bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating CD3+ CD8+ T lymphocytes as indicators of disease status in patients with early breast cancer
Authors: Chen Yi-Ling , Chung Wei-Pang , Loh Zhu-Jun , Lee Kuo-Ting , Lai Ming-Derg , Hsu Hui-Ping 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackground Identifying breast cancer markers with superior sensitivity, cost-effectiveness, and practicality is imperative. Circulating immune cells and plasma cytokines hold promise as potential breast cancer markers. Methods Using flow cytometry, we investigated circulating immune cell profiles in patients with breast cancer and healthy controls. To validate clinical observations, an orthotopic breast cancer model was established. Results Analysis of 19 healthy controls and 27 patients with breast cancer revealed distinct populations, including CD3+CD4+T lymphocytes, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs; CD3+CD8+), polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs; CD11b+Ly6C−Ly6G+), and monocytic (M)-myeloid-derived suppressive cells (CD11b+Ly6C+Ly6G−). Patients with breast cancer exhibited reduced CD3+CD4+T lymphocyte, CD3+CD8+CTL, and CD33+CD15−M-MDSC levels compared with healthy controls. Diminished CD3+CD8+CTL levels correlated with advanced cancer grade, extensive intraductal components, and positive lymphatic tumor emboli. Treatment effects included decreased T lymphocyte/PMN-MDSC levels, contrasting with elevated circulating CD3+CD8+cell levels posttreatment, subsequently declining upon recurrence. Elevated plasma chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) levels distinguished patients with breast cancer from healthy controls. Furthermore, our orthotopic model supported that decreased circulating CD3+CD8+CTL levels in cancer-bearing mice, followed by a postresection increase. Conclusions Circulating CD3+CD8+CTL and plasma CCL2 levels emerged as promising dual-purpose biomarkers and therapeutic targets in breast cancer management.
Development of poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(lactic acid) blend as sustainable biopolymer for dental applications (Running Title) PMMA/PLA blend as biopolymer for dental applications
Authors: Charasseangpaisarn Taksid , Wiwatwarrapan Chairat , Thunyakitpisal Pasutha , Srimaneep Viritpon 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is gaining popularity in manufacturing due to environmental concerns. When comparing to poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), PLA exhibits low thermal properties. To enhance the properties of these polymers, a PMMA/PLA blend has been introduced. This study aimed to investigate the optimal ratio of PMMA/PLA blends for potential dental applications based on their mechanical properties, physical properties, and biocompatibility. The PMMA/PLA blends were manufactured by melting and mixing using twin screw extruder and prepared into thermoplastic polymer beads. The specimens of neat PMMA (M100), three different ratios of PMMA/PLA blends (M75, M50, and M25), and neat PLA (M0) were fabricated with injection molding technique. The neat polymers and polymer blends were investigated in terms of flexural properties, glass transition temperature (Tg), miscibility, residual monomer, water sorption, water solubility, degradation, and biocompatibility. The data was statistically analyzed. The results indicated that Tg of PMMA/PLA blends improved with increasing PMMA content. PMMA/PLA blends were miscible in all composition ratios. The flexural properties of polymer blends were superior to those of neat PMMA and neat PLA. The biocompatibility was not different among different composition ratios. Additionally, the other parameters of PMMA/PLA blends were improved as the PMMA ratio decreased. Thus, the optimum ratio of PMMA/PLA blends have the potential to serve as novel sustainable biopolymer for extensive dental applications.
A Redox Proteomics Approach for Decoding Lignin to Lipid Conversion by Rhodococci
Authors: Li Xiaolu , Gluth Austin , Feng Song , Qian Wei-Jun , Yang Bin 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background:
