bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Repetitive subconcussion results in disrupted neural activity independent of concussion history
Authors: Solar Kevin Grant , Ventresca Matthew , Zamyadi Rouzbeh , Zhang Jing , Jetly Rakesh , Vartanian Oshin , Rhind Shawn G , Dunkley Benjamin T 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Concussion is a public health crisis that results in a complex cascade of neurochemical changes that can have life-changing consequences. Subconcussions are generally considered less serious, but we now realize repetitive subconcussions can lead to serious neurological deficits. Subconcussions are common in contact sports and the military where certain personnel are exposed to repetitive occupational blast overpressure. Post-mortem studies show subconcussion is a better predictor than concussion for chronic traumatic encephalopathy—a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative tauopathy, only diagnosable post-mortem—thus, an in vivo biomarker would be transformative. Magnetoencephalography captures the dynamics of neuronal electrochemical action, and functional MRI shows that functional connectivity is associated with tauopathy patterns. Therefore, both imaging modalities could provide surrogate markers of tauopathy. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the effects of repetitive subconcussion on neuronal activity and functional connectivity using magnetoencephalography and functional MRI, and on neurological symptoms and mental health in a military sample. For magnetoencephalography and outcome analyses, 81 participants were split into ‘high’ and ‘low’ blast exposure groups using the generalized blast exposure value: n = 41 high blast (26.4–65.7 years; 4 females) and n = 40 low blast (28.0–63.3 years; 8 females). For functional MRI, two high blast male participants without data were excluded: n = 39 (29.6–65.7 years). Magnetoencephalography revealed disrupted neuronal activity in participants with a greater history of repetitive subconcussions, including neural slowing (higher delta activity) in right fronto-temporal lobes and subcortical regions (hippocampus, amygdala, caudate, pallidum and thalamus), and functional dysconnectivity in the posterior default mode network (lower connectivity at low and high gamma). These abnormalities were independent of concussion or traumatic stress history, and magnetoencephalography showed functional dysconnectivity not detected in functional MRI. Besides magnetoencephalography changes, those with higher blast exposure had poorer somatic and cognitive outcomes, with no blast-related differences in mental health or associations between neurological symptoms and neuronal activity. This study suggests that repetitive subconcussions have deleterious effects on brain function and that magnetoencephalography provides an avenue for both treatment targets by identifying affected brain regions and in prevention by identifying those at risk of cumulative subconcussive neurotrauma.
Cu nanorod arrays on Cu foam as an effective and low-priced electrode for hydrazine oxidation
Authors: Liu Ran , Luan Yuting , Sheng Shuang , Lin Binbin , Yin Jinling 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The synthesis of Cu catalysts for hydrazine oxidation has been an important focus for study. Herein, Cu nanorod arrays on Cu foam (Cu NRAs/CF) were synthesized. Profiting from its structural characteristics, hydrazine oxidation began at −1.03 V and the current density attained 178.8 mA cm−2 at −0.6 V. Compared with CF and Cu NPs/CF, Cu NRAs/CF presented a lower charge transfer resistance (Rct) and apparent activation energy (Ea), indicating that hydrazine oxidation on Cu NRAs/CF was associated with comparatively fast kinetics.
Toxoplasma qPCR kinetics to guide pre-emptive treatment of toxoplasmosis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Aerts Robina , Xhaard Alienor , Robin Christine , Groll Andreas H , Cordonnier Catherine , Lagrou Katrien , Bretagne Stéphane 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Recent ECIL-guidelines recommend a quantitative PCR (qPCR) guided pre-emptive treatment approach to toxoplasmosis in seropositive recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). While qPCR might serve as a sensitive tool for early Toxoplasma detection, its role in treatment follow-up remains unknown.

Methods
We analyzed the qPCR kinetics of allo-HCT recipients experiencing either Toxoplasma infection (TI, n=71) or disease (TD, n=14) in relation to different parameters. We included 85 patients with available qPCR values expressed as quantitative cycle (Cq) from four large hematological centers from 2009 to 2023, and kinetic analysis was performed in a selection of 74 patients screened at least weekly with blood qPCR. Day 0 (D0) was the day of anti-Toxoplasma treatment start or (when untreated) day of diagnosis.

