bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex‐specific differences in colorectal cancer: A multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Joo Hyun Jin , Lee Hyun Seok , Jang Byung Ik , Kim Dae Bum , Kim Jae Hyun , Park Jae Jun , Kim Hyun Gun , Baek Il Hyun , Lee Jun , Kim Bun 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundDue to sex‐specific differences in the incidence and clinical and histopathological characteristics of colorectal cancer (CRC), understanding the impact of sex on CRC may suggest sex‐targeted strategies for screening, treatment, and prevention, leading to improved prognosis of CRC. However, there have been few studies investigating the sex‐specific differences in CRC in the Republic of Korea. We aimed to assess sex differences in CRC in the Republic of Korea.MethodsThis was a retrospective, multicenter, cohort study of patients diagnosed with CRC between January 2012 and December 2013 at nine hospitals. Patients who had an uncertain CRC stage, were diagnosed with other cancers within 5 years, had carcinoma in situ, non‐epithelial cancer, or primary cancer other than CRC, were excluded. Factors associated with overall survival or progression‐free survival were investigated using Cox regression analysis. Cumulative probability of metachronous lesions was compared using the Kaplan–Meier estimator survival analysis and we compared the survival curves of each group using a log‐rank test. Outcomes were compared using the chi‐square, Fisher's exact, or Student's t‐test, as appropriate.ResultsThree thousand one hundred and forteen patients (1999 men, 1315 women) were included. There was no significant difference in the age at onset between men and women. The proportion of patients diagnosed through regular health check‐ups, and asymptomatic at time of diagnosis, was higher in men (48.9% men vs. 42.0% women, p < .001). Rectal cancers were more common in men (38.8% men vs. 31.8% women, p < .001). Right colon cancers were more common in women (31.4% women vs. 22.7% men, p < .001). KRAS mutations were found in 109/317 (34.4%) women and 112/480 (23.3%) men. Overall CRC survival and progression‐free survival were similar in both sexes.ConclusionSex differences in CRC may be due to the biological and social‐behavioral differences between the sexes. They should be considered during screening, diagnosis, and treatment of CRC for better outcomes.
Treatment outcomes of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia in Western Kenya before and after the implementation of the SIOP PODC treatment guideline
Authors: van Weelderen Romy E. , Wijnen Noa E. , Njuguna Festus , Klein Kim , Vik Terry A. , Olbara Gilbert , Kaspers Gertjan J. L. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPurposeThe Pediatric Oncology in Developing Countries (PODC) committee of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) published a pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML)‐specific adapted treatment guideline for low‐ and middle‐income countries. We evaluated the outcomes of children with AML at a large Kenyan academic hospital before (period 1) and after (period 2) implementing this guideline.Patients and MethodsRecords of children (≤17 years) newly diagnosed with AML between 2010 and 2021 were retrospectively studied. In period 1, induction therapy comprised two courses with doxorubicin and cytarabine, and consolidation comprised two courses with etoposide and cytarabine. In period 2, a prephase with intravenous low‐dose etoposide was administered prior to induction therapy, induction course I was intensified, and consolidation was adapted to two high‐dose cytarabine courses. Probabilities of event‐free survival (pEFS) and overall survival (pOS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method.ResultsOne‐hundred twenty‐two children with AML were included – 83 in period 1 and 39 in period 2. Overall, 95 patients received chemotherapy. The abandonment rate was 19% (16/83) in period 1 and 3% (1/39) in period 2. The early death, treatment‐related mortality, complete remission, and relapse rates in periods 1 and 2 were 46% (29/63) versus 44% (14/32), 36% (12/33) versus 47% (8/17), 33% (21/63) versus 38% (12/32), and 57% (12/21) versus 17% (2/12), respectively. The 2‐year pEFS and pOS in periods 1 and 2 were 5% versus 15% (p = .53), and 8% versus 16% (p = .93), respectively.ConclusionThe implementation of the SIOP PODC guideline did not result in improved outcomes of Kenyan children with AML. Survival of these children remains dismal, mainly attributable to early mortality.
