bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single-cell RNA sequencing highlights the role of distinct natural killer subsets in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Álvarez-Sánchez Esther , Carbayo Álvaro , Valle-Tamayo Natalia , Muñoz Laia , Aumatell Joaquim , Torres Soraya , Rubio-Guerra Sara , García-Castro Jesús , Selma-González Judit , Alcolea Daniel , Turon-Sans Janina , Lleó Alberto , Illán-Gala Ignacio , Fortea Juan , Rojas-García Ricard , Dols-Icardo Oriol 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Neuroinflammation plays a major role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and cumulative evidence suggests that systemic inflammation and the infiltration of immune cells into the brain contribute to this process. However, no study has investigated the role of peripheral blood immune cells in ALS pathophysiology using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq).
Methods
We aimed to characterize immune cells from blood and identify ALS-related immune alterations at single-cell resolution. For this purpose, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from 14 ALS patients and 14 cognitively unimpaired healthy individuals (HC), matched by age and gender, and cryopreserved until library preparation and scRNAseq. We analyzed differences in the proportions of PBMC, gene expression, and cell-cell communication patterns in patients with ALS compared to HC, and their association with plasma neurofilament light (NfL) concentrations, a surrogate biomarker for neurodegeneration. Flow cytometry was used to validate alterations in cell type proportions.
Results
We identified the expansion of CD56dim natural killer (NK) cells in ALS (fold change = 2; adj. p-value = 0.0051), which was mainly driven by the NK_2 subpopulation (fold change = 3.12; adj. p-value = 0.0001), a mature and cytotoxic CD56dim NK subset. Our results revealed extensive gene expression alterations in NK_2 cells, pointing towards the activation of immune response (adj. p-value = 9.2x10− 11) and the regulation of lymphocyte proliferation (adj. p-value = 6.46x10− 6). We identified gene expression changes in other immune cells, such as classical monocytes, and distinct CD8 + effector memory T cells which suggested enhanced antigen presentation via major histocompatibility class-II (adj. p-value = 1.23x10− 8) in ALS. The inference of cell-cell communication patterns demonstrated that the interaction between HLA-E and CD94:NKG2C from different lymphocytes to NK_2 cells is unique to ALS blood. Finally, regression analysis revealed that the proportion of CD56bright NK cells along with the ALSFRS, disease duration, and gender, explained up to 76.4% of the variance in plasma NfL levels.
Conclusion
Our results reveal a signature of relevant changes occurring in peripheral blood immune cells in ALS and underscore alterations in the proportion, gene expression, and signaling patterns of a cytotoxic and terminally differentiated CD56dim NK subpopulation (NK_2), as well as a direct role of CD56bright NK cells in neurodegeneration.
Random swims: An evaluation of acoustic telemetry thresholds for reef-shark behavior and residency
Authors: Ferone Garrison , Woodstock Matthew , Hearn Alex 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Passive acoustic telemetry (AT) is a method used to quantify residency within an array of receivers, but this technology has limitations for capturing complex behaviors in reef sharks: pulse intervals and detection range drop-offs. This study addressed residency calculation methodologies by examining visitation qualifier functions (thresholds) in commonly used R packages (e.g., VTrack).
Methods
Random walk models simulated the mismatch between detections on acoustic receivers and real shark movement by testing 30-minute, 1-hour, 2-hour and 24-hour visit thresholds to compare gaps between shark detections at different transmitter settings (1- and 5-minute intervals). We also modeled tracks of transient sharks to show how these animals may interact with a passive acoustic receiver differently than resident individuals.
Results
Our results suggested that longer transmitter pulse intervals (1–5 minutes standard for sharks and larger fish) require shorter visit thresholds (< 30 minutes) to reduce variability in residency time. Consequently, using thresholds of less than 2 hours increased the number of counted visits that stemmed from the same events. Similarly, the 5-minute interval also predicted greater elapsed residency times than did the real path. Our directional walks sent transient sharks through a receiver at 0–1 and 1–2 meters per second; under these scenarios, transmitters were unlikely to ping twice (default minimum visit qualifier) if 5-minute pulse intervals were set on their transmitters (16.4%), whereas 1-minute intervals did frequently (84.2%), indicating that a 5-minute interval may misrepresent residency time for transient animals.
Conclusions
Thresholds and detection qualifiers manually set during passive acoustic surveys can bias residency and visitation results, and careful consideration should be applied on the basis of the life history (residential or transient) of the target species.
Conjugation of Hydrazine to PEGylated Silica-Coated Magnetite Nanoparticles as pH- Responsive Magnetic Nanocarriers for Covalent Loading and Controlled Release of Doxorubicin
Authors: Naeini Seyed Masih Abtahi , Faramarzi Mehdi , Heydarinasab Amir 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Breast cancer is a major health issue among women, and doxorubicin (DOX) is a commonly used treatment. However, its clinical application is limited by its considerable toxicity. This study introduces an acidity-responsive magnetite nanoparticle-based nanocarrier for effective breast cancer treatment. The magnetite nanoparticles were initially coated with [3-(2,3-Epoxypropoxy)-propyl]-trimethoxysilane, an epoxysilane crosslinker, to enhance their stability and functional properties. Subsequently, NH2-PEG-COOH was conjugated to epoxy-functionalized silica-coated magnetite nanoparticles to improve biocompatibility and introduce reactive carboxyl groups. These carboxyl groups were further modified with hydrazine via carbodiimide-mediated amidation to construct magnetic nanocarriers (MNC). DOX was loaded into the system via acid-sensitive hydrazone bonds, resulting in the final MNC-DOX formulation. The DOX loading process followed the Ho-McKay model, demonstrating chemical adsorption kinetics with a high loading capacity of 433.147 mg/g. The acid-sensitive hydrazone bond facilitated rapid DOX release in response to the acidic tumor microenvironment, with release kinetics following the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, indicative of Fickian diffusion. In vitro cytotoxicity assays revealed that MNC-DOX exhibited significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. This novel MNC-DOX formulation holds great potential for enhancing cancer therapy, highlighting its responsiveness to subtle pH changes and its ability to improve the targeted delivery and controlled release of chemotherapeutic agents.
GenomeFISH: genome-based fluorescence in situ hybridisation for strain-level visualisation of microbial communities