Rhodococciare studied for their bacterial ligninolytic capabilities and proclivity to accumulate lipids. Lignin utilization is a resource intensive process requiring a variety of redox active enzymes and cofactors. Studying both protein abundance and regulation helps decode the metabolic rewiring that stymies lignin to lipid conversion in these bacteria. Herein, a redox proteomics approach was applied to investigate a fundamental driver of carbon catabolism and lipid anabolism: redox balance.
Results:
In this study, the importance of redox balance as it relates to nutrient availability is demonstrated from an unique angle by employing a modified bottom-up proteomics workflow to acquire a general relationship between protein abundance and protein redox states. In support of this, a previously demonstrated consortium of Rhodococcus strains was grown on glucose vs. lignin under nitrogen limitation, which is generally conducive to lipid accumulation. Global proteomics results affirm downregulation of enzymes involved in sugar catabolism and upregulation of those involved in lignin degradation and aromatics catabolism compared to glucose-fed cultures. Several enzymes in the lipid biosynthetic pathways were downregulated, whereas many involved in β-oxidation were upregulated. Interestingly, proteins involved in oxidative stress response were also upregulated perhaps in response to lignin degradation and aromatics catabolism, which require oxygen and reactive oxygen species. Enzymes displaying little-to-no change in abundance but differences in protein cysteine oxidation (i.e. redox state) were observed in various pathways for carbon utilization (e.g., β‑ketoadipate pathway), fatty acid and lipid metabolism, as well as nitrogen metabolism (e.g., purine scavenging/synthesis), suggesting potential redox-dependent regulation beyond protein expression.
Conclusions:
Efficient lipid production requires a steady carbon and energy flux while balancing fundamental requirements for enzyme production and cell maintenance. For lignin, we theorize that this balance is difficult to establish due to resource expenditure for enzyme production and oxidative stress response. This is supported by significant changes to protein abundances and protein cysteine oxidation in various pathways.
Multi-decadal trend analysis and forest disturbance assessment of European tree species: concerning signs of a subtle shift
Authors: Bonannella Carmelo , Parente Leandro , de Bruin Sytze , Herold Martin 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Climate change poses a significant threat to the distribution and composition of forest tree species worldwide. European forest tree species' range is expected to shift to cope with the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, pests and diseases caused by climate change. Despite numerous regional studies, a continental scale assessment of current changes in species distributions in Europe is missing due to the difficult task of modeling a species realized distribution and to quantify the influence of forest disturbances on each species. In this study we conducted a trend analysis on the realized distribution of 6 main European forest tree species (Abies alba Mill., Fagus sylvatica L., Picea abies L. H. Karst., Pinus nigra J. F. Arnold, Pinus sylvestris L. and Quercus robur L.) to capture and map the prevalent trends in probability of occurrence for the period 2000–2020. We also analyzed the impact of forest disturbances on each species' range and identified the dominant disturbance drivers. Our results revealed an overall trend of stability in species' distributions (85% of the pixels are considered stable by 2020 for all species) but we also identified some hot spots characterized by negative trends in probability of occurrence, mostly at the edges of each species' latitudinal range. Additionally, we identified a steady increase in disturbance events in each species' range by disturbance (affected range doubled by 2020, from 3.5% to 7% on average) and highlighted species-specific responses to forest disturbance drivers such as wind and fire. Overall, our study provides insights into distribution trends and disturbance patterns for the main European forest tree species. The identification of range shifts and the intensifying impacts of disturbances call for proactive conservation efforts and long-term planning to ensure the resilience and sustainability of European forests.
