bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disturbed spatial WNT activation – a potential driver of the reticularized skin phenotype in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)
Authors: Chenguiti Fakhouri Sara , Zhu Honglin , Li Yi‐Nan , Ronicke Moritz , Rigau Aleix Rius , Dees Clara , Konstantinidis Laura , Schmid Ralf , Matei Alexandru‐Emil , Eckstein Markus , Geppert Carol , Ludolph Ingo , Kreuter Alexander , Sticherling Michael , Berking Carola , Horch Raymund E. , Schett Georg , Distler Jörg H.W. , Bergmann Christina 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesLittle is known on the mechanisms necessary to maintain the physiological adult human skin integrity. This study aims to quantitatively describe anatomical changes in systemic sclerosis (SSc)‐skin compared to controls and investigate the underlying mechanisms.MethodsSkin morphology was histologically assessed in twenty‐three SSc‐patients, eighteen controls and fifteen patients with hypertrophic scars. Spatial WNT/β‐catenin‐activation was analyzed by RNAscope and immunofluorescence‐staining. Enrichment of reticular marker genes in predefined fibroblast subpopulations was done using Gene Ontology enrichment and gene set enrichment analysis.ResultsSSc‐skin showed a decrease in number (p<0.0001/p=0.0004), area (p<0.0001) and height (p<0.0001) of papillae compared to controls and hypertrophic scars, respectively. The expression of papillary/reticular marker genes shifted towards a reticular expression profile in SSc. On the level of previously defined fibroblast populations, the increase of reticular marker genes was particularly pronounced in the PI16+‐ and SFRP4+‐populations (p<0.0001, respectively). Mechanistically, the expression of the WNT/β‐catenin target AXIN2 and the number of fibroblasts with nuclear β‐catenin‐staining‐pattern increased in the papillary compared to the reticular dermis in healthy skin. This polarization was lost in SSc with a two‐fold increase in β‐catenin‐positive fibroblasts and AXIN2‐expressing fibroblasts throughout the dermis (p=0.0095). Enrichment of genes related to WNT/β‐catenin‐regulation was found in the PI16+‐population that also relocates from the reticular to the papillary dermis in SSc.ConclusionsWe demonstrate an association of the “reticularized” skin phenotype in SSc with a profound loss of physiological spatial WNT/β‐catenin‐activation. Rescuing the spatial WNT/β‐catenin‐activation might help restore the physiological skin organization in future therapeutic approaches of fibrosing disorders.
Atherosclerotic Plaque Progression and Incident Cardiovascular Events in a 10‐Year Prospective Study of Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: The Impact of Persistent Cardiovascular Risk Factor Target Attainment and Sustained DORIS Remission
Authors: Papazoglou Nikolaos , Sfikakis Petros P. , Tektonidou Maria G. 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We assessed atherosclerotic plaque progression and incident cardiovascular events in patients with SLE over a 10‐year follow‐up.MethodsWe prospectively analyzed 738 carotid ultrasound measurements (413 in patients with SLE and 325 in age/sex‐matched healthy controls [HCs]) to assess new plaque development from baseline to 3‐, 7‐, and 10‐year follow‐up. Multivariate mixed‐effects Poisson regression models examined potential predictors of plaque progression, including patient characteristics, Systemic Coronary Risk Evaluation, traditional cardiovascular risk factor (CVRF) target attainment, Definition of Remission in SLE (DORIS), medications, and persistent triple anti‐phospholipid antibody (aPL) positivity during follow‐up. Ten‐year incident cardiovascular events were recorded, and univariate Cox regression analysis assessed potential associations.ResultsPatients with SLE had a 2.3‐fold higher risk of carotid plaque progression than HCs (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 2.26, P = 0.002). Plaque progression risk in patients with SLE was reduced by 32% (IRR 0.68, P = 0.004) per each sustainedly attained CVRF target during follow‐up, including blood pressure, lipids, smoking, body weight, and physical activity. DORIS achievement ≥75% of follow‐up was associated with a 43% decrease in atherosclerosis progression risk (IRR 0.57, P = 0.033). Ten‐year risk of incident cardiovascular events was higher in individuals with SLE than HCs (eight versus one event, permutation‐based log‐rank P = 0.036) and was associated with persistent triple aPL positivity.ConclusionPatients with SLE experience a 2.3‐fold higher 10‐year atherosclerosis progression risk than HCs, mitigated by sustained CVRF control and prolonged clinical remission. Persistent triple aPL positivity is associated with increased incidence of CVD events.
