bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between serum uric acid levels and the risk of cognitive dysfunction in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Shang Miaomiao , Wang Meijuan , Cui Qian , Song Dongmei , Wang Wenqing , Xue Jing , Xu Guomei , Sun Dandan 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is linked to increased risk of cognitive dysfunction, and serum uric acid levels plays an important factor in cognitive dysfunction. However, optimal serum uric acid levels in patients with AF remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to explore the relationship of serum uric acid and cognitive dysfunction in patients with AF.
Methods: 583 patients were conducted in the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Shandong Province, China from February 2020 to November 2022. Cognitive dysfunction was assessed by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The relationship between serum uric acid levels and the risk of cognitive dysfunction in patients with AF was analyzed using smoothing spline fitting model and threshold analysis.
Results: The average serum uric acid levels of 583 patients was (383.26±110.11)μmol/l, and the incidence of cognitive dysfunction was 79.76%. There was a non-linear relationship between serum uric acid levels and the risk of cognitive dysfunction in patients with AF, and the inflection point was 352μmol/l. At the left of the inflection point, the relationship was significant (OR=1.02, 95%CI=1.00-1.04). At the right of the inflection point, there was no statistical difference (P=0.101).
Conclusion: When the serum uric acid levels is less than 352 μmol/L, the risk of cognitive dysfunction increases by 2% for each unit increases in serum uric acid levels in patients with AF. The study provides evidence for the treatment of serum uric acid levels in patients with AF.
Generation and characterization of a knock-in mouse model for Spastic Tetraplegia, Thin Corpus Callosum, and Progressive Microcephaly (SPATCCM)
Authors: Ratz Megan L. , Leary Greg , Grindeland Andrea , Silvius Derek , Guter Joseph , Kavanaugh Michael P. , Gunn Teresa M. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
SLC1A4 (solute carrier family 1 member 4, also referred to as ASCT1, Alanine/Serine/Cysteine/Threonine-preferring Transporter 1) is a sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter. It is highly expressed in many tissues, including the brain, where it is expressed primarily on astrocytes and plays key roles in neuronal differentiation and development, maintaining neurotransmitter homeostasis, and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) neurotransmission, through regulation of L- and D-serine. Mutations in SLC1A4 are associated with the rare autosomal recessive neurodevelopmental disorder spastic tetraplegia, thin corpus callosum, and progressive microcephaly (SPATCCM, OMIM 616657). Psychomotor development and speech are significantly impaired in these patients, and many develop seizures. We generated and characterized a knock-in mouse model for the most common mutant allele, which results in a single amino acid change (p.Glu256Lys, or E256K). Homozygous mutants had increased D-serine uptake in the brain, microcephaly, and thin corpus callosum and cortex layer 1. While p.E256K homozygotes showed some significant differences in exploratory behavior relative to wildtype mice, their performance in assays for motor coordination, endurance, learning, and memory was normal, and they showed no significant differences in long-term potentiation. Taken together, these results indicate that some aspects of SLC1A4 function in brain development are conserved between mice and humans, but the impact of the p.E256K mutation on cognition and motor function is minimal in mice.
Significance of substrate selection in efficiency of wastewater treatment in constructed wetlands (CW)
Authors: Didanovic Snezana , Vrhovsek Danijel 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Ecoremediation achieves a high level of wastewater treatment and the quality that meets the prescribed standard defined by legislation on wastewater discharge in Montenegro, as well as the standard defined by EU Directive 91/271/EEC. Limitation in the application of constructed wetlands (CW) is large area requirement, which limits the application. The subject matter of this research is to check the possibility of reducing the required area for the constructed wetlands (CW) by using an adequate substrate under the conditions in Montenegro and by verification of adequate primary treatment. The constructed wetland (CW) has the vertical flow system and the role of secondary wastewater treatment in this experiment, receiving water from the existing WWTP in Podgorica, after the primary treatment. The primary treatment at the existing WWTP is done for the purpose of removal of coarse material on coarse and fine screens, removal of inert material in aerated sand traps, and removal of sediment and suspended matter in primary sedimentation tanks. In this experiment: vertical flow systems CW 1, represents the experience of Slovenija, CW 2, represents the experience of Austria and CW 3, represents the experience of Italy. Measurements to date show that the substrate plays an important role and that wastewater treatment efficacy (COD, BOD5, TSS) and varies significantly with respect to the type of substrate in the cionditions of Montenegro.
