bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Green flowers need yellow to get noticed in a green world
Authors: del Valle José C , León-Osper Melissa , Domínguez-González Carlos , Buide Mª Luisa , Arista Montserrat , Ortiz Pedro L , Whittall Justen B , Narbona Eduardo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Flower colour is a key feature in plant–pollinator interactions that makes the flowers visible amid the surrounding green vegetation. Green flowers are expected to be scarcely conspicuous to pollinators; however, many of them are visited by pollinators even in the absence of other traits that might attract pollinators (e.g. floral scents). In this study, we investigate how entomophilous species with green flowers are perceived by pollinators.

Methods
We obtained reflectance spectra data of 30 European species that display green or green–yellow flowers to the human eye. These data were used to perform spectral analyses, to calculate both chromatic (colour contrast against the background) and achromatic (colour contrast that relies on the signals from the green-sensitive photoreceptors) cues and to model colour perception by hymenopterans (bees) and dipterans (flies).

Key Results
The visibility of green flowers to bees and flies (i.e. their chromatic contrast values) was lower compared with other floral colours commonly pollinated by these insects, whereas green–yellow flowers were as conspicuous as the other flower colours. Green flowers with low chromatic contrast values exhibited higher achromatic contrast, which is used to detect distant flowers at narrow visual angles, than green–yellow flowers. Additionally, the marker points (i.e. sharp transition in floral reflectance that aids pollinators in locating them) of green and green–yellow flowers aligned to some degree with the colour discrimination abilities of bees and flies.

Conclusions
We found that many entomophilous green and green–yellow flowers are conspicuous to bees and flies through their chromatic or achromatic contrasts. Although acquiring pigments such as carotenoids, which impart a yellowish hue to flowers and enhance their visibility to pollinators, could increase their conspicuousness, the metabolic costs of pigment production, along with the use of alternative strategies to attract pollinators, might have constrained carotenoid emergence in certain lineages of green-flowered species.
Bibliometric Analysis of the Highest Cited Cosmetic Upper Facial Plastic Surgery Articles Over 50 Years
Authors: Rangu Nitin , Pistone Evan , Tan Jeremy , Do Thai 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In this bibliometric analysis, the authors analyze the top 100 (T100) most cited articles on cosmetic upper facial plastic surgery. Throughout this study, the objective of the authors is to delineate the trends in cosmetic upper facial surgeries to identify prevailing techniques, emerging trends, and potential areas of future investigation. The articles were indexed from the Web of Science database and were extracted in a double-blinded manner by 2 independent graders. The search phrase used covered a wide range of cosmetic upper facial plastic surgeries, of which a short sample is included: (“cosmetic*” AND “bleph*”) OR (“cosmetic*” AND “upper eyelid blepharoplasty”) OR (“cosmetic*” AND “lower eyelid blepharoplasty”). In their statistical analysis of the number of citations received in each article in the T100, the authors reveal an average of 55.1 citations (a standard deviation of 38.7). Surgical methods were the most commonly cited unique study area, with 30% of the T100, followed by botulinum toxin and complication management with 29% and 15% of the T100, respectively. The unique study area with the highest average citations received was botulinum toxin, with an average of 64.7 citations. Invasive procedures made up 55% of the T100 articles. The authors found that the late 1990s and 2000s were a burgeoning period of growth in this field and highlight the evolution of many contemporary popular cosmetic procedures over time. Particularly, a growth in minimally invasive procedures was noted, with noted impacts in aesthetics training and research focus.

