bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial-temporal evolution of vegetation coverage and its relationship with terrain and human factors in the upper reaches of Ganjiang River Basin, China
Authors: Liu Youcun , Huang Haohong , Meng Lihong , Liu Mingxia , Wu Zidan , Liu Tao , Labat David 
Published: January 2023

Vegetation coverage is an important indicator for evaluating regional environmental quality. Based on MODIS NDVI and DEM data collected for the upper reaches of the Ganjiang River Basin, China, this study used trend analysis, coefficient of variation, Hurst index, and linear regression to analyze the temporal and spatial evolution of vegetation coverage and its relationship with terrain factors in the basin during the years 2000–2020. The vegetation coverage in the study area showed a fluctuating increasing trend at a rate of 5%/10y, and an increasing trend with increasing elevation. The maximum vegetation coverage was identified in the elevation zone of 750–1,000 m, with an average of 83.54%. Vegetation coverage also showed an increasing trend with increasing slope. The maximum vegetation coverage was up to 82.22% in the slope zone of ≥25°. There were no significant differences among the distributions of vegetation coverage in different aspects because the terrain in the study area is not rugged enough to form barriers against sunlight. The vegetation coverage was relatively stable in the study area, with an average coefficient of variation of 14.8%. Hurst analysis showed that the anti-sustainability effect of vegetation change was stronger than that of sustainability, and weak anti-sustainability was dominant. The effects of human activities mainly concentrated in the areas of low elevation and small slopes less than 2°where cities and towns are located. The findings can provide a scientific basis for the management of regional ecosystems in the future.
Does the VDR gene polymorphism influence the efficacy of denosumab therapy in postmenopausal osteoporosis?
Authors: Wawrzyniak Anna , Skrzypczak-Zielińska Marzena , Michalak Michał , Kaczmarek-Ryś Marta , Ratajczak Alicja Ewa , Rychter Anna Maria , Skoracka Kinga , Marcinkowska Michalina , Słomski Ryszard , Dobrowolska Agnieszka , Krela-Kaźmierczak Iwona 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionOne of the challenges of personalized medicine is a departure from traditional pharmacology toward individualized, genotype-based therapies. Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a prevalent condition requiring intensive treatment, whose effects are measurable only after a long time, and the goal is bone fracture prevention. This study aimed to determine the influence of VDR gene variation on anti-osteoporotic one-year treatment with denosumab in 63 Polish women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.Materials and methodsThe correlation between bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar vertebral column (L1–L4) and femoral neck, and genotype distributions for the ApaI, BsmI, FokI, and TaqI variants of the VDR gene was analyzed. Bone fractures during denosumab therapy were also investigated.ResultsIn the case of the Bsml polymorphism, female patients with BB and Bb genotypes had statistically significantly higher values of BMD and T-score/Z-score indicators, which persisted after a year of denosumab treatment. Our results indicated that the Bsml polymorphism contributes to better bone status, and, consequently, to more efficient biological therapy. The study did not reveal significant differences between changes (delta) in BMD and genotypes for the analyzed VDR gene loci. In the entire study group, one bone fracture was observed in one patient throughout the yearlong period of denosumab therapy.ConclusionsBB and Bb genotypes of the Bsml polymorphism of the VDR gene determine higher DXA parameter values both before and after one-year denosumab therapy in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.
Isolated growth hormone deficiency in children with vertically transmitted short stature: What do the genes tell us?
