bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Less is more: a methodological assessment of extraction techniques for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) analysis in mammalian tissues
Authors: Mertens Helena , Noll Benedikt , Schwerdtle Tanja , Abraham Klaus , Monien Bernhard H. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants. Studying the bioaccumulation in mammalian tissues requires a considerable effort for the PFAS extraction from complex biological matrices. The aim of the current work was to select and optimize the most efficient among common extraction strategies for eleven perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA). Primary extractions from wild boar tissues (liver, kidney, and lung) were performed with methanol at neutral, acidic, or alkaline conditions, or with methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) after ion-pairing with tetrabutylammonium (TBA) ions. A second purification step was chosen after comparing different solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges (Oasis WAX, ENVI-Carb, HybridSPE Phospholipid) and various combinations thereof or dispersive SPE with C18 and ENVI-Carb material. The best extraction efficiencies of the liquid PFAA extraction from tissue homogenates were achieved with methanol alone (recoveries from liver 86.6–114.4%). Further purification of the methanolic extracts using dispersive SPE or Oasis WAX columns decreased recoveries of most PFAA, whereas using pairs of two SPE columns connected in series proved to be more efficient albeit laborious. Highest recoveries for ten out of eleven PFAA were achieved using ENVI-Carb columns (80.3–110.6%). In summary, the simplest extraction methods using methanol and ENVI-Carb columns were also the most efficient. The technique was validated and applied in a proof of principle analysis in human tissue samples.
Graphical Abstract
Erbliche Netzhautdystrophien in Deutschland – Versorgungsstrukturelle und diagnostische Herausforderungen
Authors: Bolz Hanno J. , Kochs Constanze L. , Holz Frank G. , Bucher Franziska , Herrmann Philipp 
Published: August 2023

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Hereditäre Netzhautdystrophien („inherited retinal diseases“ [IRD]) zählen zu den seltenen Augenerkrankungen und stellen hohe Herausforderungen an die Diagnostik dar. Eine lückenhafte Versorgungsstruktur mit wenigen hoch spezialisierten Zentren in Deutschland, Fehldiagnosen aufgrund fehlender molekulargenetischer Abklärung sowie ein fehlendes Zentralregister zur Erfassung von IRDs führen dazu, dass verlässliche Aussagen zu Prävalenz und Verteilung von IRDs in Deutschland fehlen.

Methoden
Anhand von Stichprobendaten eines ophthalmologischen und eines molekulargenetischen Schwerpunktzentrums sowie anonymisierter Krankenkassendaten der InGef-Forschungsdatenbank wurde neben der Erfassung von Informationen zur phäno- und genotypischen Verteilung der IRD deren Prävalenz in Deutschland abgeschätzt.

Ergebnisse
Das mediane Einzugsgebiet des ophthalmologischen Schwerpunktzentrums betrug 60 km. Die häufigsten Diagnosen waren Retinitis pigmentosa, Makuladystrophie und allgemein Netzhautdystrophie. Bei 87 % der Patienten mit klinischem Verdacht auf IRD erfolgte eine molekulargenetische Testung, wobei deutliche Unterschiede der Häufigkeiten in den Alterskohorten beobachtet wurden. Die molekulargenetische Aufklärungsrate der Stichprobe betrug 51 %. Die mittels der InGef-Forschungsdatenbank bestimmte Prävalenz hereditärer Netzhautdystrophien für Deutschland lag bei ca. 1:1150.

