bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A matched case-control study in Taiwan to evaluate potential risk factors for prostate cancer
Authors: Chang Heng-Jui , Pong Yuan-Hung , Chiang Chen-Yen , Huang Po-Chien , Wang Ming-Hua , Chan Yu-Jiun , Lan Tzuo-Yun 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe rising incidence rate of prostate cancer (PCa) worldwide has become a public health concern. PCa has a multifactorial etiology, and the link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and PCa has been widely investigated by numerous case–control studies. This age-matched, case–control study included 143 PCa patients and 135 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients, with prostatic specimens testing negative for malignancy, as control. Study participants were recruited from four major hospitals in Taoyuan City, Taiwan, period 2018–2020, looking into HPV infection and other PCa risk factors, including dietary habits, family history, personal lifestyle, and sexual behavior. Multiple logistic regression analysis and forward stepwise selection analysis were conducted to identify potential risk factors for PCa. HPV DNA was found in 10 of the 143 PCa cases (7%) and 2 of the 135 BPH controls (1.5%) (OR = 6.02, 95% CI = 1.03–30.3, p = 0.046). This association was slightly significant, and furthermore, high risk HPV was not found to be associated with PCa. Higher body mass index (BMI) (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.05–1.27, p = 0.003), more total meat consumption (OR = 2.74, 95% CI = 1.26–5.94, p = 0.011), exhibited association to PCa. However, PCa family history only presented a statistically significant difference by forward stepwise analysis (OR = 3.91, 95% CI = 1.17–13.12, p = 0.027). While much focus has been on the association between HPV and PCa, the results of this study indicate that more efforts should be directed towards investigating dietary habits, personal lifestyle and family history as factors for PCa. These results could serve as a basis for designing PCa prevention strategies.
Probiotic disruption of quorum sensing reduces virulence and increases cefoxitin sensitivity in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Cella Monica Angela , Coulson Thomas , MacEachern Samantha , Badr Sara , Ahmadi Ali , Tabatabaei Mahdis Sadat , Labbe Alain , Griffiths Mansel William 
Published: March 2023

AbstractTherapies which target quorum sensing (QS) systems that regulate virulence in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are a promising alternative to antibiotics. QS systems play a crucial in the regulation of MRSA antibiotic resistance, exotoxin production, antioxidant protection and immune cell evasion, and are therefore attractive therapeutic targets to reduce the virulence of a pathogen. In the present work the the effects of bioactive peptides isolated from two strains of lactic acid bacteria were tested against antibiotic resistance, carotenoid production, resistance to oxidative killing and biofilm structure in two clinical MRSA isolates. The results obtained from fractional-inhibitory concentration assays with bulk and semi-purified bioactive molecules showed a significant synergistic effect increasing cefoxitin mediated killing of MRSA. This was coupled to a six-fold decrease of the major membrane pigment staphyloxanthin, and a 99% increase in susceptibility to oxidative stress mediated killing. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis of the QS-genes agrA and luxS, showed differential expression between MRSA strains, and a significant downregulation of the hemolysin gene hla. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed alteration in biofilm formation and clustering behavior. These results demonstrate that bioactive metabolites may be effectively applied in tandem with beta-lactam antibiotics to sensitize MRSA to cefoxitin. Moreover, these results shown that several key QS-controlled virulence mechanisms are diminished by probiotic metabolites.
Dexmedetomidine improves acute lung injury by activating autophagy in a rat hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation model
Authors: Lu Yifu , Shimizu Hiroko , Nakamura Ryu , Li Yaqiang , Sakamoto Risa , Omori Emiko , Takahashi Toru , Morimatsu Hiroshi 
Published: March 2023