Authors: Plachy Lukas , Amaratunga Shenali Anne , Dusatkova Petra , Maratova Klara , Neuman Vit , Petruzelkova Lenka , Zemkova Dana , Obermannova Barbora , Snajderova Marta , Kolouskova Stanislava , Sumnik Zdenek , Lebl Jan , Pruhova Stepanka 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionThe growth hormone deficiency (GHD) diagnosis is controversial especially due to low specificity of growth hormone (GH) stimulation tests. It is therefore believed that children diagnosed with GHD form a heterogeneous group with growth disorder frequently independent on GH function. No study evaluating the complex etiology of growth failure in children with diagnosed GHD has been performed thus far.AimsTo discover genetic etiology of short stature in children with diagnosed GHD from families with short stature.MethodsFifty-two children diagnosed with primary GHD and vertically transmitted short stature (height SDS in the child and his/her shorter parent &lt;-2 SD) were included to our study. The GHD diagnosis was based on growth data suggestive of GHD, absence of substantial disproportionality (sitting height to total height ratio &lt;-2 SD or &gt;+2 SD), IGF-1 levels &lt;0 for age and sex specific SD and peak GH concentration &lt;10 ug/L in two stimulation tests. All children were examined using next-generation sequencing methods, and the genetic variants were subsequently evaluated by American College of Medical Genetics standards and guidelines.ResultsThe age of children at enrollment into the study was 11 years (median, IQR 9-14 years), their height prior to GH treatment was -3.0 SD (-3.6 to -2.8 SD), IGF-1 concentration -1.4 SD (-2.0 to -1.1 SD), and maximal stimulated GH 6.3 ug/L (4.8-7.6 ug/L). No child had multiple pituitary hormone deficiency or a midbrain region pathology. Causative variant in a gene that affects growth was discovered in 15/52 (29%) children. Of them, only 2 (13%) had a genetic variant affecting GH secretion or function (GHSR and OTX2). Interestingly, in 10 (67%) children we discovered a primary growth plate disorder (ACAN, COL1A2, COL11A1, COL2A1, EXT2, FGFR3, NF1, NPR2, PTPN11 [2x]), in one (7%) a genetic variant impairing IGF-1 action (IGFALS) and in two (12%) a variant in miscellaneous genes (SALL4, MBTPS2).ConclusionsIn children with vertically transmitted short stature, genetic results frequently did not correspond with the clinical diagnosis of GH deficiency. These results underline the doubtful reliability of methods standardly used to diagnose GH deficiency.
Spatial characteristics of industrial economic location and its formation in Chongqing, China
Authors: Tang Zhonglin , Fu Min , Wang Yuting , Zhao Yihui 
Published: January 2023

As the core carrier and organizational bodies of the regional industrial space, the study of the location of industrial enterprises and the formation of their economic location is related to the rational development of regional industries, the coordination of humans and the environment, and the effective allocation of resources. Taking Chongqing, one of the six old industrial bases in China, as an example, this study analyzed the spatial distribution characteristics, economic location characteristics, and formation laws of industrial enterprises based on the Points of interest data (POI), and investigation data. The results showed that industrial enterprises in Chongqing show obvious spatial clustering characteristics. About 93.50%, 60.34%, 96.67%, 97.57%, 73.57%, 64.83% of industrial enterprises were distributed within the spatial range of 10 Km from the motorways, national highways, provincial highways, county highways, main streams of rivers and central towns, and 93.48% of industrial enterprises were distributed at an altitude of 800 m or less. In order to further reveale the economic location characteristics of industrial enterprises in Chongqing, this study further quantified the spatial differentiation law of industrial economic location based on Geographically weighted regression (GWR). The results showed that factors such as the Distance to National Highways (DNH), Distance to County Highways (DCH), Distance to Central Towns (DCC), Distance to River systems (DR), and Population Density (POP) had significant positive impacts on the formation of economic locations of industrial enterprises, while the Distance to Motorway (DMW) exerted a certain negative influence, but the effectiveness sees strong spatial heterogeneity according to the type of industry and the actual regional industrial development, with factors such as transportation accessibility, environment, and labor force playing a moderating role.
Subjective sleep quality and fatigue assessment in Polish adult patients with primary immunodeficiencies: A pilot study
Authors: Grochowalska Kinga , Ziętkiewicz Marcin , Więsik-Szewczyk Ewa , Matyja-Bednarczyk Aleksandra , Napiórkowska-Baran Katarzyna , Nowicka-Sauer Katarzyna , Hajduk Adam , Sołdacki Dariusz , Zdrojewski Zbigniew 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionPrimary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are clinically heterogeneous disorders caused by abnormalities in the immune system. However, PIDs are genetically determined and may occur at any age from early childhood to elderly age. Due to chronic patterns, the risk of malignancy and organ damage in patients with PIDs may affect any aspect of life, including sleep patterns. To our knowledge, the prevalence of insomnia and subjective sleep quality have not been investigated in patients with PIDs. Therefore, this pilot study was conducted to investigate sleep quality, the prevalence of sleep disturbances, and fatigue in adult patients with PIDs in Poland.MethodsAll participants were surveyed using the Athens Insomnia Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Fatigue Severity Scale, and a questionnaire concerning general health and demographic data. We included 92 participants: 48 women (52.2%) and 44 men (47.8%).ResultsParticipants’ mean age was 41.9 ± 13.9 years. The mean sleep duration was 7.0 ± 1.5 hours, and the mean sleep latency was 41.2 ± 53.1 minutes. Additionally, 44.6% of patients (n=41) had symptoms of insomnia and 44.6% (n=42) had poor sleep quality. Less than one-fourth (n=22; 23.9%) of the patients reported the use of sleeping pills; moreover, clinically significant fatigue was reported in 52.2% (n=48).DiscussionOur investigation provides insight into the problem of sleep disturbances in patients with PIDs. Data have demonstrated that sleeping disorders with concomitant fatigue are common in patients with PID. Further studies are needed to determine the determinants of poor sleep quality in this specific group of patients.