Authors: Engelberts Pam , Ye Jun , Parks Donovan , McMaster Eilish , McInnes Allison , Woodcroft Ben , Volmer James , McIlroy Simon , Tyson Gene 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) is a powerful tool for visualising the spatial organisation of microbial communities. However, traditional FISH has several limitations, including ​​limited phylogenetic resolution, difficulty visualising certain lineages​,​ ​​and the​​ design and optimis​ation of​ new probes is time consuming and does not scale​ to the ​known​ diversity of microbial life. Here, we present GenomeFISH, a high-throughput, genome-based FISH approach that can differentiate strains within complex communities. Fluorescent probes are generated from the genomes of single cells, which are ​obtained ​from environmental or clinical samples through fluorescence activated single-cell sorting (FACS). GenomeFISH can ​distinguish between ​strains with up to 99% average nucleotide identity and was successfully applied to visualise strains in mock communities and human faecal samples. Given the superior sensitivity and specificity of GenomeFISH, we envisage it will become the gold standard in the visualisation of complex microbial systems.
Sediment Sourcing and Contributions to Vertical Salt Marsh Accretion in the Northeast US
Authors: Woodruff Jonathan D. , Baranes Hannah E , Griswold Frances R , Yellen Brian , Cook Timothy L , Autery Molly 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study explores how sediment dynamics shape salt marsh resilience through vertical accretion, a critical factor for adapting to sea level rise. While greater mineral sediment delivery is thought to enhance marsh resilience, uncertainty remains around the precise spatiotemporal controls on sedimentation and its contribution to marsh elevation gains, complicating predictions for future marsh stability. We present observations of sediment sources and delivery timing across nine marsh systems that span regional environmental gradients in the northeastern U.S. Seasonal (spring, summer, and fall) sediment trap deployments were paired with instrumental flood-ebb differencing of suspended sediment concentration and water level, both consistently indicating similar accumulation rates. The highest sediment accumulation occurs during spring in our larger, river-influenced system, with deposition driven by high river discharge events (fluvially dominated). In contrast, marshes with smaller fluvial sources receive the majority of their sediment during high-wave events in spring and fall, indicative of marine-dominated sediment sourcing. One microtidal site displayed peak sedimentation in summer, likely due to increased crab bioturbation activity. Across all sites, sedimentation rates generally decline with increasing distance from the marsh edge and greater platform elevation. Converting these findings to equivalent salt marsh accretion rates, based on platform minerogenic content and dry bulk density, reveals an increase in accretion rates with higher minerogenic deposition. These rates align with established bulk density values for mixed organic-minerogenic sediments, reinforcing that both organic and minerogenic sediment delivery is crucial to supporting marsh accretion and resilience.
Parent-administered Cognitive Bias Modification Training Intervention in Preschool Children
Authors: Canilhas Nabor A. , Martins Ana Teresa , Faísca Luís 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Cognitive Bias Modification of Interpretation (CBM-I) has proven effective in changing anxiety-related cognitive biases in children and adults by promoting positive interpretations of ambiguous scenarios. However, there are currently no CBM-I programs available for preschool children. This experimental study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the parent-administered Cognitive Bias Modification Training Intervention (CBMT-I) with Portuguese preschool children exhibiting high levels of interpretation bias. Forty preschoolers and their parents participated in the study, completing measures assessing temperament and parenting styles. The children were presented with story stems and asked to complete them. A control group received no training, while an intervention group showed a significant reduction in interpretation bias scores compared to the control group. These findings suggest that parent-delivered interventions can help preschool children develop positive cognitive styles in dealing with ambiguity. The clinical implications of the study are discussed.
Assessment Of Barriers to The Utilization of Primary Healthcare Services in Abuja, Nigeria.
Authors: Enaworu Oghenetanure Ryan , Orobator Enibokun Theresa , Onuselogu Ozioma Esther , Awosan Wuraola , Abiodun Folarin , Anuyah Sydney , Akingbola Adewunmi , Aja Aja Maurice , Amos Nworie 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study investigated barriers to assessing community health services, and utilization of primary healthcare (PHC) services in Bwari Area Council, Abuja FCT, Nigeria, focusing on identifying barriers and assessing community satisfaction. A cross-sectional quantitative approach was employed over six months, involving 404 participants selected through a multistage sampling technique. Structured survey questionnaires were utilized to collect data on demographics, healthcare utilization, and barriers to PHC. The study revealed diverse demographic characteristics, with a predominant level of satisfaction among 213 (52.87%) participants. Proximity, 128 (31.68%), and cost of services, 103(25.50%) emerged as primary motivators for utilizing healthcare services. Noteworthy barriers include long waiting times, 230(56.93%), inadequate healthcare facilities 206(50.99%), and stigma associated with healthcare-seeking 183 (45.30%). The findings highlight the significance of addressing these barriers to enhance accessibility and satisfaction with community healthcare services. Recommendations include strategies to reduce waiting times, improve infrastructure, conduct awareness campaigns, and explore measures to reduce the cost of services, contributing to the broader goal of fostering equitable healthcare access and enhancing community well-being. The study makes a valuable contribution to the understanding of PHC utilization patterns, satisfaction levels, and barriers, offering insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers working towards enhancing community health services.
Valgus development in preventing lower extremity injuries in football players: a control group study
Authors: Pekel Aydın , Güler Vesile Şahiner , Turan Mehmet Behzat , Kurt Mehmet Akif 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background/Objectives: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of stretching, strength and plyometric exercise training programs applied to football players in addition to training on jumping performance and knee valgus values.
Methods: The participants were divided into two groups, the experimental and control groups, and stretching, strength and plyometric exercise education programs were applied to the experimental group for 8 weeks. The control group only continued their training. Jumping performances and knee valgus measurements were taken 3 times, before starting the application and after the training program was completed in the 4th week of the application.
Conclusions: As a result, although an increase was observed in the CMJ, CMJ Free, DJ, SJ and horizontal jump values of the participants in both groups at the end of the exercise training programs applied to the football players, it was significantly higher in the experimental group. A decrease was observed in the right knee valgus and left knee valgus values of the participants. The decrease in valgus values in the experimental group was higher than in the control group. It was determined that the training programs applied to the experimental group in addition to the training increased the jumping performance of the participants more than the control group, while they decreased the valgus values more than the control group.
Rejuvenation pruning in a pecan orchard in southern Brazil
Authors: Gonçalves Bilharva Maurício , Hellwig Cristiano Geremias , Schmidt de Souza Rafaela , Da Silva Lucio Priscila , Barbosa Malgarim Marcelo , Martins Carlos Roberto 
Published: December 2024

