bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI in differentiating focal nodular hyperplasia from hepatocellular adenoma in children
Authors: Erdemli Gürsel Başak , Öngen Gökhan , Candan Selman , Gülleroğlu Nadide Başak , Sevinir Betül Berrin , Yazıcı Zeynep 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the diagnostic performance of gadoxetic acid (Gd-EOB)-enhanced MRI for distinguishing focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) from hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) in children.

Methods
Twenty-two patients (HCA, n = 6; FNH, n = 16) underwent MRI with Gd-EOB were retrospectively included in this study. The diagnosis was established by biopsy in eight patients and by imaging criteria and follow-up in 13 patients. After qualitative analyses of MRI, quantitative analyses were performed by calculating the relative signal intensity ratios (SIR) between lesion and liver parenchyma both on precontrast and hepatobiliary phase (HBP) images. Two equations, SIRpost-pre and liver-to-lesion contrast enhancement ratio (LLCER), using both SIRs of precontrast and HBP imaging together were also calculated.

Results
The most distinguishing non-contrast-enhanced MRI feature of HCA was intralesional fat since all HCA contained fat but none of FNHs. All FNHs were iso- or hyperintense relative to the adjacent liver on HBP images, but all HCAs except one were hypointense. The mean SIRpost-pre and LLCER of FNH were significantly higher than that of HCA (P &lt; .001). SIRpost-pre and LLCER provided sensitivity and specificity values of 100%.

Conclusion
Although intralesional fat is a strong discriminative feature for distinguishing between HCA and FNH, qualitative properties of these lesions may not be enough for confident diagnosis. Gd-EOB uptake in the HBP provides high diagnostic accuracy, but overlap can be seen. SIRpost-pre and LLCER overcome the difficulties and have the best sensitivity and specificity.

