bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polygenic Risk of Epilepsy and Poststroke Epilepsy
Authors: Clocchiatti-Tuozzo Santiago , Rivier Cyprien A. , Misra Shubham , Zelano Johan , Mazumder Rajarshi , Sansing Lauren H. , de Havenon Adam , Hirsch Lawrence J. , Liebeskind David S. , Gilmore Emily J. , Sheth Kevin N. , Kim Jennifer A. , Worrall Bradford B. , Falcone Guido J. , Mishra Nishant K. 
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:
Epilepsy is highly heritable, with numerous known genetic risk loci. However, the genetic predisposition’s role in poststroke epilepsy (PSE) remains understudied. This study assesses whether a higher genetic predisposition to epilepsy raises poststroke survivor’s risk of PSE.

METHODS:
We conducted a case-control genetic association study nested within the UK Biobank, a large UK-based prospective cohort. Our exposures of interest were 2 distinct polygenic risk scores—generalized and focal epilepsy—modeled as deciles and constructed using genetic variants identified in the latest International League Against Epilepsy genome-wide association study meta-analysis. We aimed to evaluate the association between these polygenic risk scores and their corresponding subtype of PSE—generalized and focal. In sensitivity analyses, we evaluated participants of European ancestry separately and considered focal and generalized epilepsy outcomes in participants without a history of stroke. In secondary analyses, we evaluated the polygenic risk of PSE by stroke subtype (ischemic, hemorrhagic, or any stroke). Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted, adjusting for age, sex, genetic ancestry, and the first 5 principal genetic components.

RESULTS:

Among 17 549 UK Biobank stroke survivors with available genetic information (mean age, 61; 43% female), 185 (1%) developed generalized PSE, while 124 (0.7%) developed focal PSE. Multivariable logistic regression results showed that, when compared against the lowest decile, participants within the highest PRS decile for generalized PSE had 5-fold higher odds of developing generalized PSE (OR, 5.05 [95% CI, 2.37–12.5];
P
trend<0.001). Similarly, when compared against the lowest decile, participants within the highest polygenic risk score decile for focal PSE had 3-fold higher odds of developing focal PSE (OR, 3.20; [5% CI, 1.25–9.82];
P
trend=0.024). Sensitivity analyses among participants of European ancestry yielded similar results.

CONCLUSIONS:
Our findings suggest that, like other forms of epilepsy, genetic predisposition plays an essential role in PSE. These results underscore the need for future studies to elucidate the mechanisms underlying PSE development and to identify novel therapeutic avenues.
Foreign Direct Investment and Energy Demands: What Drives Economic Growth in Emerging Economies?
Authors: Edeh Jude , Chowdhury Piyali Roy , Edeh Chris 
Published: November 2024

This study addresses two central questions: (a) Do inward foreign direct investment (FDI) spillovers drive economic growth in emerging economies? and (b) How do the interconnectedness of inward FDI and energy demands cause economic growthin emerging economies? For the analysis, the study uses data from the World Development Indicators and Penn World Table 10.0, covering the period between 1994 and 2019. The results show evidence of bi-directional causality between inward FDI spillover and economic growth, and the relationships are negative. These results indicate that FDI inflows are less critical in economic growth in emerging economies and vice versa. Furthermore, non-renewable energy positively causes both economic growth and FDI inflows, whereas renewable energy negatively causes economic growth. More so, our results reveal a presence of bi-directional causality between FDI inflows and renewable energy in emerging economies. Finally, as these empirical insights have profound implications for governments and policymakers in these economies, the article proposes policies targeting sustainable economic growth and diffusions of renewable energy technologies through inward FDI spillover. JEL Codes: 047, F35, P18, P52, C10
An investigation into the contributing factors to survival of ARDS patients supported by veno-venous ECMO
Authors: Majithia-Beet Gavin , Naemi Roozbeh , Issitt Richard 
Published: November 2024