O trabalho objetivou avaliar intensidades de poda como método de renovação de pomar de nogueira-pecã, visando promover tanto a melhoria da produção quanto da qualidade dos frutos. O experimento foi conduzido em um pomar de aproximadamente 40 anos de idade que não recebia manejo, localizado no município do Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, durante os ciclos 2015/16 e 2016/17. Os tratamentos consistiram na realização da poda leve (remoção de 60 kg de ramos); da poda severa (remoção de 180 kg de ramos) e na ausência de poda. O delineamento ocorreu em blocos ao acaso e arranjado em esquema fatorial (intensidade de poda e ciclo). As variáveis analisadas abrangeram produção por planta, número de frutos, massa média de frutos, amêndoas e cascas, diâmetro e comprimento de fruto e rendimento de amêndoa. A análise dos resultados revelou diferença entre os fatores relativos à produção por planta e número de frutos. Com a poda severa a produção obteve acréscimo quadruplicado entre safras. Além disso, a poda severa também aumentou a massa de frutos e cascas. A porcentagem de amêndoa elevou-se com a poda leve no segundo ciclo. Desse modo, a poda severa demonstrou promover um aumento da produção no ano subsequente à sua realização, apontando ser a intensidade recomendada para renovação do pomar de nogueira-pecã.
Hypertension and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol: A Narrative Review
Authors: Liu Rufei , Cheng Wenli 
Published: December 2024