Schlussfolgerung
Eine adäquate Versorgung mit der insbesondere von jüngeren Patienten gewünschten molekulardiagnostischen Abklärung erfordert für viele Patienten lange Anfahrtswege. Verlässlichere Zahlen zur deutschlandweiten Prävalenz setzen eine routinemäßige molekulargenetische Abklärung und ein nationales Register zur IRD-Erfassung voraus.
Identifying subgroups with differential response to CBASP versus Escitalopram during the first eight weeks of treatment in outpatients with persistent depressive disorder
Authors: Serbanescu Ilinca , Schramm Elisabeth , Walter Henrik , Schnell Knut , Zobel Ingo , Drost Sarah , Fangmeier Thomas , Normann Claus , Schoepf Dieter 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThere exists little empirical evidence helping clinicians to select the most effective treatment for individual patients with persistent depressive disorder (PDD). This study identifies and characterizes subgroups of patients with PDD who are likely to benefit more from an acute treatment with psychotherapy than from pharmacotherapy and vice versa. Non-medicated outpatients with PDD were randomized to eight weeks of acute treatment with the Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP; n = 29) or escitalopram plus clinical management (ESC/CM; n = 31). We combined several baseline variables to one composite moderator and identified two subgroups of patients: for 56.0%, ESC/CM was associated with a greater reduction in depression severity than CBASP, for the remaining 44.0%, it was the other way around. Patients likely to benefit more from ESC/CM were more often female, had higher rates of moderate-to-severe childhood trauma, more adverse life events and more previous suicide attempts. Patients likely to benefit more from CBASP were older, had more often an early illness onset and more previous treatments with antidepressants. Symptomatic response, remission, and reductions in symptom severity occurred more often in those patients treated with their likely more effective treatment condition. The findings suggest that the baseline phenotype of patients with PDD moderates their benefit from acute treatment with CBASP relative to ESC/CM. Once confirmed in an independent sample, these results could serve to guide the choice between primarily psychotherapeutic or pharmacological treatments for outpatients with PDD.
The homeless, seizures, and epilepsy: a review
Authors: Pontes Silva Rita , Gama Marques João 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis review aims to estimate the prevalence of seizures and epilepsy among homeless people in current literature as well as understand the main adversities that this group withstands. We conducted a search for “epilep*”, “seizur*”, and “homeles*” in titles and abstracts of articles in PubMed. Overall, 25 articles met the final inclusion criteria and warranted analyses. This study suggests that the prevalence of epilepsy in the homeless population is between 2 and 30%, whereas the prevalence of homelessness in people with epilepsy is between 2 and 4%. Every study included in this review corroborates the increased prevalence of seizures and epilepsy among the homeless, which puts them at risk for worse outcomes related to this condition and numerous associated comorbidities. Further evidence is needed to clarify the distinction of primary and secondary seizures in this group, which shows a high rate of confounding factors for seizures like substance abuse or withdrawal and head injury, and to decrease the burden of epilepsy and homelessness in an already resource-deficient community.
Rare PMP22 variants in mild to severe neuropathy uncorrelated to plasma GDF15 or neurofilament light
Authors: Palu Edouard , Järvilehto Julius , Pennonen Jana , Huber Nadine , Herukka Sanna-Kaisa , Haapasalo Annakaisa , Isohanni Pirjo , Tyynismaa Henna , Auranen Mari , Ylikallio Emil 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCharcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a heterogeneous set of hereditary neuropathies whose genetic causes are not fully understood. Here, we characterize three previously unknown variants in PMP22 and assess their effect on the recently described potential CMT biomarkers’ growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) and neurofilament light (NFL): first, a heterozygous PMP22 c.178G > A (p.Glu60Lys) in one mother-son pair with adult-onset mild axonal neuropathy. The variant led to abnormal splicing, confirmed in fibroblasts by reverse transcription PCR. Second, a de novo PMP22 c.35A > C (p.His12Pro), and third, a heterozygous 3.2 kb deletion predicting loss of exon 4. The latter two had severe CMT and ultrasonography showing strong nerve enlargement similar to a previous case of exon 4 loss due to a larger deletion. We further studied patients with PMP22 duplication (CMT1A) finding slightly elevated plasma NFL, as measured by the single molecule array immunoassay (SIMOA). In addition, plasma GDF15, as measured by ELISA, correlated with symptom severity for CMT1A. However, in the severely affected individuals with PMP22 exon 4 deletion or p.His12Pro, these biomarkers were within the range of variability of CMT1A and controls, although they had more pronounced nerve hypertrophy. This study adds p.His12Pro and confirms PMP22 exon 4 deletion as causes of severe CMT, whereas the previously unknown splice variant p.Glu60Lys leads to mild axonal neuropathy. Our results suggest that GDF15 and NFL do not distinguish CMT1A from advanced hypertrophic neuropathy caused by rare PMP22 variants.
Association between 1-year changes in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and kidney disease progression in Japanese individuals with diabetes: a historical cohort study
Authors: Babazono Tetsuya , Hanai Ko , Yokoyama Yoichi , Uchiyama Kazuhisa 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
The National Kidney Foundation recently proposed a ≥ 30% decrease in urinary albumin–to–creatinine ratio (UACR) over 0.5–2 years as a surrogate endpoint for chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression in individuals with baseline UACR > 30 mg/g. This historical cohort study aimed to determine the applicability of a decrease in UACR, within as little as 1 year, as a surrogate endpoint for Japanese individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D).