Feasibility study of pharyngeal constrictor muscle sparing in proton radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma based on MRI/CT fusion image
Authors: Zou Jingmin , Kong Chao , Wang Huadong , Wu Qiang , Yin Yong , Ma Changsheng 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background/Purpose: Radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck tumors did not limit the dose of pharyngeal constrictor muscle (PCM) as organs at risk (OARs). This study is to segment the PCM using magnetic resonance (MR) and CT fusion images and investigate the feasibility and dosimetric characteristics of PCM sparing in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) proton radiotherapy.
Methods: We collected CT and MR simulation images of 20 patients with NPC retrospectively. The PCM was contoured on the MR and CT fusion images. And it was divided into superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle (PCM-s), middle pharyngeal constrictor muscle (PCM-m) and inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle (PCM-i) according to anatomical structure. Four RT plans were created for each patient, which included intensity-modulated photon therapy (IMRT), PCM sparing IMRT (IMRT-S), intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT), and PCM sparing IMPT (IMPT-S). Various dosimetric parameters among the four plans were compared.
Result: The four plans can meet the target coverage rate. CI, HI of IMPT and IMPT-S were significantly lower than IMRT and IMRT-S (p<0.05). There was no statistical difference in dosimertic parameters of the PCM-s, PCM-m and PCM-i between IMRT and IMPT (p>0.05). However, compared with IMRT, for PCM-s, IMRT-S and IMPT-S reduced the Dmean, Dmax, V50, V60, V65 by 3.9 Gy, 2.1Gy, 0.3%, 0.8%, 17.5%, 24.3% and 10.7 Gy, 4.6 Gy, 9.4%, 33.8%, 34.3%, 37.4% respectively; For PCM-m, they respectively reduced 4.4 Gy, 4 Gy, 22.5%, 3.4%, 7.1%, 0.4% and 10.1 Gy, 10.3Gy, 66.5%, 22.7%, 7.8%, 4.0%; For PCM-i, they respectively reduced 5 Gy, 6.1 Gy, 67.3%, 4.4%, 0.3%, 0% and 17.2 Gy, 17.5 Gy, 95.6%, 6.6%, 0.3%, 0% (p<0.05). IMPT-S had the best sparing for PCM.
Conclusions: IMRT for NPC has demonstrated reduction in PCM dose while using PCM as
an OAR in the optimization. However, IMPT for NPC can achieve optimal PCM sparing. We
recommend that PCM should be contoured as an OAR for NPC to reduce the probability of complications associated with dysphagia and improve overall survival (OS) rate of patients while there is no compromise on target dose coverage and other OARs dose.
Evaluation of the effects of halloysite nanotubes on physical, mechanical, and biological properties of polyhydroxy butyrate electrospun scaffold for cartilage tissue engineering applications
Authors: Ghadirian Sepideh , Karbasi Saeed 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Nano clay, such as halloysite nanotubes (HTN), has recently become a popular additive for improving the physicochemical properties of polymeric scaffolds used in tissue engineering. The present study applied 1-7 wt.% HNT to fabricate polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB)/HNT fibrous scaffolds via electrospinning for cartilage regeneration. Our results indicate that the scaffold containing 5 wt.% HNT (P-5H) represents superior properties compared to PHB. Morphological studies showed that HNT incorporation decreased fiber diameter from 1017 ± 295.95 nm to 878.66 ± 128 nm. Also, HNT improved the scaffold's mechanical properties in terms of ultimate strength and strain by 92% and 46% respectively. Moreover, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) evaluations confirmed that HNT had increased crystallinity from 42.9% to 48.2%. Furthermore, the analysis of atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that HNT has significantly increased surface roughness. According to our findings, HNT enhanced the structure's resistance to degradation, which would benefit cartilage regeneration as a slow-healing tissue. Additionally, MTT analysis revealed that chondrocytes proliferated and grew with an increasing trend on the P-5H scaffold over seven days, which indicates HNT biocompatibility. All of these results suggest P-5H scaffolds' promising application for cartilage tissue engineering.
