bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intimate war across borders: Terrifying encounters, recognition, and “the Colombian armed conflict” in Quito, Ecuador
Authors: Ackerman Alana 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMuch anthropological scholarship on war—particularly “civil war”—focuses on violence perpetrated between organized political groups within the confines of a national space. In contrast, this article examines how “internal armed conflict” manifests across international borders, irrupting as interpersonal violence in spaces that are supposedly external to war. More specifically, I demonstrate how “the Colombian armed conflict” unfolds between refugees and their persecutors in Quito, Ecuador, through fleeting encounters based upon processes of life‐threatening recognition. These everyday encounters constitute “intimate war,” a relational condition of world‐making involving terrifying social attachments—threatening verbal and physical gestures and cues—between “strangers,” or people who are not necessarily familiar with each other. In this context, refugees enact strategies of evasion to avoid detection by their persecutors, such as bus hopping, visually scanning their surroundings, and avoiding other Colombians. Terrifying encounters across borders, and refugees’ strategies to avoid them, unsettle normative assumptions about the desirability of recognition, where and how war happens, and what constitutes escape.
Quantitative Live Imaging Reveals Phase Dependency of PDAC Patient‐Derived Organoids on ERK and AMPK Activity
Authors: Tsukamoto Shoko , Huaze Ye , Weisheng Zhang , Machinaga Akihito , Kakiuchi Nobuyuki , Ogawa Seishi , Seno Hiroshi , Higashiyama Shigeki , Matsuda Michiyuki , Hiratsuka Toru 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTPatient‐derived organoids represent a novel platform to recapitulate the cancer cells in the patient tissue. While cancer heterogeneity has been extensively studied by a number of omics approaches, little is known about the spatiotemporal kinase activity dynamics. Here we applied a live imaging approach to organoids derived from 10 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients to comprehensively understand their heterogeneous growth potential and drug responses. By automated wide‐area image acquisitions and analyses, the PDAC cells were non‐selectively observed to evaluate their heterogeneous growth patterns. We monitored single‐cell ERK and AMPK activities to relate cellular dynamics to molecular dynamics. Furthermore, we evaluated two anti‐cancer drugs, a MEK inhibitor, PD0325901, and an autophagy inhibitor, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), by our analysis platform. Our analyses revealed a phase‐dependent regulation of PDAC organoid growth, where ERK activity is necessary for the early phase and AMPK activity is necessary for the late stage of organoid growth. Consistently, we found PD0325901 and HCQ target distinct organoid populations, revealing their combination is widely effective to the heterogeneous cancer cell population in a range of PDAC patient‐derived organoid lines. Together, our live imaging quantitatively characterized the growth and drug sensitivity of human PDAC organoids at multiple levels: in single cells, single organoids, and individual patients. This study will pave the way for understanding the cancer heterogeneity and promote the development of new drugs that eradicate intractable cancer.
The Value of ROH Metrics for Predicting Morbidity: Insights From a Large Cohort Analysis of Chromosomal Microarray
Authors: Sagi‐Dain Lena , Levy Michal , Matar Reut , Kahana Sarit , Agmon‐Fishman Ifaat , Klein Cochava , Gurevitch Merav , Basel‐Salmon Lina , Maya Idit 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis retrospective cohort study aimed to define the optimal Regions of Homozygosity (ROH) size cut‐offs for prediction of morbidity, based on 13 483 Chromosomal Microarray Analyses (CMA). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated, and area under the curve (AUC) was used to assess the predictive capability of total ROH percentage (TRPS), ROH number and ROH segment size in distinguishing between healthy (n=6,196) and affected (n=6,839) cohorts. The metrics were examined for telomeric and interstitial segments, distinct TRPS categories, and across different ancestral origins. ROH segments were identified in 13 035 samples (96.7%), encompassing 66 710 ROH segments. Significant differences in TRPS and ROH segment size were observed between healthy and affected cohorts (p=0.012 and p < 0.001, respectively). However, no clinically significant thresholds could be established based on ROC curves for TRPS and ROH number per sample, as well as for ROH size (AUC 0.64, 0.55, and 0.62, respectively, Figure 1). The same was noted for telomeric versus interstitial locations, various origins, and subcategories of TRPS. In conclusion, this study highlights the complexity of ROH interpretation and emphasizes the importance of tailored reporting strategies in clinical practice. Our findings underscore the need for context‐specific reporting guidelines and further research, particularly in consanguineous populations.