AbstractDexmedetomidine (DEX) can reduce lung injury in a hemorrhagic shock (HS) resuscitation (HSR) model in rats by inhibiting inflammation. Here, we aimed to investigate if these effects of DEX are due to autophagy activation. Therefore, we established HSR rat models and divided them into four groups. HS was induced using a blood draw. The rats were then resuscitated by reinjecting the drawn blood and saline. The rats were sacrificed 24 h after resuscitation. Lung tissues were harvested for histopathological examination, determination of wet/dry lung weight ratio, and detection of the levels of autophagy-related marker proteins LC3, P62, Beclin-1, and the ATG12-ATG5 conjugate. The morphological findings of hematoxylin and eosin staining in lung tissues and the pulmonary wet/dry weight ratio showed that lung injury improved in HSR + DEX rats. However, chloroquine (CQ), an autophagy inhibitor, abolished this effect. Detecting the concentration of autophagy-related proteins showed that DEX administration increased LC3, ATG12-ATG5, and Beclin-1 expression and decreased P62 expression. The expression levels of these proteins were similar to those in the HSR group after CQ + DEX administration. In summary, DEX induced autophagic activation in an HSR model. These findings suggest that DEX administration partially ameliorates HSR-induced lung injury via autophagic activation.
Platelet to lymphocyte ratio is a risk factor for failure of non-operative treatment of colonic diverticulitis
Authors: Kim Jong Ho , Han Sang Hyup , Lee Jin-Won , Kim Haesung , Han Jeonghee 
Published: March 2023

AbstractNon-operative treatment is the mainstay of colonic diverticulitis, but some patients require surgery due to non-operative treatment failure. This study aims to identify risk factors for the failure of non-operative treatment of colonic diverticulitis. From January 2011 to December 2020, we retrospectively reviewed 2362 patients with non-operative treatment for first-attack acute diverticulitis. Patients were categorized into non-operative treatment success or failure groups. Clinical characteristics and serum inflammatory markers were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression to determine risk factors for non-operative treatment failure of colonic diverticulitis. Overall, 2.2% (n = 50) of patients underwent delayed surgery within 30 days (median 4.0 [3.0; 8.0]) due to non-operative treatment failure. Multivariable logistic regression identified that platelet to lymphocyte ratio (odds ratio [OR], 4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05–0.13; p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 0.01–0.09; p = 0.025), left-sided colonic diverticulitis (OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 0.04–0.13; p < 0.001), and modified Hinchey classification (OR, 6.2; 95% CI, 0.09–0.17; p < 0.001) were risk factors for non-operative treatment failure. Platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is a potential risk factor for the non-operative treatment failure of acute first-attack colonic diverticulitis. Therefore, patients with higher PLR during non-operative treatment should be monitored with special caution.
Evaluation of the main regulators of systemic iron homeostasis in pyruvate kinase deficiency
Authors: Zaninoni Anna , Marra Roberta , Fermo Elisa , Consonni Dario , Andolfo Immacolata , Marcello Anna Paola , Rosato Barbara Eleni , Vercellati Cristina , Barcellini Wilma , Iolascon Achille , Bianchi Paola , Russo Roberta 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIron homeostasis and dyserythropoiesis are poorly investigated in pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD), the most common glycolytic defect of erythrocytes. Herein, we studied the main regulators of iron balance and erythropoiesis, as soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), hepcidin, erythroferrone (ERFE), and erythropoietin (EPO), in a cohort of 41 PKD patients, compared with 42 affected by congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type II (CDAII) and 50 with hereditary spherocytosis (HS). PKD patients showed intermediate values of hepcidin and ERFE between CDAII and HS, and clear negative correlations between log-transformed hepcidin and log-EPO (Person’s r correlation coefficient =  − 0.34), log-hepcidin and log-ERFE (r =  − 0.47), and log-hepcidin and sTfR (r =  − 0.44). sTfR was significantly higher in PKD; EPO levels were similar in PKD and CDAII, both higher than in HS. Finally, genotype–phenotype correlation in PKD showed that more severe patients, carrying non-missense/non-missense genotypes, had lower hepcidin and increased ERFE, EPO, and sTFR compared with the others (missense/missense and missense/non-missense), suggesting a higher rate of ineffective erythropoiesis. We herein investigated the main regulators of systemic iron homeostasis in the largest cohort of PKD patients described so far, opening new perspectives on the molecular basis and therapeutic approaches of this disease.
Groundwater quality assessment for drinking purposes: a case study in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Giao Nguyen Thanh , Nhien Huynh Thi Hong , Anh Phan Kim , Thuptimdang Pumis 
Published: March 2023