Introduction This study aimed to identify characteristics associated with survival during and post Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) therapy, in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A retrospective observational study on 94 consecutive patients with confirmed COVID-19 induced ARDS supported by ECMO was carried out 49/94 (52.7%) patients survived to hospital discharge. Results Non-survivors were found to have significantly ( p < .05) higher: Pre-ECMO International normalized ratios (INR), carbon dioxide partial pressure ( pCO2), Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) scores and blood urea levels. Also, lower pre-ECMO peak inspiratory pressures (PIP), mean arterial pressure, saturation of arterial oxygen (SaO2), blood bicarbonate levels (HCO3), blood Ph and fewer trials off ECMO with shorter combined trial off times. Patients that did not survive were more likely to have renal impairment and have received peri-ECMO haemofiltration. Poor prognosis was significantly associated with: receiving pre-ECMO nitric oxide (HR = 3.047, CI = 1.247-7.447, p = .015), renal impairment (HR = 3.023, CI = 1.586-5.763, p < .001), AKI of 2 (HR = 3.611, CI = 1.382-9.441, p = .009) or 3 (HR = 3.275, CI = 1.235-8.685, p = .017), peri-ECMO haemofiltration (HR = 2.412, CI = 1.310-4.442, p = .005) and the ABO blood group B (HR = 3.103, CI = 1.335-7.212, p = .008). pre-ECMO high CO2 (HR = 1.134, CI = 1.031-1.248, p = .010), blood lactate (HR = 1.350, CI = 1.156-1.576, p < .001), INR (HR = 2.571, CI = 1.438-4.598, p=<0.001) and lower blood Ph (HR = 0.023, CI = 0.002-0.210, p < .001). Conclusions Commonly used mortality scores may not be of use in a COVID-19 cohort of ECMO patients. The initiation of ECMO needs to be implemented prior to metabolic derangements, renal and fulminant respiratory failure.
Meta-analysis of Genetic Factors Responsible for Syndromic Anorectal Malformations in Children
Authors: Bhardwaj Arushi , Mathur Praveen , Nimesh Surendra , Chatterjee Sreemoyee , Gupta Nidhi 
Published: November 2024

Aim Anorectal malformation (ARM) is a congenital malformation that affects the anus or rectum area in children with an average age of 4 years. Different types of ARM are observed in males and females, each with distinct characteristics. The malformation is generally detected in the postnatal period, with a mortality rate between 3% and 16%. The study is conducted to understand the clinical significance of the mutation in the genes that are responsible for enhanced incidences of syndromes and their direct correlation with ARM. Methods Meta-analysis was performed using MedCalc statistical software, and we explored a strong association between ARM and syndromes using an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results In total, 18 syndromes were found with the clinical characteristics of ARM. A maximum number of cases were reported about Currarino syndrome, with the minimum and maximum association of 30% and 100%, respectively. The results obtained for the pooled studies were I2 = 92.85%, P value ≤ .0001, and CI = 91.36-94.08. Conclusion A strong association has been identified between ARM and various congenital syndromes, highlighting the fact that genetic factors play a significant role in its occurrence. This association can help in the early diagnosis of the anomaly so that proper management can be presented at the earliest.
Development and Validation of a Blood-Biomarker-Based Predictive Model for HBV-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Tan Yafeng , Xia Wei , Sun Fenglan , Mei Bing , Ouyang Yaoling , Li Linyun , Chen Zhenxia , Wu Song , Tan Jufang , Pubu Zhaxi , Sang Bu , Jiang Tao 
Published: November 2024

Objective This study aims to explore the optimal predictors of HBV-associated HCC using Lasso, and establish a prediction model. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent CBC and CRP testing between January 2016 and March 2024. The study population comprised 5441 cases divided into three cohorts: non-HBV-infected (1333 cases), HBV-infected (1023 cases), and HBV-associated HCC (3085 cases). A value of CRP <10 mg/L was used to exclude cases of acute bacterial infections. Baseline data and blood parameters were compared across the three groups (control group (n = 1049), the HBV-infected group (n = 789), and the HBV-associated HCC group (n = 1367)). HBV-infected group and the HBV-associated HCC group were used as modeling subjects which 70% were classified as training set (n = 1512) and 30% were classified as validation set (n = 644). Lasso regression and logistic regression were employed to identify the most effective predictors of HBV-associated HCC, which were subsequently incorporated into a predictive model by training set. Results Significant variations in age, gender, and blood parameter indices were observed between individuals with acute bacterial infections and non-infections in the study population, and also between three groups. The optimal predictors identified for HBV-associated HCC included gender, age, MONO, EO%, MCHC, MPV, and PCT. Conclusions The study highlights the significant impact of acute bacterial infections on immune status, erythrocyte system, and platelet system. After excluding acute bacterial infections, factors such as gender, age, MONO, EO%, MCHC, MPV, and PCT are effective predictors for clinical prediction of HCC development in HBV-infected patients.
Performance of ChatGPT on prehospital acute ischemic stroke and large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke screening
Authors: Wang Xinhao , Ye Shisheng , Feng Jinwen , Feng Kaiyan , Yang Heng , Li Hao 
Published: November 2024