Electron‐Deficient Phenanthrenequinone Derivative for Photoactivated Hydrogen Atom Transfer Mediated Oxidation of Secondary Alcohols
Authors: Talvitie Juulia , Alanko Iida , Lenarda Anna , Durandin Nikita , Tkachenko Nikolai , Nieger Martin , Helaja Juho 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn 2000, Fukuzumi and co‐workers reported a seminal study on the photochemical oxidation of benzylic alcohols with visible‐light‐excited 9,10‐phenanthrenequinone (PQ) under argon atmosphere (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2000, 122, 8435). We optimized the reaction conditions they reported and were able to oxidize 1‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)ethanol quantitatively to 4'‐methoxyacetophenone in only 15 min with 10 mol % PQ as a photocatalyst under oxygen. However, we observed a significant decrease in the oxidation rate with more electron‐deficient benzylic alcohols as starting materials. To improve the photooxidation performance, we designed a high‐yielding synthetic route for a novel, more electron‐deficient PQ derivative, 3,6‐bis(trifluoromethyl)‐9,10‐phenanthrenequinone (PQ‐CF3). Its efficiency as a photocatalyst in the fast oxidation of secondary alcohols was demonstrated not only with several electronically diverse benzylic alcohols but also with aliphatic substrates. The comprehensive mechanistic studies based on Hammett plot construction, kinetic isotope experiments, and DFT computations suggest that the mechanistic pathway of the alcohol oxidation is dependent on the electronic properties of both the catalyst and the substrate. As the key mechanistic discovery, we showed that the newly developed PQ‐CF3 operates as a highly efficient hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) catalyst.
Structure‐Induced Enhanced Dissolving Properties of Mg(OH)2 Prepared by Glycine‐Assisted MgO Hydration
Authors: Tang Xiaojia , Du Zhongyuan , Wang Yufei , Zhu Yimin , Unluer Cise , Liu Pengfei 
Published: June 2023

AbstractMg(OH)2’s dissolving properties have a considerable influence on its application performance. This study aims to improve the dissolving properties of Mg(OH)2 by modifying its crystal structure. Mg(OH)2 crystals with a large diameter‐to‐height ratio (≈40) structure are synthesized via a glycine‐assisted MgO hydration method utilizing glycine's differing adsorption energy on the (001) and (110) surfaces of Mg(OH)2 (−306.2 and −277.4 kJ mol−1). Compared to the control sample, the results of the dissolution kinetics investigation indicate that glycine‐assisted hydration considerably improves the apparent reaction rate constant of dissolution from 0.0020–0.0071 to 0.0039–0.0120 min−1. The enhanced dissolving properties are mostly induced by the large and thin crystal grain structure, which disintegrates easily during the dissolution process, exposing more reactive sites. The findings reported in this study provide a new approach to improving the dissolving properties of Mg(OH)2 that can enable its enhanced use in various applications.
Motivations and drivers for adopting sustainability and circular business strategies in businesses in Victoria
Authors: Gajanayake Akvan , Ho Oanh Thi‐Kieu , Iyer‐Raniga Usha 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWith the need to transition to a Circular Economy being highlighted at government and industry level, business research has focused on how firms incorporate circular business practices. However, there is a lack of research on what motivates and drives businesses to implement environmental and CE practices, specially from an Australian context. This research aims to understand what factors drive and motivate businesses to implement sustainability practices, using a survey distributed among businesses operating in Victoria, Australia. The results show that the major motivation for businesses to implement actions was the belief of doing the right thing. Although financial returns were not considered a major driver, the results reveal that firms may not implement environmental activities if it is not financially viable. The responses also illustrate that understanding of CE‐related terminology within businesses were low, and that this could be a result of common terms used within the Australian context. Improving the ethical and moral conscience of business decision makers and incorporating wider CE actions into the general concept of doing the right thing could increase businesses implementing CE practices more broadly.