Research on the dynamic pressure effect of clearance oil film of stepped hydrostatic thrust bearing
Authors: Yu Xiaodong , Feng Yanan , Jiang Hui , Gao Weicheng , Shi Guangqiang , Dai Ruichun , Jia Wentao , Wang Junfeng , Jiao Jianhua 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The dynamic pressure effect of the clearance oil film of stepped hydrostatic thrust bearing is studied by taking the double rectangular cavity oil cushion as an example. According to the hydrodynamics theory, the average dynamic pressure of lubricating oil film in different clearance height regions is theoretically deduced and calculated, and the dynamic pressure effect of the clearance oil film in the stepped hydrostatic thrust bearing is studied through the combination of theoretical calculation, simulation, and experimental verification. It is found that the theoretical value of the average dynamic pressure of the clearance oil film and the rotational speed show a linear growth relationship with a slope of 275.2. The simulated value of the average dynamic pressure and the rotational speed follow the growth law of the Fourier 1 model. The experimental value of the average dynamic pressure is between the theoretical value and the simulated value, which is basically not affected by the load. In the speed range of 0r/min-200r/min, compared with the viscosity of lubricating oil, the speed is the main factor affecting the dynamic pressure of the oil film of the stepped hydrostatic thrust bearing. The dynamic pressure value of the clearance oil film increases in a stepped fashion along the radial direction of the double rectangular cavity oil cushion. The dynamic pressure value has an obvious upward trend at the junction of the circumferential right oil cavity and the sealing edge and then decreases to 0 after reaching the peak value.
Novel homozygous variants in PRORP expand the genotypic spectrum of combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency 54
Authors: Newman William , Smith Thomas , Rea Alessandro , Thomas Huw , Thompson Kyle , Oláhová Monika , Maroofian Reza , Zamani Mina , He Langping , Sadeghian Saeid , Galehdari Hamid , Shaul-Lotan Nava , Gilboa Tal , Herman Kristin , McCorvie Thomas , Yue Wyatt , Houlden Henry , Taylor Robert , RT O'Keefe 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Biallelic hypomorphic variants in PRORP have been recently described as causing the autosomal recessive disorder combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency type 54 (COXPD54). COXPD54 encompasses a phenotypic spectrum of sensorineural hearing loss and ovarian insufficiency (Perrault syndrome) to leukodystrophy. Here, we report three additional families with homozygous, missense PRORP variants with pleiotropic phenotypes. Each missense variant altered a highly conserved residue within the metallonuclease domain. In vitro tRNA processing assays with recombinant TRMT10C, SDR5C1 and PRORP indicated two COXPD54-associated PRORP variants, c.1159A>G (p.Thr387Ala) and c.1241C>T (p.Ala414Val), decreased pre-tRNAIle cleavage, consistent with both variants impacting tRNA processing. No significant decrease in tRNA processing was observed with PRORP c.1093T>C (p.Tyr365His), which was identified in an individual with leukodystrophy. These data provide independent evidence that PRORP variants are associated with COXPD54 and that the assessment of 5′ leader mitochondrial tRNA processing is a valuable assay for the functional analysis and clinical interpretation of novel PRORP variants.
