bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advancing Biofilm Removal: Evaluating Electrolytic Methods for Decontaminating Dental Implants In Vitro
Authors: Castro Ana. B. , Hadisurya Jill , Simoens Kenneth , Srivast Mrinal Gaurav , Bernaerts Kristel , Braem Annabel , Zayed Naiera 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
This study evaluated the decontaminating efficacy of two electrolytic cleaning systems on titanium implants contaminated with multispecies biofilm, compared to conventional treatments like 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) or local antibiotics (tetracycline), with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as a negative control.
Materials and Methods
A 14-species oral microbial community, developed using a bioreactor system, was used to grow biofilms on dental implant surfaces. Implants were then treated with two electrolytic systems, CHX, tetracycline, or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). After cleaning, the implants were reincubated for 24 h. Biofilm viability was assessed through viability DNA extraction and quantitative PCR (v-qPCR). Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were used to analyze biofilm structure and viability respectively.
Results
CHX and tetracycline treatments significantly reduced viable biofilm bacteria by 98.8% and 99.6%, respectively, compared to the negative control. The effect of the two electrolytic systems varied, with one reducing biofilm by 93.3%, similar to the positive controls, while the other showing only a 5.7% reduction in biofilm viability. SEM and CLSM imaging confirmed the distinct effects of the treatments on biofilm structure and viability.
Conclusion
The findings of this study highlight the potential of electrolytic cleaning as an effective minimally invasive approach for peri-implantitis management. However, this promising efficacy of the electrolytic cleaning systems alongside traditional antimicrobial agents in biofilm removal from dental implant surfaces greatly depend on the system. Further research is warranted to optimize different electrolytic cleaning protocols and validate their clinical efficacy in preventing and treating peri-implantitis.
Dual-directional epi-genotoxicity assay for assessing chemically induced epigenetic effects utilizing the housekeeping TK gene
Authors: Sassa Akira , Yamada Haruto , Odagiri Mizuki , Yamakita Keigo , Chiba Aoi , Ukai Akiko , Yasui Manabu , Honma Masamitsu , Sugiyama Kei-ichi , Ura Kiyoe 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Numerous chemicals are associated with carcinogenesis through epigenetic alterations in cells. To detect global epigenetic changes induced by carcinogens, the housekeeping gene can serve as a reporter locus, offering a baseline for identifying shifts in epigenetic marks. To investigate this potential, we developed a simple, cost-effective, and quantitative reporter system to assess chemically induced epigenetic effects, utilizing the thymidine kinase (TK) gene mutation assay as a foundation. Using a standard genotoxicity test cell line, human lymphoblast TK6, we edited the CpG promoter loci of the endogenous TK gene using the CRISPR/dCas9-SunTag-DNMT3A system. This epi-genotoxicity assay, employing modified mTK6 cells, provides a simple method for quantifying chemically induced epigenetic effects. The assay successfully detects both increased TK reversion rates induced by DNMT inhibitors, such as 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine and GSK-3484862, and, for the first time, a significant reduction in TK revertant frequency caused by the non-genotoxic carcinogen 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Chromatin immunoprecipitation and western blotting analyses revealed that TPA treatment led to a global decrease in H3K27Ac levels, likely driven by TPA-mediated inflammation. These results demonstrate the utility of the epi-genotoxicity assay as a valuable tool for evaluating dual-directional epigenetic changes triggered by chemical exposure.
