bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The cerebral and cognitive changes after intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) treatment for depression: study protocol for a randomized double-blind sham-controlled trial
Authors: Ørbo Marte C. , Høier Sabine , Vangberg Torgil R. , Csifcsak Gabor , Grønli Ole K. , Aslaksen Per M. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
The therapeutic use of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) delivered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDLPFC) is a relatively new but promising treatment option for depression. There is a need for more knowledge on the mechanisms involved in its antidepressant effects.

Methods
This is a single-centre, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with two arms, iTBS and sham iTBS. Adult outpatients with unipolar major depressive disorder of at least moderate severity will undergo cognitive assessment with an N-back task (0-back and 2-back), functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging and assessment of depression severity before and after brain stimulation. Neuronavigated iTBS or sham stimulation will be targeted at the LDPFC once a day for 10 consecutive workdays. ITBS will be delivered with the parameters 120% of resting motor threshold, triplet 50 Hz bursts repeated at 5 Hz; 2 s on and 8 s off, 600 pulses per session with a total duration of 3 min 9 s. The severity of depression will be measured with the Montogomery Aasberg Depression Rating Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory – second edition.
In the iTBS group relative to sham, we expect significant antidepressant effects and improved N-back performance, associated with increased integrity in white matter tracts functionally connected with the LDLPFC and emotion regulation areas within the rostral anterior cingulate cortices, alongside potential increases in cortical thickness in these regions. On functional imaging, we expect to observe increased brain activity in the LDPFC during the performance of the N-back condition with higher cognitive load (2-back) in the iTBS group relative to sham.

Discussion
iTBS is a promising, time-efficient, and considered a safe treatment option for depression according to existing evidence. This trial aims to assess the neurocognitive impact of a 2-week, once-daily iTBS compared to sham iTBS, targeting the LDLPFC in depressed adult outpatients. The study investigates the relationships between changes in cerebral measures and cognitive performance on an N-back task in relation to the antidepressant effect following iTBS. This trial delves into the neurocognitive mechanisms of iTBS in depression, potentially offering novel scientific insights into its treatment effects and mechanisms of action.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06534684. Retrospectively registered on August 1st 2024.
Removal of As(V) and Cr(VI) using quinoxaline chitosan schiff base: synthesis, characterization and adsorption mechanism
Authors: Abdelwahab Huda E. , Elhag Mohammed , El Sadek Mohamed M. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractElevated Arsenic and Chromium levels in surface and ground waters are a significant health concern in several parts of the world. Chitosan quinoxaline Schiff base (CsQ) and cross-linked chitosan quinoxaline Schiff base (CsQG) were prepared to adsorb both Arsenate [As(V)] and Chromium [Cr(VI)] ions. The thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to investigate the prepared Schiff bases (CsQ) and (CsQG). The UV–VIS spectra showed a shift in the wavelength area of the modified polymer, indicating the reaction occurrence, besides the variation of the shape and intensity of the peaks. The