Advances in knowledge
Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI is a valuable tool for differentiation of FNH and HCA in children.
Factors influencing the global invasion of the South American weedy species Praxelis clematidea (Asteraceae): a niche shift and modelling-based approach
Authors: Salgado Vanina G , Viera Barreto Jessica N , Rodríguez-Cravero Juan F , Grossi Mariana A , Gutiérrez Diego G 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Praxelis clematidea is a relatively unknown herb native to South America that has spread globally over the past four decades. In this study, we integrate ecological niche modelling (ENM) and niche shift analyses to understand its distribution, test niche conservatism hypotheses, and identify potential invasion sites under different climate change scenarios. In its native range, P. clematidea prefers climates with mild annual temperatures and winters. This species shows a great potential to continue spreading. Probable invasion sites include northern South America, Central America, India, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Future climate projections suggest increase of potential distribution in tropical regions and decrease in temperate areas. Niche conservatism was evident, although invaded areas in Asia and Australia showed slight niche expansion towards warmer climates, probably explained by ecological factors such as competition. Our results show that integrating occurrences from both native and invaded ranges in ENM models enhances predictability, even when niche is conserved. The combination of niche shift studies and ENM provides better insight into species invasion dynamics, resulting in the recognition of high-risk invasion areas that combined with the rapid access to new occurrences provided by citizen science platforms can result in early detection and lead to better management strategies.
Diffusion tensor imaging along the perivascular space: the bias from crossing fibres
Authors: Georgiopoulos Charalampos , Werlin Alice , Lasic Samo , Hall Sara , van Westen Danielle , Spotorno Nicola , Hansson Oskar , Nilsson Markus 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Non-invasive evaluation of glymphatic function has emerged as a crucial goal in neuroimaging, and diffusion tensor imaging along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) has emerged as a candidate method for this purpose. Reduced ALPS index has been suggested to indicate impaired glymphatic function. However, the potential impact of crossing fibres on the ALPS index has not been assessed, which was the aim of this cross-sectional study. For this purpose, we used DTI-ALPS in a cohort with three groups: Parkinson’s disease (PD) (n = 60, mean age 63.3 ± 1.5, 33 males), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) (n = 17, mean age 70.9 ± 1.5, 9 males) and healthy controls (n = 41, mean age 64.5 ± 8.4, 15 males). The ALPS index was calculated blinded to diagnosis, by manually placing two sets of regions of interest (ROI) on the projection and association fibres of each hemisphere. Annotation was performed twice: once on conventional diffusion-encoded colour maps weighted by fractional anisotropy and once on maps with weights adjusted for high incidence of crossing fibres. PSP patients had significantly lower conventional ALPS indices compared with both healthy controls (right hemisphere: P = 0.009; left hemisphere: P &lt; 0.001) and PD patients (right hemisphere: P = 0.024; left hemisphere: P &lt; 0.001). There were no differences between healthy controls and PD patients. After adjusting the ROI to avoid regions of crossing fibres, the ALPS index significantly decreased in healthy controls (right hemisphere: P &lt; 0.001; left hemisphere: P &lt; 0.001) and PD (right hemisphere: P &lt; 0.001; left hemisphere: P &lt; 0.001). In PSP, the adjusted ALPS index was lower compared with the conventional one only in the right hemisphere (P = 0.047). Overall, this adjustment led to less significant differences among diagnostic groups. Specifically, with the adjusted ALPS index, PSP patients showed significantly lower ALPS index compared with healthy controls (right hemisphere: P = 0.044; left hemisphere: P = 0.029) and PD patients (P = 0.003 for the left hemisphere only). Our results suggest that crossing fibres significantly inflate the ALPS index and should be considered a critical pitfall of this method. This factor could partly explain the variability observed in previous studies. Unlike previous research, we observed no differences between PD and healthy controls, likely because most patients in our cohort were in the early phase of the disease. Thus, the ALPS index may not be a sensitive indicator of glymphatic function at least in the initial stages of neurodegeneration in PD.
Virtual Gene Panels Have a Superior Diagnostic Yield for Inherited Rare Diseases Relative to Static Panels
Authors: Sheikh Hassani Massomeh , Jain Ruchi , Ramaswamy Sathishkumar , Sinha Shruti , El Naofal Maha , Halabi Nour , Alyafei Sawsan , Alfalasi Roudha , Shenbagam Shruti , Taylor Alan , Abou Tayoun Ahmad 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Exome- or genome-based panels—also known as slices or virtual panels—are now a popular approach that involves comprehensive genomic sequencing while restricting analysis to subsets of genes based on patients’ phenotypes. This flexible strategy enables frequent gene updates based on novel disease associations as well as reflexing to analyzing other genes up to the whole exome or genome. With recent improvements addressing limitations associated with virtual panels, the advantages of this approach, relative to static custom-based panels, remain to be systematically characterized.

Methods
Here we perform slice testing on 1014 patients (50.5% females; average age 17 years) referred from multiple pediatric clinics within a single center in the Middle East (83% Arab population).

Results
Initial analysis uncovered molecular diagnoses for 235 patients for a diagnostic yield of 23% (235/1014). “On the fly” focused analysis in most negative cases (N = 779) identified clinically significant variants correlating with patients’ presentations in genes outside the originally ordered panel for another 35 patients (3.5% or 35/1024) increasing the overall diagnostic yield to 27%. The pathogenic variants underlying the additional cases (13% of all positive cases) were excluded from the original “panel” gene list, mainly as result of issues related to panel selection, novel gene–disease associations, phenotype spectrum broadening, or gene lists variability. The additional findings led to changes in clinical management in most patients (94%).

