bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary benign metastasizing leiomyoma in patients aged 45 years and younger: clinical features and novelty in treatment
Authors: Su Hao , Fan Rong , Yang Hua , You Yan , Zhu Lan , Feng Fengzhi 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background: Pulmonary benign metastasizing leiomyoma (PBML) is the most common extrauterine spread of uterine leiomyoma and its biological behavior is traditionally thought to be hormone-dependent. Studies about the older PBML patients has been previously reported, but limited literature has been regarding to the clinical features and treatment of PBML in young women.
Methods: A total of 65 cases of PBML in women aged 45 years and younger were reviewed, including 56 cases selected from PubMed and 9 cases from our hospital. The clinical characteristics and management of these patients were analyzed.
Results: The median age of all the patients at diagnosis was 39.0 years. PBML most commonly presented as bilateral solid lesions (60.9%), with other rare imaging manifestations. Median interval time from a pertinent gynecologic procedure to diagnosis was 6.0 years. 16.7% of patients received careful observation and all achieved stable status in a median follow-up time of 18.0 months. 71.4% of patients were administrated anti-estrogen therapies, including surgical castration (33.3%), gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (23.8%) and anti-estrogen drugs (14.3%). Eight of 42 patients underwent surgical resection of metastatic lesions. Patients receiving curative surgery for the removal of pulmonary lesions, combined with adjuvant anti-estrogen therapies, had favorable outcomes compared with the ones who only received surgical resection. The disease control rates of surgical castration, gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue, anti-estrogen drugs were 85.7%, 90.0%, 50.0%, respectively. Rapamycin for two patients achieved successful relief of symptoms and control of pulmonary lesions without lowering hormone levels and causing estrogen deficiency symptoms.
Conclusions: In the absence of standard treatment guidelines for PBML, maintaining a low-estrogen environment by different kinds of anti-estrogen therapies has been the mainstream strategy currently and has satisfying curative effects. A wait-and-see strategy might be an option, but therapeutic approaches must be contemplated when complications or symptoms progressed. For PBML in young women, the negative effect on ovarian function of anti-estrogen treatment especially surgical castration should be considered. Rapamycin might be a new treatment option for young PBML patients, especially for those ones who want to preserve ovarian function.
Prevalence, associated risk factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Escherichia coli and Escherichia coli O157 isolated from cow milk and milk products and hygienic practices in selected towns of the Oromia region, Ethiopia
Authors: Sarba Edilu Jorga , Wirtu Wakuma , Gebremedhin Endrias Zewdu , Borana Bizunesh Mideksa , Marami Lencho Megersa 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Escherichia coli is a major foodborne illness pathogen worldwide. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli and E. coli O157 in milk and milk products and hygienic practices in West Shewa, Oromia, Ethiopia. Five hundred fifty-six milk samples comprising 421 udder milk, 57 bulk tank milk, and 78 milk products were investigated. Moreover, 145 questionnaires were administered to assess hygienic practices. A standard microbiological procedure was used to detect E. coli and E. coli O157:H7. The Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method was used to test the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates. Petri film plates were used to enumerate the coliform in raw bulk tank milk. Farm and animal-level E coliprevalence were estimated and association with risk factors was assessed. Escherichia coli was detected in 33.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 29.9 - 37.9%) of the samples, of which only one isolate (0.2%) was E.coli O157. E. coli contamination was higher in bulk tank samples (47.4%; 95% CI: 34.0– 61.0%) than in udder milk (34.7%; CI: 30.1 – 39.4%) and in cottage cheese (27.0%; 95% CI: 14.6 – 43.9%) than in yoghurt 10.5% (95% CI: 2.9 – 24.8%). For the animal-level E. coli contamination, only the study area was identified as a risk factor. Risk factors such as types of milk containers, udder washing practices, hygiene, and management systems were associated with both farm-level and milk products E.coli contamination. Most (59.0%) of the farmers practice udder washing only before milking and the remaining did not practice udder washing at all. The mean coliform count in raw bulk tank milk was higher than the international standard (4.09 log10 CFU/ml). All of the 42 E.coli isolates tested were multidrug resistant. The occurrence of E. coli is high, while that of E. coli O157 is too low. The milk-handling practices are poor in the study areas. The high prevalence of E. coli, as well as the high coliform count, and higher multi-drug resistance may pose risk to public health and food safety. Therefore, proper hygienic practices throughout the milk chain as well as rational drug use are advised.