High-g Impacts and Vibrational g-Forces can Dislodge Bacillus spp. Spores from Spacecraft Surfaces
Authors: Schuerger Andrew , Borrell Adriana V. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Mars spacecraft encounter numerous g-loads that occur along the launch or landing vectors (i.e., called axial vectors) or along lateral off-axes vectors. The goal of this research was to determine if there was a threshold for dislodging spores under brute-force dynamic shock compressional impacts (i.e., henceforth called shock-impacts) or long-term vibrationally induced g-loads that might simulate spacecraft launches or landings profiles. Results indicated that spores of Bacillus subtilis 168 and B. atrophaeus ATCC 9372 were dislodged from ChemFilm-coated aluminum coupons during shock-impact events of 60 g’s or higher. In contrast, the threshold for dislodging B. pumilus SAFR-032 spores was approx. 80 g’s. Vibrational g-loading was conducted at approx. 12–15 g’s (z-axis) and 77 Hz. All three Bacillus spp. exhibited very modest spore dislodgement at 1, 4, or 8 min of induced vibrational g-loads. However, the numbers of spores released depended on the Earth’s g-vector relative to the bacterial monolayers. When the experimental hardware was placed in an ‘Up’ orientation (def. as the spores sat on the upper surface of the coupons and the coupons pointed up and away from the Earth’s g-vector), zero to only a few spores were dislodged. When the experimental hardware was inverted and the coupon surfaces were in a ‘Down’ orientation, the numbers of spores released increased by 20–30 times. Overall, results of both assays suggest that spores on spacecraft surfaces will not likely be be dislodged during nominal launch and landing scenarios, with the exception of jettisoned hardware (e.g., heat shields or backshells) during landing that might hit the Martian terrain at high g’s. Thus, off-nominal landings hitting the Martian surface at > 60 g’s are likely to release spores into the atmosphere and regolith. [Submitted to the journal, Microorganisms, on 08-22-23 for review.]
Neem oil and pomegranate leaf extract coating on urea to reduced nitrous oxide emission; improved nitrogen use efficiency and crop yield: A step towards sustainable N use and green production
Authors: Nawaz Allah 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) is widely regarded as the most important essential plant nutrient in agricultural cropping systems. However, the use efficiency of applied N fertilizer is as low as 20-30% from farm to fork, due to losses including runoff, leaching and emission of nitrous oxide (N2O) which has huge environmental and economic consequences. The use of synthetic nitrification inhibitors (NIs), such as dicyandiamide (DCD) has been suggested to minimize N emission significantly and enhance N recovery in cereals. But the use of natural plant products that may act as NIs has been less studied so far. Field experiments were conducted in central Punjab, Pakistan, to assess the impact of neem oil and pomegranate leaf extract coating on urea, and urea plus dicyandiamide (DCD) on N2O emission, N recovery efficiency and grain yield, in wheat and rice crops. All NIs reduced N2O emission compared with the inorganic fertilizer (urea treatment), with emission reductions from 21 to 88% in wheat and 25 to 72% in rice. The maximum reduction in N2O emission was with the DCD treatment (72-88%). The application of all NIs (natural and synthetic) improved grain yield compared with inorganic fertilizer, by 3 to 10% in wheat and 4 to 12% in rice. Neem oil-coated urea gave the maximum increase in grain yields and N recovery in both the crops. Thus, it is recommended that neem oil and pomegranate leaf extract coated urea may be used for mitigating N2O emission along with increased N recovery and optimum yield benefits.
Temporal Trends in Cardiovascular Health Status Among Chinese School-Aged Children From 1989 to 2018: Multiwave Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Wang Xijie , Dong Bin , Huang Feifei , Zhang Ji , He Rongxin , Du Shufa , Zhang Jiguo , Ma Jun , Wang Huijun , Zhang Bing , Liang Wannian 
Published: August 2023