Level of Evidence: 4 (Therapeutic)
Gluteal Augmentation: A Historical Perspective on Aesthetic Practice
Authors: Chacur Roberto 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Buttock augmentation has emerged as a significant focus in cosmetic surgery, driven by advancements in techniques and increasing patient interest in body contouring. The evolution of this field, from early pioneering methods to modern, diverse approaches, highlights the need to understand the specific characteristics of each technique and their implications for aesthetic outcomes. The author aims to provide a detailed review of 4 major buttock augmentation techniques: gluteal implants, Brazilian butt lift (BBL), intramuscular polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and deep subcutaneous hyaluronic acid fillers. The goal is to assess the benefits and limitations of each method, helping practitioners and patients make informed decisions tailored to their preferences and needs. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, incorporating clinical studies, case reports, and expert opinions on these 4 techniques. Evaluation criteria included effectiveness, safety, recovery time, and patient satisfaction. Data were synthesized to provide a comparative analysis of each method. Gluteal implants offer predictable volume but involve surgical risks and lengthy recovery. The BBL, using autologous fat, delivers natural results and body contouring benefits but carries risks such as fat embolism and fat reabsorption. Intramuscular PMMA fillers provide permanent results with minimally invasive application but are challenging to remove. Hyaluronic acid fillers are reversible and minimally invasive but require periodic maintenance and may present risks like material migration. In this review, the author highlights the advantages and drawbacks of each technique, emphasizing individualized assessments and practitioner expertise. By outlining these methods, the author supports informed decision making in buttock augmentation.

Level of Evidence: 5 (Therapeutic)
GUEST: an R package for handling estimation of graphical structure and multiclassification for error-prone gene expression data
Authors: Chen Li-Pang , Tsao Hui-Shan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Summary
In bioinformatics studies, understanding the network structure of gene expression variables is one of the main interests. In the framework of data science, graphical models have been widely used to characterize the dependence structure among multivariate random variables. However, the gene expression data possibly suffer from ultrahigh-dimensionality and measurement error, which make the detection of network structure challenging and difficult. The other important application of gene expression variables is to provide information to classify subjects into various tumors or diseases. In supervised learning, while linear discriminant analysis is a commonly used approach, the conventional implementation is limited in precisely measured variables and computation of their inverse covariance matrix, which is known as the precision matrix. To tackle those challenges and provide a reliable estimation procedure for public use, we develop the R package GUEST, which is known as Graphical models for Ultrahigh-dimensional and Error-prone data by the booSTing algorithm. This R package aims to deal with measurement error effects in high-dimensional variables under various distributions and then applies the boosting algorithm to identify the network structure and estimate the precision matrix. When the precision matrix is estimated, it can be used to construct the linear discriminant function and improve the accuracy of the classification.