AbstractGroundwater serves as an important resource for people in the Mekong Delta, but its quality has been continuously declined from human activities. Current status of the groundwater quality needs to be evaluated for sustainable groundwater resource management. This study aimed to evaluate the groundwater quality for drinking purposes in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, using multivariate statistical methods and integrated-weight water quality index. Data comprised 8 water quality parameters (pH, total hardness, nitrate (NO3−), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and coliforms) obtained from 64 observation wells in An Giang province, Dong Thap province, and Can Tho city, were analyzed by cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA), and integrated-weight water quality index (IWQI). The results indicated that most parameters were within standards while excessive hardness and Fe contamination were found in some regions. More than 80% of samples were detected with serious coliform contamination. The CA results revealed that groundwater quality heavily depend on geological locations with 4 clusters of the sampling locations. Three principal components obtained from PCA could explain 77.2% of the groundwater quality variation. The IWQI values ranging from 4 to 2761 classified groundwater quality as excellent (53.1%), good (25%), poor (9.4%), very poor (4.7%), and undrinkable (7.8%), which were associated with coliform contamination. These findings have provided insights into the groundwater quality status in the region, which can benefit in developing a water protection strategy.
Nanopore sensors for single molecular protein detection: Research progress based on computer simulations
Authors: Hu Gang , Yan Han , Xi Guohao , Gao Zhuwei , Wu Ziqing , Lu Zuhong , Tu Jing 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAs biological macromolecules, proteins are involved in important cellular functions ranging from DNA replication and biosynthesis to metabolic signalling and environmental sensing. Protein sequencing can help understand the relationship between protein function and structure, and provide key information for disease diagnosis and new drug design. Nanopore sensors are a novel technology to achieve the goal of label‐free and high‐throughput protein sequencing. In recent years, nanopore‐based biosensors have been widely used in the detection and analysis of biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins. At the same time, computer simulations can describe the transport of proteins through nanopores at the atomic level. This paper reviews the applications of nanopore sensors in protein sequencing over the past decade and the solutions to key problems from a computer simulation perspective, with the aim of pointing the way to the future of nanopore protein sequencing.
JWST MIRI/MRS in-flight absolute flux calibration and tailored fringe correction for unresolved sources
Authors: Gasman Danny , Argyriou Ioannis , Sloan G. C. , Aringer Bernhard , Álvarez-Márquez Javier , Fox Ori , Glasse Alistair , Glauser Adrian , Jones Olivia C. , Justtanont Kay , Kavanagh Patrick J. , Klaassen Pamela , Labiano Alvaro , Larson Kirsten , Law David R. , Mueller Michael , Nayak Omnarayani , Noriega-Crespo Alberto , Patapis Polychronis , Royer Pierre , Vandenbussche Bart 
Published: March 2023

Context. The Medium Resolution Spectrometer (MRS) is one of the four observing modes of JWST/MIRI. Using JWST in-flight data of unresolved (point) sources, we can derive the MRS absolute spectral response function (ASRF) starting from raw data. Spectral fringing, caused by coherent reflections inside the detector arrays, plays a critical role in the derivation and interpretation of the MRS ASRF. The fringe corrections implemented in the current pipeline are not optimal for non-extended sources, and a high density of molecular features particularly inhibits an accurate correction.
Aims. In this paper, we present an alternative way to calibrate the MIRI/MRS data. Firstly, we derive a fringe correction that accounts for the dependence of the fringe properties on the MIRI/MRS pupil illumination and detector pixel sampling of the point spread function. Secondly, we derive the MRS ASRF using an absolute flux calibrator observed across the full 5–28 µm wavelength range of the MRS. Thirdly, we apply the new ASRF to the spectrum of a G dwarf and compare it with the output of the JWST/MIRI default data reduction pipeline. Finally, we examine the impact of the different fringe corrections on the detectability of molecular features in the G dwarf and K giant.
Methods. The absolute flux calibrator HD 163466 (A-star) was used to derive tailored point source fringe flats at each of the default dither locations of the MRS. The fringe-corrected point source integrated spectrum of HD 163466 was used to derive the MRS ASRF using a theoretical model for the stellar continuum. A cross-correlation was run to quantify the uncertainty on the detection of CO, SiO, and OH in the K giant and CO in the G dwarf for different fringe corrections.
Results. The point-source-tailored fringe correction and ASRF are found to perform at the same level as the current corrections, beating down the fringe contrast to the sub-percent level in the G dwarf in the longer wavelengths, whilst mitigating the alteration of real molecular features. The same tailored solutions can be applied to other MRS unresolved targets. Target acquisition is required to ensure the pointing is accurate enough to apply this method. A pointing repeatability issue in the MRS limits the effectiveness of the tailored fringe flats is at short wavelengths. Finally, resulting spectra require no scaling to make the sub-bands match, and a dichroic spectral leak at 12.2 µm is removed.
HelioCast: heliospheric forecasting based on white-light observations of the solar corona
Authors: Réville Victor , Poirier Nicolas , Kouloumvakos Athanasios , Rouillard Alexis Paul , Ferreira Pinto Rui , Fargette Naïs , Indurain Mikel , Fournon Raphaël , James Théo , Pobeda Raphaël , Scoul Cyril 
Published: March 2023

