operators
Authors: Al-Dolat Mohammed , Al-Zoubi Khaldoun 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This present work aims to provide several new upper bounds for the numerical radius of Hilbert space operators. We will use these upper bounds to improve and refine some results presented in [1] and [9]
MSC(2010): 47A12, 47A30, 47A63, 47B33.
An optimized protocol for generating and monitoring conditional orthotopic lung cancer in the KP mouse model at BSL-1
Authors: Deng Haibin , Ge Huixiang , Dubey Christelle , Losmanova Tereza , Medova Michaela , Konstantinidou Georgia , Mutlu Seyran Mathilde , Birrer Fabienne Esther , Brodie Tess Melinda , Stroka Deborah , Wang Wenxiang , Peng Ren-Wang , Dorn Patrick , Marti Thomas Michael 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: The inducible Kras/p53 lung adenocarcinoma mouse model, which faithfully recapitulates human disease, is routinely initiated by the intratracheal instillation of a virus-based Cre recombinase delivery system. Handling virus-based delivery systems requires elevated biosafety levels, e.g., biosafety level 2 (BSL-2). However, in experimental animal research facilities, following exposure to viral vectors in a BSL-2 environment, rodents may not be reclassified to BSL-1 according to standard practice, preventing access to small animal micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanners that are typically housed in general access areas such as BSL-1 rooms. Therefore, our goal was to adapt the protocol so that the Cre-induced KP mouse model could be handled under BSL-1 conditions during the entire procedure.
Results: The Kras-Lox-STOP-Lox-G12D/p53 flox/flox (KP)-based lung adenocarcinoma mouse model was activated by intratracheal instillation of either a virus-based Cre delivery system or a gutless, adeno-associated, Cre-expressing vector. Tumor growth was monitored over time by micro-CT. We have successfully substituted the virus-based Cre delivery system with a commercially available, gutless, adeno-associated, Cre-expressing vector that allows the KP mouse model to be handled and imaged in a BSL-1 facility. By optimizing the anesthesia protocol and switching to a microscope-guided vector instillation procedure, productivity was increased and procedure-related complications were significantly reduced. In addition, repeated micro-CT analysis of individual animals allowed us to monitor tumor growth longitudinally, dramatically reducing the number of animals required per experiment.
Conclusion: Modifications to the anesthesia and instillation protocols increased the productivity of the original KP protocol. In addition, the switch to a gutless, adeno-associated, Cre-expressing vector allowed longitudinal monitoring of tumor growth under BSL-1 conditions, significantly reducing the number of animals required for an experiment, in line with the 3R principles.
TNF-α activates RELA expression via TNFRSF1B to upregulate OPA1 expression and inhibit chondrogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells
Authors: Guo Jiajia , Ye Wang , Wu Xinglin , Huang Haifeng , Li Bo , Ren Zhijing , Yang Zhen 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), one of the pro-inflammatory cytokines mediating the local inflammatory process in joints, has an inhibitory effect on cartilage formation and has a detrimental effect on stem cell-based cartilage regeneration for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). However, the mechanisms behind this inhibitory effect are still poorly understood. Mitochondria are important organelles that play a vital role in maintaining the structure and function of the cell. Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanisms of regulation of mitochondrial fusion and fission in the chondrogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells (hADSCs) in the absence and presence of TNF-α.
Methods
We used flow cytometry to identify human adipose stem cells (hADSCs) immunophenotypes CD29, CD44, CD34, CD45, and HLA-DR. Alcian blue staining and Sirius red staining were used to observe the formation of proteoglycans and collagen during the chondrogenic differentiation of hADSCs, respectively. The mRNA and protein expression levels of the cartilage formation marker SOX9, type II collagen (COL2A1), and Aggrecan were measured by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot, respectively. The fluorescent probes MitoTracker® Red CMXRos and JC-1 were used to visualize the morphology of mitochondria and to detect mitochondrial membrane electricity (MMP) respectively. Affmetrix PrimeView™ chips for gene expression profiling.
Results
The results showed that the chondrogenic differentiation of hADSCs was inhibited in the presence of TNF-α, that optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) expression was significantly up-regulated and mitochondria were prolonged and interconnected during this process. Gene microarray and RT-qPCR data showed that the presence of TNF-α led to increased expression of TNFα receptor 2 (TNFRSF1B) and RELA during chondrogenic differentiation of hADSCs.
Conclusions
TNF-α inhibits chondrogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells by activating RELA expression through TNFRSF1B upregulating OPA1 expression and thereby increasing mitochondrial fusion.