Results
Time to qPCR negativity was inversely proportional to the Cq value at D0 (p=0.0063). Not reaching negativity at D10 was associated with a significantly higher mortality at D30 (p=0.023). Patients with a high D0-parasitic load and patients with TD showed slower clearance (p&lt;0.001, p=0.032). Time to negativity was not significantly different for patients started on prophylactic vs curative doses as first-line treatment regimen (p=0.16).

Conclusions
This study underscores the predictive value of qPCR kinetics monitoring in allo-HCT patients with toxoplasmosis. With the aforementioned risk factors, clinicians can identify patients at high-risk for worse outcome. Our results support to consider a therapeutic change or reinforcement if the parasitic load does not decrease after 10 days, supplementing existing clinical guidelines.
Anti-phospholipid antibodies nephropathy is associated with an increased risk of kidney failure: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hoxha Ariela , Lovisotto Marco , Perin Nicola , Nalesso Federico , Del Prete Dorella , Simioni Paolo 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Anti-phospholipid antibodies nephropathy (aPL-N) is a complex feature of anti-phospholipid syndrome due to microvascular lesions. Renal prognosis and predictors of outcome are not yet known.

Methods
We performed a systematic review of the literature (February 2006–January 2024) using the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases. Two reviewers independently conducted literature screening and data extraction in a blinded, standardized manner. A random effects model was used to pool odds ratios (ORs) [with 95% confidence interval (CI)] for the primary analysis, the risk of kidney failure. Subgroup analyses were performed for clinical and laboratory features that predicted renal outcomes. Heterogeneity was assessed by I2.

Results
Six records involving 709 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Biopsy-proven aPL-N was found in 238/832 (28.6%) patients. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was present at diagnosis in 20/65 (30.8%), while 73/233 (31.3%) patients with aPL-N developed chronic kidney disease (CKD)/end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) at follow-up. aPL-N was associated with an increased risk of CKD/ESKD [OR 6.89 (95% CI 2.42–19.58)] and AKI [OR 2.97 (95% CI 1–4-6.29)]. Arterial hypertension and positivity for lupus anticoagulant, anti-cardiolipin antibodies and anti-β2 glycoprotein I antibodies were associated with an increased risk of developing aPL-N [OR 3.7 (95% CI 1.9–7.23), OR 4.01 (95% CI 1.88–8.53), OR 2.35 (95% CI 1.31–4.21) and OR 19.2 (95% CI 2.91–125.75), respectively].

Conclusion
aPL-N is associated with poor renal outcomes. High blood pressure and aPL positivity have been identified as predictors of adverse renal outcomes. This up-to-date knowledge on renal outcomes and predictors of renal outcomes in aPL-N enables a personalized follow-up and therapeutic approach.
The heat is on: sensitivity of goldsinny wrasse to global climate change
Authors: Perry Diana , Tamarit Elena , Morgenroth Daniel , Gräns Albin , Sturve Joachim , Gullström Martin , Thor Peter , Wennhage Håkan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Unsustainable harvesting practices have drastically reduced fish populations globally and developments in aquaculture have increased. Unexpectedly, Atlantic salmon farming caused the opening of a new fishery in northern European countries, where previously unharvested mesopredatory species, like the goldsinny wrasse (Ctenolabrus rupestris), are captured for use as cleaner fish in pens along the coast and fjords. The goldsinny wrasse is widespread in coastal areas where it plays an ecologically important role as a predator of small invertebrates. Since climate change effects are particularly pronounced in coastal waters, it becomes urgent to understand how fish like the goldsinny will respond to global climate change, including the increasing frequency and intensity of marine heatwaves (MHWs), ocean freshening (OF) and ocean acidification (OA). To address this, we conducted a multi-stressor experiment exposing adult goldsinny to each stressor individually, as well as to all three combined. The results indicated that the goldsinny is highly affected by MHWs and extremely sensitive to a multi-stressor environment, with 34% and 53% mortality, respectively. Additionally, exposure to a MHW event, OF and multi-stressor conditions affected fish metabolism, with the highest standard metabolic- and maximum metabolic-oxygen consumption rates observed for the MHW treatment. Increases in oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and percent oxidized glutathione (% GSSG) in the livers, indicative of oxidative stress, were also seen in the MHW, OF and multi-stressor treatments. As a single stressor, OA showed no significant impacts on the measured parameters. This information is important for conservation of coastal marine environments, given the species’ important role in shallow-water habitats and for management of goldsinny or other mesopredatory fish harvested in coastal ecosystems. The sensitivity of the goldsinny wrasse to future stressors is of concern, and any potential reductions in abundance as a result of climate change may lead to cascade effects with ecosystem-wide consequences.
Echocardiographic red flags of ATTR cardiomyopathy a single centre validation
Authors: Henein Michael Y , Pilebro Björn , Lindqvist Per 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Aims
Echocardiography plays an important role in suspecting the presence of transthyretin cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) in patients with heart failure, based on parameters proposed as ‘red flags’ for the diagnosis of ATTR-CM. We aimed to validate those measurements in a group of patients with ATTR-CM including ATTRv and ATTRwt.

