bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A reproducible method to study traumatic injury-induced zebrafish brain regeneration
Authors: Srivastava Priyanka P , Bhasin Sidharth , Shankaran Sunita S , Roger Catherine , Ramachandran Rajesh , Minocha Shilpi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the head, causing irreversible brain damage leading to cellular and functional loss. Mammals cannot repair such damage, which may increase the risk of progressive neurodegeneration. Unlike mammals, lower vertebrates such as zebrafish have the astounding capability to regenerate their brains. A model system would be of great value to study zebrafish brain regeneration. Here, we describe a physical method to induce traumatic injury in the zebrafish brain and outline a pipeline to utilize this model system to explore various aspects of brain regeneration. This will significantly advance the fields of regenerative biology and neuroscience. The method includes inducing TBI and validating this through histological assays, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression analysis. By using this model system, researchers will be able to gain valuable insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying brain regeneration. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to the identification of potential strategies to address neurodegenerative conditions in higher vertebrates.
Functional and free-water imaging in rapid eye movement behaviour disorder and Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Tobin Emily R , Arpin David J , Schauder Marissa B , Higgonbottham Mara L , Chen Robin , Lou XiangYang , Berry Richard B , Christou Evangelos A , Jaffee Michael S , Vaillancourt David E 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
It is established that one of the best predictors of a future diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is a current diagnosis of rapid eye movement behaviour disorder (RBD). In such patients, this provides a unique opportunity to study brain physiology and behavioural motor features of RBD that may precede early-stage Parkinson’s disease. Based on prior work in early-stage Parkinson’s disease, we aim to determine if the function of corticostriatal and cerebellar regions are impaired in RBD using task-based functional MRI and if structural changes can be detected within the caudate, putamen and substantia nigra in RBD using free-water imaging. To assess motor function, we measured performance on the Purdue Pegboard Test, which is affected in patients with RBD and Parkinson’s disease. A cohort of 24 RBD, 39 early-stage Parkinson’s disease and 25 controls were investigated. All participants were imaged at 3 Telsa. Individuals performed a unimanual grip force task during functional imaging. Participants also completed scales to assess cognition, sleep and motor symptoms. We found decreased functional activity in both RBD and Parkinson’s disease within the motor cortex, caudate, putamen and thalamus compared with controls. There was elevated free-water-corrected fractional anisotropy in the putamen in RBD and Parkinson’s disease and elevated free-water in the putamen and posterior substantia nigra in Parkinson’s disease compared with controls. Participants with RBD and Parkinson’s disease performed significantly worse on all tasks of the Purdue Pegboard Test compared with controls. The both hands task of the Purdue Pegboard Test was most sensitive in distinguishing between groups. A subgroup analysis of early-stage RBD (&lt;2 years diagnosis) confirmed similar findings as those in the larger RBD group. These findings provide new evidence that the putamen is affected in early-stage RBD using both functional and free-water imaging. We also found evidence that the striatum, thalamus and motor cortex have reduced functional activity in early-stage RBD and Parkinson’s disease. While the substantia nigra shows elevated free-water in Parkinson’s disease, we did not observe this effect in early-stage RBD. These findings point to the corticostriatal and thalamocortical circuits being impaired in RBD patients.