A novel dual NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor for the treatment of inflammatory diseases
Authors: Docherty Callum AH , Fernando Anuruddika J , Rosli Sarah , Lam Maggie , Dolle Roland E , Navia Manuel A , Farquhar Ronald , La France Danny , Tate Michelle D , Murphy Christopher K , Rossi Adriano G , Mansell Ashley 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectivesInflammasomes induce maturation of the inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and IL‐18, whose activity is associated with the pathophysiology of a wide range of infectious and inflammatory diseases. As validated therapeutic targets for the treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, there has been intense interest in developing small‐molecule inhibitors to target inflammasome activity and reduce disease‐associated inflammatory burden.MethodsWe examined the therapeutic potential of a novel small‐molecule inhibitor, and associated derivatives, termed ADS032 to target and reduce inflammasome‐mediated inflammation in vivo. In vitro, we characterised ADS032 function, target engagement and specificity.ResultsWe describe ADS032 as the first dual NLRP1 and NLRP3 inhibitor. ADS032 is a rapid, reversible and stable inflammasome inhibitor that directly binds both NLRP1 and NLRP3, reducing secretion and maturation of IL‐1β in human‐derived macrophages and bronchial epithelial cells in response to the activation of NLPR1 and NLRP3. ADS032 also reduced NLRP3‐induced ASC speck formation, indicative of targeting inflammasome formation. In vivo, ADS032 reduced IL‐1β and TNF‐α levels in the serum of mice challenged i.p. with LPS and reduced pulmonary inflammation in an acute model of lung silicosis. Critically, ADS032 protected mice from lethal influenza A virus challenge, displayed increased survival and reduced pulmonary inflammation.ConclusionADS032 is the first described dual inflammasome inhibitor and a potential therapeutic to treat both NLRP1‐ and NLRP3‐associated inflammatory diseases and also constitutes a novel tool that allows examination of the role of NLRP1 in human disease.
Single‐cell analysis reveals the multiple patterns of immune escape in the nasopharyngeal carcinoma microenvironment
Authors: Lin Qianyu , Zhou Yaqi , Ma Jie , Han Sanyang , Huang Yunchuanxiang , Wu Feng , Wang Xuejuan , Zhang Yanan , Mei Xueshuang , Ma Lan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundSingle‐cell transcriptomics has revolutionised our understanding of the cellular composition of the tumour microenvironment (TME) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Despite this progress, a key limitation of this technique has been its inability to capture epithelial/tumour cells, which has hindered further investigation of tumour heterogeneity and immune escape in NPC.MethodsIn this study, we aimed to address these limitations by analysing the transcriptomics and spatial characteristics of NPC tumour cells at single‐cell resolution using scRNA/snRNA‐seq and imaging mass cytometry techniques.ResultsOur findings demonstrate multiple patterns of immune escape mechanisms in NPC, including the loss of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules in malignant cells, induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition in fibroblast‐like malignant cells and the use of hyperplastic cells in tumour nests to protect tumour cells from immune infiltration. Additionally, we identified, for the first time, a CD8+ natural killer (NK) cell cluster that is specific to the NPC TME.ConclusionsThese findings provide new insights into the complexity of NPC immune landscape and may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for this disease.
Automated detection of progressive speech changes in early Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Robin Jessica , Xu Mengdan , Balagopalan Aparna , Novikova Jekaterina , Kahn Laura , Oday Abdi , Hejrati Mohsen , Hashemifar Somaye , Negahdar Mohammadreza , Simpson William , Teng Edmond 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSpeech and language changes occur in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but few studies have characterized their longitudinal course. We analyzed open‐ended speech samples from a prodromal‐to‐mild AD cohort to develop a novel composite score to characterize progressive speech changes. Participant speech from the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) interview was analyzed to compute metrics reflecting speech and language characteristics. We determined the aspects of speech and language that exhibited significant longitudinal change over 18 months. Nine acoustic and linguistic measures were combined to create a novel composite score. The speech composite exhibited significant correlations with primary and secondary clinical endpoints and a similar effect size for detecting longitudinal change. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using automated speech processing to characterize longitudinal change in early AD. Speech‐based composite scores could be used to monitor change and detect response to treatment in future research.HIGHLIGHTS
Longitudinal speech samples were analyzed to characterize speech changes in early AD.
Acoustic and linguistic measures showed significant change over 18 months.
A novel speech composite score was computed to characterize longitudinal change.
The speech composite correlated with primary and secondary trial endpoints.
Automated speech analysis could facilitate remote, high frequency monitoring in AD.