Tuning Fluorescence Properties of BIM Probes via Clay Integration: Targeting Rifampicin with Improved Selectivity
Authors: Fernandes Rikitha S , Dey Nilanjan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAbstract: The incorporation of photoactive organic dyes into layered inorganic materials substantially improves the optical and chemical properties, rendering them highly suitable for sensing applications. Therefore, we integrated Bisindolyl methane (BIM)‐based neutral probes with bentonite clay, an inorganic layered material. Probes 1 and 2 were unoxidized and oxidized BIM‐derivatives respectively, which typically exhibited quenched luminescence due to intramolecular rotations in the solution. By embedding probe 1 within bentonite interlayers or adsorbing it onto the clay surface, the molecular conformation of the probe was immobilized. Furthermore, the restricted intramolecular rotation via molecular flattening (planarization), resulted in enhanced fluorescence emission in the 1. clay composite. On the other hand, it was observed that the unoxidized rigid probe 2 was predominantly adsorbed on the clay surface, consequently resulting in fluorescence quenching. Detailed photophysical analysis revealed that the intercalation of probe 1 into the clay induces a planarization that differs from its behavior in solution. Moreover, the 1. clay composite was successfully utilized for the selective detection of rifampicin. The fluorescence intensity of the 1. clay composite was quenched, with the appearance of a new red‐shifted band in the presence of rifampicin. The quenched band originally attributed to the probe, suggests that rifampicin displaced probe molecules from the clay interlayer into the solution, likely due to strong hydrogen bonding between hydroxyl groups of rifampicin and the clay interlayers. Additionally, the probe demonstrated higher selectivity for rifampicin over other tuberculosis drugs. This finding highlights the potential application of the 1. clay in developing a highly selective and efficient sensing platform for rifampicin detection, which could be employed in clinical diagnostics or therapeutic drug monitoring.
Application of Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model to Compare the Biodistribution of Liposomal Amphotericin B With Conventional Amphotericin B Deoxycholate in Humans
Authors: Zhang Xueyuan , Yang Yingying , Wang Manman , Qi Huanhuan , Li Chunlei , Zhao Limei 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAmphotericin B (AmB) has been a cornerstone in the treatment of invasive fungal infections for over 6 decades. Compared with conventional amphotericin B deoxycholate (AmB‐DOC), liposomal amphotericin B has comparable efficacy but less nephrotoxicity. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the reason why liposomal amphotericin B has similar therapeutic effects but lower toxicity and the differences of distribution in humans between liposomal amphotericin B and AmB‐DOC. To compare the distribution of liposomal amphotericin B and AmB‐DOC in humans, the physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was established by bottom‐up stepwise method. A rat PBPK model was established firstly, then verified in mouse level in consideration of interspecies differences in physiological‐ and drug‐specific parameters, and finally the PBPK model was extrapolated to humans. Based on preclinical and clinical pharmacokinetic (PK) studies, the AmB‐DOC and liposomal amphotericin B PBPK model were established, respectively. The simulated results of human PBPK model showed that the liposomal formulation changed the pharmacokinetic characteristics of AmB. Compared with AmB‐DOC, the plasma exposure of liposomal formulation was higher, but the renal exposure was significantly reduced.