Adding the third dimension: 3D convolutional neural network diagnosis of temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Kaestner Erik , Hassanzadeh Reihaneh , Gleichgerrcht Ezequiel , Hasenstab Kyle , Roth Rebecca W , Chang Allen , Rüber Theodor , Davis Kathryn A , Dugan Patricia , Kuzniecky Ruben , Fridriksson Julius , Parashos Alexandra , Bagić Anto I , Drane Daniel L , Keller Simon S , Calhoun Vince D , Abrol Anees , Bonilha Leonardo , McDonald Carrie R 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Convolutional neural networks (CNN) show great promise for translating decades of research on structural abnormalities in temporal lobe epilepsy into clinical practice. Three-dimensional CNNs typically outperform two-dimensional CNNs in medical imaging. Here we explore for the first time whether a three-dimensional CNN outperforms a two-dimensional CNN for identifying temporal lobe epilepsy-specific features on MRI. Using 1178 T1-weighted images (589 temporal lobe epilepsy, 589 healthy controls) from 12 surgical centres, we trained 3D and 2D CNNs for temporal lobe epilepsy versus healthy control classification, using feature visualization to identify important regions. The 3D CNN was compared to the 2D model and to a randomized model (comparison to chance). Further, we explored the effect of sample size with subsampling, examined model performance based on single-subject clinical characteristics, and tested the impact of image harmonization on model performance. Across 50 datapoints (10 runs with 5-folds each) the 3D CNN median accuracy was 86.4% (35.3% above chance) and the median F1-score was 86.1% (33.3% above chance). The 3D model yielded higher accuracy compared to the 2D model on 84% of datapoints (median 2D accuracy, 83.0%), a significant outperformance for the 3D model (binomial test: P &lt; 0.001). This advantage of the 3D model was only apparent at the highest sample size. Saliency maps exhibited the importance of medial–ventral temporal, cerebellar, and midline subcortical regions across both models for classification. However, the 3D model had higher salience in the most important regions, the ventral-medial temporal and midline subcortical regions. Importantly, the model achieved high accuracy (82% accuracy) even in patients without MRI-identifiable hippocampal sclerosis. Finally, applying ComBat for harmonization did not improve performance. These findings highlight the value of 3D CNNs for identifying subtle structural abnormalities on MRI, especially in patients without clinically identified temporal lobe epilepsy lesions. Our findings also reveal that the advantage of 3D CNNs relies on large sample sizes for model training.
Celebrating international community development networking
Authors: McConnell Charlie 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The International Association for Community Development (IACD) is the global multi-disciplinary network for those who work in this field. The association celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024. This reflection article examines the history and activities of IACD drawing upon the author’s lead role in establishing the association, and as a past Secretary General and President. The article explores the work of IACD over the past twenty-five years, including the background to why it was created in the late 1990s and how it has become part an important part of the infrastructure to support participatory community development practice.
Efficacy of rituximab in the treatment of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita
Authors: Bratsos Sosipatros P , Demir Zilan , Mee John B , Groves Richard W , Tull Thomas J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is a chronic mucocutaneous disease that is mediated by antibodies that bind collagen VII. The treatment of EBA can be challenging and the use of multiple immunomodulatory drugs is often required. Rituximab has been reported to be an effective treatment for recalcitrant EBA, although the evidence base for this treatment is limited to case reports and case series.

Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of rituximab for the treatment of patients with EBA.

Methods
Patients with EBA who were treated with rituximab were identified by searching electronic medical records. The diagnostic criteria for EBA were mechanobullous skin lesions and/or mucosal ulceration, indirect immunofluorescence localizing to the base of salt-split skin, and positive collagen VII antibodies. Clinical disease activity, collagen VII antibody levels and serum immunoglobulin levels were recorded at each follow-up visit over a 600-day period. Treatment responses were classified as follows: complete remission (CR) was defined as the absence of new or established lesions on minimal therapy for 2 months, partial remission (PR) was defined as transient lesions that heal within 1 week on minimal therapy, and active disease was defined as the development of new lesions.

Results
In total, 14 patients with EBA were treated with rituximab. CR or PR was observed in 11 patients, and the duration of response varied between 4 and 24 months. A reduction in collagen VII antibody levels was observed in all patients. No significant adverse events were reported.

Conclusions
Rituximab is a safe and effective treatment for patients with recalcitrant EBA, although there was significant heterogeneity in the disease response.