Methods
A total of 5067 individuals with T2D were divided into three groups based on 1-year change in UACR: ≥ 30% decrease (UACR decreased group), < 30% decrease and < 30% increase (UACR unchanged group), or ≥ 30% increase (UACR increased group). The primary endpoint was a composite of a ≥ 30% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or the initiation of kidney replacement therapy, whichever occurred first.

Results
At baseline, the proportions of individuals with normoalbuminuria, microalbuminuria, and eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were 68.1%, 22.1%, and 75.5%, respectively. During a median follow-up of 6.8 years, 926 individuals (18.3%) reached the composite endpoint. Adjusted hazard ratios (vs. the UACR unchanged group) for the UACR decreased and increased groups were 0.758 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.636–0.905; P = 0.002) and 1.304 (95% CI, 1.108–1.536; P = 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions
These findings support the use of 1-year changes in UACR as a surrogate endpoint for the progression of CKD and the implementation of a ≥ 30% decrease in UACR as a positive efficacy endpoint in Japanese individuals with T2D and early-stage kidney disease.
HMPT: a human–machine cooperative program translation method
Authors: Zhang Xin , Yu Zhiwen , Liu Jiaqi , Wang Hui , Wang Liang , Guo Bin 
Published: August 2023

AbstractProgram translation aims to translate one kind of programming language to another, e.g., from Python to Java. Due to the inefficiency of translation rules construction with pure human effort (software engineer) and the low quality of machine translation results with pure machine effort, it is suggested to implement program translation in a human–machine cooperative way. However, existing human–machine program translation methods fail to utilize the human’s ability effectively, which require human to post-edit the results (i.e., statically modified directly on the model generated code). To solve this problem, we propose HMPT (Human-Machine Program Translation), a novel method that achieves program translation based on human–machine cooperation. It can (1) reduce the human effort by introducing a prefix-based interactive protocol that feeds the human’s edit into the model as the prefix and regenerates better output code, and (2) reduce the interactive response time resulted by excessive program length in the regeneration process from two aspects: avoiding duplicate prefix generation with cache attention information, as well as reducing invalid suffix generation by splicing the suffix of the results. The experiments are conducted on two real datasets. Results show compared to the baselines, our method reduces the human effort up to 73.5% at the token level and reduces the response time up to 76.1%.
Imaging modality-dependent carotid stenosis severity variations against intravascular ultrasound as a reference: Carotid Artery intravasculaR Ultrasound Study (CARUS)
Authors: Tekieli Lukasz , Kablak-Ziembicka Anna , Dabrowski Wladyslaw , Dzierwa Karolina , Moczulski Zbigniew , Urbanczyk-Zawadzka Malgorzata , Mazurek Adam , Stefaniak Justyna , Paluszek Piotr , Krupinski Maciej , Przewlocki Tadeusz , Pieniazek Piotr , Musialek Piotr 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Different non-invasive and invasive imaging modalities are used to determine carotid artery stenosis severity that remains a principal parameter in clinical decision-making. We compared stenosis degree obtained with different modalities against vascular imaging gold standard, intravascular ultrasound, IVUS.

Methods
300 consecutive patients (age 47–83 years, 192 men, 64% asymptomatic) with carotid artery stenosis of “ ≥ 50%” referred for potential revascularization received as per study protocol (i) duplex ultrasound (DUS), (ii) computed tomography angiography (CTA), (iii) intraarterial quantitative angiography (iQA) and (iv) and (iv) IVUS. Correlation of measurements with IVUS (r), proportion of those concordant (within 10%) and proportion of under/overestimated were calculated along with recipient-operating-characteristics (ROC).