XRD patterns showed the incensement of the amorphous characteristic. On the other hand, the thermal stability of the modified polymers is better according to TGA studies; also, the morphology of the modified chitosan was investigated before and after crosslinking (CsQ and CsQG) using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) where the surface was fall of wrinkles and pores, which then were decreased after cross-linking. Contact time, temperature, pH, and initial metal ion concentration were all studied as factors influencing metal ion uptake behavior. The Langmuir, Temkin, Dubinin–Radushkevich, and Freundlich isotherm models were used to describe the equilibrium data using metal concentrations of 10–1000 mg/L at pH = 7 and 1 g of adsorbent. The pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic parameters were evaluated. The experimental data revealed that the adsorption kinetics follow the mechanism of the pseudo-second-order equation with R2 values (0.9969, 0.9061) in case of using CsQ and R2 values (0.9989, 0.9999) in case of using CsQG, demonstrating chemical sorption is the rate-limiting step of the adsorption mechanism. Comparing the adsorption efficiency of the synthesized Schiff base and the cross-linked one, it was found that CsQ is a better adsorbent than CsQG in both cases of As(V) and Cr(VI) removal. This means that cross-linking doesn’t enhance the efficiency as expected, but on the contrary, in some cases, it decreases the removal. In addition, the newly modified chitosan polymers work better in As(V) removal than Cr(VI); the removal is 22.33% for Cr(VI) and 98.36% for As(V) using CsQ polymer, whereas using CsQG, the values are 6.20% and 91.75% respectively. On the other hand, the maximum adsorption capacity (Qm) for As(V) and Cr(VI) are 8.811 and 3.003 mg/g, respectively, using CsQ, while in the case of using CsQG, the Qm value reaches 31.95 mg/g for As(V), and 103.09 mg/g for Cr(VI).
Roles of MRI evaluation of pelvic recurrence in patients with rectal cancer
Authors: Dantas Patricia Perola , Teixeira Verônica Botelho , Marques Carlos Frederico Sparapan , Nogueira Gerda Feitosa , Ortega Cinthia D. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Developments in the multidisciplinary treatment of rectal cancer with advances in preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), surgical techniques, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy have had a significant impact on patient outcomes, increasing the rates of curative surgeries and reducing pelvic recurrence. Patients with pelvic recurrence have worse prognoses, with an impact on morbidity and mortality. Although local recurrence is more frequent within 2 years of surgical resection of the primary tumor, late recurrence may occur. Clinical manifestations can vary from asymptomatic, nonspecific symptoms, to pelvic pain, bleeding, and fistulas. Synchronous metastatic disease occurs in approximately 50% of patients diagnosed with local recurrence. MRI plays a crucial role in posttreatment follow-up, whether by identifying viable neoplastic tissues or acting as a tool for therapeutic planning and assessing the resectability of these lesions. Locally recurrent tissues usually have a higher signal intensity than muscle on T2-weighted imaging. Thus, attention is required for focal heterogeneous lesions, marked contrast enhancement, early invasive behavior, and asymmetric appearance, which are suspicious for local recurrence. However, postsurgical inflammatory changes related to radiotherapy and fibrosis make it difficult to detect initial lesions. This study therefore aimed to review the main imaging patterns of pelvic recurrence and their implications for the surgical decision-making process.