Conclusions
Our findings support slice testing as an efficient and flexible platform that facilitates updates to gene lists to achieve high clinical sensitivity and utility.
Paternal predatory risk alters parental behavior and offspring phenotypes in biparental Brandt’s voles
Authors: Wu Ruiyong , Zhu Jing , Wang Ping , Xu Zedong , Chen Lin , Chen Yi , Xu Jiahong , Wang Qianying , Yang Shengmei , Wei Wanhong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Paternal predation risk can program offspring phenotypes via maternal responses and epigenetic marks of spermatozoa. However, the processes and consequences of this experience in biparental species are unknown. Here, we examined how preconception and postconception paternal cat odor (CO) exposure affects anxiety-like behavior and antipredator response in Brandt’s voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii). We found that preconception paternal CO exposure inhibited maternal investment when offspring were raised by mothers alone, while postconception exposure increased paternal investment towards the offspring raised by both parents. The increased paternal behavior may be associated with an increasing grooming behavior received from their mates, which alleviated the anxiety-like behavior in CO-exposed males. Both paternal experiences increased the levels of anxiety-like behavior in adolescent offspring but differentially altered adult phenotypes. Specifically, adult females from preconception CO-exposed fathers spent less time in defensive concealing, whereas the offspring of postconception CO-exposed fathers showed more in response to acute cat urine exposure. Correspondingly, baseline corticosterone levels were decreased and increased in these offspring, respectively. Our results indicate that in biparental species, paternal predation risk exposure affects offspring phenotypes in pathway-dependent and age-specific manners and that only the presence of both parents can elicit adaptive responses to a high predation-risk environment.
Embolic myocardial infarction secondary to marantic endocarditis in a patient with ulcerative colitis: case report
Authors: Ladera Santos Diana , Roldán Guerra Álvaro , Dávila Flores Viviana , Anguita Sánchez Manuel 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) is an uncommon and often underdiagnosed condition characterized by a state of hypercoagulability. We present a case of a patient with ulcerative colitis who experienced a non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction as a rare complication of NBTE.

Case summary
We report a case of a 16-year-old male with a history of ulcerative colitis who presented to the emergency department with chest pain at rest. He was admitted to the cardiology ward with an initial suspected diagnosis of acute myocarditis. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed inferior septobasal hypokinesia and a mobile pedunculated mass attached to the aortic valve, although the valve’s function was not compromised.
Given the suspicion of an acute coronary syndrome of embolic origin, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with intravenous contrast was performed. The MRI revealed an evolved infarct in the territory of the right coronary artery. Biopsy of the material removed during surgery revealed findings consistent with thrombotic material.

Discussion
We present a case of acute coronary syndrome as an unusual manifestation of NBTE in a patient with ulcerative colitis. Although we have not identified any reported cases in the literature involving ulcerative colitis, it is crucial to consider NBTE in patients with underlying conditions that predispose them to a procoagulant state. Furthermore, it is necessary to define criteria or guidelines for its diagnosis or treatment.
Indicators of transparency and data sharing in scientific writing in published randomized controlled trials in orthodontic journals between 2019 and 2023: an empirical study.
Authors: Schueller Sophie , Mikelis Filippos , Eliades Theodore , Koletsi Despina 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Aim
To identify data sharing practices of authors of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) in indexed orthodontic journals and explore associations between published reports and several publication characteristics.

Materials and methods
RCTs from indexed orthodontic journals in major databases, namely PubMed® (Medline), Scopus®, EMBASE®, and Web of Science™, were included from January 2019 to December 2023. Data extraction was conducted for outcome and predictor variables such as data and statistical code sharing practices reported, protocol registration, funding sources, and other publication characteristics, including the year of publication, journal ranking, the origin of authorship, number of authors, design of the RCT, and outcome-related variables (e.g. efficacy/safety). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and univariable and multivariable logistic regression.

Results
A total of 318 RCTs were included. Statement for intention of the authors to provide their data upon request was recorded in 51 of 318 RCTs (16.0%), while 6 of 318 (1.9%) openly provided their data in repositories. No RCT provided any code or script for statistical analysis. A significant association was found between data sharing practices and the year of publication, with increasing odds for data sharing by 1.56 times across the years (odds ratio [OR]: 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22, 2.01; P &lt; .001). RCTs reporting on safety outcomes presented 62% lower odds for including positive data sharing statements compared to efficacy outcomes (OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.88). There was evidence that funded RCTs were more likely to report on data sharing compared to non-funded (P = .02).