Patterns of senescence and apoptosis during development of branchial arches, epibranchial placodes, and pharyngeal pouches
Authors: Washausen Stefan , Knabe Wolfgang 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundMany developmental processes are coregulated by apoptosis and senescence. However, there is a lack of data on the development of branchial arches, epibranchial placodes, and pharyngeal pouches, which harbor epibranchial signaling centers.ResultsUsing immunohistochemical, histochemical, and 3D reconstruction methods, we show that in mice, senescence and apoptosis together may contribute to the invagination of the branchial clefts and the deepening of the cervical sinus floor, in antagonism to the proliferation acting in the evaginating branchial arches. The concomitant apoptotic elimination of lateral line rudiments occurs in the absence of senescence. In the epibranchial placodes, senescence and apoptosis appear to (1) support invagination or at least indentation by immobilizing the margins of the centrally proliferating pit, (2) coregulate the number and fate of Pax8+ precursors, (3) progressively narrow neuroblast delamination sites, and (4) contribute to placode regression. Putative epibranchial signaling centers in the pharyngeal pouches are likely deactivated by rostral senescence and caudal apoptosis.ConclusionsOur results reveal a plethora of novel patterns of apoptosis and senescence, some overlapping, some complementary, whose functional contributions to the development of the branchial region, including the epibranchial placodes and their signaling centers, can now be tested experimentally.
Population genetic differentiation and phenotypic plasticity of Ambrosiaartemisiifolia under different nitrogen levels
Authors: Xiong Yunqi , Oduor Ayub M. O. , Zhao Caiyun 
Published: June 2023

AbstractRapid adaptive evolution and phenotypic plasticity are two mechanisms that often underlie invasiveness of alien plant species, but whether they can co‐occur within invasive plant populations under altered environmental conditions such as nitrogen (N) enrichment has seldom been explored. Latitudinal clines in plant trait responses to variation in environmental factors may provide evidence of local adaptation. Here, we inferred the relative contributions of phenotypic plasticity and local adaptation to the performance of the invasive plant Ambrosia artemisiifolia under different soil N levels, using a common garden approach. We grew A. artemisiifolia individuals raised from seeds that were sampled from six invasive populations along a wide latitudinal cline in China (23°42′ N to 45°43′ N) under three N (0, 5, and 10 g N m−2) levels in a common garden. Results show significant interpopulation genetic differentiation in plant height, number of branches, total biomass, and transpiration rate of the invader A. artemisiifolia across the N treatments. The populations also expressed genetic differentiation in basal diameter, growth rate, leaf area, seed width, root biomass, aboveground biomass, stomatal conductance, and intercellular CO2 concentration regardless of N treatments. Moreover, plants from different populations of the invader displayed plastic responses in time to first flower, hundred‐grain weight, net photosynthetic rate, and relative biomass allocation to roots and shoots and seed length under different N treatments. Additionally, individuals of A. artemisiifolia from higher latitudes grew shorter and allocated less biomass to the roots regardless of N treatment, while latitudinal cline (or lack thereof) in other traits depended on the level of N in which the plants were grown. Overall, these results suggest that rapid adaptive evolution and phenotypic plasticity in the various traits that we quantified may jointly contribute to invasiveness of A. artemisiifolia under different levels of N availability. More broadly, the results support the idea that phenotypic plasticity and rapid adaptive evolution can jointly enable invasive plants to colonize a wide range of environmental conditions.
Multivariate Bayesian analysis to predict invasiveness ofPhytophthorapathogens
Authors: Marcot Bruce G. , Scott Peter , Burgess Treena I. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractGlobal concerns are many for the invasive impacts ofPhytophthorapathogens on native vegetation, agriculture, nurseries, and urban parks and gardens. We compiled a database of 32 traits on 204 species ofPhytophthoraincluding data on each species' taxonomy (clade and subclade), historical knowledge (years since first described), impacted ecosystems, microenvironments inhabited, dispersal mode, physiology, and morphology. Drawing from approximately 11,394 unique host, pathogen, and country plant disease records from GenBank and other sources, we calculated potential invasiveness of 103 better studied species from cluster relationships. We used the species data to create a Bayesian network model predicting the degree and probability of invasiveness of individualPhytophthoraspecies. Model calibration testing resulted in <1% error rate in classifying invasiveness categories of well‐known species. We applied the model to predict the potential invasiveness of 101 other species with unknown invasiveness dynamics. The model can also be used to predict the invasive risk of other poorly studied and newly identifiedPhytophthoraspecies, and the general modeling approach can be used for other pests and pathogens, to advise land and resource managers to thwart potential invasions before they occur or intensify.