Background
Despite the release of updated metrics for Life’s Essential 8 (LE8), key indicators for assessing cardiovascular health (CVH) status, there is currently no report on their distribution among Chinese children.

Objective
This study aimed to assess the nationwide distribution of CVH in Chinese school-aged children using LE8 scores and analyze temporal changes in these scores over time.

Methods
Participants aged 7 to 19 years from 11 waves (between 1989 and 2018) of the China Health and Nutrition Survey were included in this study. LE8 components were grouped into 2 domains of health behaviors (diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep) and health factors (BMI, blood lipids, blood glucose, blood pressure). Scores of overall CVH and each LE8 metric were calculated individually. Temporal changes were assessed with joint point regression models by rural and urban living residence. The causal relationships between health behaviors and health factors that changed the most over time were built with cross-lagged panel models.

Results
A total of 21,921 participants, 52.6% (n=11,537) of whom were male, who had data for at least 4 CVH components were included in the analysis. The mean age was 13 (SD 3.6) years. The overall CVH score remained stable in most regions, with the lowest found in Shandong from East China, which had a mean between 67 (SD 10.9) and 67.2 (SD 12.4). In contrast, the highest score was found in Guizhou from Southwest China, with a mean between 71.4 (SD 10.8) and 74.3 (SD 10.3). In rural areas, the diet score decreased significantly from 1997 onward with a speed of 0.18 (95% CI: 0.15-0.21; P<.001) per year, and the BMI score decreased significantly from 2005 onward with a speed of 0.56 (95% CI 0.44-0.68; P<.001) per year. In urban areas, the diet score decreased from 1994 onward with a speed of 0.03 (95% CI: 0.001-0.07; P=.04) per year, and the BMI score decreased from 2002 onward with a speed of 0.63 (95% CI 0.47-0.79; P<.001) per year. The sleep score dropped constantly in both urban and rural areas, with a speed of 0.69 (95% CI 0.58-0.80; P<.001) and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.52-0.86; P<.001) per year, respectively. A decline in the diet score led to a decline in the BMI score with a coefficient of 0.190 (95% CI 0.030-0.351; P=.02), while a decline in the BMI score led to a decline in sleep health with a coefficient of 0.089 (95% CI 0.010-0.168; P=.03).

Conclusions
Chinese school-aged children and adolescents were generally of moderate CVH status, but mutual influences existed between CVH metrics. Dietary interventions should be prioritized for promoting overall CVH in the future.
An mHealth-Delivered Sexual Harm Reduction Tool (PartyPack) for Men Who Have Sex With Men in Malaysia: Usability Study
Authors: Gautam Kamal , Paudel Kiran , Jacobs Jerome , Wickersham Jeffrey A , Ikhtiaruddin Wan Mohd , Azwa Iskandar , Saifi Rumana , Lim Sin How , Shrestha Roman 
Published: August 2023

Background
Chemsex—the use of psychoactive drugs to enhance the sexual experience—is an increasing phenomenon globally. Despite the increasing burden and associated harms of chemsex, evidence-based interventions (ie, behavioral and pharmacological) for chemsex users are nonexistent.

Objective
In this study, we assessed the usability and acceptability of a mobile health (mHealth)–delivered safer chemsex package (“PartyPack”) as a sexual harm reduction strategy among men who have sex with men in Malaysia—a setting where chemsex is becoming increasingly prevalent.

Methods
This study is part of a larger smartphone app-based intervention (ie, JomPrEP; University of Connecticut) designed to improve access to HIV prevention services among Malaysian men who have sex with men. A total of 50 participants were recruited from the Greater Kuala Lumpur region of Malaysia to use the JomPrEP app, which included a feature allowing participants to order PartyPack, for 30 days (March-April 2022). The usability and acceptability of the PartyPack were assessed using self-report, app analytics, and exit interviews (n=20).

Results
Overall, 8% (4/50) of participants reported having engaged in chemsex in the past 6 months; however, engagement in condomless sex (34/50, 68%) and group sex (9/50, 18%) was much higher. A total of 43 (86%) participants ordered PartyPack, of which 27 (63%) made multiple orders during the 30 days. Most participants (41/43, 95%) reported being satisfied with the PartyPack order feature in the app, with 91% (39/43) indicating the order and tracking process was easy. Thematic data exploration further revealed important information for understanding (eg, items included in the package, use of mHealth platform to order package, and discreetness of the PartyPack box and order and delivery) and refining the logistical preferences (eg, using branded items and allowing customization during order).

Conclusions
Our findings provide strong evidence of the usability and acceptability of a mHealth-delivered safer chemsex package as a potential sexual harm reduction tool among this underserved population. Replication in a study with a larger sample size to test the efficacy of the PartyPack is warranted.
Serious Game for Fine Motor Control Rehabilitation for Children With Epileptic Encephalopathy: Development and Usability Study
Authors: Vidal Elizabeth , Castro-Gutierrez Eveling , Arisaca Robert , Paz-Valderrama Alfredo , Albiol-Pérez Sergio 
Published: August 2023

Background
Epileptic encephalopathy (EE) is defined as the presence of frequent epileptiform activity that adversely impacts development, typically causing the slowing or regression of developmental skills, and is usually associated with frequent seizures. One of the main disturbances in EE is in the coordination of the upper extremities and hands. Traditional rehabilitation for this type of pathology focuses on the alleviation of gross or fine motor disability. In the last few years, the use of low-cost devices together with customized serious games has shown improvements in motor disorders and enrichments in activities of daily living.