Background The management of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is time-sensitive, yet prehospital delays remain prevalent. The application of large language models (LLMs) for medical text analysis may play a potential role in clinical decision support. We assess the performance of LLMs on prehospital AIS and large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke screening. Methods This retrospective study sourced cases from the electronic medical record database of the emergency department (ED) at Maoming People's Hospital, encompassing patients who presented to the ED between June and November 2023. We evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 for the detection of AIS and LVO stroke by comparing the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and positive likelihood ratio and AUC of both LLMs. The neurological reasoning of LLMs was rated on a five-point Likert scale for factual correctness and the occurrence of errors. Result On 400 records from 400 patients (mean age, 70.0 years ± 12.5 [SD]; 273 male), GPT-4 outperformed GPT-3.5 in AIS screening (AUC 0.75 (0.65–0.84) vs 0.59 (0.50–0.69), P = 0.015) and LVO identification (AUC 0.71 (0.65–0.77) vs 0.60 (0.53–0.66), P < 0.001). GPT-4 achieved higher accuracy than GPT-3.5 in screening of AIS (89.3% [95% CI: 85.8, 91.9] vs 86.5% [95% CI: 82.8, 89.5]) and LVO stroke identification (67.0% [95% CI: 62.3%, 71.4%] vs 47.3% [95% CI: 42.4%, 52.2%]). In neurological reasoning, GPT-4 had higher Likert scale scores for factual correctness (4.24 vs 3.62), with a lower rate of error (6.8% vs 24.8%) than GPT-3.5 (all P < 0.001). Conclusions The result demonstrates that LLMs possess diagnostic capability in the prehospital identification of ischemic stroke, with the ability to exhibit neurologically informed reasoning processes. Notably, GPT-4 outperforms GPT-3.5 in the recognition of AIS and LVO stroke, achieving results comparable to prehospital scales. LLMs are supposed to become a promising supportive decision-making tool for EMS practitioners in screening prehospital stroke.
American Foregut Classification is Superior to Hill Classification in Evaluation of the Gastroesophageal Junction
Authors: Swei Eric , Almario Jose A. , Abou Diwan Elizabeth , Ashhab Ashraf A. , Canto Marcia I. 
Published: November 2024

Background: The American Foregut Society (AFS) classification is intended to be more comprehensive and accurate than the Hill grade in assessing the gastroesophageal junction. However, real-world data regarding predictive ability and interobserver variability are limited. Methods: We performed a multi-reader validation study on images collected from patients who underwent endoscopic evaluation of reflux with hernia provocation using both AFS and Hill classification. The primary outcome was inter-reader agreement, assessed using Fleiss K. Secondary outcomes were percentage of patients with pathologic reflux at each Hill grade or AFS grade, correlation between acid exposure time (AET) and individual components of the AFS grade, and difference in predictive ability based on expert versus non-expert graders. Results: Sixty-four eligible patients were identified. Inter-rater reliability was substantial for AFS classification ( K = 0.65) and fair for Hill classification ( K= 0.28). The AFS grade demonstrated moderate overall correlation with AET (ρ = .36) and the Hill grade demonstrated overall weak correlation (ρ = .28). No single component of the AFS score performed significantly better in predicting pathologic reflux than the AFS grade (AFS F = 9.93, P = .0025) and there was no significant difference in overall grading between expert- and non-expert readers (ρ = .38 vs ρ = .29). Conclusion: The AFS score can classify the GEJ with moderate interobserver agreement and is superior to the Hill grade in predicting acid exposure time. AFS grade has better predictive power than the individual components used in scoring and is robust to differences in reader experience.
Dexmedetomidine alleviates intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury by modulating intestinal neuron autophagy and mitochondrial homeostasis via Nupr1 regulation
Authors: Wu Qiong , Chen Qiuhong , Liang Sisi , Nie Jinping , Wang Yingjie , Fan Chenlu , Liu Zhen , Zhang Xuekang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R) is a common yet challenging-to-treat condition, presenting a significant clinical challenge. This study aims to investigate the protective mechanisms of Dexmedetomidine (Dex) against I/R injury, with a particular focus on its role in regulating autophagy activity in intestinal neurons and maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. Experimental findings demonstrate that Dex can mitigate intestinal damage induced by I/R through the modulation of autophagy activity and mitochondrial function in intestinal neurons by suppressing the expression of Nupr1. This discovery sheds light on a new molecular mechanism underlying the potential efficacy of Dex in treating intestinal I/R injury, offering valuable insights for clinical therapy.
Genetic diversity assessment of cucumber landraces using molecular signatures
Authors: Iftikhar Muhammad Sarmad , Naseer Cheema Hafiza Masooma , Khan Asif Ali , DeLacy Ian Henson , Basford Kaye Enid 
Published: November 2024

