bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of SGLT-2 Inhibitors with Thyroid Dysfunction: A Drug-Target Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Fu Chao , Liu Dongbo , Liu Qi , Wang Xuedong , Ma Xiaoxue , Yang Mengyue , Qiao Weishen , Pan Hong , Feng Shi , Sun Zhao , Liu Bo , Huang Xingtao , Hou Jingbo 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Context: Diabetes and thyroid dysfunction are prevalent endocrine disorders. Diabetes substantially increases the incidence of thyroid dysfunction, and the concurrent presence of diabetes and thyroid dysfunction further heightens the risk of adverse events associated with diabetes. However, no studies have been conducted to investigate the impact of novel antidiabetic medications, particularly sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, on thyroid dysfunction.
Objective: This study aims to estimate the causal associations of SGLT-2 inhibitors with thyroid dysfunction.
Methods: We extracted single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with SLC5A2 gene expression and glycated hemoglobin A1c levels from a genome-wide association study predominantly conducted in individuals of European descent. These genetic variants were utilized as tools to simulate the effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors. Subsequently, we conducted drug-targeted mendelian randomization (MR) studies to assess the impact of SGLT-2 inhibitors on thyroid dysfunction and captured the results demonstrating this effect.
Results:The inverse variance-weighted method served as the primary analysis technique in the MR study. Treatment with SGLT-2 inhibitors, predicted through genetic analysis, is strongly linked to a higher risk of thyroid disease (OR: 4.63, 95%CI: 2.94-7.28, p=3.23E-11), especially hypothyroidism (OR: 8.99, 95%CI: 5.31-15.25, p=3.46E-16). Furthermore, SGLT-2 inhibitors treatment substantially raises the occurrence of hyperthyroidism (OR: 1.01, 95%CI: 1-1.03, p=0.02). Conversely, immune dysfunction plays a significant role in the development of both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, and SGLT-2 inhibitors treatment significantly increases the incidence of these related diseases (OR: 3.94, 95%CI: 2.74-5.67, p=1.63E-13).
Conclusions: Our study found that the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors significantly increases the incidence of thyroid dysfunction.
Effect of ultrasound-assisted pretreatment on the hygroscopic dimensional stability of Ailanthus altissima wood modified with 1,3-dimethylol-4,5-dihydroxy ethylene urea
Authors: Han Taoyu , Gao Jingjing , Lu Manman , Avramidis Stavros , Liu Shengquan , He Zhengbin , Qian Jing 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Fast-growingwood is particularly favored as the lightweight material and has potential used in construction and furniture. However, dimensional instability, one of fast-growing wood’s inherent weaknesses, limits its utilization as solid wood products. In this study, fast-growing Ailanthus altissimawood was modified with 1,3-dimethylol-4,5-dihydroxy ethylene urea (DMDHEU) after ultrasound-assisted pretreatment to improve its hygroscopic dimensional stability. Ultrasound was first used in combination with DMDHEU for wood impregnation modification. The weight percentage gain (WPG), absolute dry density, tangential/radial swelling rates, resin distribution and functional groups of chemical components were investigated. The results indicated that the WPG and absolute dry density of DMDHEU-ultrasonic samples increased compared to DMDHEU-untreated samples. The hygroscopic dimensional stability of DMDHEU-ultrasonic samples improved to varying degrees compared to DMDHEU-untreated samples. In particular, the tangential/radial swelling rates of DMDHEU-ultrasonic-4% NaOH samples decreased from 2.01%/1.22% for untreated samples to 0.55%/0.38%. On the one hand, ultrasound-assisted pretreatment affected the distribution of resin inside vessel. Raised-membranous resin appeared along the vessel of DMDHEU-ultrasonic-4% NaOH samples, while only sporadic resin deposition was observed for the DMDHEU-untreated samples. On the other hand, ultrasound-assisted pretreatment promoted better penetration of the DMDHEU resin into the wood cell wall, and the hydroxyl groups in the hydrophilic part were converted into hydrophobic ester bonds and ether bonds. In conclusion, ultrasound-assisted pretreatment had a positive effect on the wood DMDHEU impregnation. And these findings shed light on promising pretreatment methods for wood dimensional stability modification.
CH4 emission from runoff water of Alaskan mountain glaciers
Authors: Konya Keiko , Sueyoshi Tetsuo , Iwahana Go , Morishita Tomoaki , Uetake Jun , Wakita Masahide 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Methane (CH4) emissions from runoff water (RW) were observed at the terminus of glaciers in Alaska. The observed CH4 concentration was three times higher than ambient air and a high level of dissolved CH4 in RW was also measured. Although CH4 is relatively well observed as the second most important greenhouse gas, observations in the glacier areas are still rare because the conditions are not considered favorable for CH4 production. However, recent studies have observed CH4-saturated RW and resulting high concentrations of CH4 in the ambient air at the glacier terminuses of the Greenland Ice Sheet and the ice cap in Iceland. This study shows that similar CH4 production also occurs in smaller mountain glaciers. We have selected typical mountain glaciers as the study sites: the Castner, Canwell, and Gulkana Glaciers in the Alaska Range, and the Matanuska Glacier in southern Alaska. Ambient CH4 concentrations at the meltwater outlet, surface CH4 fluxes, and dissolved CH4 content in the RW were measured. The results show that some glaciers have high CH4 concentrations in the RW and in the ambient atmosphere. This is the first case where obvious CH4 emissions have been detected at the terminus of mountain glaciers. This suggests that CH4 release at the terminus of glaciers may be a common occurrence and has the potential to affect the global CH4 budget and climate projections.
Evaluation of the Convection Permitting Regional Climate Model CNRM-AROME on the complex orographic island of Corsica