Critical relevance statement
MRI plays a crucial role in the posttreatment follow-up of rectal cancer, whether by identifying viable neoplastic tissues or by acting as a tool for therapeutic planning. This study reviewed the main imaging patterns of pelvic recurrence.

Key Points

MRI aids in surgical planning and the detection of pelvic recurrence and postoperative complications.

Being familiar with surgical techniques enables radiologists to identify expected MRI findings.

Patterns of rectal cancer recurrence have been categorized by pelvic compartments.

Neoplastic tissue may mimic postsurgical and postradiotherapy changes.

Resectability of pelvic recurrence is highly related to lesion location.

Graphical Abstract
capD deletion in the Elizabethkingia miricola capsular locus leads to capsule production deficiency and reduced virulence
Authors: Hu Ruixue , Liu Fangyuan , Yu Fang , Hou Jiahao , Chen Dan , Gu Zemao 
Published: November 2024

AbstractElizabethkingia miricola is a multidrug-resistant pathogen that can cause life-threatening infections in immunocompromised humans and outbreaks in amphibians. However, the specific virulence factors of this microorganism have not been described. In this study, we identified the polysaccharide biosynthesis protein-encoding gene capD, which is located in the conserved region of the Wzy-dependent capsule synthesis gene cluster in the E. miricola strain FL160902, and investigated its role in the pathogenesis of E. miricola. Our results revealed that the capD deletion strain (ΔcapD) lost its typical encapsulated structure, with a 45% reduction in cell wall thickness. CapD affects wza expression in the capsule polysaccharide synthesis pathway. Furthermore, the survival rates were significantly reduced in ΔcapD in response to complement-mediated killing, desiccation stress, and macrophage phagocytosis, whereas biofilm formation, surface hydrophobicity, and adherence to both endothelial and epithelial cells were increased. Additionally, the deletion of capD sharply attenuated the virulence of E. miricola in a frog infection model. Complementation of the capD gene restored the biological properties and virulence to wild-type levels. Overall, these findings suggest that CapD contributes to polysaccharide synthesis and plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of E. miricola.
October 7th 2023 mass casualty incident in southern Israel: lessons for emergency preparedness and management
Authors: Gozlan Aya , Abuhasira Ran , Dreiher Jacob , Peleg Shosh , Sebbag Gilbert , Schwarzfuchs Dan , Slutsky Tzachi , Dolfin Dror , Frenkel Amit , Codish Shlomi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Mass Casualty Incidents (MCIs) pose significant challenges for healthcare systems. While policies are typically crafted based on past experiences, the lessons learned from each incident play a crucial role in enhancing emergency preparedness.
On October 7th, 2023, Israel came under the largest terror attack in its history. During an ongoing terror attack, more than 1300 Israelis were killed, and more than 200 were abducted to Gaza. During the first day of the attack, 1457 casualties were evacuated to a hospital, approximately half of them to Soroka University Medical Center (SUMC). This MCI surpassed conventional MCI challenges, necessitating a need to face the unexpected under fire.
Through a description of this extreme MCI, we delve into the challenges faced, the strategic interventions deployed to address them, and the invaluable lessons learned.

Methods
Injury characteristics, severity and outcomes of casualties are presented based on the medical records of all casualties arriving to SUMC between October 7th 6:30 a.m. and October 8th 7:00 a.m. Data regarding patient influx, capacity and hospital resource utilization, were collected from the Patient Registration System and other hospital information systems.

Results
During the incident, a total of 673 injured arrived at SUMC within a mere 24-h period, at a peak rate of 83 injured per hour. The mean casualty age was 29.6, with male predominance. Gunshot wounds and shrapnel injuries were the dominant types of injuries. Out of the casualties arrived, about half were hospitalized or transferred to receive definitive care at other hospitals after initial care at SUMC. Mortality rate was low, at 2.9% of those admitted alive.

Conclusions
In this article, we describe the injury characteristics and outcomes of casualties seen at SUMC on October 7th 2023, during one of the largest MCIs in history. We present a detailed overview of the challenges encountered, strategies implemented to address them and lessons learned. These insights hold global relevance, offering actionable guidance for the refinement of future emergency protocols and policies on a global scale.
Emotional resilience and sense of danger among doctors in hospitals during periods of heightened tensions and warfare in Israel
Authors: Joachim Michael V. , Atia Joachim Dana , Korn Liat , Shapiro Yair , Laviv Amir , Zigdon Avi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
The “Iron Swords” War beginning in October 2023 led to unprecedented levels of shock and trauma across Israel, significantly impacting the Israeli population and medical personnel. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the perceived personal resilience and sense of danger among physicians in hospitals located in different conflict zone proximities in Israel during this period.

Methods
A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2024, during an active phase of the war, using a structured anonymous questionnaire. Participants were 161 physicians from three hospitals: one in southern Israel near the Gaza Strip, another in northern Israel near the borders with Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, and a third in central Israel near Tel Aviv. The survey measured personal resilience using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10) and sense of danger using the Solomon & Prager scale. Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis H test, multiple linear regression, two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Sobel test for mediation effects.