Evidence of interleukin-17-secreting mast cells in scalp lesions of folliculitis decalvans points to new therapeutic targets in recalcitrant lesions
Authors: Franciozi Amithis B , Sotto Mirian N , Rivitti-Machado Maria C M , Pagliari Carla , Doche Isabella 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Folliculitis decalvans (FD) is a chronic neutrophilic scarring alopecia, the exact pathogenesis of which remains unknown. A recent report on the successful use of a novel anti-interleukin (IL)-17 biologic agent to treat FD and the presence of IL-17-secreting mast cells in other types of scarring alopecias point to a distinct pathogenic mechanism in this disease. Our aim was to study and correlate the expression of IL-17 and mast cells in lesional and nonlesional scalp areas of patients with FD, using immunohistochemical techniques. There was significantly greater expression of IL-17 and mast cells in lesional compared with nonlesional scalp areas (P &lt; 0.05). We also found a significantly positive correlation between IL-17 and tryptase-immunolabelled mast cells in nonlesional scalp (r = 0.64), highlighting the role of IL-17-secreting mast cells in ‘normal-appearing’ sites of FD. These findings suggest that novel treatments targeting both IL-17 and mast cells may be potentially beneficial in controlling the chronic inflammatory status of FD, especially for patients with recalcitrant FD.
Intrinsic functional networks for distinct sources of error in visual working memory
Authors: Li Xuqian , Oestreich Lena K L , Rangelov Dragan , Lévy-Bencheton Delphine , O’Sullivan Michael J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Visual working memory (VWM) is a core cognitive function wherein visual information is stored and manipulated over short periods. Response errors in VWM tasks arise from the imprecise memory of target items, swaps between targets and nontargets, and random guesses. However, it remains unclear whether these types of errors are underpinned by distinct neural networks. To answer this question, we recruited 80 healthy adults to perform delayed estimation tasks and acquired their resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans. The tasks required participants to reproduce the memorized visual feature along continuous scales, which, combined with mixture distribution modeling, allowed us to estimate the measures of memory precision, swap errors, and random guesses. Intrinsic functional connectivity within and between different networks, identified using a hierarchical clustering approach, was estimated for each participant. Our analyses revealed that higher memory precision was associated with increased connectivity within a frontal-opercular network, as well as between the dorsal attention network and an angular-gyrus-cerebellar network. We also found that coupling between the frontoparietal control network and the cingulo-opercular network contributes to both memory precision and random guesses. Our findings demonstrate that distinct sources of variability in VWM performance are underpinned by different yet partially overlapping intrinsic functional networks.
Computing Capital Stocks in the German Social Security Records and Quantifying Their Role for Wage Inequality
Authors: Janser Markus , Lehmer Florian , Zierahn-Weilage Ulrich 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We develop a method to impute capital stocks from investments for a sub-sample of firms in the German social security records and implement a machine-learning algorithm to predict capital stocks for the universe of firms. These capital stocks explain 40% of the variation in capital stocks of the Bureau van Dijk data. We make our data available for other researchers. We find that these capital stocks explain a sizeable fraction of wage inequality by extending the variance decomposition of Card et al. (2013), suggesting that rising firm heterogeneity in capital intensity may further amplify wage inequality. (JEL codes: C81, D24, and J31)
Sperm depletion and mate choice of the crab spider, Ebrechtella tricuspidata (Fahricius)
Authors: Guo Haobo , Wen Lelei , Yu Yue , Wang Chao , Wang Yancong , Li Changchun , Jiao Xiaoguo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Mounting evidence suggests that male sperm may be gradually depleted after consecutive matings, resulting in the decline of female reproductive output in insect species. It is predicted that females may employ adaptive strategies to avoid the sperm-depleted males, such as mating multiply with different males and/or discriminating against previously mated males (MMs). Similarly, males may exhibit adaptive behaviors toward females varying in mating status. However, in spiders with males lacking primary copulatory organs and their pedipalps modified to transfer sperm, there are few studies on male mating potential and previous mating experience on their subsequent mate choice. In this study, we used a polyandrous crab spider, Ebrechtella tricuspidata, a sit-and-wait predator with female-biased sex ratio as a model system to ascertain whether 1) male mating experiences influence female reproductive fitness; 2) females respond differently to males varying in mating status; and 3) males respond differently to females varying in mating status. Our results showed that female fecundity was independent of male mating experiences, but female fertility markedly declined with the increase of male previous mating experiences in the first eggsac. Counter to our predictions, females preferred to choose and mate with the larger males, regardless of their mating status. In contrast, male mating status influenced their mating preference toward females. Virgin males did not show any preference between virgin and mated females; however, MMs were more likely to prefer the virgin females over the mated ones. Overall, our results indicated that female choice depended primarily on male relative size rather than male mating status, whereas male choice depended on female mating status. Depending on the investigation of reproductive dynamics and mate choice in E. tricuspidata, the study will provide valuable insights into the adaptive behaviors of both males and females exhibiting toward mates varying in mating status.