Availability and implementation
The R package is available on https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/GUEST/index.html.
A data-driven framework for biomarker discovery applied to optimizing modern clinical and preclinical trials on Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Llorente-Saguer Isaac , Oxtoby Neil P 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
PET is used to measure tau protein accumulation in Alzheimer’s disease. Multiple biomarkers have been proposed to track disease progression, most notably the standardized uptake value ratio of PET tracer uptake in a target region of interest relative to a reference region, but literature suggests these region choices are nontrivial. This study presents and evaluates a novel framework, BioDisCVR, designed to facilitate the discovery of useful biomarkers, demonstrated on [18F]AV-1451 tau PET data in multiple cohorts. BioDisCVR enhances signal-to-noise by conducting a data-driven search through the space of possible combinations of regional tau PET signals into a ratio of two composite regions, driven by a user-defined fitness function. This study compares ratio-based biomarkers discovered by the framework with state-of-the-art standardized uptake value ratio biomarkers. Data used is tau PET regional measurements from 198 individuals from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database, used for discovery, and 42 from the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Mayo Clinic Study of Aging (MCSA), used for external validation. Biomarkers are evaluated by calculating clinical trial sample size estimates for 80% power and 20% effect size. Secondary metrics are a measure of longitudinal consistency (standard deviation of linear mixed-effects model residuals), and separation between cognitive groups (t-statistic of the change over time due to being cognitively impaired). When applied to preclinical (secondary prevention with CU individuals) and clinical (treatment aimed at cognitively impaired individuals) trials on Alzheimer’s disease, our data-driven framework BioDisCVR discovered ratio-based tau PET biomarkers vastly superior to previous work, both reducing measurement error and sample size estimates for hypothetical clinical trials. Our analysis suggests remarkable potential for patient benefit (reduced exposure to health risks associated with experimental drugs) and substantial cost savings, through accelerated trials and reduced sample sizes. Our study supports the leveraging of data-driven methods like BioDisCVR for clinical benefit, with the potential to positively impact drug development in Alzheimer’s disease and beyond.
The joint memory effect: challenging the selfish stigma in Huntington’s disease?
Authors: Dalléry Romain , Fraisse Nicolas , Cléret de Langavant Laurent , Youssov Katia , Morgado Graça , Massart Renaud , Schubert Robin , Reilmann Ralf , Jacquemot Charlotte , Bapst Blanche , Busse Monica , Craufurd David , Rosser Anne , Lunven Marine , Bachoud-Lévi Anne-Catherine 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The prevalent belief that individuals with Huntington’s disease exhibit selfish behaviour, disregarding the thoughts, feelings and actions of others, has been challenged by patient organizations and clinical experts. To further investigate this issue and study whether participants with Huntington’s disease can pay attention to others, a joint memory task was carried out in patients with Huntington’s disease with and without a partner. This study involved 69 participants at an early stage of Huntington’s disease and 56 healthy controls from the UK, France and Germany, who participated in the international Repair-HD multicentre study (NCT03119246). Participants completed a semantic categorization task across three categories: animals, fruits and vegetables and manufactured objects. They performed the task either alone (Alone condition) or with the examiner acting as a partner (Pair condition). In the Pair condition, the participant was assigned one category, their partner was assigned another and one category was left unassigned. Afterwards, participants engaged in a surprise free recall task to remember as many words as possible. Words not assigned to anyone were considered socially irrelevant in contrast to the ones assigned to the participant and to the partner. Both groups demonstrated the expected self-prioritization effect, recalling their assigned words better than their partner’s or unassigned words in both conditions. Additionally, a joint memory effect was observed, with better recall for the partner’s assigned words than the unassigned words in the Pair condition (controls: difference = 0.45, P &lt; 0.001; participants with Huntington’s disease: difference = 0.34, P &lt; 0.001). Socially relevant words were thus better recalled than irrelevant words. The number of recalled words correlated with cognitive performance (all P-values &lt; 0.05) and MRI analysis revealed a negative correlation between the joint memory effect and right orbitofrontal grey matter density in participants with Huntington’s disease. These findings challenge the notion that individuals with Huntington’s disease display selfish behaviours because of disinterest in others. They show the ability to process information about their partners, implying that their social difficulties may arise from factors other than social cognition deficits. This opens the door for more ecological assessments of social cognition in patients with Huntington’s disease.
Verbal working memory and syntactic comprehension segregate into the dorsal and ventral streams, respectively
Authors: Matchin William , Mollasaraei Zeinab K , Bonilha Leonardo , Rorden Christopher , Hickok Gregory , den Ouden Dirk , Fridriksson Julius 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Syntactic processing and verbal working memory are both essential components to sentence comprehension. Nonetheless, the separability of these systems in the brain remains unclear. To address this issue, we performed causal-inference analyses based on lesion and connectome network mapping using MRI and behavioural testing in two groups of individuals with chronic post-stroke aphasia. We employed a rhyme judgement task with heavy working memory load without articulatory confounds, controlling for the overall ability to match auditory words to pictures and to perform a metalinguistic rhyme judgement, isolating the effect of working memory load (103 individuals). We assessed non-canonical sentence comprehension, isolating syntactic processing by incorporating residual rhyme judgement performance as a covariate for working memory load (78 individuals). Voxel-based lesion analyses and structural connectome-based lesion symptom mapping controlling for total lesion volume were performed, with permutation testing to correct for multiple comparisons (4000 permutations). We observed that effects of working memory load localized to dorsal stream damage: posterior temporal-parietal lesions and frontal-parietal white matter disconnections. These effects were differentiated from syntactic comprehension deficits, which were primarily associated with ventral stream damage: lesions to temporal lobe and temporal-parietal white matter disconnections, particularly when incorporating the residual measure of working memory load as a covariate. Our results support the conclusion that working memory and syntactic processing are associated with distinct brain networks, largely loading onto dorsal and ventral streams, respectively.
Type I collagen extracellular matrix facilitates nerve regeneration via the construction of a favourable microenvironment
Authors: Lu Panjian , Chen Zhiying , Wu Mingjun , Feng Shuyue , Chen Sailing , Cheng Xiyang , Zhao Yahong , Liu Xingyu , Gong Leilei , Bian Lijing , Yi Sheng , Wang Hongkui 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides essential physical support and biochemical cues for diverse biological activities, including tissue remodelling and regeneration, and thus is commonly applied in the construction of artificial peripheral nerve grafts. Nevertheless, the specific functions of essential peripheral nerve ECM components have not been fully determined. Our research aimed to differentially represent the neural activities of main components of ECM on peripheral nerve regeneration.