Levelling down? Understanding the decline of the maintained nursery sector in England
Authors: Stewart Kitty , Gambaro Ludovica , Reader Mary 
Published: December 2024

AbstractEarly education provision in the state‐maintained sector has historically played an important role in ensuring equitable access to high‐quality early education in England. These settings have higher qualification requirements than other providers, and as they have been concentrated in areas of higher disadvantage, children from lower income households have been more likely to attend them. This paper shows that this phenomenon is changing: children from lower income households are considerably less likely to attend maintained settings than they were in 2010. Their higher likelihood compared with other children is also declining, while the share attending private nursery settings has increased sharply. Using the National Pupil Database, the paper explores the reasons why, identifying three main factors: a general decline in maintained provision across the country, probably linked to changes in national funding practices; changes in the geography of poverty; and the extension of free early education places to disadvantaged 2‐year‐olds, which inadvertently led to children entering and remaining in lower quality settings. The paper illustrates the inherent trade‐off policymakers face between expanding early childhood education and care provision and maintaining the quality necessary for services to function as social investment. It contributes both to early childhood education and care policy studies in England and to the wider international literature on mixed economy approaches to early childhood education and care.
Biogenic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles for Nanosensor‐Based Mercury Detection
Authors: Vanaja M. , Paulkumar K. , Sivakavinesan M. , Annadurai G. , Hirad Abdurahman Hajinur , Alarfaj Abdullah A. , Murugan A. M. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe production of nanoparticles via green methods is a developing study domain due to potential environmental applications. The green synthesis method is very easy, less toxic and eco‐friendly when compared to the chemical synthesis method. This study addresses the silver nanoparticle synthesis utilizing the Acorus calamus leaf extract, which was then employed for environmental applications. The synthesized silver nanoparticles had been verified by UV–vis spectrophotometer, while XRD (X‐Ray Diffraction) demonstrated their crystalline structure. The morphology characters of the silver nanoparticles were observed by TEM (transmission electron microscope) as well as SAED (selected area electron diffraction) pattern. The produced silver nanoparticles have been used in selective detection of mercury ions, which is an easy, eco‐friendly, less time consuming process. Utilizing an EDAX (energy dispersive X‐ray analysis) along with SEM (scanning electron microscope), it was determined that mercury ions had been attached to the surface of silver nanoparticles. FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) had been utilized to characterize the functional groups that exist in the silver nanoparticles that were involved in mercury detection.
Audit Committee Characteristics and Sustainable Firms' Performance: Evidence From the Financial Sector in Bangladesh
Authors: Karim Rejaul , Roshid Md. Mustaqim , Dhar Bablu Kumar , Nahiduzzaman Md. , Kuri Bapon Chandra 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis study examines how audit committee characteristics influence sustainable firms' performance within Bangladeshi commercial banks. Using data from 26 publicly traded banks over 13 years (2011–2023), this research investigates the impact of audit committee size, independence, and meeting frequency on both financial and market‐based performance metrics. Specifically, the findings reveal that larger audit committees (ACs) are associated with higher market valuation, indicating that committee size contributes to strategic oversight and governance effectiveness. Independent audit committee members also enhance both financial (Return on Assets) and market‐based (Tobin's Q) performance, underscoring their role in promoting transparency, accountability, and alignment with sustainable goals. However, frequent audit committee meetings correlate with diminished performance, suggesting that overly frequent sessions may lead to inefficiencies rather than improved oversight. These results indicate that structuring ACs with balanced size and independence and avoiding excessive meetings, is essential to support sustainable growth, particularly in emerging economies such as Bangladesh. The study contributes to corporate governance and sustainability literature by providing empirical insights into audit committee practices that align governance structures with long‐term corporate strategy and sustainable growth. Practical implications include the potential for regulatory reforms that enhance corporate governance, focusing on committee composition and meeting practices to foster sustainable firm performance in the financial sector.
Current status and perspectives of esophageal cancer: a comprehensive review
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zhang Bo , Xu Jiaqi , Xue Liyan , Wang Luhua 
Published: December 2024

AbstractEsophageal cancer (EC) continues to be a significant global health concern, with two main subtypes: esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Prevention and changes in etiology, improvements in early detection, and refinements in the treatment have led to remarkable progress in the outcomes of EC patients in the past two decades. This seminar provides an in‐depth analysis of advances in the epidemiology, disease biology, screening, diagnosis, and treatment landscape of esophageal cancer, focusing on the ongoing debate surrounding multimodality therapy. Despite significant advancements, EC remains a deadly disease, underscoring the need for continued research into early detection methods, understanding the molecular mechanisms, and developing effective treatments.
Transcatheter Approaches to Atrial Functional Mitral Regurgitation: How Far Have We Come?