The Impact of Physical and Sexual Violence on Opioid Consequences among Trauma- exposed Individuals Recruited from the Community who Use Opioids
Authors: Bhuptani Prachi H. , Orchowski Lindsay M. , Forkus Shannon R. , Newberger Noam G. , Weiss Nicole H. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Interpersonal violence and opioid use disorder are significant and intersecting public health concerns in the United States. The current study evaluated the consequences associated with opioid use as a function of history of interpersonal trauma, specifically physical and sexual violence. Participants were 84 trauma-exposed individuals recruited from the community who use opioids (M age = 43.5 50% men; 55% white). Whereas no significant differences emerged in the consequences of opioid use based on a history of physical violence, individuals with a history of sexual violence demonstrated higher levels of impulsive consequences of opioid use compared to individuals without a history of sexual violence. These data highlight the importance of considering the role of sexual violence in the context of opioid use disorder treatment.
Zika virus infection induces expression of NRF2 and antioxidant systems in trophoblast cells
Authors: Cervantes Manuel Adrián Velázquez , Martinez Julio Angel Vázquez , García Luis Didider Gonzalez , Ortega Orestes Lopez , Romero Haruki Arevalo , Estrada Araceli Montoya , Castillo Macario Martínez , Pliego Arturo Flores , Reyes Guadalupe León , Repetto Addy Cecilia Helguera , Cordero Julio García , Juarez Moises Leon 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a transcription factor that plays a critical role in the xenobiotic and stress responses. During viral infection, NRF2 can modulate the host metabolism and innate immunity; however, the most common activity of NRF2 in viral diseases is controlling reactive oxygen species (ROS). The Zika virus (ZIKV) is involved in a vertical infection in pregnancy, with reported fetal health consequences. However, the possibility that ZIKV regulates NRF2 expression in placental trophoblasts has not been investigated. In this report, we evaluated the upregulation of NRF2 and antioxidant enzymes in a trophoblast-like cell. These findings could help us understand the antioxidant mechanism underlying the ZIKV infection in the placenta during pregnancy.
Harmonic and Interharmonic Estimation Based on Re-Sampling and IpDFT Methods
Authors: Monteiro Henrique L. M. , Rodrigues Luiz F. A. , Ferreira Danton D. , Cabral Thales W. , Mostaro Mateus O. , Dias Felipe M. , Rodrigues Leandro R. M. , Ribeiro Renato A. , Lima Marcelo A. A. , Duque Carlos A. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Harmonic and interharmonic estimation is essential for Power System monitoring, particularly for Power Quality (PQ) analysis. These components can interfere with the device functionality, leading to motor heating and energy consumption inefficiency. Usually, the estimation of these components is performed by Fourier Transform; however, the estimation accuracy can decrease in specific scenarios. If the sampled signal is asynchronous or is composed of interharmonics, for example, the energy is spread along the frequency spectrum, causing estimation errors. In this context, this work proposes an innovative method to estimate the harmonic and interharmonic, combining a re-sampling method, based on B-spline with a pre-filter, and Interpolated Discrete Fourier Transform (IpDFT) to avoid the leakage caused by asynchronous sampling and interharmonics. Three real-time re-sampling methods combined with IpDFT are analyzed via simulated voltage signals. The results show that the proposed method is accurate, and robust for all scenarios.
Food supply during nuclear winter: Mathematical optimization of frost resistant crop production for a temperate island nation
Authors: Wilson Nick , Payne Ben , Boyd Matt 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This study aimed to estimate the optimal mix of frost resistant crops and land area needed to provide basic nutrition during various nuclear winter scenarios for New Zealand (NZ), a temperate island nation. It used linear programming to minimize land area required for cropping while producing enough food to achieve dietary and protein requirements for the whole population. The potential agricultural impacts of three nuclear winter scenarios on NZ, were sourced from the literature. The optimized combinations of frost resistant crops that were found to feed the entire population were, in descending order: wheat and carrots; sugar beet; oats; onions and carrots; cabbage and barley; canola and cabbage; linseed and parsnip; rye and lupins; swede and field beans; and cauliflower. But in terms of current production levels of these frost resistant crops in NZ, there would be a 26% shortfall for the “war without a nuclear winter” scenario and a 71% shortfall for the severe nuclear winter scenario (150 Tg of soot in the stratosphere with a 61% decline in crop yields). In conclusion, at current production levels, frost resistant food crops could not feed all NZ citizens following a nuclear war. There is a need for the NZ Government to conduct a detailed pre-war analysis on how these shortfalls are best addressed e.g., by: increased pre-war production of these crops and/or post-war scalability; growing enough frost sensitive crops (i.e., in greenhouses or the warmest parts of the country); and/or ensuring continuing production of food derived from livestock fed on frost resistant grasses.