Abstract:
Hypertension remains the primary driver of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) and mortality.
Dyslipidaemia is a common risk factor for CVDs in hypertensive patients, and their coexistence
significantly increases the risk of CVDs. Furthermore, epidemiologic studies indicate that
there are U-shaped curves between cholesterol levels of HDL-C and CVDs-related mortality in patients
with hypertension, in which CVDs are paradoxically increased in those with elevated HDLC
levels. On the one hand, HDL-C levels and HDL particle function are associated with the pathogenesis
and prognosis of hypertension. On the other hand, hypertension leads to lower HDL-C levels
and worse HDL function through various changes in HDL granule proteome and liposome. In
view of these findings, the relationship between hypertension and HDL-C necessitates a renewed
analysis. This study summarizes the findings from clinical trials and basic research to determine
the relationship between HDL-C and hypertension.
The Impact and Wider Implications of Remote Consultations for General Practice in Norway: Qualitative Study Among Norwegian Contract General Practitioners
Authors: Norberg Børge Lønnebakke , Austad Bjarne , Kristiansen Eli , Zanaboni Paolo , Getz Linn Okkenhaug 
Published: December 2024

Background
The digital shift toward remote consultations in general practice needs ongoing monitoring to understand its impact on general practice organizations and the wider health care system.

Objective
This study aimed to explore how remote consultations impact on contracted general practitioner (GP) practices and how GPs perceive the implications of this uptake for the overall health care system.

Methods
In total, 5 focus groups were conducted with a total of 18 GPs from all 4 health regions of Norway in 2022. The material was subjected to Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis.