Results
The final sample included 161 physicians (54 southern, 56 central, 51 northern). The mean resilience score was 31.14 ± 5.77, and the mean sense of danger score was 8.36 ± 4.15 (scales 0–40 and 0–20, respectively). Physicians in the southern hospital reported significantly higher sense of danger scores (p = 0.005). A trend towards lower resilience scores was noted among southern hospital physicians (p = 0.068) (p = 0.068). Two-way ANOVA revealed significant main effects of hospital location and gender on resilience (p = 0.046 and p = 0.003, respectively) and sense of danger (p = 0.005 and p = 0.062, respectively). Multiple regression analysis identified hospital location (β = -0.178, p = 0.023) and gender (β = 0.229, p = 0.004) as significant predictors of resilience. Mediation analysis indicated that personal resilience partially mediated the relationship between hospital location and sense of danger (indirect effect = 0.2896, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Physicians working near conflict zones report higher levels of perceived danger, though their resilience is comparable to peers in less threatened regions. Enhancing personal resilience is crucial to mitigate the heightened sense of danger. This could include regular resilience training, psychological support, and specific programs for single and childless physicians to improve safety perceptions. Additionally, fostering a supportive community with clear communication and robust emergency protocols is essential for enhancing staff resilience and safety in hospitals.
Exploring farmers’ intention to adopt marketing contracts: empirical insights using the TOE framework
Authors: Penone Carlotta , Giampietri Elisa , Trestini Samuele 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe European agricultural sector faces considerable exposure to price risk, which poses a threat to farmers’ income and long-term resilience. Marketing contracts have emerged as a potential risk mitigation strategy by enabling farmers to fix the selling price of their output. Despite their benefits, the adoption of marketing contracts among European farmers remains limited. To investigate the factors influencing farmers’ participation in MCs, this study applies the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, marking its first application in this field of research. By analyzing data from an online survey of 84 Italian arable crop producers using a partial least squares structural equation model, this study investigates the factors influencing farmers’ participation in marketing contracts. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the TOE model in examining farmers’ intentions to adopt marketing contracts. Specifically, the perceived usefulness of marketing contracts, their compatibility with farm characteristics, the positive attitude of farm owners towards these tools, and normative pressure from buyers all exhibit positive associations with farmers’ intention to adopt marketing contracts. These findings offer valuable insights for the development of targeted strategies aimed at promoting the widespread use of marketing contracts among European farmers.
Targeting SPP1-orchestrated neutrophil extracellular traps-dominant pre-metastatic niche reduced HCC lung metastasis
Authors: Xie Sun-Zhe , Yang Lu-Yu , Wei Ran , Shen Xiao-Tian , Pan Jun-Jie , Yu Shi-Zhe , Zhang Chen , Xu Hao , Xu Jian-Feng , Zheng Xin , Wang Hao , Su Ying-Han , Sun Hao-Ting , Lu Lu , Lu Ming , Zhu Wen-Wei , Qin Lun-Xiu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
The mechanisms by which tumor-derived factors remodel the microenvironment of target organs to facilitate cancer metastasis, especially organ-specific metastasis, remains obscure. Our previous studies have demonstrated that SPP1 plays a key role in promoting metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the functional roles and mechanisms of tumor-derived SPP1 in shaping the pre-metastatic niche (PMN) and promoting lung-specific metastasis are unclear.

Methods
Orthotopic metastasis models, experimental metastasis models, CyTOF and flow cytometry were conducted to explore the function of SPP1 in shaping neutrophil-dominant PMN and promoting HCC lung metastasis. The main source of CXCL1 in lung tissues was investigated via fluorescence activated cell sorting and immunofluorescence staining. The expression of neutrophils and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) markers was detected in the lung metastatic lesions of HCC patients and mouse lung specimens. The therapeutic significance was explored via in vivo DNase I and CXCR2 inhibitor assays.

Results
SPP1 promoted HCC lung colonization and metastasis by modifying pulmonary PMN in various murine models, and plasma SPP1 levels were closely associated with lung metastasis in HCC patients. Mechanistically, SPP1 binded to CD44 on lung alveolar epithelial cells to produce CXCL1, thereby attracting and forming neutrophil-abundant PMN in the lung. The recruited neutrophils were activated by SPP1 and then formed NETs-dominant PMN to trap the disseminated tumor cells and promote metastatic colonization. Moreover, early intervention of SPP1-orchestrated PMN by co-targeting the CXCL1-CXCR2 axis and NETs formation could efficiently inhibit the lung metastasis of HCC.