Effect of metal oxide nanoparticles on thermal behavior of polyvinyl alcohol
Authors: channe shrikant shankar , Singh Ranjana , Kulkarni Suresh G. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Polymers reinforced with metal oxide nanoparticles exhibit interesting possibilities from application point of view due to homogeneous distribution of nanoparticles, and superior thermal and mechanical properties. In the present work, SiO2, ZrO2 and ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by the microwave hydrothermal method, and nanocomposites based on them were processed in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. The thermal decomposition behaviour of pure PVA and composites was studied using the thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In the case, of composites, at 50% weight loss, the temperature was shifted by nearly 80°C, in comparison to the pure PVA. The SiO2 doped nanocomposites showed, a three stage temperature decomposition in the DSC spectra.
A Congestion Control Scheme Based on Path Recovery for Smart Grid Communication
Authors: Ji Yanpeng , Zeng Siming , Zhao Jianli , Liu Liangshuai , Feng Haiyan , Shen Xingdi , Liu Deliang 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
In order to solve the problem that the original path forwarding traffic caused by congestion that cannot be recovered in time in Smart Grid Communication, a congestion control scheme RFCC (Router Forwarding Congestion Control) based on path recovery is proposed, which not only supports the receiving end combined with router nodes to relieve congestion, it can also solve the problem of low transmission performance caused by not being able to restore the original path in time after the traffic is transferred. Active queue management technology is used to detect congestion and notify downflow nodes (users and routers) in time, which trigger downflow users to adjust the request sending window and intermediate routers to transfer packets. In addition, the original path traffic is restored in time through the path recovery policy. Firstly, the path traffic is recovered according to the congestion mark carried by the subsequent content packets. Secondly, the transmission frequency of the probe packets is calculated according to the information such as the packet queue length of routers and the available bandwidth of the congested path, and the probe packets are periodically sent to the congested path, and the traffic is sent to the congested path in time. The alternate path is transferred back to the original path. This paper implements the scheme in NS-3, and extensive experiments show that the proposed scheme outperforms the comparison schemes, which not only higher and more stable throughput can be obtained, but also shorter and more stable transmission delay can be obtained. In addition, the optimal path transmission volume and link utilization are improved.
Role of High-temperature Requirement Serine Protease A 2 in Rheumatoid Inflammation
Authors: Jeong Gi Heon , Nam Min-Kyung , Hur Wonhee , Heo Seolhee , Lee Saseong , Choi Eunbyeol , Park Jae Hyung , Park Youngjae , Kim Wan-UK , Rhim Hyangshuk , Yoo Seung-Ah 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background: High-temperature requirement serine protease A 2 (HtrA2) is known to be involved in growth, unfolded protein response to stress, and apoptosis or autophagy. However, whether HtrA2 controls inflammation and immune response remains elusive.
Results: Here, we found that the concentration of HtrA2 was elevated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fluid (SF) than in osteoarthritis (OA) SF, and its concentrations were correlated with immune cells counts in the RA SF. Strikingly, in the SF of RA patients, HtrA2 levels were elevated in proportion to synovitis severity and correlated with proinflammation cytokines and chemokines, such as IL-8, IL-6 and CCL2. Of note, HtrA2 was highly expressed in RA synoviums and primary synoviocytes. RA synoviocytes released HtrA2 when stimulated by ER stress inducers. Moreover, knockdown of HtrA2 inhibited IL1β-, TNFα- or LPS-induced release of proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine by RA synoviocytes.