Intensification of “river in the sea” along the western Bay of Bengal Coast during two consecutive La Niña events of 2020 and 2021 based on SMAP satellite observations
Authors: Li Zhiyuan , Long Yu , Zhu Xiao-Hua , Papa Fabrice 
Published: January 2023

A narrow strip of low salinity water that hugs the western Bay of Bengal (BoB) is known as a “river in the sea” (RIS). During the autumns of 2020 and 2021, Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) identified an intensification of the RIS that was characterized by a continuous, uniform strip of low salinity water (&lt;31 psu) that was 100 km wide extending along the western BoB coast to south of Sri Lanka. The analysis shows that the La Niña events in 2020–2021 were responsible for this intensification. During the La Niña events of 2020 and 2021, cyclonic circulation anomalies were generated along the BoB coast, causing a stronger Eastern Indian Coastal Current (EICC). Meanwhile, the northern BoB received increased river discharge during the summer monsoons of the two years. The stronger EICC and increased river discharge together led to anomalous freshwater transport that contributed to the intensification of the RIS. Notably, the RIS extended far southward during La Niña events of 2016 and 2017. However, the spatial structure of the RIS differed sharply between 2016–2017 and 2020–2021. The results indicate that pairs of eddies in the western BoB steered the freshwater offshore by several hundred kilometers. As a result, offshore extending tongue-shaped freshwater plumes were formed that inhibited the formation of an organized RIS structure along the western BoB coast during 2016–2017. This study highlights that the year-to-year variability of the RIS was significantly influenced by the La Niña events and modulated by mesoscale processes.
Inhibition of IL-12 heterodimers impairs TLR9-mediated prevention of early mouse plasmacytoma cell growth
Authors: Mandour Mohamed F. , Soe Pyone Pyone , Castonguay Anne-Sophie , Van Snick Jacques , Coutelier Jean-Paul 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionNatural prevention of cancer development depends on an efficient immunosurveillance that may be modulated by environmental factors, including infections. Innate lymphoid cytotoxic cells have been shown to play a major role in this immunosurveillance. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) has been suggested to be a key factor in the activation of innate cytotoxic cells after infection, leading to the enhancement of cancer immunosurveillance.MethodsThe aim of this work was to analyze in mouse experimental models by which mechanisms the interaction between infectious agent molecules and the early innate responses could enhance early inhibition of cancer growth and especially to assess the role of IL-12 by using novel antibodies specific for IL-12 heterodimers.ResultsLigation of toll-like receptor (TLR)9 by CpG-protected mice against plasmacytoma TEPC.1033.C2 cell early growth. This protection mediated by innate cytolytic cells was strictly dependent on IL-12 and partly on gamma-interferon. Moreover, the protective effect of CpG stimulation, and to a lesser extent of TLR3 and TLR7/8, and the role of IL-12 in this protection were confirmed in a model of early mesothelioma AB1 cell growth.DiscussionThese results suggest that modulation of the mouse immune microenvironment by ligation of innate receptors deeply modifies the efficiency of cancer immunosurveillance through the secretion of IL-12, which may at least partly explain the inhibitory effect of previous infections on the prevalence of some cancers.