Conclusions
Albeit progress has been made towards credibility and transparency in the presentation of findings from RCTs in orthodontics, less than 20% of published orthodontic trials include a positive data sharing statement while less than 2% openly provide their data with publication.
Galectin-3 disrupts tight junctions of airway epithelial cell monolayers by inducing expression and release of matrix metalloproteinases upon influenza A infection
Authors: Iqbal Muddassar , Feng Chiguang , Zong Guanghui , Wang Lai-Xi , Vasta Gerardo R 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Galectins are β-galactosyl-binding lectins with key roles in early development, immune regulation, and infectious disease. Influenza A virus (IAV) infects the airway epithelia, and in severe cases may lead to bacterial superinfections and hypercytokinemia, and eventually, to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) through the breakdown of airway barriers. The detailed mechanisms involved, however, remain poorly understood. Our prior in vivo studies in a murine model system revealed that upon experimental IAV and pneumococcal primary and secondary challenges, respectively, galectin-1 and galectin-3 (Gal-3) are released into the airway and bind to the epithelium that has been desialylated by the viral neuraminidase, contributing to secondary bacterial infection and hypercytokinemia leading to the clinical decline and death of the animals. Here we report the results of in vitro studies that reveal the role of the extracellular Gal-3 in additional detrimental effects on the host by disrupting the integrity of the airway epithelial barrier. IAV infection of the human airway epithelia cell line A549 increased release of Gal-3 and its binding to the A549 desialylated cell surface, notably to the transmembrane signaling receptors CD147 and integrin-β1. Addition of recombinant Gal-3 to A549 monolayers resulted in enhanced expression and release of matrix metalloproteinases, leading to disruption of cell–cell tight junctions, and a significant increase in paracellular permeability. This study reveals a critical mechanism involving Gal-3 that may significantly contribute to the severity of IAV infections by promoting disruption of tight junctions and enhanced permeability of the airway epithelia, potentially leading to lung edema and ARDS.
A self-immolative Kdn-glycoside substrate enables high-throughput screening for inhibitors of Kdnases
Authors: Nejatie Ali , Proceviat Cameron , Gros Christina , Steves Elizabeth , Moore Margo M , Vocadlo David J , Bennet Andrew J 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus, a filamentous fungus, is an opportunistic pathogen and the major causative agent of the often-fatal disease, invasive aspergillosis (IA). Current treatments for IA are limited due to their high toxicity and/or the emergence of drug resistance; therefore, a need exists for the development of new therapeutics to treat IA. The Kdnase produced by A. fumigatus plays a vital role in maintaining cell wall integrity. As there are no known Kdnases in humans, developing inhibitors of Kdnase from this fungal pathogen is a promising therapeutic approach. The rapid testing of enzymatic activity in a high-throughput screen of large chemical libraries can be an efficient way to find new small molecule lead compounds. Herein we show that a Kdn glycoside with a self-immolative cleavable aglycon is a practical and efficient substrate for a high throughput assay to identify Kdnase inhibitors. We optimized the activity assay and screened over 27,000 compounds from two bioactive chemical libraries as potential inhibitors, and we compared the hit compounds’ potency towards Aspergillus terreus and Trichophyton rubrum Kdnases, two other fungal Kdnases. We validated a number of hits and these small molecules are potential leads for the development of novel therapeutics to treat invasive aspergillosis.
Unhealthy food outlets and outdoor advertisements in urban South African primary school students’ food environments