Conclusion: HtrA2 is a novel inflammatory mediator and therefore a promising target for developing an anti-inflammation therapy for RA.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver in Obesity with Deteriorating Glucose Control
Authors: Forst Thomas , Botz Isabel , Berse Matthias , Voswinkel Stephan , Strempler Mares-Elaine , Baumann Sybille , Schultz Armin 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackground: The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rising in parallel with increasing bodyweight and loss of glucose control, implicating a high risk of hepatic and extra-hepatic complications. Subjects / Methods: This longitudinal observational study analysed several indicators for NAFLD in 240 overweight subjects (body mass index (BMI) > 28 kg/m²) at 2 visits within in average 16 months. Subjects were categorised according to their insulin sensitivity (HOMAIR) and diabetic status. Methods: Liver fat and liver stiffness were measured with sonographic elastography (FibroScan®), and by calculation of Fatty Liver Index (FLI), and NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS). Results: Parameters indicative for liver steatosis, i.e., the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and the FLI, were significantly higher in the T2DM group compared to the normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) groups (p<0.05). FLI values and the HOMAIR significantly correlated with sonographic liver fat content (CAP) (r=0.53, p<0.0001; r=0.34, p<0.001, respectively). An inverse correlation was observed between serum adiponectin levels and CAP (r=-0.20; p<0.019) and adiponectin levels and FLI (r=-0.37; p<0.0001). Over 16 months, fasting insulin levels and HOMAIR score increased mainly driven by the group of obese subjects with T2DM. No significant change in liver fat or stiffness was observed that period. Conclusions: In subjects with a BMI ≥ 28kg/m², the prevalence of NAFLD increases in line with increasing insulin resistance and loss of glucose control. Despite some ongoing deterioration in insulin sensitivity, liver fat content appeared relatively unchanged over 16 months.
DeepGWAS: Enhance GWAS Signals for Neuropsychiatric Disorders via Deep Neural Network
Authors: Li Yun , Wen Jia , Li Gang , Chen Jiawen , Sun Quan , Liu Weifang , Guan Wyliena , Lai Boqiao , Szatkiewicz Jin , He Xin , Sullivan Patrick 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Genetic dissection of neuropsychiatric disorders can potentially reveal novel therapeutic targets. While genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have tremendously advanced our understanding, we approach a sample size bottleneck (i.e., the number of cases needed to identify >90% of all loci is impractical). Therefore, computationally enhancing GWAS on existing samples may be particularly valuable. Here, we describe DeepGWAS, a deep neural network-based method to enhance GWAS by integrating GWAS results with linkage disequilibrium and brain-related functional annotations. DeepGWAS enhanced schizophrenia (SCZ) loci by ~3X when applied to the largest European GWAS, and 21.3% enhanced loci were validated by the latest multi-ancestry GWAS. Importantly, DeepGWAS models can be transferred to other neuropsychiatric disorders. Transferring SCZ-trained models to Alzheimer’s disease and major depressive disorder, we observed 1.3-17.6X detected loci compared to standard GWAS, among which 27-40% were validated by other GWAS studies. We anticipate DeepGWAS to be a powerful tool in GWAS studies.
Modest forest and welfare impacts from current REDD+ initiatives
Authors: Wunder Sven , Schulz Dario , Montoya-Zumaeta Javier , Börner Jan , Frey Gabriel 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Reduced emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) promise to deliver performance-based, cost-effective climate change mitigation. 15 years after REDD+’s conception, we analyse the rigorous counterfactual-based ev-idence for environmental and welfare effects from national and subnational initiatives, along a REDD+ Theory of Change. Using machine-learning tools for literature review, we compare 32 quantitative studies including 26 primary forest-related and 12 socioeconomic effect sizes. Average environmental impacts were positively significant yet moderately sized, comparable to impacts from other conservation tools, and mostly impermanent over time. Socioeconomic impacts were welfare-neutral to slightly positive, especially at outcome stage (e.g. rising incomes). Moderator analysis shows that REDD+ environmental additionality was likely restricted by project proponents’ ‘high-and-far’ spatial targeting of low-threat areas (adverse selection bias). Disappointingly scarce funding flows from carbon markets and ill-enforced condi-tionality probably also limited impacts. Hence, important policy and implementation lessons emerge for boosting effec-tiveness in the current global transition towards larger-scale, jurisdictional REDD+ action.