Uncovering Immune Surveillance Deficiency in B Cell-Driven Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Shi Hui , Pan Haoyu , Wei Xiaohan , Qian Jinyi , Yu Shuyi , Fan Chenyu , He Shuangjun , Li Lei , Ding Zetao , Fan Yuying , Yang Zhixia , Tang Zihan , Jia Jinchao , Chi Huihui , Zhou Zhuochao , Wang Mengyan , Meng Jianfen , Sun Yue , Hu Qiongyi , Liu Honglei , Cheng Xiaobing , Ye Junna , Su Yutong , Teng Jialin , Chen Yi , Shi Yi , Liu Tingting , Wang Qiuyu , Yang Chengde 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) serves as a prototypical disease model for investigating immune tolerance breakdown in systemic autoimmunity of B cell. Single-cell RNA and V(D)J repertoire sequencing on paired bone marrow and peripheral blood from untreated primary APS patients enabled an integral “central-to-periphery” B cell blueprint at single-cell resolution, wherein we observed a substantial increase in B cell subsets across nearly all developmental stages. Notably, interferon pathway activation is detected throughout the B cell developmental trajectory, indicating that B cell dysregulation may originate as early as the progenitor stages. Meanwhile, APS patients exhibit sharply decreased abundance, upregulated expressions of inhibitory receptor (PD1 and LAG3), energy supply shortage and loss of mitochondria homeostasis in terminal effector T and NK cells, which collectively suggest an exhausted phenotype. This exhaustion likely impairs immune surveillance, facilitating the escape of autoreactive B cells through HLA-E-NKG2A interactions. Our research presents an in-depth immune cell atlas, and reveal early-stage interferon-driven B cell abnormalities and effector cell exhaustion as shared mechanisms in B cell-driven autoimmunity, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for immune tolerance restoration.
Use of liquid paraffin in Septoplasty
Authors: C Sathyaki D , Naidu Shwetha , A Nalina P , M Leela Tejaswini R 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
Nasal obstruction due to deviated nasal septum is a common problem encountered by otolaryngologists. Septoplasty is the surgical procedure which has been performed in the treatment of the same. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of post operative topical application of liquid paraffin and saline nasal douching.
Methods
This is a prospective, randomized study. Forty patients with symptomatic deviated nasal septum were included in the study, 20 of them were advised topical application of liquid paraffin and the rest were advised saline nasal douching.
Results
The difference in the functional outcome of both the irrigation was insignificant. There was a significant difference with respect to formation of crust and synechae. Liquid paraffin had better outcome.
Conclusion
Topical application of liquid paraffin resulted in prevention of crusting and synechae.
Chelating-agent-free incorporation of isolated Ni single-atoms within BEA Zeolite for enhanced biomass hydrogenation
Authors: Luo Wenhao , Liu Meng , Miao Caixia , Fo Yumeng , Wang Wenxuan , Ning Yao , Chu Sheng-Qi , Song Weiyu , Zhang Ying , Liu Jian , Wu Zhijie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Precisely tailoring metal single-atoms within zeolite scattfolds and understanding the origin of the unique behavior of such atomically dispersed catalysts are pivotal and challenge in chemistry and catalysis. Herein, we have successfully fabricated Ni single-atoms within BEA zeolite (Ni1@Beta) through a facile in situ two-step hydrothermal strategy, notably without using any chelating agent for stabilizing Ni species. With the aid of advanced characterization techniques, such as aberration-corrected high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (AC-HAADF-STEM), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), etc, and combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the nature and micro-environment of isolated Ni species, which are incorporated within 6-membered rings and stabilized by four skeletal oxygens of Beta zeolite, have been identified. The as-obtained Ni1@Beta exhibits a superior performance in terms of activity (with a turnover frequency (TOF) value up to 114.1 h-1) and stability (for 5 consecutive runs) in the selective hydrogenation of furfural, surpassing those of Ni nanoparticle analogues and previously reported Ni-based heterogeneous catalysts. This study provides an efficient strategy for the fabrication of non-noble metal single-atoms within zeolites, which could be of great help for the design of metal-zeolite combinations in the chemoselective reactions involved in biomass conversion and beyond.
Understanding undernutrition among pregnant women in rural Ethiopia: Double diamond model of human-centered approach
Authors: Chea Nana , Groen Paul , Mengesha Mathe , Astatkie Ayalew , Spigt Mark 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Undernutrition among pregnant women is a huge global public health problem affecting the health of the mothers and their (unborn) children. In Ethiopia, the problem persists at an excessively high level despite conventional interventions. This study employed a qualitative human-centered design for a better understanding of undernutrition among pregnant women in rural Ethiopia.