Analysis of parameter uncertainty in SWAT model using a Bayesian Box–Cox transformation three-level factorial analysis method: a case of Naryn River Basin
Authors: Chen C. , Li Y. P. , Gao P. P. , Huang G. H. , Liu J. , Wu J. S. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Hydrological models are often plagued by substantial uncertainties in model parameters when analyzing water balance, predicting long-time streamflow, and investigating climate-change impact in watershed management. In this study, a Bayesian Box–Cox transformation three-level factorial analysis (BBC-TFA) method is developed for revealing the influence of parameter uncertainty on the runoff in the Naryn River Basin. BBC-TFA cannot only quantify the uncertainty through Bayesian inference but also investigate the individual and interactive effects of multiple parameters on model output. Main findings disclose that: (i) the contribution rate of runoff potential parameter during the non-melting period reaches 88.22%, indicating a flood risk in the rainy season; (ii) the contribution rate of snow temperature lag factor is the highest during the snow-melting period and the entire year (respectively occupying 76.69 and 53.70%), indicating that the glacier melting exists in the Naryn River Basin throughout the year; (iii) the Box–Cox transformation can successfully remove residual variance and enhance the correlation between input and output variables. These findings serve to revealing the presence of glacial resources in the study basin and the significant runoff during the rainy season. Policymakers can consider water storage during the rainy season while developing glacier resources to alleviate water scarcity.
Research of the utilization efficiency of non-flood season flood resources by artificial bee colony algorithm based on multi-strategy hybrid search
Authors: Li Jie , Yang Zhou , Liu Zhao , Liu Hong-zhi , Tian Yang-jun 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the integrated optimization of long-term non-flood season flood dispatching and power generation dispatching and improve the utilization efficiency of non-flood season flood resources. In this study, an artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm based on a multi-strategy mixed search is supplemented with variable time period characteristics to construct an optimal reservoir operation model with a maximum generating capacity under multiple constraints in a variable time period. The multi-year non-flood season flood operation of the Wanan Reservoir is considered as an example. After optimization, the average annual power generation in the non-flood season was increased by 14.23 million kW·h. The average utilization rate of water resources was increased by 3% over the studied period, and the utilization of flood resources was improved. The ABC optimization algorithm based on a multi-strategy hybrid search could alleviate the contradiction between the selection of the time interval step and the calculation accuracy and convergence speed, and it effectively improved the optimization efficiency and development ability of the standard ABC optimization algorithm. These results can provide suggestions for the improvement of the comprehensive benefits of reservoirs with non-flood floods as an important water resource.
Adsorption characteristics of Zn(II) and Pb(II) by river sediments under hydrodynamic conditions
Authors: Zhang Wei , Shi Xianluo , Lu Jiangang 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the process and mechanism of adsorption of Zn(II) and Pb(II) by river sediments under hydrodynamic conditions. Surface sediments were collected from the Ganjiang River in Nanchang, China, and the adsorption characteristics of heavy metals Zn(II) and Pb(II) under different hydrodynamic conditions were simulated using the particle entrainment simulator. The results showed that under different hydrodynamic conditions, the adsorption equilibrium of Zn(II) and Pb(II) can be reached within 6h, and the adsorption amount of Pb(II) by the sediment was significantly higher than that of Zn(II). Pseudo-second-order dynamics and the Elovich model can better describe the kinetics of adsorption in both metals (R2 &gt; 0.90). The Langmuir model and Freundlich model could better simulate the adsorption isotherms of Zn(II) and Pb(II) on sediments, which revealed that the adsorption spots are heterogeneous. According to the △G and −F results the adsorption of Zn(II) and Pb(II) is mainly physical adsorption. Furthermore, there are certain differences in the adsorption of heavy metals Zn(II) and Pb(II) by sediments at different pH, where the adsorption amount of Zn(II) increases with the increase of pH, but Pb(II) is not sensitive to the change of pH.
Pattern-based assessment of the influence of rainfall characteristics on urban stormwater quality
Authors: Chowdhury Anupam , Egodawatta Prasanna , McGree James 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Urbanisation increases pollutant generation within catchments and their transport to receiving waters. Changes to rainfall patterns, particularly in the age of climate change, make pollution mitigation a challenging task. Understanding how rainfall characteristics could influence the changes to stormwater pollutant runoff is important for designing effective mitigation strategies. This study employed a pattern-based assessment of relationships between rainfall characteristics and stormwater quality in urban catchments to develop this understanding. The research outcomes showed that rainfall events could be distinctly clustered based on intensity and duration, and each cluster of events would produce different stormwater quality responses. The high-intensity bursts occurring in the latter part of long-duration events were found to produce uniform and low concentrations of suspended solids. One the contrary, high intensity bursts occurring in the initial part of short-duration events triggered the first-flush effect, thus producing high concentrations of suspended solids. Furthermore, the first-flush effect was likely to present when the high intensity bursts occurred in the mid portion of rainfall events and produced variable concentrations of suspended solids. It was also found that the average rainfall intensity plays a key role in mobilising and transporting pollutants accumulated on urban surfaces.