AbstractGenetic profiling of the biodiversity in cultivated crop plants is necessary to preserve important genes and utilize them in a breeding program. Cucumber is used as a model plant to study various characteristics of Cucurbitaceae. Its adaptation to a wide range of climatic conditions suggested analyzing the landraces. The present study was conducted to evaluate the differences, at the genetic level, among landraces spanning five continents. DNA extracted from fifty-six landraces selected from USDA germplasm bank to cover a global representative sample of world cucumber landraces was used for polymerase chain reaction using twenty-eight polymorphic expressed sequence tags simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers. Twenty-eight EST-SSR markers covering all seven chromosomes yielded 98 bands with an average of 3.42 bands per marker. Polymorphic information content ranged from 0.00 (EC35) to 0.74 (EC17) with an average of 0.34. Six clusters provided an appropriate summary of the variation among the landraces, with the two largest groups including 32 (Asiatic) and 17 (European and American) landraces, respectively. Four small groups, three with two members, and one with one member (PI 525155-Egypt) were dissimilar to the two main groups. Landraces from the same region were often clustered together. Genetic similarity of the landraces was revealed by marker banding patterns. The locations of genetic diversity for cucumber landraces can be identified from this study.
De-sync: disruption of synchronization as a key factor in individual and collective creative processes
Authors: Laroche Julien , Bachrach Asaf , Noy Lior 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCreativity is a key skill for the twenty-first century, where the individual and collective imperative to adapt is omnipresent. Yet, it is still unclear how to put creativity theories into practice, which signals a lacuna in our understanding of the pragmatic means by which we get creative. This paper starts from the identification of a number of gaps in the literature. In particular, individual and group creativity are usually treated separately, and the emphasis on the search for novelty seems to overshadow the importance experts give to the disruption of their habitual patterns of behavior. To overcome these gaps, we propose foundations for a unifying framework that takes the perspective of dynamical systems. Specifically, we suggest that de-synchronization, a hallmark of disruption, is an integral part of the creative processes that operate across individual and collective levels of analysis. We show that by conjuring uncertainty, de-synchronized states provide opportunities for creative reorganization. In order to ground this framework, we survey and discuss existing literature, and focus on group improvisation practices (in particular, music and dance improvisation), where partners use the dynamics of their interaction to bring forth a collective performance in real-time. In these practices, disruption by de-synchronization, termed here as ‘problematization of coordination’, is a pragmatic approach used to push the creative process forward. We suggest that this approach might also be relevant in other types of individual and collective creative processes.
Dance as mindful movement: a perspective from motor learning and predictive coding
Authors: Fitch W. Tecumseh , Barnstaple Rebecca 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDefining “dance” is challenging, because many distinct classes of human movement may be considered dance in a broad sense. Although the most obvious category is rhythmic dancing to a musical beat, other categories of expressive movement such as dance improvisation, pantomime, tai chi, or Japanese butoh suggest that a more inclusive conception of human dance is needed. Here we propose that a specific type of conscious awareness plays an overarching role in most forms of expressive movement and can be used to define dance (in the broad sense). We can briefly summarize this broader notion of dance as “mindful movement.” However, to make this conception explicit and testable, we need an empirically verifiable characterization of “mindful movement.” We propose such a characterization in terms of predictive coding and procedural learning theory: mindful movement involves a “suspension” of automatization. When first learning a new motor skill, we are highly conscious of our movements, and this is reflected in neural activation patterns. As skill increases, automatization and overlearning occurs, involving a progressive suppression of conscious awareness. Overlearned, habitual movement patterns become mostly unconscious, entering consciousness only when mistakes or surprising outcomes occur. In mindful movement, this automatization process is essentially inverted or suspended, reactivating previously unconscious details of movement in the conscious workspace, and crucially enabling a renewed aesthetic attention to such details. This wider perspective on dance has important implications for potential animal analogs of human dance and leads to multiple lines of experimental exploration.
APOE4 rat model of Alzheimer’s disease: sex differences, genetic risk and diet
Authors: Colarusso Bradley , Ortiz Richard , Yeboah Julian , Chang Arnold , Gupta Megha , Kulkarni Praveen , Ferris Craig F. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the ε4 allele of apolipoprotein E (ApoE ε4). A high fat diet also adds to the risk of dementia and AD. In addition, there are sex differences as women carriers have a higher risk of an earlier onset and rapid decline in memory than men. The present study looked at the effect of the genetic risk of ApoE ε4 together with a high fat/high sucrose diet (HFD/HSD) on brain function in male and female rats using magnetic resonance imaging. We hypothesized female carriers would present with deficits in cognitive behavior together with changes in functional connectivity as compared to male carriers. Four-month-old wildtype and human ApoE ε4 knock-in (TGRA8960), male and female Sprague Dawley rats were put on a HFD/HSD for four months. Afterwards they were imaged for changes in function using resting state BOLD functional connectivity. Images were registered to, and analyzed, using a 3D MRI rat atlas providing site-specific data on 173 different brain areas. Resting state functional connectivity showed male wildtype had greater connectivity between areas involved in feeding and metabolism while there were no differences between female and male carriers and wildtype females. The data were unexpected. The genetic risk was overshadowed by the diet. Male wildtype rats were most sensitive to the HFD/HSD presenting with a deficit in cognitive performance with enhanced functional connectivity in neural circuitry associated with food consumption and metabolism.