Conclusions
Our study illustrates that HCC-lung host cell-neutrophil interactions play important roles in PMN formation and SPP1-induced HCC lung metastasis. Early intervention in SPP1-orchestrated PMN via CXCR2 inhibitor and DNase I is a potential therapeutic strategy to combat HCC lung metastasis.
Establishing a dominant early larval sex-selection strain in the Asian malaria vector Anopheles stephensi
Authors: Weng Shih-Che , Chen Fangying , Li Ming , Lee Sammy , Gerry Connor , Turksoy Dylan Can , Akbari Omar S. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Genetic biocontrol interventions targeting mosquito-borne diseases require the release of male mosquitoes exclusively, as only females consume blood and transmit pathogens. Releasing only males eliminates the risk of increasing mosquito bites and spreading pathogens while enabling effective population control. The aim of this study is to develop robust sex-sorting methods for early larval stages in mosquitoes, enabling scalable male-only releases for genetic biocontrol interventions.

Methods
To address the challenge of sex-sorting in the Asian malaria vector Anopheles stephensi, we engineer Sexing Element Produced by Alternative RNA-splicing of a Transgenic Observable Reporter (SEPARATOR). This dominant fluorescent-based method, previously proven effective in Aedes aegypti, exploits sex-specific alternative splicing of a reporter to ensure exclusive male-specific expression early in development. The sex-specific alternative RNA splicing of the doublesex gene was selected as a target for engineering SEPARATOR due to its evolutionary conservation in insects. To expand SEPARATOR’s applicability for genetic sexing, we assessed the cross-species sex-specific RNA splicing activity of the An. gambiae doublesex (AngDsx) splicing module in An. stephensi. Male-specific enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression was verified throughout the mosquito life cycle using a fluorescent stereomicroscope.

Results
Our results confirm that SEPARATOR regulates male-specific EGFP expression in An. stephensi and enables reliable positive male selection from the first instar larval stages. Molecular analysis demonstrates that male-specific EGFP expression is dependent on doublesex sex-specific splicing events. Additionally, the splicing module from An. gambiae operates effectively in An. stephensi, demonstrating evolutionary conservation in sex-specific splicing events between these species.

Conclusions
SEPARATOR’s independence from sex-chromosome linkage provides resistance to breakage that could be mediated by meiotic recombination and chromosomal rearrangements, making it highly suitable for mass male releases. By enabling precise male selection from the first instar larval stages, SEPARATOR represents a significant advancement that will aid in the genetic biocontrol for Anopheles mosquitoes.

Graphical Abstract
Cognitive behavioral therapy-enhanced through videoconferencing for night eating syndrome, binge-eating disorder and comorbid insomnia: a Case Report
Authors: Melisse Bernou , Arora Teresa 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundBoth night-eating syndrome and binge-eating disorder are characterized by episodes of excessive food consumption, significant distress, and functional impairment related to maladaptive eating behaviors. Both types of eating disorders are associated with poorer sleep quality. Cognitive behavioral therapy has demonstrated good outcomes for binge-eating disorder; however, it is unknown if it is effective for night-eating syndrome and comorbid insomnia.Case presentationThe current paper presents a case report of a Dutch woman in her 40’s receiving cognitive behavioral therapy-enhanced for night-eating syndrome, as well as binge-eating disorder. However, to tailor the intervention to her specific needs, throughout the course of treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy-insomnia interventions were also implemented. Her comorbid complaints were insomnia, childhood trauma, a depressive mood disorder, and cluster B and C personality traits. She had a history of bariatric surgery, as well as alcohol addiction, and received various treatments in the past, aiming to become abstinent from binge eating.ConclusionsPost-treatment, she was abstinent from binge eating and, her scores of various eating disorder measures were below clinical cut-points. However, it is unclear if she would show earlier symptom reduction if she received cognitive behavioral therapy-insomnia, prior to cognitive behavioral therapy-enhanced. In addition, the patient reported an increase in her depressive mood and commenced schema therapy after cognitive behavioral therapy- enhanced. Although common, the underlying cause of symptom shifts in patients with an eating disorder remains largely unknown.