We present a new 3D magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) heliospheric model for space-weather forecasting driven by boundary conditions defined from white-light observations of the solar corona. The model is based on the MHD code PLUTO, constrained by an empirical derivation of the solar wind background properties at 0.1 au. This empirical method uses white-light observations to estimate the position of the heliospheric current sheet (HCS). The boundary conditions necessary to run HelioCast are then defined from pre-defined relations between the necessary MHD properties (speed, density, and temperature) and the distance to the current sheet. We assess the accuracy of the model over six Carrington rotations during the first semester of 2018. Using point-by-point metrics and event-based analyses, we evaluate the performances of our model varying the angular width of the slow solar wind layer surrounding the HCS. We also compare our empirical technique with two well-tested models of the corona: Multi-VP and WindPredict-AW. We find that our method is well-suited to reproduce high-speed streams, and does – for well-chosen parameters – better than full MHD models. The model shows, nonetheless, limitations that could worsen for rising and maximum solar activity.
Chemotherapie nach Progress unter Immuncheckpoint-Inhibition beim
metastasierten malignen Melanom: Fallbericht und
Literaturübersicht
Authors: Weilandt Juliane , Lebahn Herbert , Ludwig-Peitsch Wiebke 
Published: March 2023

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Immuncheckpoint-Inhibitoren (ICI), BRAF- und MEK-Inhibitoren
haben die Prognose von Patienten mit metastasiertem malignem Melanom
entscheidend verbessert. Nichtsdestotrotz spricht ein erheblicher Prozentsatz
nicht oder nur vorübergehend auf diese modernen Therapien an.
Insbesondere bei Patienten mit BRAF-Wildtyp-Melanom sind die Therapieoptionen
nach Versagen von ICI limitiert.
Kasuistik Eine 24-jährige Patientin stellte sich im Dezember 2015
mit einem akrolentiginösen malignen Melanom am linken Fußballen
im Tumorstadium IIB (pT4a, pN0, cM0, Infiltrationstiefe 7,95 mm,
BRAF-V600-Wildtyp) vor, das leitliniengerecht operativ versorgt und für
18 Monate adjuvant mit Interferon-alpha behandelt wurde. Nach Diagnose von zwei
Lymphknotenmetastasen links inguinal und radikaler Lymphknotendissektion erhielt
die Patientin für 12 Monate eine adjuvante Therapie mit Nivolumab. Nach
einem 10-monatigen tumorfreien Intervall ohne Therapie erbrachte das Staging
eine paraaortale Lymphknotenmetastase. Gemäß
Tumorkonferenz-Beschluss wurde bei nunmehr vorliegendem Stadium IV eine
Immunkombinationstherapie mit Nivolumab und Ipilimumab begonnen, die nach 2
Gaben aufgrund einer Autoimmunkolitis und -hepatitis Grad 3 beendet und auf eine
Nivolumab-Monotherapie umgestellt wurde. Bei erneutem Tumorprogress auch nach
Metastasenresektion und fehlender Möglichkeit einer Studienteilnahme
wurde eine palliative Chemotherapie mit Dacarbazin
850 mg/m2 alle 3 Wochen eingeleitet. Hiermit
ließ sich nach 4 Zyklen eine partielle Remission und nach 10 Zyklen eine
Komplettremission erzielen, die nunmehr seit 10 Monaten ohne Therapie
anhält.
Diskussion Es gibt Hinweise darauf, dass die Effektivität einer
Chemotherapie nach vorangegangener Immuncheckpoint-Inhibition höher ist
als ohne diese Vortherapie, möglicherweise durch einen
immunmodulatorischen Effekt der Chemotherapie, der synergistisch mit einer
Immunaktivierung durch ICI wirkt. Bisher liegen nur wenige Studien zu dieser
Therapiesequenz beim Melanom vor, bei denen es sich ausschließlich um
retrospektive Analysen handelt. Diese weisen auf einen klinischen Nutzen der
Therapiesequenz hin, wenngleich die Evidenz hierfür sehr gering ist. Die
meisten Patienten, die nach einer Vortherapie mit ICI auf Dacarbazin oder andere
Chemotherapien ansprechen, erreichen eine partielle Remission. Anhaltende
Komplettremissionen wie bei unserer Patientin sind eine Rarität.
Vitamin D and Bone Health 2022: Is the Evidence Pendulum Switching Backward on Its Benefits?
Authors: Saadi Hussein F. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Objectives: This concise article aims to (a) review the role of vitamin D in bone health, (b) discuss the consequences of vitamin D deficiency, (c) analyze the use of vitamin D to prevent and treat osteoporosis and (d) explore if the evidence pendulum is switching back on the beneficial effects of vitamin D.
Materials and Methods: A narrative nonsystematic review of the literature was done thematically to answer the questions stated in the objectives above.
Results: A literature review suggests that vitamin D deficiency can be a real clinical condition that warrants recognition and management, particularly in high-risk groups. The optimal vitamin D level is likely more than or equal to 50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL). The established consequences of vitamin D deficiency in adults include osteomalacia and osteoporosis. Moreover, whether vitamin D supplementation reduces falls and fractures in subjects with baseline vitamin D more than 50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL) is not confirmed. However, vitamin D supplementation is still needed for patients with osteoporosis and those at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. Finally, there is no justification for measuring 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the general population.
Conclusions: For patients at increased risk for osteoporosis, those with vitamin D deficiency, or both, it remains reasonable to consider vitamin D supplementation (800–1,000 IU/d or more), consistent with recommendations of multiple societies.
COVID-19 vaccine communication and advocacy strategy: a social marketing campaign for increasing COVID-19 vaccine uptake in South Korea
Authors: Hong Shin-Ae 
Published: March 2023