Green Extraction of Quercus Infectoria Gall With Supercritical CO2 and Methanol Co-solvent
Authors: Purbowati Retno , Taufikurohmah Titik , Syahrani Achmad 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

A comparative study of phenolic acid extract from Quercus infectoria Gall using supercritical fluid extraction of CO2 (SCFE-CO2) with co-solvent methanol can produce yields, phenolic acid compositions, and differences in the extract's toxicity. SCFE-CO2 was carried out with the same weight of material (Q. infectoria gall) and run at a temperature of 60 oC and a pressure of 20 MPa with methanol as the co-solvent and an extraction time of 60 minutes. The extraction process extracts were identified by yield, phenolic acid composition using LC-MS/MS, total phenolic acid, and toxicity. The results of the SCFE-CO2 extraction technique with co-solvent methanol do not produce extracts that are toxic but have high yields and tannic acid compound (TPC). The SCFE-CO2 technique has small extract variability (div. sd. 0.1%), a high yield, a high tannic acid compound, a high TPC, and non-toxic, so SCFE produces extracts that have maintainable quality. The small amount of addition of methanol co-solvent can increase the quality of the extract using the SCFE-CO2 technique, and increasing the addition of methanol cannot increase yield.
Roundup and immune challenge have different effects on a native field cricket and its introduced competitor
Authors: Mullins Lydia R , Brown Dylan J , Lovsey Shelly R , Bowers Troy A , Gershman Susan N 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Crickets face many natural selection pressures, and humans have added to this burden by applying potentially harmful herbicides and unintentionally introducing competitors. We examine recently introduced Velafictorus micado Japanese burrowing crickets which share a microhabitat and season with native Gryllus pennsylvanicus field crickets. In this study, we assess the combined effects of Roundup (glyphosate-based herbicide) and a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) immune challenge on both crickets. In both species, an immune challenge reduced the numbers of eggs that female laid, however, this effect was much larger in G. pennsylvanicus. Conversely, Roundup caused both species to increase egg production, potentially representing a terminal investment strategy. The combined effect of immune challenge and herbicide harmed G. pennsylvanicus fecundity more than V. micado fecundity. Further, V. micado females laid significantly more eggs than G. pennsylvanicus, suggesting that introduced V. micado may have a competitive edge in fecundity over native G. pennsylvanicus. LPS and Roundup each had differing effects on male G. pennsylvanicus and V. micado calling effort. Overall, introduced male V. micado spent significantly more time calling than native G. pennsylvanicus, which could potentially interfere with G. pennsylvanicus mate-location behavior in their shared natural habitat. Despite the population-level spread of introduced V. micado, in our study, this species did not outperform native G. pennsylvanicus in tolerating immune and chemical challenge. Although V. micado appears to possess traits that make this introduced species successful in colonizing new habitats, it may be less successful in traits that would allow it to outcompete a native species.