Authors: Hernández Virginia Edith Cortés , Caillaud Cécile , Bellon Gilles , Brisson Erwan , Alias Antoinette , Lucas-Picher Philippe 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Meteorological processes over islands with complex orography could be better simulated by Convection Permitting Regional Climate Models (CP-RCMs) thanks to an improved representation of the orography, land-sea contrasts, the combination of coastal and orographic effects, and explicit deep convection. This paper evaluates the ability of the CP-RCM CNRM-AROME (2.5-km horizontal resolution) to simulate relevant meteorological characteristics of the Mediterranean island of Corsica for the 2000-2018 period. These hindcast simulations are compared to their driving Regional Climate Model (RCM) CNRM-ALADIN (12.5-km horizontal resolution and parameterised convection), weather stations for precipitation and wind and gridded precipitation datasets. The main benefits are found in the representation of i) precipitation extremes resulting mainly from mesoscale convective systems affected by steep mountains during autumn and winter months and ii) the formation of convection through thermally induced diurnal circulations and their interaction with the orography during summer. Simulations of hourly precipitation extremes, the diurnal cycle of precipitation, the distribution of precipitation intensities, the duration of precipitation events, and sea breezes are all improved in the 2.5-km simulations with respect to the RCM, confirming an added value. However, existing differences between model simulations and observations are difficult to explain as the main biases are related to the availability and quality of observations, particularly at high elevations. Overall, better results from the 2.5-km resolution, increase our confidence in CP-RCMs to investigate future climate projections for Corsica and islands with complex terrain.
Effect of pore structure of paper-based separators on lithium-ion battery performance
Authors: Wang Yang , Ying Ruifu , Han Gaoyi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The two kinds of separators with different pore structure using PET paper as substrate were prepared. The PET ceramic (PC) separator was prepared by filling the macropores of PET paper with ceramic particles. Lyocell fibrillated fiber with a diameter of several hundred nanometers was introduced between PET paper and ceramic particles to produce a PET/Lyocell/ceramic (P/L/C) separator with a three-layer gradient pore structure. Compared with the PE/C microporous separator, the PC and P/L/C paper-based separator both have larger pore size and porosity. However, the P/L/C separator showed better cycle performance than that of PC separator. The large-size blocked areas in PET paper hinder ion transport, and the multilayer gradient pore structure of P/L/C separator can optimize the uniform of ion transport.
Copper complex containing N-acylhydrazone as catalyst in ethanol electro-oxidation reaction
Authors: Silva Daniele Scheles Rosa , Cruz Ruan Santos , Silva Luiza Madeira , Santos Daniela Corrêa , Nagurniak Glaucio R. , Caramori Giovanni F. , Dutra Jocely Lucena , Souza Andrea Luzia Ferreira , Maia Paulo José Sousa 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This study discusses the synthesis and characterization of a novel copper complex, whose molecular structure was previously determined through various analytical techniques such as FTIR, elemental analysis (CHN), and 1H NMR. Further analysis involving geometry, vibrational frequencies, and electron excitations was conducted using density functional theory (BP86/Def2-TZVPP/D3BJ method). The Cu(MFMH)2Cl2 complex exhibits three absorption bands at 420 nm, associated with π → π* transitions (between ligands); at 477 nm, linked to σ* → π transitions (involving donation from the metallic center to ligands) and π → σ* transitions (involving retro-donation from ligands to the metallic center); and at 514 nm, associated with σ* → π transitions (involving donation from the metallic center to ligands). Additionally, the use of Cu(MFMH)2Cl2 as a catalyst for the ethanol oxidation reaction in acidic conditions was investigated through cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The results show that the peak-current density for the Cu-CPE 30% (p/p) catalyst (complex/graphite) was higher compared to other CPEs.
Deep learning segmentation of the choroid plexus from structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): validation and normative ranges across the adult lifespan
Authors: Eisma Jarrod J. , McKnight Colin D. , Hett Kilian , Elenberger Jason , Song Alexander K. , Considine Ciaran , Claassen Daniel O. , Donahue Manus J. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background: The choroid plexus functions as the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, plays an important role in neurofluid production and circulation, and has gained increased attention in light of the recent elucidation of neurofluid circulation dysfunction in neurodegenerative conditions. However, methods for routinely quantifying choroid plexus volume are suboptimal and require technical improvements and validation. Here, we propose three deep learning models that can segment the choroid plexus from commonly-acquired anatomical MRI data and report performance metrics and changes across the adult lifespan.Methods: Fully convolutional neural networks were trained from 3-D T1-weighted, 3-D T2-weighted, and 2-D T2-weighted FLAIR MRI and gold-standard manual segmentations in healthy and neurodegenerative participants across the lifespan (n=50; age=21-85 years). Dice coefficients, 95% Hausdorff distances, and area-under-curve (AUCs) were calculated for each model and compared to segmentations from FreeSurfer using two-tailed Wilcoxon tests (significance criteria: p<0.05 after false discovery rate multiple comparisons correction). Metrics were regressed against lateral ventricular volume using generalized linear models to assess model performance for varying levels of atrophy. Finally, models were applied to an expanded cohort of healthy adults (n=98; age=21-89 years) to provide an exemplar of choroid plexus volumetry values across the lifespan.Results: Deep learning results yielded Dice coefficient=0.72, Hausdorff distance=1.97 