Outcomes of Acute Kidney Injury After Pediatric Liver Transplantation: A 1‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Ji Jiemei , Liang Shengfeng , Lai Jian , Mao Zhongxuan , Lin Yunan , Lan Yuyan , Liu Jingchen 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundPostoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) following pediatric liver transplantation (PLT) have not been comprehensively studied. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between AKI and both 1‐year CKD and mortality.MethodsThis retrospective study included 132 children aged between 3 months and 12 years who underwent PLT between 2017 and 2021. Postoperative AKI and CKD after 1 year were assessed according to KDIGO criteria. AKI was classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on severity as well as transient (≤2 days) and persistent (>2 days) based on duration. CKD occurrence was the primary outcome, whereas all‐cause mortality was the secondary outcome.ResultsAKI developed in 45.4% of children, with 40.7% mild, 37.1% moderate, and 22.2% severe. Half of the children with AKI subsequently developed CKD within 1 year, compared to 23.1% without AKI. Multivariate analysis indicated that moderate AKI, severe AKI, and persistent AKI were risk factors for CKD development (moderate AKI, OR = 3.8, 95% CI = 1.2–12.3; severe AKI, OR = 7.4, 95% CI = 1.4–38.3; persistent AKI, OR = 9.7, 95% CI = 2.3–36.4). The overall mortality rate within 1 year after surgery was 9.8%. Children with severe AKI and AKI lasting longer than 2 days exhibited a higher mortality rate than those without AKI.ConclusionsThe development of postoperative AKI is relatively common after PLT, and the severity and duration of AKI are associated with CKD and mortality within 1 year.
Pathways From Spatial Skills to Mathematics: The Roles of Gender and Fluid Reasoning
Authors: Harris Danielle , Resnick Ilyse , Logan Tracy , Lowrie Tom 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThere are contentious and persistent gender differences reported in some measures of spatial skills, particularly mental rotation and, to a lesser extent, perspective‐taking, which may have an impact on mathematics success. Furthermore, pathways between spatial skills and mathematics may be mediated by other cognitive factors, such as fluid reasoning. Participants (N = 320, age range 8–12 years) completed measures of mental rotation, perspective‐taking, fluid reasoning, and mathematics. Regression analyses were conducted to assess the mediation effect of fluid reasoning on the relations between mental rotation and perspective‐taking, and mathematics. Moderated mediation was performed to assess the effects of gender and age on these relations. Mental rotation and perspective‐taking both predicted performance in mathematics for the overall sample, and fluid reasoning was found to partially mediate these relations. For mental rotation, gender moderated the mediation model, with mental rotation directly predicting performance in mathematics for males but not females. The mediation model for perspective‐taking and mathematics was not moderated by gender. Although a predictor of performance, age did not moderate any of the reported relations. These findings suggest that gender differences in some spatial skills, such as mental rotation, may extend to the pathways linking the skills to mathematics. Although mental rotation may be predictive of mathematics performance for boys, the same might not be so for girls. Extrinsic spatial skills, such as perspective‐taking, offer new pathways to explore in the growing body of work examining the links between spatial reasoning and mathematics.
Prediction of cerebral palsy and cognitive delay among high‐risk children in a developing nation: A successful early detection programme
Authors: Hewawitharana Gemunu , Darshana ILA Nuwan , Madhushani UI Asha , Chathuranga DP Sadeepi , Priyangika DI Nirosha , Hewawitharana Bimba , Wijesinghe Champa , Kodituwakku Piyadasa , Phillips John 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAimTo determine the feasibility of combining the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) and General Movements Assessment (GMA) within a standard follow‐up schedule to predict developmental outcomes in infants at risk in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs).MethodA total of 201 Sri Lankan infants (128 male, 73 female) were prospectively assessed with the GMA before 44 weeks (writhing movements) and at 3 to 4 months (fidgeting movements), followed by the HINE at 5 to 6 months. Developmental outcomes were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Fourth Edition and clinical assessment after 24 months.ResultsThe sensitivity of predicting cerebral palsy (CP) was lower with a single GMA assessment (writhing 89.5%, fidgeting 94.7%) or HINE (89.5%) compared to all three assessments combined (sensitivity 100%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 82.4–100.0). The GMA and HINE were less predictive of non‐CP‐related developmental delays, particularly when single assessments were used (< 65% for all domains) compared to all three assessments combined (motor sensitivity > 86.9%, 95% CI = 66.4–97.2; cognitive sensitivity > 86.7%, 95% CI = 69.3–96.2; social–emotional sensitivity > 83.3%, 95% CI = 65.3–94.4). Specificity was lower for the prediction of CP‐related (40.1%) and non‐CP‐related developmental delays (< 46.0% for all).InterpretationIn an LMIC such as Sri Lanka, with limited access to specialist care and neuroimaging, combining two GMA measures and the HINE identified most infants with CP‐related and non‐CP‐related developmental delay, thereby allowing targeted early intervention therapies.