Methods
We conducted a phenomenological study in three districts of rural Ethiopia in 2022. Eighteen in-depth interviews and eight focus group discussions involving mothers and healthcare workers were conducted in two phases. Data were audio recorded, transcribed, translated, and thematic code analysis was supported by qualitative data analysis software, ATLAS.ti, version 7.0.92.
Result
Gender inequality, a decline in nutritional education at maternal health services and initiatives, and a resulting lack of nutritional knowledge, were identified as main causes of undernutrition among pregnant women in rural Ethiopia. The stakeholders engaged in the discussion emphasized that the most effective approach to address undernutrition among pregnant women involves closing the current gap in nutritional knowledge and practices among pregnant women, husbands, and mothers-in-law. They also proposed enhancing nutritional education provided during maternal healthcare services and initiatives like the couples forum. Moreover, they highlighted the importance of reducing gender inequalities to make a significant impact on this issue.
Conclusion
Mothers and healthcare workers identified key factors contributing to the persistently high prevalence of undernutrition among pregnant women. To address this issue, interventions should prioritize improving knowledge and addressing inequalities. Achieving this will require collaboration across multiple sectors and new initiatives like couples’ forums.
Automated Spray Deposition of Liquid Metal: Process Assessment Towards Scalability and Reliability for Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Krack Maximilian , Sangma Rathul Nengminza , Purnal Lennert , Sewlikar Parth Vinayakrao , Reenars Dieter , Sahraeeazartamar Fatemeh , Brancart Joost , Assche Guy Van , De Graeve Iris , Hauffman Tom , Daenen Michael , Terryn Seppe , Vanderborght Bram , Rai Monika , Deferme Wim 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Liquid metal stretchable electronics (LMSE) offer remarkable stretchability, softness, and self-healing properties, making them ideal for smart wearables and soft robotics. A key fabrication method involves spray deposition of LM into patterned structures. However, reliance on manual airbrush techniques has hindered understanding of how spray parameters impact LM deposition, limiting scalability and reliability. This work addresses these challenges by using an innovative automated spray coater (ASC), which provides precise control over deposition. For the first time, the ASC enables a systematic investigation of how spray parameters—such as flow rate, pressure, and spraying distance—affect LMSE properties like reliability, uniformity, and hysteresis. We find that rougher coatings improve yield (nearly 100\%), but compromise long-term reliability. Additionally, finer linewidth patterns (0.25 mm) fail earlier in cyclic testing and show reduced self-healing capabilities compared to wider lines ($>0.5 mm$). The ASC's capabilities are demonstrated through the fabrication of LMSE devices, including a 16-LED array and a large wearable strain sensor (70 × 150 mm) for human motion capture. This work provides crucial insights into LM deposition and highlights relevant applications, advancing the development of scalable and reliable stretchable electronics.
Identification of Prognostic Signature Genes and Immune Microenvironment Features Associated with Lymph Node Metastasis in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Sun Yifan , Ding Meng , Sun Jiyuan , Zhang Qing , Cao Wenming , Chen Wei , Wang Xinping , Diao Wenli , Guo Hongqian 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Lymph node (LN) metastasis is related to poor prognosis in bladder cancer (BLCA). To explore novel signature genes associated with LN metastasis in BLCA, we identified 17 signature genes with non-zero coefficients to construct the prognostic model, which demonstrated a prognostic accuracy with an area under the curve of 0.706 at 1 year, 0.701 at 3 years, and 0.688 at 5 years. EPN2, CYP4F12 and especially FKBP10, three of the above signature genes, exhibited significant upregulation in BLCA with LN metastasis, thereby contributing to the unfavorable survival of BLCA patients. Meanwhile, we validated that FKBP10 exerts a biological function in bladder cancer metastasis through cytological experiments. Moreover, by utilizing the CIBERSORT algorithm and immunofluorescence assay, we identified and validated a significant upregulation of M0 macrophages, alongside a downregulation of activated NK cells and CD8+ T cells, which were associated with the presence of LN metastasis in BLCA. Conclusively, These results will provide new insights for future improvements in diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis evaluation for BLCA patients with LN metastasis.