Methods and results
We tested a number of echocardiographic red flags in 118 patients with confirmed diagnosis of ATTR-CM. These variables were validated against healthy controls and patients with heart failure with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) but not ATTR-CM. The red flag measures outside the proposed cut-off values were also revalidated. In ATTR-CM, all conventional echocardiographic parameters were significantly abnormal compared with controls. Comparing ATTR-CM and LVH, LV wall thickness, LV diameter, E velocity, and relative apical sparing (RELAPS) were all different. Eighty-three per cent of ATTR-CM patients had RELAPS &gt; 1.0, 73% had relative wall thickness (RWT) &gt; 0.6, 72% had LVEF &gt; 50%, 24% had global longitudinal strain (GLS) &gt; −13%, 33% had LVEF/GLS &gt; 4, and 54% had increased left atrial volume index (&gt;34 mL/m2). Forty per cent of ATTR-CM patients had stroke volume index &lt; 30 mL/m2 and 52% had cardiac index &lt; 2.5 L/min/m2. RELAPS, LVEF, and RWT, in order of accuracy, were the three best measures for the presence ATTR-CM in the patient cohort, who all had thick myocardium. The concomitant presence of the three disturbances was found in only 50% but the combination of RELAPS &gt; 1.0 and RWT &gt; 0.6 was found in 72% of the patient cohort.