Methylmercury formation in biofilms of Geobacter sulfurreducens
Authors: Yunda Elena , Gutensohn Mareike , Ramstedt Madeleine , Björn Erik 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionMercury (Hg) is a major environmental pollutant that accumulates in biota predominantly in the form of methylmercury (MeHg). Surface-associated microbial communities (biofilms) represent an important source of MeHg in natural aquatic systems. In this work, we report MeHg formation in biofilms of the iron-reducing bacterium Geobacter sulfurreducens.MethodsBiofilms were prepared in media with varied nutrient load for 3, 5, or 7 days, and their structural properties were characterized using confocal laser scanning microscopy, cryo-scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.ResultsBiofilms cultivated for 3 days with vitamins in the medium had the highest surface coverage, and they also contained abundant extracellular matrix. Using 3 and 7-days-old biofilms, we demonstrate that G. sulfurreducens biofilms prepared in media with various nutrient load produce MeHg, of which a significant portion is released to the surrounding medium. The Hg methylation rate constant determined in 6-h assays in a low-nutrient assay medium with 3-days-old biofilms was 3.9 ± 2.0 ∙ 10−14  L ∙ cell−1 ∙ h−1, which is three to five times lower than the rates found in assays with planktonic cultures of G. sulfurreducens in this and previous studies. The fraction of MeHg of total Hg within the biofilms was, however, remarkably high (close to 50%), and medium/biofilm partitioning of inorganic Hg (Hg(II)) indicated low accumulation of Hg(II) in biofilms.DiscussionThese findings suggest a high Hg(II) methylation capacity of G. sulfurreducens biofilms and that Hg(II) transfer to the biofilm is the rate-limiting step for MeHg formation in this systems.
Analysis of hot trends in research on the association between vitamin D and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Luo Xuemei , Wu Feifeng , Wang Cheng , Wen Chuan 
Published: January 2023

ObjectiveVitamin D deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency. Numerous studies suggest that vitamin D is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The objective is to visualize the research hotspots and evolution trends of the correlation between vitamin D and cardiovascular disease by using multivariate statistics and social network analysis techniques and to compare adult research with that of children in this field.Methods(Vitamin D [MeSH Major Topic]) AND (cardiovascular disease [MeSH Major Topic]) were retrieved from the PubMed database by time period. The bibliographic items co-occurrence matrix builder (BICOMB) was adopted to extract high-frequency subject terms and establish the core subject term co-occurrence matrix. With the Netdraw function of Ucinet 6.0 software, the social network of core subject terms was completed.ResultsBefore 2010, there was a slow increase in the number of research papers covering all age groups in this field (157, 54, 84, and 211 papers were published in stages 1–4, respectively). From 2010 to 2020, there were 1,423 papers retrieved, showing a significantly increased research heat. The overall development trend of the research on the association between vitamin D and cardiovascular disease in children is similar to that in all age groups. From 2010 to 2020, 122 related papers were published (while before 2009, there were only 43 papers in all), presenting a good overall development trend. The social network analysis of core subject terms showed gradually increased correlations between research hotspots, from the early studies limited on the physiological function of vitamin D in cardiovascular diseases, to the role of vitamin D in the comorbidities of various cardiovascular diseases and its value as an intervention measure. Researches on the association between vitamin D and cardiovascular disease has a good overall development trend. Study of the mechanisms and the role of vitamin D in the common co-morbidities of cardiovascular disease and its therapeutic value will be the focus of future research.