Optimal Harvesting of a Predator-Prey System with Additional Food for Predator in Fuzzy Environment
Authors: Sarkar Moulipriya , Sharma Swarnali , Sarkar Sudipta , Chakraborty Dipankar 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The consideration of a predator-prey system that follows the Rosenzweig-MacArthur model is done in this article. The logistic growth of the prey population is taken into account where the predator population is not present. For the prey population, the functional response of the predator is of Holling type-II. A stock of an additional food term is made available to the predator species. The stability of the equilibrium points are analyzed together with the positivity and existence of the solutions. A Lyapunov function that is befitting is established for the study of the global stability of the system. In real life, due to incomplete information, the parameters involved in the system are imprecise in nature. So, the discussion of optimal taxation policy under fuzzy environment is examined to make the model more realistic. We take into consideration a few hypothetical data sets and verify them numerically.
Association between low-dose aspirin and prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): The mediating role of systemic immune inflammation index
Authors: Dai Dandan , Shi Jiejun , Ding Chaochao , Ren Jianmin , Xu Hongbin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
COPD is a respiratory disease with significant inflammatory characteristics. Low-dose aspirin is widely used as an anti-inflammatory medicine. However, the impact of low-dose aspirin on COPD is unclear. This article aims to investigate the association between low-dose aspirin and the prevalence of COPD.
Methods
A cohort study was conducted based on United States population data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (2011–2012, 2013–2014, 2015–2016, 2017–2020, and 2021–2023). We examined pairwise associations between systemic immune inflammation index (SII), low-dose aspirin, and COPD prevalence by logistic regression analysis, the restricted cubic spline (RCS), and mediation analyses.
Results
In 5,668 people, 68% of them took low-dose aspirin. We found higher levels of SII in participants with COPD compared to those without COPD. Low-dose aspirin was significantly associated with COPD prevalence (β=-0.015, 95%CI=-0.026, -0.003, p < 0.001) and SII (β = 0.036, 95% CI = = 0.022, 0.050, p ≤ 0.001), even after considering a wide range of potential confounders (e.g., age, sex, race). SII was nonlinearly associated with COPD. SII mediated a marginal portion (PM, -0.039130; ACME = -0.000552, [95% CI = -0.001042, 0], p = 0.01) of the potential effects of low-dose aspirin on COPD prevalence.
Conclusions
Our research showed that SII, low-dose aspirin, and depression are pairwise correlated. Low-dose aspirin may decrease the risk of COPD, and Prophylactic use of low-dose aspirin may be advised in individuals at high risk of COPD.
The Risk Analysis of Cart Development Based on Dynamic Bayesian Networks
Authors: Liu Junjun , Yu Jingfei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

To address the issues of multiple uncertainties, complex structures, and unpredictability during the development of the trolley, this paper proposes a risk analysis method for trolley development based on dynamic Bayesian networks. First, based on extensive relevant literature and applying rough set reduction theory for optimization, a risk factor checklist with 5 primary indicators and 16 secondary indicators for the trolley development is constructed. Next, a dynamic Bayesian network model is established by introducing the time dimension. Fuzzy theory and expert scoring are used to quantify the probabilities of network nodes, and the Leaky Noisy-or Gate expansion model is applied to correct the conditional probabilities. Finally, the dynamic risk analysis of trolley development is performed using the bidirectional inference function of the dynamic Bayesian network. The time-series variation curve of the trolley development risk is obtained through case analysis. By reverse reasoning, the key risk factors for the occurrence of the trolley development risk are identified, and corresponding risk response strategies are proposed. The research results provide a new approach for analyzing and effectively controlling the risks associated with trolley development.
Development and validation of a prognostic nomogram for predicting overall survival in patients with large retroperitoneal liposarcoma: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Deng Huan , Lu Zhenhua , Wang Bingrui , wang Yajie , Xiao Lin , Pan Yisheng 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to show the clinicopathological characteristics of large retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RLS) and to developed a customized nomogram model for those patients.