Results
For IVUS area stenosis (AS) and IVUS minimal lumen area (MLA), there was only a moderate correlation with DUS velocities (peak-systolic, PSV; end-diastolic, EDV; r values of 0.42–0.51, p < 0.001 for all). CTA systematically underestimated both reference area and MLA (80.4% and 92.3% cases) but CTA error was lesser for AS (proportion concordant-57.4%; CTA under/overestimation-12.5%/30.1%). iQA diameter stenosis (DS) was found concordant with IVUS in 41.1% measurements (iQA under/overestimation 7.9%/51.0%). By univariate model, PSV (ROC area-under-the-curve, AUC, 0.77, cutoff 2.6 m/s), EDV (AUC 0.72, cutoff 0.71 m/s) and CTA-DS (AUC 0.83, cutoff 59.6%) were predictors of ≥ 50% DS by IVUS (p < 0.001 for all). Best predictor, however, of ≥ 50% DS by IVUS was stenosis severity evaluation by automated contrast column density measurement on iQA (AUC 0.87, cutoff 68%, p < 0.001). Regarding non-invasive techniques, CTA was the only independent diagnostic modality against IVUS on multivariate model (p = 0.008).

Conclusion
IVUS validation shows significant imaging modality-dependent variations in carotid stenosis severity determination.
TenGAN: adversarially generating multiplex tensor graphs
Authors: Shiao William , Miller Benjamin A. , Chan Kevin , Yu Paul , Eliassi-Rad Tina , Papalexakis Evangelos E. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this work, we explore multiplex graph (networks with different types of edges) generation with deep generative models. We discuss some of the challenges associated with multiplex graph generation that make it a more difficult problem than traditional graph generation. We propose TenGAN, the first neural network for multiplex graph generation, which greatly reduces the number of parameters required for multiplex graph generation. We also propose 3 different criteria for evaluating the quality of generated graphs: a graph-attribute-based, a classifier-based, and a tensor-based method. We evaluate its performance on 4 datasets and show that it generally performs better than other existing statistical multiplex graph generative models. We also adapt HGEN, an existing deep generative model for heterogeneous information networks, to work for multiplex graphs and show that our method generally performs better.
Early on-treatment C-reactive protein and its kinetics predict survival and response in recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck cancer patients receiving first-line pembrolizumab
Authors: Haas Markus , Lein Alexander , Fuereder Thorsten , Schnoell Julia , Brkic Faris F. , Liu David T. , Kadletz-Wanke Lorenz , Heiduschka Gregor , Jank Bernhard J. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPurpose: First-line immune checkpoint blockade has improved the prognosis of recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC), but response rates remain low. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic value of CRP and its early kinetics to predict response and survival in R/M HNSCC. Methods: A total of 87 patients who received first-line pembrolizumab for R/M HNSCC were analyzed. Three-fold cross-validation was used to estimate cut-off points of CRP at baseline and on-treatment (day 40 ± 10). Treatment response and survival were analyzed according to early CRP kinetics. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was used as a benchmark for the prognostic performance of CRP. Results: On-treatment CRP below 2 mg/dl, 4x the upper limit of normal (ULN), was associated with increased overall survival (OS), while on-treatment CRP below 3 mg/dl (6x ULN) was correlated with a higher disease control rate (DCR) and increased progression-free survival (PFS). CRP flare-responders and CRP responders showed a higher DCR and longer PFS than CRP non-responders. An NLR above 6 was a negative prognosticator for progression. In multivariable analysis, on-treatment CRP prevailed as the only significant prognosticator for OS (HR: 4.97, CI95%: 2.18–11.32, p < 0.001) and PFS (HR: 2.07, CI95%: 1.07–3.99, p = 0.030). Conclusion: On-treatment CRP was identified as a prognostic biomarker for objective response and survival in R/M HNSCC patients receiving first-line pembrolizumab and could be easily incorporated into clinical practice as a widely available and cost-effective biomarker.
Synthesis of a Multiband Microstrip Patch Antenna for 5G Wireless Communications
Authors: El-Hakim Hesham , Mohamed Hesham A. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis paper presents a multiband microstrip patch antenna for future 5G Millimeter Wave (mm-wave) wireless technologies. The synthesized antenna is designed to be based on the genetic algorithm (GA) optimization tool in the high frequency simulation software (HFSS). The optimized dimensions of the engineered antenna are 24 × 24 × 0.203 mm3, comprising of a ground plane. The antenna design simulated results have been implemented via (HFSS) and microwave studio (CST) tools. The proposed antenna structure is engineered using Rogers RT-Duroid 4003 substrate as a dielectric medium. The Conformist rectangular and circular patches are modified to get multiband operation in the mm-wave band 25–32 besides 40–60 GHz frequency ranges. The input reflection coefficient ($${\mathrm{S}}_{11}$$