Objective
This study aims to explore the feasibility of a new serious game for improving fine motor control in children with EE.

Methods
The participants were 4 children with EE (male: n=2, 50%; female: n=2, 50%) who were classified as belonging to level 1 in the Gross Motor Classification System. The children were tested over 10 sessions during the intervention period (before and after treatment). The clinical tests performed were the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, 2nd edition and Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Participation Scale. The subscales of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, 2nd edition were fine motor precision, fine motor integration, manual dexterity, and upper-limb coordination. At the end of the first session, we used the User Satisfaction Evaluation Questionnaire to analyze user satisfaction.

Results
The significance outcomes for a Student t test (1-tailed) were as follows: P=.009 for fine motor precision, P=.002 for fine motor integration, P=.56 for manual dexterity, and P=.99 for upper-limb coordination. The participation rate as measured using the Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Participation Scale was between good and very good, which means that, based on the therapist’s evaluation, interest, independence, and motivation were achieved by each participant. The mean User Satisfaction Evaluation Questionnaire score was close to 30, which is the maximum value.

Conclusions
The results support the use of the proposed serious game as a complement in therapeutic sessions during the rehabilitation processes for children with EE. Significant improvements in fine motor control and activities of daily living revealed that the proposed serious game is beneficial for fine motor disorders of this pathology.
Bayesian Networks for Prescreening in Depression: Algorithm Development and Validation (Preprint)
Authors: Maekawa Eduardo , Grua Eoin Martino , Nakamura Carina Akemi , Scazufca Marcia , Araya Ricardo , Peters Tim , van de Ven Pepijn 
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Identifying individuals with depressive symptomatology (DS) promptly and effectively is of paramount importance for providing timely treatment. Machine learning models have shown promise in this area; however, studies often fall short in demonstrating the practical benefits of using these models and fail to provide tangible real-world applications.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to establish a novel methodology for identifying individuals likely to exhibit DS, identify the most influential features in a more explainable way via probabilistic measures, and propose tools that can be used in real-world applications.

METHODS

The study used 3 data sets: PROACTIVE, the Brazilian National Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde [PNS]) 2013, and PNS 2019, comprising sociodemographic and health-related features. A Bayesian network was used for feature selection. Selected features were then used to train machine learning models to predict DS, operationalized as a score of ≥10 on the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire. The study also analyzed the impact of varying sensitivity rates on the reduction of screening interviews compared to a random approach.

RESULTS

The methodology allows the users to make an informed trade-off among sensitivity, specificity, and a reduction in the number of interviews. At the thresholds of 0.444, 0.412, and 0.472, determined by maximizing the Youden index, the models achieved sensitivities of 0.717, 0.741, and 0.718, and specificities of 0.644, 0.737, and 0.766 for PROACTIVE, PNS 2013, and PNS 2019, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.736, 0.801, and 0.809 for these 3 data sets, respectively. For the PROACTIVE data set, the most influential features identified were postural balance, shortness of breath, and how old people feel they are. In the PNS 2013 data set, the features were the ability to do usual activities, chest pain, sleep problems, and chronic back problems. The PNS 2019 data set shared 3 of the most influential features with the PNS 2013 data set. However, the difference was the replacement of chronic back problems with verbal abuse. It is important to note that the features contained in the PNS data sets differ from those found in the PROACTIVE data set. An empirical analysis demonstrated that using the proposed model led to a potential reduction in screening interviews of up to 52% while maintaining a sensitivity of 0.80.

CONCLUSIONS

This study developed a novel methodology for identifying individuals with DS, demonstrating the utility of using Bayesian networks to identify the most significant features. Moreover, this approach has the potential to substantially reduce the number of screening interviews while maintaining high sensitivity, thereby facilitating improved early identification and intervention strategies for individuals experiencing DS.

CLINICALTRIAL