AbstractResearch evidence suggests that communication is a powerful tool for influencing public opinion and attitudes toward various health-related issues, such as vaccine reluctance, provided it is well-designed and thoughtfully conducted. In particular, social marketing techniques that alter the target audience’s behaviors for the public good can substantially improve vaccine uptake if adopted as a communication strategy in immunization programs to counter public hesitancy. This study presents evidence from the Korean government’s current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination campaign, which successfully applied a social marketing approach. By the end of August 2022, South Korea had achieved high vaccine coverage, with 94.8% of the population (12+) receiving a second dose, 71.3% a third dose, and a fourth dose drive currently underway. There are five crucial factors to consider when preparing official communication for an immunization program: (i) a high degree of proactiveness, (ii) credibility, (iii) fighting misinformation, (iv) emphasizing social norms and prosocial behavior, and (v) coherence. Although using social marketing strategies may not be successful in all circumstances, the lessons learned and current implementation in Korea suggest their efficacy in fostering vaccine acceptance. This study offers valuable insights for government agencies and global public health practitioners to develop effective targeted campaign strategies that enhance the target population’s vaccination intention.
A cryogen-free superconducting magnet based scanning tunneling microscope for liquid phase measurement
Authors: Geng Tao , Wang Jihao , Meng Wengjie , Zhang Jing , Feng Qiyuan , Lu Yalin , Hou Yubin , Lu Qingyou 
Published: March 2023

Scanning tunneling microscopes (STMs) that work in ultra-high vacuum and low temperatures are commonly used in condensed matter physics, but an STM that works in a high magnetic field to image chemical molecules and active biomolecules in solution has never been reported. Here, we present a liquid-phase STM for use in a 10 T cryogen-free superconducting magnet. The STM head is mainly constructed with two piezoelectric tubes. A large piezoelectric tube is fixed at the bottom of a tantalum frame to perform large-area imaging. A small piezoelectric tube mounted at the free end of the large one performs high-precision imaging. The imaging area of the large piezoelectric tube is four times that of the small one. The high compactness and rigidity of the STM head make it functional in a cryogen-free superconducting magnet with huge vibrations. The performance of our homebuilt STM was demonstrated by the high-quality, atomic-resolution images of a graphite surface, as well as the low drift rates in the X–Y plane and Z direction. Furthermore, we successfully obtained atomic-resolution images of graphite in solution conditions while sweeping the field from 0 to 10 T, illustrating the new STM’s immunity to magnetic fields. The sub-molecular images of active antibodies and plasmid DNA in solution conditions show the device’s capability of imaging biomolecules. Our STM is suitable for studying chemical molecules and active biomolecules in high magnetic fields.