mm, AUC=0.87 for T1-weighted MRI, Dice coefficient=0.72, Hausdorff distance=2.22 mm, AUC=0.87 for T2-weighted MRI, and Dice coefficient=0.74, Hausdorff distance=1.69 mm, AUC=0.87 for T2-weighted FLAIR MRI; values did not differ significantly between MRI sequences and were statistically improved compared to current commercially-available algorithms (p<0.001). The intraclass coefficients were 0.95, 0.95, and 0.96 between T1-weightedand T2-FLAIR, T1-weighted and T2-weighted, and T2-weighted and T2-FLAIR models, respectively. Mean lateral ventricle choroid plexus volume across all participants was 3.20±1.4 cm3; a significant, positive relationship (R2=0.54; slope=0.047) was observed between participant age and choroid plexus volume for all MRI sequences (p<0.001).Conclusions: Findings support comparable performance in choroid plexus delineation between standard, clinically available, non-contrasted anatomical MRI sequences. The software embedding the evaluated models is freely available online and should provide a useful tool for the growing number of studies that desire to quantitatively evaluate choroid plexus structure and function (https://github.com/hettk/chp_seg).
X-ray Dark-field Computed Tomography for Monitoring of Cryoablation Procedures: A Phantom Study
Authors: John Dominik , Gottwald Wolfgang , Berthe Daniel , Wirtensohn Sami , Hickler Julia , Heck Lisa , Herzen Julia 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Cryoablation is a minimally invasive treatment option for malignancies in which cell death is induced by freezing tissue with a cryoprobe. However, the extent of the frozen region must be monitored to avoid unnecessary damage to surrounding healthy tissue and to ensure encapsulation of the tumor. One commonly used monitoring method, attenuation-based computed tomography (CT), allows visualization of the ice ball using its hypoattenuating properties compared to unfrozen tissue. However, the contrast between frozen and unfrozen tissue remains low. We show that using a Talbot-Lau interferometer, this contrast can be greatly enhanced by acquiring dark-field images that capture the increasing small-angle scattering caused by the ice crystals formed during the procedure. Our results show that, compared to attenuation, the frozen region is detected significantly better in dark-field radiographs and CT scans of a porcine phantom mimicking breast tissue. This suggests a potential improvement in the accuracy of cryoablation therapy through the use of dark-field imaging, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.
RETRACTED: Prostaglandin E2-EP4 signaling suppresses bioenergetics and ribosome biogenesis in immune cells infiltrating human tumor
Authors: Narumiya Shuh , Punyawattananukool Siwakorn , Wongchang Thamrong , Katsurada Nao , Matsuura Ryuma , Kawashima Masahiro , Toi Masakazu , Yamanoi Koji , Hamanishi Jyunzo , Hisamori Shigeo , Obama Kazutaka , Charoensawan Varodom , Thumkeo Dean 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Associations between seasonality and faecal contamination of self-supply sources in urban Indonesia
Authors: Genter Franziska , Putri Gita Lestari , Maysarah Siti , Rolia Eva , Pratama Mochamad Adhiraga , Priadi Cindy , Willetts Juliet , Foster Tim 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Water quality monitoring that accounts for seasonal variability is crucial to ensure safe water services at all times, including groundwater self-supply, which provides drinking water for more than 40 million people in urban Indonesia. Seasonal variation of self-supply water quality remains a key evidence gap in Indonesia and elsewhere; therefore, this study investigated the associations between seasonality and faecal contamination of groundwater self-supply in the Indonesian cities of Bekasi and Metro. The study demonstrated mixed results in terms of associations between seasonality and microbial water quality. McNemar's test showed that high concentrations of Escherichia coli (E. coli) (≥100 MPN per 100 mL) were significantly more likely during the wet season than during the dry season in Bekasi (p = 0.050), but not in Metro (p = 0.694). There was no statistically significant association between the season and the presence of E. coli in self-supply sources for both study sites, nor was there a significant association between the season and the presence of high concentrations of E. coli at the point-of-use. At both study sites, presence and high concentrations of E. coli during the dry season significantly increased the risk of contamination in the wet season, but the predictive power was weak. Regular water quality testing complemented by sanitary inspection is required to understand the contamination risks of self-supply sources.
Carbon footprint values as a climate change assessment criterion of the partial harvests of European seabass and meagre in earthen pond aquaculture
Authors: Diken Gürkan , Bahrioğlu Ergi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Turkey's Mediterranean aquaculture industry is the world leader in European seabass aquaculture and the European leader in meagre aquaculture. In this study, carbon footprint (CF) values of four partial harvests of European seabass in earthen pond aquaculture (EPES) and meagre in earthen pond aquaculture (EPM) were determined. The average values of total CF expended for EPES and EPM, which reached a final harvest weight of approximately 1,500 g in 1,061 and 633 days were 3.38 and 2.26 kg CO2e kg−1, respectively. The lowest and highest rates of CF expended on consumed compound diet (CFCD) were 63.92 and 65.59% in EPES, and 62.44 and 66.70% in EPM, respectively. The rates of CF general management were 32.0 and 33.57% in EPES and 30.98 and 34.98% in EPM, respectively. Against this high proportion of the compound diet, the second highest value was the lowest and highest proportion of partial harvests of electricity, 28.20 and 29.59% in EPES and 27.09 and 30.51% in EPM, respectively. CF input and CF output per kg values of meagre were decreased with increasing weight, therefore meagre can be defined as a species with high global food security and resilience against climate change.
COVID-19 e transformação digital de uma empresa júnior de Psicologia
Authors: Do Carmo Gabriela Perle , Zarife Pricila de Sousa 
Published: September 2023