Authors: Preda Alberto , Coppi Francesca , Melillo Francesco , Leo Giulio , Margonato Davide , Sgura Fabio Alfredo , Galdieri Carmine , Liberale Luca , Montecucco Fabrizio , Porto Italo , Ameri Pietro , Di Donna Paolo , Agricola Eustachio , Mazzone Patrizio , Maisano Francesco , Godino Cosmo 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTFunctional mitral regurgitation (MR) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and over the past decade, the diagnosis of atrial functional mitral regurgitation (aFMR) has been increasingly observed in the elderly, especially in those with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Annular enlargement, perturbations of annular contraction, and atriogenic leaflet tethering distinguish the pathophysiology of aFMR from the one of ventricular origin. However, no consensus provides recommendations regarding the differential diagnosis and the subsequent management of aFMR. The advent of transcatheter mitral valve repair has paved the way for various treatments including edge‐to‐edge repair (TEER), mitral annuloplasty, and replacement, with optimistic results on short‐medium‐term outcome provided by preliminary studies. In parallel, rhythm control of AF for paroxysmal and persistent types, should be pursued to induce reverse remodeling and restoring the normal leaflet coaptation. In this setting, catheter ablation aiming for electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins is the most widely recognized and effective strategy for maintaining sinus rhythm. Nevertheless, arrhythmia‐free survival is lower in patients with persistent and long‐term persistent AF, leading to the adoption of hybrid strategies combining transcatheter endocardial ablation and thoracoscopic epicardial surgical ablation. This review provides an update on the diagnosis and treatment of aFMR, focusing on available transcatheter approaches that can be performed in the catheterization lab and electrophysiology lab.
Predictive Value of Machine Learning for the Risk of In‐Hospital Death in Patients With Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Yan Liyuan , Zhang Jinlong , Chen Le , Zhu Zongcheng , Sheng Xiaodong , Zheng Guanqun , Yuan Jiamin 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe efficiency of machine learning (ML) based predictive models in predicting in‐hospital mortality for heart failure (HF) patients is a topic of debate. In this context, this study's objective is to conduct a meta‐analysis to compare and assess existing prognostic models designed for predicting in‐hospital mortality in HF patients.MethodsA systematic search of databases was conducted, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to January 2023. To ensure comprehensiveness, we performed an additional search in June 2023. The Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool was employed to assess the validity and reliability of ML models.ResultsOur analysis incorporated 28 studies involving a total of 106 predictive models based on 14 different ML techniques. In the training data set, these models showed a combined C‐index of 0.781, sensitivity of 0.56, and specificity of 0.94. In the validation data set, the models exhibited a combined C‐index of 0.758, sensitivity of 0.57, and specificity of 0.84. Logistic regression (LR) was the most frequently used ML algorithm. LR models in the training set had a combined C‐index of 0.795, sensitivity of 0.63, and specificity of 0.85, and these measures for LR models in the validation set were 0.751, 0.66, and 0.79, respectively.ConclusionsOur study indicates that although ML is increasingly being leveraged to predict in‐hospital mortality for HF patients, the predictive performance remains suboptimal. Although these models have relatively high C‐index and specificity, their ability to predict positive events is limited, as indicated by their low sensitivity.
Influence of Vessel Geometry, Flow Conditions, and Thrombin Concentration on Fibrin Accumulation and Cerebral Aneurysm Occlusion After Flow Diversion
Authors: Cebral Juan R. , Mut Fernando , Löhner Rainald , Marsh Laurel , Chitsaz Alireza , Bilgin Cem , Bayraktar Esref , Kallmes David , Kadirvel Ramanathan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAs the number of cerebral aneurysms treated with flow diverters continues to increase, it is important to understand what factors influence not only thrombus formation within the aneurysm cavity but also fibrin accumulation across the device and its associated disruption and blockage of the inflow stream. Both processes contribute to the eventual occlusion of the aneurysm or its continued patency and incomplete occlusion which may require future re‐treatment. To investigate fibrin accumulation on flow diverters placed across the neck of cerebral aneurysms, a previously developed computational model that couples flow and fibrin dynamics is used in combination with experimental in vitro models of cerebral aneurysms treated with flow diverters. Fibrin accumulation was previously investigated in four glass models of cerebral aneurysms with varying parent artery geometries placed in a flow loop at different flow rates. Corresponding computational models were constructed and compared with the experimental findings. The computational model based on fibrin production stimulated from flow shear stress and subsequent adhesion to device wires was able to reproduce and explain the fibrin accumulation patterns observed in the experimental aneurysms treated with flow diverters. Specifically, these models indicated that increasing vessel curvature, flow rate, and thrombin concentration induced faster fibrin accumulation and associated aneurysm inflow disruption and blockage. The models described and tested in this paper are valuable to understand the detailed mechanisms leading to aneurysm occlusion and healing or incomplete occlusions after treatment with flow diverting devices.