Conclusion
Increased relative apical sparing proved the most accurate independent marker of the presence of ATTR-CM followed by normal LV ejection fraction and then increased relative wall thickness. The other proposed red flags for diagnosing ATTR-CM did not feature as reliable disease predictors.
How marine are Marine Stramenopiles (MAST)? A cross-system evaluation
Authors: Obiol Aleix , del Campo Javier , de Vargas Colomban , Mahé Frédéric , Massana Ramon 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Marine Stramenopiles (MAST) were first described two decades ago through ribosomal RNA gene (rRNA gene) sequences from marine surveys of microbial eukaryotes. MAST comprise several independent lineages at the base of the Stramenopiles. Despite their prevalence in the ocean, the majority of MAST diversity remains uncultured. Previous studies, mainly in marine environments, have explored MAST’s cell morphology, distribution, trophic strategies, and genomics using culturing-independent methods. In comparison, less is known about their presence outside marine habitats. Here, we analyse the extensive EukBank dataset to assess the extent to which MAST can be considered marine protists. Additionally, by incorporating newly available rRNA gene sequences, we update Stramenopiles phylogeny, identifying three novel MAST lineages. Our results indicate that MAST are primarily marine with notable exceptions within MAST-2 and MAST-12, where certain subclades are prevalent in freshwater and soil habitats. In the marine water column, only a few MAST species, particularly within clades -1, -3, -4, and -7, dominate and exhibit clear latitudinal distribution patterns. Overall, the massive sequencing dataset analysed in our study confirms and partially expands the previously described diversity of MASTs groups and underscores the predominantly marine nature of most of these uncultured lineages.
Exploring fermentative metabolic response to varying exogenous supplies of redox cofactor precursors in selected wine yeast species
Authors: Tyibilika Viwe , Setati Mathabatha E , Bloem Audrey , Divol Benoit , Camarasa Carole 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The use of non-Saccharomyces yeasts in winemaking is gaining traction due to their specific phenotypes of technological interest, including their unique profile of central carbon metabolites and volatile compounds. However, the lack of knowledge about their physiology hinders their industrial exploitation. The intracellular redox status, involving NAD/NADH and NADP/NADPH cofactors, is a key driver of yeast activity during fermentation, notably directing the formation of metabolites that contribute to the wine bouquet. The biosynthesis of these cofactors can be modulated by the availability of their precursors, nicotinic acid and tryptophan, and their ratio by that of thiamine. In this study, a multifactorial experiment was designed to assess the effects of these three nutrients and their interactions on the metabolic response of various wine yeast species. The data indicated that limiting concentrations of nicotinic acid led to a species-dependent decrease in intracellular NAD(H) concentrations, resulting in variations of fermentation performance and production of metabolic sinks. Thiamine limitation did not directly affect redox cofactor concentrations or balance, but influenced redox management and subsequently the production of metabolites. Overall, this study identified nicotinic acid and thiamine as key factors to consider for species-specific modulation of the metabolic footprint of wine yeasts.
The Evolution of Gene Expression Plasticity During Adaptation to Salt in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Harry-Paul Yeshoda Y , Lachapelle Josianne , Ness Rob W 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
When environmental change is rapid or unpredictable, phenotypic plasticity can facilitate adaptation to new or stressful environments to promote population persistence long enough for adaptive evolution to occur. However, the underlying genetic mechanisms that contribute to plasticity and its role in adaptive evolution are generally unknown. Two main opposing hypotheses dominate—genetic compensation and genetic assimilation. Here, we predominantly find evidence for genetic compensation over assimilation in adapting the freshwater algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to 36 g/L salt environments over 500 generations. More canalized genes in the high-salt (HS) lines displayed a pattern of genetic compensation (63%) fixing near or at the ancestral native expression level, rather than genetic assimilation of the salt-induced level, suggesting that compensation was more common during adaptation to salt. Network analysis revealed an enrichment of genes involved in energy production and salt-resistance processes in HS lines, while an increase in DNA repair mechanisms was seen in ancestral strains. In addition, whole-transcriptome similarity among ancestral and HS lines displayed the evolution of a similar plastic response to salt conditions in independently reared HS lines. We also found more cis-acting regions in the HS lines; however, the expression patterns of most genes did not mimic that of their inherited sequence. Thus, the expression changes induced via plasticity offer temporary relief, but downstream changes are required for a sustainable solution during the evolutionary process.
Recent trends in the elucidation of complex triterpene biosynthetic pathways in horticultural trees
Authors: Dinday Sandeep 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Triterpene (C30 isoprene compounds) represents the most structurally diverse class of natural products and has been extensively exploited in the food, medicine, and industrial sectors. Decades of research on medicinal triterpene biosynthetic pathways have revealed their roles in stress tolerance and shaping microbiota. However, the biological function and mechanism of triterpenes are not fully identified. Even this scientific window narrows down for horticultural trees. The lack of knowledge and a scalable production system limits the discovery of triterpene pathways. Recent synthetic biology research revealed several important biosynthetic pathways that define their roles and address many societal sustainability challenges. Here, I review the chemical diversity and biosynthetic enzymes involved in triterpene biosynthesis of horticultural trees. This review also outlines the integrated Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) pipelines for the discovery, characterization, and optimization of triterpene biosynthetic pathways. Further, these DBTL components share many fundamental and technical difficulties, highlighting opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers worldwide. This advancement opens up unprecedented opportunities for the bioengineering of triterpene compounds toward development and scaleup processes.
Statistically optimal firstorder algorithms: a proof via orthogonalization
Authors: Montanari Andrea , Wu Yuchen 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We consider a class of statistical estimation problems in which we are given a random data matrix ${\boldsymbol{X}}\in{\mathbb{R}}^{n\times d}$ (and possibly some labels ${\boldsymbol{y}}\in{\mathbb{R}}^{n}$) and would like to estimate a coefficient vector ${\boldsymbol{\theta }}\in{\mathbb{R}}^{d}$ (or possibly a constant number of such vectors). Special cases include low-rank matrix estimation and regularized estimation in generalized linear models (e.g. sparse regression). Firstorder methods proceed by iteratively multiplying current estimates by ${\boldsymbol{X}}$ or its transpose. Examples include gradient descent or its accelerated variants. Under the assumption that the data matrix ${\boldsymbol{X}}$ is standard Gaussian, Celentano, Montanari, Wu (2020, Conference on Learning Theory, pp. 1078–1141. PMLR) proved that for any constant number of iterations (matrix vector multiplications), the optimal firstorder algorithm is a specific approximate message passing algorithm (known as ‘Bayes AMP’). The error of this estimator can be characterized in the high-dimensional asymptotics $n,d\to \infty $, $n/d\to \delta $, and provides a lower bound to the estimation error of any firstorder algorithm. Here we present a simpler proof of the same result, and generalize it to broader classes of data distributions and of firstorder algorithms, including algorithms with non-separable nonlinearities. Most importantly, the new proof is simpler, does not require to construct an equivalent tree-structured estimation problem, and is therefore susceptible of a broader range of applications.
Human Rights Promotion and Democratic Allies
Authors: Kudo Yasuki 
Published: October 2024