Minimally invasive vs open vs hybrid esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Patton Andrew , Davey Matthew G , Quinn Eogháin , Reinhardt Ciaran , Robb William B , Donlon Noel E 
Published: October 2024

Summary
Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) for esophageal carcinoma has emerged as the contemporary alternative to conventional laparoscopic minimally invasive (LMIE), hybrid (HE) and open (OE) surgical approaches. No single study has compared all four approaches with a view to postoperative outcomes. A systematic search of electronic databases was undertaken. A network meta-analysis was performed as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-network meta-analysis guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using R and Shiny. Seven randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with 1063 patients were included. Overall, 32.9% of patients underwent OE (350/1063), 11.0% underwent HE (117/1063), 34.0% of patients underwent LMIE (361/1063), and 22.1% of patients underwent RAMIE (235/1063). OE had the lowest anastomotic leak rate 7.7% (27/350), while LMIE had the lowest pulmonary 10.8% (39/361), cardiac 0.56% (1/177) complications, re-intervention rates 5.08% (12/236), 90-day mortality 1.05% (2/191), and shortest length of hospital stay (mean 11.25 days). RAMIE displayed the lowest 30-day mortality rate at 0.80% (2/250). There was a significant increase in pulmonary complications for those undergoing OE (OR 3.63 [95% confidence interval: 1.4–9.77]) when compared to RAMIE. LMIE is a safe and feasible option for esophagectomy when compared to OE and HE. The upcoming RCTs will provide further data to make a more robust interrogation of the surgical outcomes following RAMIE compared to conventional open surgery to determine equipoise or superiority of each approach as the era of minimally invasive esophagectomy continues to evolve (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews Registration: CRD42023438790).
Experimental study on radiational characteristics and nursing care of a novel radioisotope 188Re memory alloy esophageal stent
Authors: Chen Jing , Wang Zhiqiang , Huang Jianfeng , Zhang Yunxia , Zhang Xiaojun , Zhu Yan , Chu Jianjun 
Published: October 2024

Summary
Radioactive esophageal stent, known for inhibiting tumor growth and delaying restenosis in malignant esophageal tumors, presents challenges due to potent radiation, leading to side effects. This study aims to support the clinical use of 188Re radioactive esophageal stent. The 188Re stent with 128 MBq initial activity was placed in a biomimetic esophageal membrane. Radiation absorption doses were measured by thermoluminescence and calculated using mathematical software. Under simulated positioning, the stent was implanted in the esophagus of an experimental pig, followed by the feeding of Kangfuxin solution and nursing care (KFX-RT). Non-implanted and implanted-only pigs served as normal (CR) and experimental (RT) controls. Blood samples collected on days 7 and 21 were analyzed for inflammatory factors (TGF-β1, TNF-α, IL-6) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Esophageal tissue cells were assessed for deoxyribonucleic acid index (DI) and subdiploid content through flow cytometry. Absorbed doses at 0.5 mm and 5 mm reference points were 223.91 cGy and 20.55 cGy, respectively, with 92.64% absorbed within a 1 mm thickness. Radiation dose significantly decreased at 6.5 mm, with only 4.72% absorbed at depths ≥6.5 mm. On days 7 and 21, levels of inflammatory factors, DI and subdiploid content were significantly increased in the KFX-RT and RT groups compared to the CR group, while all levels in the KFX-RT group were significantly lower than in the RT group. The 188Re esophageal stent exhibits high radiation absorption in superficial tissues and low absorption in deeper tissues. Kangfuxin solution combined with nursing care alleviates radiation-induced inflammatory damage.