Associations between KCNQ1OT1 genetic variation rs10766212 and susceptibility to colorectal cancer and clinical stage in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Nie Wanjia , Zhang Shulong , Gao Xueren 
Published: June 2023

AbstractKCNQ1OT1 has been linked to the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). As a result, functional polymorphisms in the KCNQ1OT1 gene may have a role in CRC formation and progression. The goal of this study was to see if the rs10766212 polymorphism on the KCNQ1OT1 gene was linked to CRC susceptibility and clinical stage in a Chinese Han population. The case–control research comprised a total of 576 CRC patients and 606 healthy controls. The genotype of the rs10766212 polymorphic locus was determined using the Sanger sequencing technique. We found that the KCNQ1OT1 rs10766212 polymorphism was not related to CRC susceptibility; however, it was connected with the clinical stage of CRC. Patients with CRC who had the rs10766212 T allele had a lower risk of stage III/IV tumors than those who had the rs10766212 C allele. Furthermore, CRC tissues with the rs10766212 CC genotype showed a significant negative connection between KCNQ1OT1 and hsa‐miR‐622 expression. The luciferase assay showed that the rs10766212 C allele might contribute to the adsorption of KCNQ1OT1 on hsa‐miR‐622. In conclusion, the rs10766212 polymorphism altering hsa‐miR‐622 binding is linked to the clinical stage of CRC and may serve as a biomarker for predicting CRC progression in the Chinese Han population. However, better‐designed studies are still needed to confirm the current findings.
A survey review on individual perception of environmental awareness in Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Teja Kambhampati , Krishna Chinta Venkata Murali , Rao Kambhampati Venkata Sambasiva , Sai Pappula Charan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractEnvironmental protection in the twenty‐first century is more important than ever. Despite this, urbanization has led to an increase in the worldwide push for environmental sustainability and reducing pollution from human activities in the air, water, soil, etc. Pursuing a better quality of life has led humanity to use more of the planet's finite resources. This analysis focused on demographics such as age, gender, occupation, degree of education, and socio‐economic status. This study focuses on the people of Andhra Pradesh, India, to gauge their familiarity with and outlook on climate change and other worldwide environmental concerns. People's judgments of the efficacy of individual action in coping with the adverse effects of environmental and climatic changes and the most visible changes in these areas are assessed. The results of this research will be used to shape future communication and public awareness campaigns, whether they are aimed at spreading specific ideas or policies. Thus, it is seen as more vital to examine the possibility of strengthening communication capabilities and public outreach than to determine whether or not common knowledge is accurate.
Radiomics features from 3D‐MPRAGE imaging can differentiate temporal‐plus epilepsy from temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Yin Fangzhao , Yan Xiaoming , Gao Runshi , Ren Zhiwei , Yu Tao , Zhao Zhuoling , Zhang Guojun 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to differentiate temporal‐plus epilepsy (TPE) from temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) using extraction of radiomics features from three‐dimensional magnetization‐prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo (3D‐MPRAGE) imaging data.MethodsData from patients with TLE or TPE who underwent epilepsy surgery between January 2019 and January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Thirty‐three regions of interest in the affected hemisphere of each patient were defined on 3D‐MPRAGE images. A total of 3531 image features were extracted from each patient. Four feature selection methods and 10 machine learning algorithms were used to build 40 differentiation models. Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis.ResultsEighty‐two patients were included for analysis, 47 with TLE and 35 with TPE. The model combining logistic regression and the relief selection method had the best performance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, .779; accuracy, .875; sensitivity, .800; specificity, .929; positive predictive value, .889; negative predictive value, .867).SignificanceRadiomics analysis can differentiate TPE from TLE. The logistic regression classifier trained with radiomics features extracted from 3D‐MPRAGE images had the highest accuracy and best performance.