Abstracts
Do military alliances promote human rights? Scholars and practitioners generally believe they do not because states form alliances largely to advance their strategic interests and thus are not interested in members' domestic policies. I claim that some states may care about their allies' human rights practices. Specifically, democracies are concerned that alliance relationships with rights-abusing governments harm their reputation, and thus urge their allies to improve human rights. However, this rights-promoting motivation is constrained because democracies also need to preserve alliance partnerships with governments that may rely on repression for their internal security. Empirical analyses of alliance relationships between democracies and autocracies provide support for this argument. Autocracies with a powerful democratic ally implement relatively advanced human rights protection; however, this association becomes weaker as the risk of domestic conflict becomes higher. These findings suggest the importance of considering democratic allies in the international promotion of human rights.
Perceptions and attitudes toward artificial intelligence among frontline physicians and physicians’ assistants in Kansas: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Dean Tanner B , Seecheran Rajeev , Badgett Robert G , Zackula Rosey , Symons John 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
This survey aims to understand frontline healthcare professionals’ perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare and assess how AI familiarity influences these perceptions.

Materials and Methods
We conducted a survey from February to March 2023 of physicians and physician assistants registered with the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts. Participants rated their perceptions toward AI-related domains and constructs on a 5-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating stronger agreement. Two sub-groups were created for analysis to assess the impact of participants’ familiarity and experience with AI on the survey results.

Results
From 532 respondents, key concerns were Perceived Communication Barriers (median = 4.0, IQR = 2.8-4.8), Unregulated Standards (median = 4.0, IQR = 3.6-4.8), and Liability Issues (median = 4.0, IQR = 3.5-4.8). Lower levels of agreement were noted for Trust in AI Mechanisms (median = 3.0, IQR = 2.2-3.4), Perceived Risks of AI (median = 3.2, IQR = 2.6-4.0), and Privacy Concerns (median = 3.3, IQR = 2.3-4.0). Positive correlations existed between Intention to use AI and Perceived Benefits (r = 0.825) and Trust in AI Mechanisms (r = 0.777). Perceived risk negatively correlated with Intention to Use AI (r = −0.718). There was no difference in perceptions between AI experienced and AI naïve subgroups.

Discussion
The findings suggest that perceptions of benefits, trust, risks, communication barriers, regulation, and liability issues influence healthcare professionals’ intention to use AI, regardless of their AI familiarity.

Conclusion
The study highlights key factors affecting AI adoption in healthcare from the frontline healthcare professionals’ perspective. These insights can guide strategies for successful AI implementation in healthcare.