Methods
Schwann cells from sciatic nerves and neurons from dorsal root ganglia were isolated and cultured in vitro. The cells were seeded onto noncoated dishes, Matrigel-coated dishes, and dishes coated with the four major ECM components fibronectin, laminin, collagen I, and collagen IV. The effects of these ECM components on Schwann cell proliferation were determined via methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), Cell Counting Kit-8, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays, whereas their effects on cell migration were determined via wound healing and live-cell imaging. Neurite growth in neurons cultured on different ECM components was observed. Furthermore, the two types of collagen were incorporated into chitosan artificial nerves and used to repair sciatic nerve defects in rats. Immunofluorescence analysis and a behavioural assessment, including gait, electrophysiology, and target muscle analysis, were conducted.

Results
ECM components, especially collagen I, stimulated the DNA synthesis and movement of Schwann cells. Direct measurement of the neurite lengths of neurons cultured on ECM components further revealed the beneficial effects of ECM components on neurite outgrowth. Injection of collagen I into chitosan and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) artificial nerves demonstrated that collagen I facilitated axon regeneration and functional recovery after nerve defect repair by stimulating the migration of Schwann cells and the formation of new blood vessels. In contrast, collagen IV recruited excess fibroblasts and inflammatory macrophages and thus had disadvantageous effects on nerve regeneration.

Conclusions
These findings reveal the modulatory effects of specific ECM components on cell populations of peripheral nerves, reveal the contributing roles of collagen I in microenvironment construction and axon regeneration, and highlight the use of collagen I for the healing of injured peripheral nerves.
A study of changes in hematologic parameters in patients with migraine
Authors: Wu Jiaonan , Fu Lulan , Deng Ziru , Li Hanli , Zhong Linyan , Gao Rupan , Gui Wei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction
To evaluate the characteristics of hematological parameters and peripheral inflammatory markers (PIMs) in migraine, including chronic migraine (CM) and episodic migraine (EM), and to explore their underlying mechanisms.

Method
A total of 88 subjects were enrolled, 58 with migraine (28 with CM and 30 with EM) and 30 healthy controls. All subjects were matched for age, gender, and body mass index, and peripheral blood was collected. Hematological parameters and PIMs were compared between migraineurs and healthy controls. The patients underwent hematological laboratory testing and calculated the PIMs. PIMs included neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR), neutrophil/monocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, and platelet/monocyte ratio (PMR) ratio.