Apolipoprotein E epsilon4 allele is associated with better performance language and visual memory in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3
Authors: Chen Xuanyu , Lin Kunxin , Ye Zhixian , Qiu Liangliang , Qiu Yusen , Yuan Ruying , Yu Xintong , Huang Chunyu , Cheng Bi , Lin Wei , Lai Tianmin , Chen Wanjin , Wang Ning , Gan Shirui , Su Qiuni , Fu Ying ,   OSCCAR Investigators
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe regulatory role of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele in the clinical manifestations of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the APOE ε4 allele on cognitive and motor functions in SCA3 patients.MethodsThis study included 281 unrelated SCA3 patients and 182 controls. APOE genotypes were analyzed using PCR amplification combined with Sanger sequencing. Additionally, 96 SCA3 patients were prospectively recruited for neuropsychological and motor function assessments. Neuropsychological phenotypes were evaluated using the modified Chinese version of the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis (MACFIMS). Motor function was assessed using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) and the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS).ResultsThe frequency of the APOE ε4 allele was increased in SCA3 patients compared to the control group. The APOE ε4 allele was associated with better performance in language and visual memory, but also with more severe speech disturbances in SCA3 patients. Furthermore, in SCA3, the expanded CAG repeat length was correlated with poorer language memory performance and slower information processing speed, as well as more severe gait disturbances, fast alternating hand movements, speech disturbance, and oculomotor disorders.ConclusionsThe APOE ε4 allele may serve as a disease‐modifying factor in SCA3, influencing both cognitive and motor functions.
Physiological and Molecular Responses to Salinity in Two Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) Varieties
Authors: Wang Yuelin , Zhou Hanjun , Xu Liang , Ye Xiefeng 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis study compared the salt tolerance of two tobacco varieties with different salt tolerances during the germination period—Basma (Oriental tobacco) and K326 (flue‐cured tobacco)—under NaCl stress. Basma exhibited higher antioxidant enzyme activity (1.16–3.58 times that of K326), reduced levels by 16.5% during the peak accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and effectively regulated ion homeostasis by upregulating NtSOS1, reducing Na+ accumulation in aboveground tissues by 21.01–22.90 times and in underground tissues by 12.84–14.15 times compared to K326. Additionally, Basma increased the indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) content in underground tissues by 1.5 times after 72 h of saline stress, a change supported by increased expression of NtPIN4. In summary, Basma demonstrated greater salt tolerance than K326 by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity, regulating ion homeostasis and maintaining IAA balance. These findings suggest that enhancing ROS scavenging, modifying root structure and applying IAA can effectively enhance salt tolerance in tobacco cultivation.
Elevated CO2 Modulates N Uptake and N Use Efficiency of Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) Response to Soil Progressive Drought at Topping Stage
Authors: Zhang Lin , Liu Fulai , Li Guitong 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTRising atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) is believed to mitigate the drought stress on plant, and is regulated by soil nitrogen availability. Nonetheless, effects of elevated [CO2] (e[CO2]) on plant response to drought and their interactive effects on plant N uptake and utilisation remain critical unknown. In this study, three‐month‐old potted tobacco plants (a C3 model and crop plant) cultivated at two CO2 concentrations (400 and 800 μmol mol −1) were exposed to progressive drought stress after budding‐topping. In this study, 15N isotopic technique used for analysing the fertiliser‐N transformation in soil and plant organs. Results shown drought generally decreased tobacco biomass, and soil nutrient supply significantly intensify this leaf biomass decreasing induced by drought, while e[CO2] could alleviate the soil drought and nutrient effects on biomass decreasing in upper‐leaf. During progressive drought, e[CO2]‐plants are able to maintain higher root hydraulic conductivity (Kr) than their a[CO2]‐counterparts, the higher Kr induced by e[CO2] were correlated with leaf stomatal conductance (gs) decrease and xylem sap ABA ([ABA]xylem) increase. In other words, soil nutrient supply enhanced the [ABA]xylem of drought‐stressed plants with 3–7 folds higher than none nutrient supply counterparts. Elevated [CO2] induced more fertiliser‐N accumulated in tobacco leaves, especially under well‐watered conditions, which in turn yielded higher photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency in leaves but low in whole plant. These results suggested that e[CO2] could alleviate drought‐induced photosynthesis limitation by improving root biomass (mainly fine root) and Kr, but the alleviation varied with soil nutrient conditions, thereby mitigating the drought‐negative effects on upper‐leaf growth, finally improved tobacco water use efficiency and tobacco production.