Methods
A total of 1735 patients diagnosed with RLS were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Among them, 1113 patients with a maximum tumor diameter greater than 150 mm were included for further analysis. Nomogram models were developed based on lasso and multivariate cox regression analyses. The 166 patients collected from the same period at First Medical Center, Chinese People Liberation Army General Hospital (CPLAGH), were used for external validations. The model was further validated through multiple dimensions.
Results
Larger tumor size in RLS was associated with worse survival outcomes (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.53–0.81, P < 0.05). Lasso and Cox regression analyses consistently identified age, TNM stage, occurrence pattern, histology, and surgery as important prognostic factors for OS. The constructed model demonstrated robust predictive performance, with better time-ROC (Time-Dependent Receiver Operating Characteristic) for 1-year (83.1%), 3-year (83.8%), and 5-year (81.4%) survival in training cohort. The concordance index (C-index) was approximately 0.80 in both the training and validation cohorts, reflecting excellent discriminatory ability of the model. Survival risk stratification analysis revealed significant differences in survival outcomes between the groups (HR = 4.12 [3.31–5.12], P < 0.001 in training cohort). Decision curve analysis (DCA) confirmed that the nomogram provided greater net benefits across a range of threshold probabilities.
Conclusion
This study identified important prognostic factors for survival in patients with large RLS and developed a reliable nomogram for predicting OS. The model’s strong predictive performance supports its use in personalized treatment strategies, improving prognosis assessment and clinical decision-making for these patients.
IRMA: Machine learning-based harmonization of 18F-FDG PET brain scans in multi-center studies
Authors: Lövdal Sofie , Veen Rick van , Carli Giulia , Renken Remco , Shiner Tamara , Bregman Noa , Orad Rotem , Arnaldi Dario , Orso Beatrice , Morbelli Silvia , Mattioli Pietro , Leenders Klaus , Dierckx Rudi , Meles Sanne , Biehl Michael 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose: Center-specific effects in PET brain scans arise due to differences in technical and procedural aspects. This restricts the merging of data between centers and introduces source-specific bias. Methods: We demonstrate the use of the recently proposed machine learning method Iterated Relevance Matrix Analysis (IRMA) for harmonization of center-specific effects in brain 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET scans. The center difference is learned by applying IRMA on PCA-based feature vectors of healthy controls (HC), resulting in a subspace V, representing information not comparable between centers, and the remaining subspace U, where no center differences are present. In this proof-of-concept study, we demonstrate the properties of the method using data from four centers. After center-harmonization, a Generalized Matrix Learning Vector Quantization (GMLVQ) model was trained to discriminate between Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. Results: At the initial IRMA iteration, the system was able to determine the center origin of the four HC cohorts almost perfectly. The method required six iterations, corresponding to a six-dimensional subspace V, to determine the entire center difference. An uncorrected disease classification model was highly biased to center-specific effects, creating a falsely inflated performance when applying internal (cross-) validation. The cross-validation performance of the center-harmonized model remained high, while it generalized significantly better to unseen test cohorts. Furthermore, the framework is highly transparent, providing analytic reconstructions of the correction and visualizations of the data in voxel space. Conclusion: IRMA can be used to learn and disregard center-specific information in features extracted from brain 18F-FDG PET scans, while retaining disease-specific information.
Discussion Paper
Authors: Ahmed Tanvir , Arora Sudipti , Bhavsar Dhruv , Carden Kirsty , Bharmal Arwa , Dwivedi Aditi , Jahan Hasin , Kaupp Rémi , Mansuri Aasim , Medlicott Kate , Mumba Natasha , Narayan Abishek , Pireh Hezekiah , Ronoh Patrick , Willetts Juliet , Yadav Upasana 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The purpose of this discussion paper is to build momentum and to move from ideas to action on climate-resilient sanitation. The paper draws on discussions held at the IWA Development Congress Kigali Workshop on Climate Resilience and Urban Sanitation (December 2023) and the Global South Academic Conclave on Climate and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and climate linkages held at CEPT University (February 2024). Building on current strategies and ensuring avoidance of maladaptation, the paper lays out short- and long-term priorities and concludes with six key messages pertaining to inclusion, mainstreaming, co-benefits, financing, research and innovation, and considering sanitation chains within urban water cycles.