A pandemia de COVID-19 acelerou a transformação digital nas organizações, ao suscitar o uso da tecnologia para sobrevivência e criação de novos modelos de negócios mais digitais e contemporâneos. Sendo as empresas juniores (EJs) reconhecidas como a melhor estratégia de aprendizagem prática, constituindo um espaço fomentador do desenvolvimento de competências importantes para o mercado de trabalho, bem como a incipiência da literatura sobre as EJs é importante investigar como a transformação digital vem ocorrendo nas EJs , especialmente durante a pandemia. Este trabalho buscou analisar a experiência de transformação digital de uma empresa júnior brasileira de Psicologia durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Trata-se de um relato de experiência, realizado com observações e reuniões remotas com membros da EJ. No período pré-pandemia, a EJ estava na transição entre os níveis 0 (não digital) e 1 (presente) do Modelo de Maturidade Digital de Negócios, tendo evoluído para o nível 2 (engajamento eletrônico) durante a pandemia. Tal progresso se deu pelas ações empreendidas para adaptação ao trabalho remoto imposto pelo isolamento social. O processo de transformação digital da EJ seguiu as cinco etapas propostas no modelo HINGE. Almeja-se que este trabalho auxilie outras EJs no processo de transformação digital, bem como incentive o desenvolvimento de pesquisas sobre as EJs.
DOCK4 is a Novel Prognostic Biomarker and Correlated with Immune
Infiltrates in Colon Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xie Xingjiang , Lu Yi , Wang Bo , Yin Xiaobin , Chen Jianfeng 
Published: September 2023