The disease progression of end-stage atrial cardiomyopathy over three decades: a case report
Authors: Oka Takafumi , Sekihara Takayuki , Ozu Kentaro , Nakano Tomoaki , Sakata Yasushi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Atrial cardiomyopathy (AtCM) has drawn attention as the pathophysiology related to cardiovascular events such as atrial tachyarrhythmia, congestive heart failure, and embolic stroke. As the concept of AtCM is relatively recent, the long-term clinical course of AtCM has not been reported.

Case summary
Here, we describe a 78-year-old patient diagnosed with end-stage AtCM. He had started to visit our hospital due to paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy over three decades since the age of 45. During follow-up, he experienced cardiogenic embolism and pacemaker implantation due to sick sinus syndrome. At this time, he complained of palpitation due to AF and underwent catheter ablation. Regardless of de novo ablation, left atrial voltage mapping showed ultimately extensive scar in left atrium and pulmonary vein, suggesting that conventional AF ablation strategy was ineffective. From this finding, he was diagnosed with end-stage AtCM. In the review of the previous 12-lead electrocardiogram, P-wave amplitude was decreased, and PR duration was prolonged gradually. We performed only cavotricuspid isthmus ablation and ended the ablation session. After six months, he complained of dyspnoea on effort due to pacing-induced cardiomyopathy. Furthermore, before the cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator (CRT-D) upgrade, left atrial appendage thrombus was detected even under the administration of apixaban. After thrombolysis with warfarin, CRT-D upgrade the left ventricular ejection fraction was improved.

Discussion
In this case, the patient slowly developed end-stage AtCM and experienced multiple cardiovascular events related to severe AtCM. We should care for the disease progression of AtCM with vigilance.
Great debate: pre-diabetes is not an evidence-based treatment target for cardiovascular risk reduction
Authors: Marx Nikolaus , Rydén Lars , Federici Massimo , Marx-Schütt Katharina , Verket Marlo , Müller-Wieland Dirk , Gerstein Hertzel C , Chan Juliana , Cosentino Francesco , Holman Rury R , Mellbin Linda , Ray Kausik K , Standl Eberhard , Verma Subodh , Wood David , Tuomilehto Jaakko , De Caterina Raffaele 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
With the increasing burden of diabetes as a cause of macro- and microvascular disease linked to the epidemics of obesity, attention is being paid to dysglycaemic states that predict and precede the development of type 2 diabetes. Such conditions, termed pre-diabetes, are characterized by fasting plasma glucose, or plasma glucose levels on an oral glucose tolerance test, or values of glycated haemoglobin intermediate between ‘normal’ values and those characterizing diabetes. These last are by definition associated, in epidemiological terms, with a higher incidence of microvascular disease—mostly retinopathy. Pre-diabetes overlaps with the components of the ‘metabolic syndrome’—among which are excess visceral adiposity; hypertension; hypertriglyceridaemia; high levels of small, dense low-density lipoproteins; and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. There is little doubt that pre-diabetes has important prognostic implications, especially for the occurrence of myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. It is disputed, however, whether pre-diabetes is itself an actionable disease entity, in addition to the risk factors characterizing it. Because of this uncertainty, the latest European Society of Cardiology guidelines chose not to include pre-diabetes as a treatment target for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, at variance from the three previous editions of such guidelines. This is spurring a debate, the Pro and Contra arguments featured in the present debate article.