Two-dimensional (2D) flood analysis and calibration of stormwater drainage systems using geographic information systems
Authors: Çirağ Burak , Firat Mahmut 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

In recent years, there has been severe flooding in urban areas as well as coastal and river flooding. Urban flooding is exacerbated by climate change, urbanization, growing population, and the increase of impervious surfaces in urban areas. Stormwater drainage systems that discharge stormwater to a safe location in urban areas are becoming increasingly important. The objective of this study is to analyze and calibrate the flood performance of stormwater drainage systems currently used in the central region of Malatya in a potential flood situation using geographic information systems and the InfoWorks ICM. The model was created using the land use type, buildings, and digital elevation model (DEM), and the analysis was performed by exposing stormwater drainage systems to rainfall events of 5, 10, and 15 min of duration for return periods of 2, 5, and 10 years. The model was then validated using field-observed rainfall and flood data and its performance was evaluated using R2, NSE, RMSE, and MAE metrics. The results showed that the eight stormwater drainage systems currently in operation cannot fully convey stormwater and may pose a risk of loss of life and property in residential areas. In addition, the severity of the flooding was found to increase with an increasing return period.
Epidemiology, Outcomes, and Complement Gene Variants in Secondary Thrombotic Microangiopathies
Authors: Werion Alexis , Storms Pauline , Zizi Ysaline , Beguin Claire , Bernards Jelle , Cambier Jean-François , Dahan Karin , Dierickx Daan , Godefroid Nathalie , Hilbert Pascale , Lambert Catherine , Levtchenko Elena , Meyskens Thomas , Poiré Xavier , van den Heuvel Lambert , Claes Kathleen J. , Morelle Johann ,   UCLouvain TMA/HUS Network and KU Leuven TMA/HUS Network
Published: April 2023

Background
The identification of complement defects as major drivers of primary atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) has transformed the landscape of thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs), leading to the development of targeted therapies and better patient outcomes. By contrast, little is known about the presentation, genetics, and outcomes of TMA associated with specific diseases or conditions, also referred to as secondary TMA.

Methods
In this study, we assessed the relative incidence, clinical and genetic spectra, and long-term outcomes of secondary TMA versus other TMAs in consecutive patients hospitalized with a first episode of TMA from 2009 to 2019 at two European reference centers.

Results
During the study period, 336 patients were hospitalized with a first episode of TMA. Etiologies included atypical HUS in 49 patients (15%), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) in 29 (9%), shigatoxin-associated HUS in 70 (21%), and secondary TMA in 188 (56%). The main causes of secondary TMA were hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (n=56, 30%), solid-organ transplantation (n=44, 23%), and malignant hypertension (n=25, 13%). Rare variants in complement genes were identified in 32 of 49 patients (65%) with atypical HUS and eight of 64 patients (13%) with secondary TMA; pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were found in 24 of 49 (49%) and two of 64 (3%) of them, respectively (P < 0.001). After a median follow-up of 1157 days, death or kidney failure occurred in 14 (29%), eight (28%), five (7%), and 121 (64%) patients with atypical HUS, TTP, shigatoxin-associated HUS, and secondary TMA, respectively. Unadjusted and adjusted Cox regressions showed that patients with secondary TMA had the highest risk of death or kidney failure (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR], 3.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.85 to 6.07; P < 0.001; adjusted HR, 4.11; 95% CI, 2.00 to 8.46; P < 0.001; considering atypical HUS as reference).

Conclusions
Secondary TMAs represent the main cause of TMA and are independently associated with a high risk of death and progression to kidney failure.