Effect of Voltage on Two‐Step Micro‐Arc Oxide Film of Mg‐13Gd‐4Y‐2Zn‐0.5Zr Alloy
Authors: Li Dalong , Chen Wei , Li ChangWei , Jing Xin , Sun Kun , Fan Jiaqing , Huang Huagui 
Published: December 2024

AbstractRare earth alloying is one of the effective ways to improve the performance of magnesium alloys, but strong galvanic corrosion occurs when rare earth magnesium alloys meet corrosive substances. To improve the corrosion resistance of rare earth magnesium alloys, this article takes Mg‐13Gd‐4Y‐2Zn‐0.5Zr rare earth magnesium alloy as the research object. First, a one‐step micro arc oxidation process is used to obtain the film layer. The experiment shows that when the chemical composition and concentration of the electrolyte are constant, changing the voltage parameter of the one‐step micro arc oxidation alone cannot prepare a thick, dense, and corrosion‐resistant micro arc oxidation film layer, which cannot meet the practical application needs of rare earth magnesium alloys. Then, the one‐step micro arc oxidation film layer is used as the substrate sample. By changing the voltage parameters, the sample is subjected to a second micro arc oxidation treatment to prepare a two‐step micro arc oxidation film layer. In the study, it is found that the two‐step microarc oxidation process increased the thickness of the film layer, which has good densification and corrosion resistance at a voltage of 452.5 V, improving the corrosion resistance of the film layer.
Feasibility, validity, and normative data for the remote Uniform Data Set neuropsychological battery at the University of Pennsylvania Alzheimer's Disease Research Center
Authors: Hackett Katherine , Shi Yidan , Schankel Laura , Oliveira Nicole , Kelley Melissa , McCoubrey Hannah , Peskin Sara Manning , O'Brien Kyra , Xie Sharon X. , Wolk David , Mechanic‐Hamilton Dawn 
Published: December 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONWe investigated the feasibility and validity of the remotely‐administered neuropsychological battery from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set (UDS T‐Cog).METHODSTwo hundred twenty Penn Alzheimer's Disease Research Center participants with unimpaired cognition, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia completed the T‐Cog during their annual UDS evaluation. We assessed administration feasibility and diagnostic group differences cross‐sectionally across telephone versus videoconference modalities, and compared T‐Cog to prior in‐person UDS scores longitudinally.RESULTSAdministration time averaged 54 min and 79% of participants who initiated a T‐Cog completed all 12 subtests; completion time and rates differed by diagnostic group but not by modality. Performance varied expectedly across groups with moderate to strong associations between most T‐Cog measures and in‐person correlates, although select subtests demonstrated lower comparability.DISCUSSIONThe T‐Cog is feasibly administered and shows preliminary validity in a cognitively heterogeneous cohort. Normative data from this cohort should be expanded to more diverse populations to enhance utility and generalizability.Highlights
This study examined the feasibility and validity of the remote Uniform Data Set (also known as the T‐Cog) and contributes key normative data for widespread use.
A remote neuropsychological battery was feasibly administered with high overall engagement and completion rates, adequate reliability compared to in‐person testing, and evidence of validity across diagnostic groups.
Typical barriers to administration included hearing impairment, technology issues, and distractions; hearing difficulties were particularly common among cognitively impaired groups.
Certain tests were less closely related to their in‐person correlates and should be used with caution.