Result
Monocyte counts in migraine patients were significantly lower compared with healthy controls, while LMR and PMR were significantly higher. Statistically significant differences were observed in monocyte counts, LMR, and PMR among the three groups of CM, EM, and HC patients. Post hoc Bonferroni t-test showed that monocyte counts were significantly lower in the EM group compared with the HC group, while LMR and PMR were significantly higher. Comparison between the EM and CM groups showed that LMR was significantly higher in the EM group. Differences in monocyte counts, LMR, and PMR between the CM and HC groups were not statistically significant. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the area under the curve (AUC) for the diagnosing migraine using the combination of Mon, LMR, and PMR was 0.707, and the AUC for the diagnosis of EM was 0.758. The AUC value of PMR for diagnosing CM was 0.669, while the AUC for the combination of LMR and platelet/lymphocyte ratio in distinguishing CM and EM was 0.705.

Conclusion
Our findings indicate that migraine and its subtypes exhibit abnormalities in monocyte counts and PIMs, which possess diagnostic predictive value for differentiating migraine and its subtypes. This suggests that systemic inflammation may play a role in the pathogenesis of migraine.
Case report of early signs of aortic stenosis decompensation detected via ambient sensor-derived digital biomarkers
Authors: Arenja Nisha , Schütz Narayan , Buluschek Philipp , Nef Tobias , Saner Hugo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Aortic stenosis is a progressive condition with a grim prognosis, underscoring the importance of timely intervention to prevent decompensation. Home monitoring systems, particularly those utilizing ambient sensors, offer promise in detecting early signs of deterioration.

Case summary
We present the case of an 89-year-old woman who was asymptomatic but monitored using such a system prior to experiencing acute decompensation. Key clinical indicators, including increased night-time heart rate, respiration rate, toss and turns in bed, and nocturia, were observed several months before hospitalization. Additionally, reduced physical activity and increased toilet visits were noted.

Discussion
These findings highlight the potential of ambient sensor systems in identifying pre-clinical stages of cardiac decompensation, especially in severe aortic stenosis cases. Integrating ambient sensor systems into routine clinical practice holds promise for enhancing proactive management strategies and reducing adverse outcomes associated with cardiovascular disease progression.
Contributions of hemolytic proteins in virulent Aeromonas hydrophila to motile Aeromonas septicemia disease of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
Authors: Zhang Dunhua , Feng Jun , Wang Yi , Shoemaker Craig A , Wise Allison A , Beck Benjamin H 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Hemolytic proteins are a major group of virulence factors in pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila. Six genes encoding presumable hemolytic proteins were revealed from the genome of virulent A. hydrophila (vAh) that caused severe disease in channel catfish. The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of these hemolytic proteins to the virulence of this bacterium. Genes coding for following six proteins were investigated: aerolysin (Arl), 21-kDa hemolysin (Hly1), thermostable hemolysin (Hly2), phospholipase/lecithinase-related hemolysin (Hly3), membrane-associated hemolysin III (Hly4), and cytolysin-associated hemolysin (Hly5). Individual genes were deleted from the bacterium using CRISPR-Cas9 mediated methods. Assessment showed that deletion of Arl gene (Δarl) completely abolished hemolytic activity of this mutant while Δhly1–Δhly5 mutants had the same activity as the wild vAh. Extracellular proteins (ECPs) of the Δarl mutant caused significantly (p &lt; 0.01) less cell death in vitro with viability increased by approximately 20%, compared to the wild vAh. ECPs of mutants Δhly1–Δhly5 remained the same cell toxicity as the wild vAh. A second deletion of hly5 from the Δarl mutant further lowered the cell toxicity of the ECP of the mutant (Δarl + Δhly5). Assays in vivo showed that both Δarl and Δhly5 mutants caused less fish mortality with reduction of 57% and 16%, respectively, compared to the wild vAh; the Δarl + Δhly5 mutant caused the least mortality with approximately 87% of reduction; and other mutants had the same virulence as the wild vAh. Analyses of SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) and Western blotting evidently indicate that both Arl and Hly5 proteins formed hexamer-like stable structures post secretion from the bacterium. Arl and Hly5 apparently had synergistic action in cytotoxicity and causing disease and were the major virulence factors among the six hemolytic proteins analyzed in this study.