S
11

) simulation results were compared with the measurements to check the validity of the design. The fabricated antenna radiation efficiency and gain values are also measured over the desired bandwidths. The measured gain and radiation efficiency values reached up to 9.75 dBi, 0.85%, and 10.75 dBi, 0.84%, for both bandwidths, respectively.
Ibuprofen, other NSAIDs and COVID-19: a narrative review
Authors: Laughey William , Lodhi Imran , Pennick Graham , Smart Lucinda , Sanni Olutoba , Sandhu Suneet , Charlesworth Bruce 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAt the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (March 2020), there was speculation that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, used to manage some of the symptoms of COVID-19, could increase the susceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and negatively impact clinical outcomes. In the absence of any robust mechanistic and clinical evidence, this speculation led to confusion about the safety of ibuprofen, contributing to the so-called ‘infodemic’ surrounding COVID-19. A wealth of evidence has been generated in subsequent years, and this narrative review aims to consider the body of in vitro and in vivo research, observational studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the use of NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, in COVID-19. Overall, the direction of evidence supports that NSAIDs do not increase susceptibility to infection, nor worsen disease outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Neither do they impact the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines. There is no basis to limit the use of NSAIDs, and doing so may deprive patients of effective self-care measures to control symptoms.
Toll-like receptor 4 promotes the inflammatory response in septic acute kidney injury by promoting p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation
Authors: Yue Linlin , Liu Xin , Wu Chaoyu , Lai Jiying , Wang Jie , Zhong Huifeng , Chen Feng 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSeptic acute kidney injury (AKI) contributes to the mortality and morbidity of sepsis patients. Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) has prominent roles in septic AKI. This study investigated the functions of TLR4 in septic AKI. A septic AKI mouse model was established by cecal ligation and puncture surgery. Mouse kidney function and kidney tissue lesion were examined using corresponding kits and H&E staining. The in vitro cell model of septic AKI was established by lipopolysaccharide induction. Cell viability, inflammatory factor (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4, IL-1β, IL-18) levels, pyroptotic cell number changes, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, myeloperoxidase (MOP) concentration, and levels of pyroptosis-associated protein and MyD88, TRIF and p38 MAPK phosphorylation were determined by MTT, ELISA, FAM-FLICA Caspase-1 Detection kit, other corresponding kits, and Western blot. TLR4 was highly expressed in septic AKI mouse kidney tissues and human septic AKI cells. TLR4 knockdown alleviated kidney injury, increased cell viability, and reduced LDH activity and MPO concentration. TLR4 knockdown reduced cell pyroptosis by repressing p38 MAPK phosphorylation through MyD88/TRIF, suppressed pro-inflammatory factor (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4, IL-1β, IL-18) levels, promoted anti-inflammatory factor (IL-4) level, and reduced inflammatory response, thus playing a protective role in septic AKI. Briefly, TLR4 promoted the inflammatory response in septic AKI by promoting p38 MAPK phosphorylation through MyD88/TRIF.
Anomaly detection analysis based on correlation of features in graph neural network
Authors: Ko Hoon , Praca Isabel , Choi Seong Gon 
Published: August 2023

AbstractVarious studies have been conducted to detect network anomalies. However, because anomaly signals are determined by the pattern characteristics using the dataset, the real-time detection problem continues. Even if there is a signal with an attack sign among the constantly transmitted and received signals, the attack cannot be blocked in advance. Moreover, it appears in many places in a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, so the real-time defense must be the best option. Therefore, it is necessary first to discover the characteristics and elements regarded as abnormal signals to discover anomalies in real time. Finally, by analyzing the correlation between network data and features, extracting the elements of the anomaly, and analyzing the behavior of the extracted elements in detail, we aim to increase the accuracy of the anomaly. In this study, we used Coburg intrusion detection and KDDCup datasets and analyzed the correlation of elements in the dataset using a graph neural network. The calculated accuracy values of the anomaly detection were 94.5% and 98.85%.