Authors: Brear Michelle R , Erzse Agnes , Clacherty Glynis , Seutlwadi Lebogang , Mahomedy Sameera , Maleke Kabelo , Goldstein Susan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Children’s exposure to outlets selling, and outdoor advertisements marketing, unhealthy foods is an important risk factor for obesity. Yet few policies address the food retail and/or outdoor advertising environment, and research about children’s perceptions is limited, especially in low- and middle-income countries. We used a participatory, multimodal visual/verbal approach to explore urban-dwelling South African primary school students’ perceptions of unhealthy food outlets and outdoor advertisements they encountered on their journeys to school. Forty-one grade 7 students aged 11–14 years participated in drawing and/or photography activities and elicitation discussions. A mixed-methods, triangulated analysis involving the content analysis and extraction of data from research artefacts (33 journey to school drawings and 10 food advertisement photo collages) and thematic analysis of discussion transcripts was conducted. Drawings depicted 175 food outlets, two-thirds (64%) of which sold only unhealthy foods and 125 advertisements, most of which marketed unhealthy food. Unbranded, deep-fried foods prepared and sold by informal traders and independent shops were prominent. Informal and independent traders also sold unhealthy branded foods. Advertisements were primarily for unhealthy foods, especially branded, sugar-sweetened beverages. Participants thought extensive advertising bans, regulation of the sale of unhealthy food to children and other measures were needed to promote children’s health in urban contexts. The results point to the need for food system-wide approaches that address multiple commercial determinants of health, including ‘big food’ advertising, unhealthy food sales by informal and independent traders and programs to address socio-economic influences such as poverty, unemployment and parents’ poor work conditions.
Conflicts of interest in submissions and testimonies to an Australian parliamentary inquiry on menopause
Authors: Randle Melanie , Mintzes Barbara , McCarthy Simone , Pitt Hannah , Thomas Samantha 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Conflicts of interest (COIs) have the potential to create bias in research, policy and practice. Although disclosure cannot fully protect individuals and public policy from vested interests, it is an important step to support trust in scientific and public discourse, and transparency in decision-making. However, COIs are often unreported, underreported or difficult to identify. This study aimed to assess the extent to which COIs are voluntarily declared by those who make submissions to government inquiries relating to health, focusing on the 2024 Australian Senate inquiry into perimenopause and menopause. There was no guidance or formal requirement to provide COI declarations in written submissions to the inquiry. However, a statement about COI declarations was given by the Chair of the inquiry at the start of public hearings in which verbal testimony was given. All 284 written submissions and 163 verbal testimonies were reviewed to identify the number and nature of COIs declared. Only 1% of written submissions and 6% of verbal testimonies provided a COI statement. The amount and nature of information provided in COI declarations varied widely. To ensure transparency in decisions made as a result of public inquiries, governments should require that COIs be declared for all submissions. An explicit standardized guide is needed, with clear parameters about the type of detail needed for these declarations. Processes for dealing with COIs should also be clear in any reports or recommendations that are made from the evidence presented at such inquiries.
Study on the influence of levels of physical activity and socio-economic conditions on body mass index of adolescents
Authors: Liu Li , Liu Yongsen , Zhang Tingran , Luo Jiong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
We explored the relationship between adolescent physical activity levels, socio-economic conditions and body mass index (BMI) in order to gain a deeper understanding of the relevant factors affecting adolescent obesity.

Methods
A stratified random sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey of middle school students in the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Zone. Multiple linear and logistic regression analysis methods were used to statistically analyse the data obtained.

Results
The level of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) not only significantly reduces the incidence of obesity in adolescents, it also has a positive effect on avoiding underweight in adolescents. The impact of a father's BMI on a son's weight is higher than that of a daughter, while the impact of a mother's BMI on a child's weight is the opposite. High monthly income has a positive effect on reducing the BMI of male and female adolescents, but full-time working mothers actually increase the risk of obesity in their children. Teenagers who have exercise habits or view exercise as a form of enjoyment have a significantly reduced risk of obesity.

Conclusions
The level of MVPA and exercise habits are important factors in inhibiting the development of obesity in adolescent students.