Survival, growth, and biogenic amine production of Enterococcus faecium FC12 in response to extracts and essential oils of Rubus fruticosus and Juniperus oxycedrus
Authors: Montanari Chiara , Barbieri Federica , Lorenzini Silvia , Gottardi Davide , Šimat Vida , Özogul Fatih , Gardini Fausto , Tabanelli Giulia 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionEnterococci are lactic acid bacteria (LAB) usually found as food contaminants in fermented products such as cheeses and fermented sausages. Due to their antibiotic resistance, the presence of virulence factors, and the ability to produce biogenic amines (BAs), the determination of these bacteria is crucial to assure food quality and safety. BAs production and consequent accumulation in foods can cause toxicological effects on human health. Plant phenolic compounds are promising alternatives to chemical preservatives and reflect consumers' demand for “green” solutions. In this study, the antimicrobial effect of blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) leaves and prickly juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus) needles, both as phenolic extracts (PE) and essential oils (EO), were evaluated against Enterococcus faecium FC12, a known tyramine-producing strain.MethodsThe growth kinetics in the presence of sub-lethal concentrations of such plant derivatives were modeled (Gompertz equation) and BA production was monitored over time by HPLC. Moreover, flow cytometry (FCM) was used to study the effects of EOs and PEs on cell viability.ResultsThe EOs showed a higher antimicrobial effect (especially R. fruticosus added at 0.75 mg/ml), determining an initial decrease of culturable cells followed by a recovery, even if with lower growth rates and final cell loads. Different rates of BA formation were observed, with tyramine concentrations ranging from 120 to 160 mg/l after 96 h of incubation, and 2-phenylethylamine was produced in lower amounts, usually after reaching the peak of tyramine. FCM confirmed the higher efficacy of R. fruticosus EO that induced cell membrane injury in 93% of the total population. However, complete recovery occurred in the following incubation, demonstrating transient damage.DiscussionAlthough further research is required to better investigate this recovery and to assess the suitability of this approach in a real food system, the present study showed the potential antimicrobial activity of plant derivatives, especially R. fruticosus EO, against the tyramine-producing E. faecium FC12.
A novel hydrogel orthotopic injection model in moderately hypofractionated radiation therapy for prostate cancer: Adaptive degradation and durable imaging
Authors: Yu Hao , Wang Cheng , Wu Lingyun , Zhou Ziyang , Wang Yiqi , Li Wenxiang , Yuan Huili , Lu Zeyi , Yan Danfang , Chen Si , Wang Xu , Yan Senxiang 
Published: January 2023

PurposeModerately hypofractionated radiotherapy (MHRT) holds an important position in prostate cancer management. Existing hydrogel spacers can protect the rectum from radiation damage, but need improvement. We explored the application of a novel hydrogel in MHRT with adaptive degradation and durable imaging functions.Methods and materialsThe hydrogels were irradiated with 6MV x-ray to detect the radio-resistance property. Male SD rats (n=45) underwent hydrogel injection between the prostate and rectum. CT was used for investigating the novel spacer’s degradation and imaging functions over three months. The hydrogel’s radiation-attenuation properties and biocompatibility were further assessed.ResultsHydrogel weight and volume remained stable for six weeks post-injection. After MHRT ended, the hydrogel showed accelerated degradation characteristics and remained in the body for at most three months. CT values of hydrogels exceeded 300 Hounsfield units (HU) throughout treatment, significantly higher than in surrounding normal tissues. A significant dose drop behind the hydrogel was observed post-implantation. Biocompatibility tests of hydrogel found it safe enough for living organisms.ConclusionsThe novel hydrogel application was fully adaptable to prostate cancer MHRT modalities, largely stable during treatment, rapidly degraded after radiotherapy ended, and consistently maintained superior imaging performance and biocompatibility. This novel spacer will be an effective tool in the era of hypofractionated radiotherapy.
Research trend of circulating tumor DNA associated with breast cancer from 2012 to 2021: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Ji Zeqi , Chen Lingzhi , Yang Qiuping , Tian Huiting , Wu Jinyao , Zheng Daitian , Cai Jiehui , Chen Yexi , Li Zhiyang 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundRecently, ctDNA has become the focus for scientists with respect to personalized treatment, early screening, precise diagnosis, and prognosis of BC. This paper aims to use bibliometric analysis to investigate the research status and future trends in this field.MethodsAll the related literature in the field of ctDNA and breast cancer was gathered from the Web of Science Core Collection. Data analyses were performed with R package Bibliometrics, VOS viewer 1.6.18, and online analysis in WoS. IBM SPSS (version 26.0) was used for statistical analysis.ResultsA total of 739 publications, including 472 articles and 267 reviews, were retrieved. The overall number of articles published showed an upward trend. The United States has the largest number of published articles (266 papers) and citations (20,225 times). The most productive journal was Clinical Cancer Research. Cristofanilli M was the most prolific author, while Carlos C was the most cited one. The most frequent keywords excluding the search subject were “liquid biopsy”, “plasma”, “mutations”, “metastatic breast cancer”, “acquired resistance”.ConclusionThis article explored the application value of ctDNA in breast cancer with bibliometric analysis, offering an overall and intuitive understanding of this topic and revealing the study trends in the past ten years.