In silico prediction of immune-escaping hot spots for future COVID-19 vaccine design
Authors: Huang Sing-Hang , Chen Yi-Ting , Lin Xiang-Yu , Ly Yi-Yi , Lien Ssu-Ting , Wang Cheng-Tang , Wu Suh-Chin , Chen Chwen-Cheng , Lin Ching-Yung 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a widespread impact on a global scale, and the evolution of considerable dominants has already taken place. Some variants contained certain key mutations located on the receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike protein, such as E484K and N501Y. It is increasingly worrying that these variants could impair the efficacy of current vaccines or therapies. Therefore, how to design future vaccines to prevent the different variants remains urgent. In this work, we proposed an in silico approach, in which we combined binding free energy measured by computational mutagenesis of spike-antibody complexes and mutation frequency calculated from viral genome sequencing data, to estimate an immune-escaping score (IES) and predict immune-escaping hot spots. We identified 23 immune-escaping mutations on the RBD, nine of which occurred in omicron variants (R346K, K417N, N440K, L452Q, L452R, S477N, T478K, F490S, and N501Y), despite our dataset being curated before the omicron first appeared. The highest immune-escaping score (IES=1) was found for E484K, which agrees with recent studies stating that the mutation significantly reduced the efficacy of neutralization antibodies. Furthermore, our predicted binding free energy and IES show a high correlation with high-throughput deep mutational scanning (Pearson’s r = 0.70) and experimentally measured neutralization titers data (mean Pearson’s r = -0.80). In summary, our work provides valuable insights and will help design future COVID-19 vaccines.
Clinical characteristics and risk factors of coronary artery lesions in Chinese pediatric Takayasu arteritis patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Xu Yingjie , Luo Lingfeng , Kang Gaixiu , Zhu Jia , Kang Min , Zhang Dan , Lai Jianming , Li Xiaohui 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Backgroud: To summarize the clinical characteristics and identify the risk factors for pediatric Takayasu arteritis (TAK) with coronary artery lesions (CALs).
Methods: Clinical data of pediatric TAK patients in our center were retrospectively assessed. Independent risk factors for CALs were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Survival analysis was used to compare differences in survival rates between the groups.
Results: Among the 66 pediatric TAK cases, the incidence of accompanying CALs was 39.4%. The children in the CAL group were all subclinical, and the coronary arteries most commonly involved were the left main and right coronary arteries. The CALs were mostly small or middle coronary artery aneurysms; some children may have giant coronary aneurysmal dilations. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that age at onset, white blood count, hemoglobin, platelet count, interleukin-2 receptor, and renal artery stenosis (RAS) were associated with pediatric TAK combined with CAL(P < 0.05). In multivariate logistic regression, the age of onset and RAS were predictive factors associated with pediatric TAK combined with CAL (P < 0.05). A cutoff value of 54.75 months maximized the diagnostic efficacy combined with CAL. In addition, there was no significant difference in survival rates between the two groups after regular treatment.
Conclusion: This study showed that the occurrence of CAL in pediatric TAK patients has a relatively more rapid clinical course, and a stronger inflammatory state at the time of diagnosis. Early onset is more likely to cause CAL. Pediatric TAK patients with RAS were less likely to develop CAL.
Digital infrastructure development, carbon total factor productivity, and carbon dioxide rebound effects
Authors: Lan Mudan , Zhu Yuke 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Digital infrastructure construction (DIC) and low carbon transformation are important engines and objective functions of the superior economic development, and the synergistic drive between the two is essential to achieving lasting economic development. This study systematically investigates the effect of DIC on carbon total factor productivity (CTEP) using an econometric analysis. It comprehensively explores and effectively evaluates the influence of DIC on the rebound effect of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions (CRE) using the panel data from 282 Chinese cities at the prefectural level between 2007 and 2019. Research findings that, first, the expansion of digital infrastructure has a nonlinear effect on CTEP, with a U-shaped link between the two; Multiple robustness tests confirm that this is still true. Second, DIC and optimisation of the energy consumption structure in a "U" curve relationship, and the major strategy for increasing CTEP is to reduce energy consumption, while industrial structure optimization and technical innovation have less of a mediating influence. Third, further analysis reveals that there is a "U" shaped non-linear connection between the DIC and CRE, and energy savings and emission reductions in the later stages of DIC fall short of expectations. The findings of the study suggest that DIC is extensible in China, and that the study can promote digital infrastructure to enable low-carbon transformation, improve CTEP, and enhance low-carbon transformation's role in fostering high-caliber, environmentally friendly growth.