Background:
Dedicator for cytokinesis 4 (DOCK4) is a guanine nucleotide exchange
factor (GEF) for the small GTPase Rac1. However, the functions of DOCK4 concerning the tumor
microenvironment (TME) in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) remain uncertain.

Methods:
The TIMER and GEPIA databases were used to analyze the DOCK4 expression between
COAD tissues and adjunct normal tissues. The PrognoScan database was used to assess the prognosis
of DOCK4 expression in COAD. The co-expression networks of DOCK4 in COAD were
constructed by the LinkedOmics website. Furthermore, the correlation between DOCK4 expression
and TME of COAD was explored using TIMER and TISIDB databases. Finally, the clone formation
assay was used to further verify the function of DOCK4 in COAD. The Western blotting
assay was used to confirm the mechanism related to DOCK4 in COAD.

Results:
The DOCK4 expression was different significantly in COAD tissues and paracancerous
tissues. The DOCK4 was found to play a poor role in the prognosis of patients with COAD. The
DOCK4 was found to participate in the TME by promoting immune evasion of COAD. The reduction
of DOCK4 expression inhibited the clone formation and Ras-associated protein 1A (Rap1A)
expression of HCT116 cells.

Conclusions:
DOCK4 potentially plays an important role in the regulation of TME in COAD.
DOCK4 facilitates the development through the Rap1A pathway, thus becoming a novel prognostic
biomarker in COAD.
Glial-derived Neuroinflammation induced with Amyloid-beta-peptide Plus
Fibrinogen Injection in Rat Hippocampus
Authors: McLarnon James G. 
Published: September 2023

Introduction:
The present study has examined microglial and astrocyte activation in association with neuronal degeneration in an animal model using an injection of amyloid-beta peptide Aβ1-42 (Aβ42) plus fibrinogen into rat hippocampus.

Methods:
The combination of stimuli is suggested as a novel and potent perturbation to induce gliosis and the production of glial-derived neurotoxic factors in an animal model exhibiting a leaky BBB (blood-brain barrier). Specifically, Aβ42+fibrinogen stimulation elevated levels of COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) and iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) with a considerable extent of neuronal loss associated with microglia and astrocyte activation.

Results:
Treatment of injected rats with the broad spectrum anti-inflammatory agent, minocycline or the iNOS inhibitor, 1400W inhibited gliosis, reduced levels of COX-2 and iNOS, and demonstrated efficacy for neuroprotection.

Conclusion:
The findings suggest the utility of combining peptide plus fibrinogen as a potent and understudied neuroinflammatory stimulus for the induction of glial-derived neurotoxic factors in BBB-compromised AD brain.