Results
The analysis yielded six themes: (1) the design of novel effective clinical pathways: remote consultations empower GPs to tailor new effective clinical trajectories, blending modalities to address diverse needs across clinical episodes—from initial triage, through investigations to case closure; (2) increased workday flexibility: remote consultations introduce variability into daily work, allowing GPs to adjust patient contact intensity, and leading to a less stressful work-home balance; (3) erosion of organizational boundaries: easy remote access to GPs appears to reduce patients’ tolerance for minor illness and self-care, hindering effective gatekeeping and shifting GPs’ focus from proactive to more reactive work, increasing work-related stress; (4) degradation of clinical shrewdness: confronted with an increasing amount of unsorted and trivial remote inquiries, GPs observe challenges in detecting and prioritizing serious cases; (5) dilemmas related to responsibility, ethics, and legislation: remote consultations highlight a tension for contract GPs between legal responsibilities and ethical obligations, with implications for patients with limited health literacy; this may entail suboptimal evaluation or delayed treatment—potentially contributing to increased health care inequity; and (6) retaining clinical core values in a changing world. Overall, GPs affirm that remote consultations have come to stay and describe efforts to effectively manage the advantages and disadvantages inherent in such interactions to safeguard clinical effectiveness and organizational sustainability of primary health care.

Conclusions
The widespread adoption of remote consultations in the Norwegian contract GP scheme fundamentally reshapes the dynamics of GP work and the overall health care system. Awareness and proactive management of these changes are essential for maintaining sustainable, high-quality primary health care.
Open-World Games’ Affordance of Cognitive Escapism, Relaxation, and Mental Well-Being Among Postgraduate Students: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Anto Ailin , Basu Arunima , Selim Rania , Foscht Thomas , Eisingerich Andreas Benedikt 
Published: December 2024

Background
Open-world games, characterized by their expansive and interactive environments, may offer unique cognitive escapism opportunities, potentially leading to relaxation and enhanced well-being. These games, such as “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,” allow players to experience a sense of freedom and autonomy, which can reduce stress and improve mental health. While previous research has examined the general impact of video games on mental well-being, specific studies on the effects of open-world games among postgraduate students are limited.

Objective
This study aims to investigate the relationships between cognitive escapism provided by open-world games and their effects on relaxation and well-being. The goal was to understand how the immersive nature of these games contributes to stress reduction and overall mental health improvement among postgraduate students.

Methods
A mixed methods approach was used, which involved in-depth exploratory qualitative interviews and a survey of 609 players of popular open-world games. Quantitative data were collected using standardized questionnaires to measure open-world games’ affordance of cognitive escapism, relaxation, and well-being. Qualitative data were obtained through 32 in-depth interviews that explored players’ experiences and perceptions of cognitive escapism, relaxation, and mental well-being.

Results
Qualitative data (n=32; n=15, 47% female; n=16, 50% male; n=1, 3% preferred not to disclose gender; mean age 23.19, SD 2.19 y) revealed that cognitive escapism through immersive game worlds allowed players to temporarily disconnect from real-world stressors, resulting in enhanced mood and psychological well-being. Players indicated that the nonlinear gameplay and freedom to explore interactive environments provided a sense of relaxation and mental rejuvenation. Quantitative analysis (N=609) showed a substantial mediating role of relaxation in the relationship between cognitive escapism offered by open-world games and well-being. Specifically, cognitive escapism had a significant positive effect on players’ relaxation (β=.15; SE 0.04; P<.001; 95% CI 0.0695-0.2331), which in turn had a significant and positive effect on players’ well-being scores (β=.12; SE 0.04; P=.002; 95% CI 0.0445-0.2032).

Conclusions
The study demonstrates that open-world games offer substantial benefits for cognitive escapism, significantly improving relaxation and well-being among postgraduate students. The immersive and autonomous nature of these games is crucial in reducing stress and enhancing mental health. Future research may investigate the long-term effects of regular engagement with open-world games and explore their potential therapeutic applications for managing stress and anxiety.