Bulk and Single‐Cell Transcriptome Analyses Unravel Gene Signatures of Mitochondria‐Associated Programmed Cell Death in Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Authors: Luo Wenqiang , Li Ning , Liu Jin , Li Duoyu , Li Yongheng , Ma Qing , Lin Chuangxin , Lu Liang , Lin Sipeng 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTMitochondrial programmed cell death (PCD) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). In this study, we performed a comprehensive transcriptome analysis to identify potential hub genes and key cell types associated with PCD and mitochondria in DFU. Using intersection analysis of PCD‐ and mitochondria‐related genes, we identified candidate hub genes through protein‐protein interaction and random forest analysis. At the single‐cell level, key cell types were further validated based on the expression of hub genes. Additionally, we explored the transcription factors (TFs) regulating hub gene expression and the cellular heterogeneity of DFU. Finally, the expression of key hub genes and TFs was validated in clinical specimens. Our results identified BCL2 and LIPT1 as significantly downregulated hub genes in DFU, with Keratinocytes, as the key cell type. Immunohistochemistry confirmed downregulation of BCL2 and LIPT1 in DFU samples (p < 0.05). Additionally, TFs CEBPD and IRF1 were significantly upregulated in DFU, as confirmed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis (p < 0.05).
Examining longitudinal associations between interpersonal outcomes and general psychopathology factors across preadolescence using random intercept cross‐lagged panel model
Authors: Wu Tom Chin‐Han , Lloyd Alex , Viding Essi , Fearon Pasco 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundInterpersonal outcomes and mental health problems are closely associated. However, their reciprocal influence has not been directly examined while considering the temporal stability of these constructs, as well as shared and unique variance associated with internalising, externalising and attention problems. Using random intercept cross‐lagged panel models (RI‐CLPM), we tested the hypotheses that negative bidirectional associations at the between‐person and negative cross‐lagged effects at the within‐person level would emerge between interpersonal outcomes (friendship quality and perceived popularity) and mental health problems (i.e. general psychopathology factor) during preadolescence.MethodsParticipants (n = 918) were from the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development. Psychopathology, consisting of a general psychopathology factor (p‐factor) and three specific factors (internalising, externalising and attention problems), was derived from mother‐reported Child Behaviour Checklist symptoms. Friendship quality was assessed using the self‐reported Friendship Quality Questionnaire. Popularity was assessed using teacher‐reported popularity ranking. Four RI‐CLPM were estimated to examine the associations between interpersonal outcomes and psychopathology at between‐ and within‐person levels across four timepoints (mean ages 8–11).ResultsAt the between‐person level, popularity scores, but not friendship quality, were negatively associated with p‐factor scores (β = −.33). At the within‐person level, we found (i) p‐factor scores at age 9 negatively predicted friendship quality and popularity at age 10, but not at other ages (β = −.16 to −.19); (ii) specific externalising factor scores at age 10 negatively predicted friendship quality at age 11 (β = −.10) and specific internalising factor scores at ages 8 and 9 positively predicted friendship quality at ages 9 and 10 (β = .09–.12) and (iii) popularity at age 10 negatively predicted specific internalising factor scores at age 11 (β = −.12).ConclusionsPsychopathology was found to influence interpersonal outcomes during preadolescence, while the reverse effects were less readily observed, once between‐person level effects were accounted for.
Review of Applications of Microneedling in Melasma
Authors: Chen Wenwen , Jian Xingling , Yu Bo 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundMelasma, a common skin pigmentation disease, can negatively impact patients' mental health, social interactions, and physical appearance. Although we now have several treatments accessible, such as medicines, chemical peels, and phototherapy, which can help ease symptoms to some extent, the requirement for a long‐term effective and safe treatment for patients is far from met. In the face of this problem, microneedling, as an innovative treatment, provides a new avenue for treating melasma. Although microneedling has been extensively investigated for treating other skin issues such as inflammation, scarring, and photoaging, research into its use in melasma treatment is still in its early stages.ObjectiveThis study aimed to gather and assess clinical information on microneedling's effectiveness in treating melasma, covering research gaps and serving as a beneficial reference for clinical therapy.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases for articles with the keywords “microneedling,” “percutaneous collagen induction”, and “melasma.” Following a thorough assessment, we selected 64 clinical studies that matched the requirements for in‐depth analysis.ResultsAfter thoroughly reviewing these data, we concluded that microneedling has tremendous potential for treating melasma. Microneedling can significantly improve treatment outcomes, especially when paired with additional therapies such as topical medicines or phototherapy.ConclusionOverall, the evidence reported in this study demonstrates that microneedling is an essential advancement in melasma treatment. Not only can it improve the efficacy of topical drugs and other treatment modalities, but it also has an excellent safety and tolerability profile, making it desirable to patients and clinicians. While the current findings are encouraging, more study is needed to refine treatment protocols, investigate the long‐term consequences of microneedling, and establish it as the standard of care for melasma treatment. We anticipate that microneedling will play an increasingly important role in the future of melasma treatment, providing our patients with more hope and a broader choice of treatment alternatives.